Crooked River State Park - Nature Hike

Join us Saturday, Sept 29 from 9AM-11AM for a nature hike at the Old Weed and Ready Plantation Rookery in St. Marys.  We'll look for birds as they transition from nesting to migratory species.  We'll see many butterflies and search for their caterpillars and cocoons on their host plants.  Native Passion flower runs rampant here and we should see lots of Gulf Fritillaries and hopefully, Zebra Longwings - Florida's official state butterfly. Bring water, bug spray, camera, a hat, comfortable hiking shoes and a butterfly net, if you have one.  This is a moderate hike; we'll walk about 3 miles. Binoculars provided.  Reservations required.  912-882-8531.  Meet us at the Rookery or CRSP office. $5 program fee. Park pass not required.

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Rock Shrimp Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ROCK SHRIMP FESTIVAL & PARADE IN HISTORIC ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

Annual Festival Reached 40 Years and Still Rockin’

 

ST. MARYS, GA (September 24, 2012) - The 40^th Annual Rock Shrimp Festival continues its long-standing tradition of family fun on Saturday, October 6, 2012 in historic St. Marys, Georgia.  The festival presents a full day of events including a pancake breakfast, 5K and 10K runs, kids’ activities, and a themed parade featuring decorated floats, fire trucks, tractors, golf carts, and more.  Downtown St. Marys and the delightful waterfront park will be overflowing with all day entertainment, demonstrations, arts & crafts vendors, food concessionaires, and, of course, the sweet tasting rock shrimp that is the events namesake. 

The event mascot, “Rocky the Shrimp,” has proclaimed this year’s theme to be, “40 Years & Still Rockin’.”  Angela Wigger, Director of Tourism, said that this event definitely gets better every year and with its’ crowd of over 10,000 people each year it’s a nice boost to the economy.  “Visitor’s enjoy our festivals because there’s an authentic hometown feel that one gets while strolling the streets of historic St. Marys and a festival just seems to amplify that feeling.” 

CALLING ALL ENTRIES:  Advance registration is encouraged for the 5K and 10K Runs and is mandatory for Vendors and Parade Entries. Those interested in participating can visit www.smkiwanis.com for registration forms and information.

 

The days schedule is as follows:

  7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.                    Pancake Breakfast

  7:30 a.m.                                            5K & 10 K Races Start

  9:30 a.m.                                            Race Awards

10:00 a.m.                                            Parade Begins  

10:00 a.m.                                            Vendors

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.                      Rock Shrimp Dinners

                               Plus All Day Entertainment & Demonstrations

 

Discounted rock shrimp dinner tickets can be purchased, prior to the event, at several locations including the St. Marys Welcome Center (111 Osborne Street) and the Kingsland Welcome Center (1190 East Boone).  For information or questions contact the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau at 912.882.4000 visit www.smkiwanis.com.

 

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Free Day in the Parks: September 29, 2012

Free Day in the Parks:  September 29, 2012
Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites Celebrate “Your State Parks Day”

ATLANTA, GA, August 20, 2012  --  Put away your wallet and pull out your fishing pole.  Visitors to Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites will not pay for parking or admission on Saturday, September 29 as part of “Your State Parks Day.”  Sponsored by the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, the celebration brings attention to ways that parks enrich communities, plus the importance of local volunteerism.  Parking is normally $5 at state parks, and admission ranges from $2.50 to $10 at state historic sites.

“We’re calling this celebration ‘Your State Parks Day’ to remind Georgians that state parks and historic sites belong to them,” said Andy Fleming, executive director of the Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites.  “Parks add so much to our lives.  We’re hoping more people will visit the state park closest to their homes, and that they’ll join one of the service projects happening that day.”

The statewide event includes numerous volunteer projects and family-friendly programs.  At Fort Yargo, mountain bikers will work on trails, at Hard Labor Creek, rangers will lead a wildlife kayaking expedition, and at Unicoi, visitors can help clean up Smith Creek.  A full calendar is posted at http://bit.ly/P0zlvA.
 
Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Georgia’s state parks and historic sites in many ways.  Some members serve as campground hosts, others lead programs such as guided hikes, and some help with basic maintenance. Most members support the organization simply by purchasing annual memberships.

“It’s no secret that state park systems across the country are struggling with limited funds and resources,” said Fleming.  “We’re helping fill that gap.  And regular park visitors can help too, by visiting more often, by staying overnight more often and by volunteering when they can.”

Georgia is known for its exceptional state park system that provides a variety of outdoor recreation while also protecting natural and cultural resources.  Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boating, geocaching, picnicking, golf and numerous other activities.  Historically significant places such as Etowah Indian Mounds and Roosevelt’s Little White House tell the story of Georgia’s rich past. 

Cabins, lodges, campgrounds and yurts let visitors spend short getaways and longer vacations within the parks, putting hiking trails and fishing lakes right outside their door.  Reservations can be made online at GeorgiaStateParks.org/reservations and by calling 1-800-864-7275. 

Free parking and admission during “Your State Parks Day” is available to all Georgia residents and visitors.  Participating locations can be found on GeorgiaStateParks.org, including Cloudland Canyon, Skidaway Island, Victoria Bryant, Dahlonega Gold Museum, Kolomoki Mounds and dozens of other destinations.  Because Stone Mountain, Jekyll Island and Lake Lanier are not operated by the Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks Division, they are not included in the free day. 

