
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville has two special programs planned tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the park during both the day and after dark.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville has two special programs planned tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the park during both the day and after dark.

Dog lovers will want to mark their calendars for next Saturday, August 15, when Downtown Dog Daze returns to Summerville for a day dedicated to four-legged friends and the people who love them.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Train Depot and along East Washington Street.
Downtown Dog Daze will feature a variety of activities and services for dogs and their owners, including dog adoption opportunities through the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, a photo booth, dog grooming by Bishop’s Dog Grooming, a Pup Cup Station, vendors offering dog products, arts and crafts, food, and a kiddie pool cooling station sponsored by Mr. Pickles Dog Bakery.
Free rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations will also be offered, sponsored by HSNEGA in partnership with the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Pup Strut at noon.
Visitors can also look forward to the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam engine passenger train during the event.
Downtown Dog Daze is presented by the City of Summerville, Mr. Pickles Dog Bakery LLC and Bishop Grooming.
The Summerville Train Depot is located at 111 East Washington Street.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors a chance to enjoy the lake as the sun goes down with a special Sunset Paddle this evening.
Park rangers will lead participants on a paddle around the park’s lower lake from 8 until 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m.
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, and participants must register in advance.
Those taking part should bring drinking water and wear clothing that can get wet.
To register or get additional information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

Nature lovers will have the opportunity to explore one of Northwest Georgia’s scenic trails while learning about local wildlife during a Turtle Hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday.
The guided hike begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, and will take participants around the park’s Upper Lake Trail, where they’ll learn about the turtles that call the park home.
Participants should meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Binoculars will be available, but visitors who have their own are encouraged to bring them.
The program costs $3 per person, and advance registration is required. A $10 Georgia State Parks ParkPass is also required for vehicles entering the park.
To register or for more information, contact the park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.
The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.
Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.
Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

Ice cream lovers and rail fans have a sweet treat waiting for them today as the City of Summerville hosts its annual Chill & Churn Homemade Ice Cream Contest and Dairy Day at the Summerville Train Depot.

The 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest is happening today in Trion.
The event, presented by the Family Crisis Center, will be held from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. today, Saturday, June 13, at the Trion Recreation Area, located at 90 Dalton Street in Trion.
The family-friendly festival will feature free parking and free admission, along with a free kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, open mic performances, educational demonstrations and talks, festival food, exhibitors, and more.
A cornhole tournament will also be part of the day’s activities, with registration and fees required for tournament participants and vendors.
The Chattooga River Group will have kayak raffle tickets and merchandise available for purchase at the CRG tent.
The day will wrap up with The Band Chickamauga performing from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Families in Chattooga County will have an opportunity to get up close to a variety of emergency, utility, and service vehicles today during the City of Summerville’s Touch A Truck event.
The sensory-friendly event is scheduled for 10 a.m. until noon today, Saturday, June 13, on East Washington Street in downtown Summerville. Organizers say the event is designed specifically with the special needs community in mind while remaining open and welcoming to everyone.
Children and families will have the chance to climb aboard, explore, and learn about police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, bucket trucks, tow trucks, tractors, and other specialized equipment used throughout the community.
Participants will also have an opportunity to meet local first responders, public safety officials, and community exhibitors, including representatives from the Summerville Police Department, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, fire services, EMS, public works, and other local organizations.
Free Kona Ice will be available during the event, courtesy of United Community Bank and Southeast First National Bank.
Organizers say the event will feature a reduced-noise environment, hands-on exploration, and a supportive atmosphere designed to make the experience enjoyable for all ages and abilities.

Residents looking for bargains while supporting a worthy cause will have an opportunity this weekend as Flourish Foster Care Closet & Support, Inc. hosts a Yard Sale for a Cause at The Well in downtown Summerville.
The fundraiser will take place on Friday, June 12, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Well, located at 141 W. Washington Street in Summerville.
Organizers say all proceeds will benefit The Well and the foster, kinship, and adoptive families served throughout Northwest Georgia. Shoppers will find a wide variety of items including furniture, home décor, clothing, toys, household items, books, seasonal merchandise, and more.
A BBQ food truck will also be on-site with plates, sandwiches, and other menu items available for purchase. A portion of food sales will benefit The Well and its mission.
According to organizers, every purchase helps Flourish continue providing clothing, essential items, support programs, meals, and community resources for children and families impacted by foster care.
Donations are still being accepted during the work week leading up to the event.

One of Northeast Alabama’s most popular summer traditions returns this weekend as Bluegrass on the Rim celebrates its 13th year at the Little River Canyon Center.
The event will take place Saturday, June 13, in the scenic setting overlooking Little River Canyon and will feature performances by Three On A String and Foggy Hollow Bluegrass.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, family and friends for an evening of music under the stars. J-Bird’s BBQ will be on site with food available for purchase, leashed pets are welcome, and children ages 10 and under will be admitted free.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with music beginning at 6 p.m.
Organizers say the event combines great bluegrass music, beautiful scenery and family-friendly entertainment, making it a favorite annual gathering for residents and visitors alike.
Additional information and tickets are available through the Little River Canyon Center.