15 Events to Look Forward to in 2015
I’ve heard plenty of times, “There’s nothing to do in Liberty County.” When you’re on the inside looking out, you can see that our community is small and Savannah with it’s big shopping malls and plethora of restaurants seems like lots of lovely green grass on the other side of the fence. Sometimes you can’t measure things to do by the number of stores or bounce houses. Community festivals and events build traditions that are unique to our area. We have plenty to do in Liberty County and just so you know what you have to look forward to this year, I’ve compiled a list of 15 events. These are in chronological order (to the best of my knowledge and ability) but I have not included specific dates as some may be subject to change. Let’s get to it!
- MLK Events-Liberty County takes the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to heart. Dr. King stayed at Historic Dorchester Academy while planning for the Birmingham March and even wrote part of his “I have a dream” speech at the Academy. Each year, Liberty County celebrates his achievements with a Leadership Breakfast and a parade, among other events. These events are hosted by the Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Association. 912-876-5276 or 912-876-3164
- Cupcake War-“You can’t be sad when you’re holding a cupcake.” Whoever said this was a genius because they were totally right! The Cupcake War presented by the Hinesville Area Arts Council is coming back for 2015. Teams compete for the best tasting and best-decorated cupcakes and the public gets to come sample to their hearts’ content. www.hinesvillearts.com
- Small World Festival-This festival hosted by the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority will have a new life in 2015, thanks to the simultaneous opening of Bryant Commons to the public and Cisco’s Dog Park. Small World Festival will feature a world marketplace, international food court and cultural entertainment. Go around the world in Liberty County’s backyard! www.hinesvilledowntown.com
- Hinesville Farmer’s Market-This one is the only event on our list that has a weekly reoccurrence. Each Thursday beginning in March, Bradwell Park opens up to local farmers and vendors selling homemade baked goods, produce, crafts and more. The Farmer’s Market is working to have live entertainment each week. It’s the best way to do your weekly grocery shopping!
- Earth Day-You may not realize it, but recycling, conservation and beautifying are important aspects of our community. We love to celebrate the beauty that is Liberty County and this festival is right on target. It’s educational and fun for the little ones and brings awareness to the recycling programs in our community through Keep Liberty Beautiful. This event also takes place during County Government Month and Georgia Cities Week so, win, win! www.keeplibertybeautiful.org
- Independence Day Colonial Faire-What better place to celebrate America’s independence than at a Revolutionary War Fort? Musket and cannon firings, colonial demonstrations and games give visitors a taste of Americana at the time of the Revolution. www.gastateparks.org/FortMorris
- Blues & BBQ-2015 will mark the 12th Annual Blues & BBQ Festival and we’re already getting hungry! Local BBQ vendors are invited to cook their best dishes and compete for a trophy and bragging rights. Top-notch entertainment, mechanical bull riding, a community painting project and more make this the perfect fall family event. www.hinesvillearts.com
- Scarecrow Stroll-Kids dress in their Halloween costumes and have free reign through the streets of downtown Hinesville, which are closed to traffic. Bouncy houses, treats, decorated scarecrows, a haunted house at the Old Jail and other fun activities make this a scare fest you won’t want to miss! www.hinesvilledowntown.com
- Midway Museum Cemetery Tours-Things get spooky when you’re around the graves of Revolutionary War heroes. The staff and volunteers of the Midway Museum dress in colonial clothing and lead brave souls around the Midway Cemetery while telling the stories of those interred. www.themidwaymuseum.org
- Oktoberfest-Fort Stewart always puts on a great show and this is no exception. Oktoberfest is of course, a celebration of German culture. Traditional German food, beer and entertainment are certainly not in short supply at this anticipated event!
- Ricefest-This celebration of Gullah-Geechee culture, which is a deep part of the history of Liberty County, takes the stage every November in Riceboro. People have even started to come home to make it something of a family reunion. The day begins with a parade and then the festivities continue with live entertainment, food and a rice cook-off.
- Mayor’s Thanksgiving Service-each year the Sunday before Thanksgiving is designated as a time for reflection on the bounty that we enjoy. The Mayor of Hinesville gives a keynote address at a place of worship either on Fort Stewart or in Hinesville and then those who have gathered share a meal together. Donations of canned goods are appreciated. www.cityofhinesville.org
- Sugarcane Harvest Festival-Each year, Geechee Kunda invites folks to come to their sugarcane harvest. If you haven’t tasted fresh sugarcane juice, you’re missing out on a delicious rush to the head. The day also features performances and storytelling as well as arts and crafts. Experience a day in the life of the Gullah-Geechee culture. www.geecheekunda.com
- Christmas in the Park-Who doesn’t love getting their picture taken with Santa or petting live reindeer or Christmas trees or cookies or dancing or…You get the idea. This is all about the Christmas spirit where local businesses and organizations set up activity booths for kids to make ornaments or decorate cookies. Santa listens to kids’ wish lists and local dance troops and singers perform. www.libertycounty.org
- Illuminated Christmas Parade-The theme changes every year but this Christmas Parade, put on by the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce is a hit with locals and out-of-towners alike. Illuminated floats and vehicles drive through downtown Hinesville to the delight of kids and adults. Marching bands, dancers, car clubs and Shriners participate in this huge event that brings the magic of Christmas to Liberty County. www.libertycounty.org
We hope you see locals and visitors out and about this year in Liberty County. Something is usually happening every weekend so there are plenty more events to attend this year. Get out and explore and check our calendar if you’re looking to make plans. Happy travels!
-Amanda Scott, CVB Program Manager