“We are thankful for the support that our Friends members give us,” said State Parks Director Becky Kelley.  “We wouldn’t be able to offer this free day to Georgians without their help.  Hopefully, more people will take this opportunity to explore parks that are right in their own communities.”

The day-long celebration is also in honor of National Public Lands Day and is a Georgia SHAPE Initiative.

-END-

Main Websites:
GeorgiaStateParks.org
FriendsofGaStateParks.org

 

Michael Hulett at Starry Nights Music in the Park

The August performance of the 2012 Starry Nights Music in the Park will be provided by a regional favorite, "Back from the Brink." This four man band offers a cool brand of music that encompasses Bluegrass, acoustic Country and Rock, and traditional Americana.

Starry Nights is a time to experience local and regional performing artists "under the star" at the St. Marys Waterfront Park. There is no better setting for a casual affair than next to the St. Marys River. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner or visit one of the many historic district restaurants prior to the performance.

There's always dancing before the night is over, so bring your dancing shoes, too. Starry Nights are always free and promises to provide an enchanting evening. Event times are 7pm-9pm and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

The next and final date in the series will be September 15th when Michael Hulett plays offers soulful and heartfelt vocals and saxophone tunes. This memorable performer offers a mix of classic and modern jazz, R&B, soul and rock/pop tunes.

Contact the St. Marys Welcome Center at 912.882.4000 for more information.

 

"Dream" Cruises - 2hr and 4hr Cruises Available Daily this Fall

This Fall (starting Sept. 14th) we are offering a 2 hour St Marys River Cruise in addition to the 4 hour sunset cruise. Dream will depart from the St Marys Pavilion dock located at the corner of Osborne and St Marys Streets. Dream Cruises will continue to provide private cruises as in the past. All of our cruises will be available 7 days a week. The following rates and times will apply:

 

2 Hour River Cruise $40.00 per person (min 2 /max 6 passengers)

River Cruise departs at 1:00 PM and returns at 3:00 PM

 

4 Hour Sunset Cruise $75.00 per person (min 2/max 6 passengers)

Sunset Cruise departs between 3:30 and 4:00 PM and returns after sunset.

The sunset cruise includes complimentary snacks and beverages. Sail Cumberland Sound,

view Fort Clinch and wild horses on Cumberland Island. Anchor off Cumberland Island

for snacks and beverage. Return to St Marys for a glorious sunset.

 

The above cruises are provided on an open occupancy basis with a maximum of 6 passengers.

 

Private Charters are also available for you, your friends and family (maximum of 6)

The following rates apply for groups of 6 or less:

 

4 Hours $300.00

6 Hours $400.00

8 Hours $500.00

 

Private charters depart according to your schedule.  Call Captain Roger at Dream Cruises for reservations and additional details.  912 409 1121 or visit us on the web: www.dreamcruisesllc.com

 

 

Ghost Stories of Orange Hall

"Ghost Stories of Orange Hall"

  We are looking forward to another "engaging" evening!

Bring your GHOULFRIENDS!!!

ALL ROMEOS BRING YOUR GHOULIETS!

Please reserve your ticket now by emailing lesliemarywells@gmail.com

Attendance is limited. 

"Our Ghost Stories" will begin at 9:00PM on SATURDAY night,

SEPTEMBER 8, 2012.

…DON’T MAKE A BOO-BOO AND MISS THIS!…SPIRITS MAY BE PRESENT…THEY LOVE TO BOO-GIE ON SATURDAY NIGHT!

(Though we planned on serving BOO-lognie sandwiches….we have none left….

For our last event was filled with GOBLINS! )

See you on Saturday!

 

 

Reminder...for safety...no children under the age of 12 will be admitted.

Lighting will be provided-no personal flashlights please.

The house will not be illuminated...access will be dimly lit.

 

We would greatly appreciate it if you would bring the exact amount due for payment of your tickets. NO CHECKS please, cash only.

Limiting making change will offer us greater ease, AND you quicker entry!

Credit Card payments are not available at this time.

Remember we are working in the dark!

Thank you for your consideration!

For further information contact Royal Weaver at royalweaver@tds.net

 

The members of the Board of Directors look forward to meeting and sharing with you on Saturday night!

 We greatly appreciate your attendance and support!

Our GRAND FINE LADY, ORANGE HALL enjoys your company and looks forward to your presence!

 

 

 

Sincerely,

Angela Wigger, CMP -Director of Tourism

St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau

912.882.4000     Angela.wigger@stmaryswelcome.com

111 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA  31558

www.stmaryswelcome.com

 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/StMarysWelcome - Not a Facebook friend?  Join today!

 

 

 

Fashion Night Out September, 6th

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6^TH FROM 6-8PM

JOIN US FOR FASHION'S NIGHT OUT, AS A PART OF A WORLDWIDE FASHION CELEBRATION! 

This event will be held at On the Green Salon and Day Spa, at 2400 St. Marys Rd., Suite F, St. Marys.

 

This is a perfect opportunity to preview fall hair trends, makeup colors, and the latest collection of formal wear from The French Quarter. 

 

There will be a fashion show, hair and makeup consultations, chair massages, tours of the recently expanded spa, special event savings, a raffle to benefit the re-opening of Camden House Shelter, and what you've all been waiting for...a sneak preview of some tastes from The Green Room!  There is no cost to attend, but donations will be collected to raise money to benefit The Camden House.  The night will be captured by Stacy Kiernan Photography.  This will be an event you won't want to miss, so mark your calendars and we’ll see you there!

 

Contact On the Green for more information.