
Chattooga County residents will have plenty of choices for getting out of the house Saturday, with three community events offering everything from fishing and wildlife programs to antique tractors and a hometown celebration.

Chattooga County residents will have plenty of choices for getting out of the house Saturday, with three community events offering everything from fishing and wildlife programs to antique tractors and a hometown celebration.

Today is National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Georgia residents will be able to fish without a license as part of the celebration — including those taking part in a special day of activities at James H Floyd State Park near Summerville.

The final weekend of September brings several events to Chattooga County, with antique farm equipment, outdoor activities and a community celebration all scheduled for Saturday. There are also several larger events just down the road in Floyd County.

Families are invited to spend a day outdoors at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday, September 26, during the park’s Outdoor Adventure Day.
The event runs from 10 AM until 4 PM and will feature activities for both children and adults.
One of the highlights will be a Kids Fishing Rodeo, with 50 tagged fish offering chances to win prizes. Young visitors can also take part in archery instruction led by park staff.
The day will include several wildlife programs, including a snake show presented by Southeastern Reptile Rescue, a turtle show from Greg’s Turtle Haven, and a birds of prey program presented by Wings to SOAR.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, and the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will have special “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for purchase.
Outdoor Adventure Day is being presented by the Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park. A $10 parking pass per vehicle is required.
The park is located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road near Summerville.

Saturday will be a busy day across Chattooga County and the surrounding area, with Finster Fest, a community food distribution, activities at Sloppy Floyd State Park, a special Trion High School event, and several events just a short drive away.

With temperatures still reaching the 90s in the middle of September, plenty of people around Chattooga County may be asking the same question: When is it finally going to feel like fall?
The short answer is — probably not just yet.
The forecast keeps afternoon temperatures around 90 degrees or higher through much of this week, and there is not yet a strong indication of a sustained cool-down.
That doesn’t mean a cold front couldn’t bring a couple of cooler mornings along the way. September in Northwest Georgia can quickly swing between summer-like heat and brief hints of fall.

Families looking for an outdoor activity next weekend can enjoy a free movie under the stars at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The park and Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host an Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 8 PM.
Park rangers will show a classic, G-rated animated movie about the life of bugs. The event announcement doesn’t give the movie’s title, but offers a pretty strong hint with the theme, “I’m a beautiful butterfly.”
Visitors should meet at Picnic Shelter 1 at 8 PM and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to get comfortable for the outdoor showing.
The movie program itself is free, although the regular $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for vehicles entering the park.
Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have concessions available for purchase during the evening.
The event offers families another opportunity to enjoy the state park after regular daytime activities while supporting the Friends organization, which assists with programs and projects at Sloppy Floyd.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County and includes two lakes, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and access to the Pinhoti Trail system.
Anyone with questions about Outdoor Movie Night can contact the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
The movie begins at 8 PM Saturday, September 19, at Picnic Shelter 1.

Residents looking for something to do Saturday will have plenty of choices, with several events planned in Chattooga County and neighboring communities on Saturday, September 12.

Visitors to Georgia’s state parks see the trails, picnic shelters, campgrounds, lakes and other amenities, but much of the work that helps improve and preserve those parks is supported by volunteers working behind the scenes.

Visitors to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will have two opportunities Saturday to get out on the Lower Lake with park rangers for special guided paddles.
The park will hold a Sunrise Paddle Saturday, September 5, from 7 until 8 AM. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water along with clothing that can get wet.
Later Saturday, rangers will head back onto the Lower Lake for a Sunset Paddle. Participants should meet at the park office by 7 PM, with the paddle scheduled for 7:30 PM.
For either event, the cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.
Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.