Month of May Around Harris & Talbot County
It’s my favorite time of the year, a warmer, more colorful time in Georgia; but most of all the outdoor events begin. All the winter cold leaves us to be able to have more outdoor activities and concerts. This is what Harris County and the Counties around are famous for, with most being free or for a small donation to the cause. The cold of winter is not for me!
When I was a young chap, mid 1950’s; a group of us kids would ride our bikes to a vacant lot, near where I lived, up on Ingersall Hill (Phenix City) near the old Goodwin Cemetery, to play ball. We would play in the hot sun, play ball and ride bikes. An old gentleman lived across the street, he would come outside when we boys would show up to play. We always spoke to him as we got to the field, I remember him well! He would sit under a large live oak tree and whittle on sticks as we boys played ball or rode our bikes. He would yell out encouragement to us as we played; " good catch", "good hit", "don’t worry you’ll get it next time", or "are you all right" should a slight injury or accident happen. As the day wore on, he would call us to join him under the large oak tree to cool off. His wife would show up with a pitcher of cool water, with some jelly jars for glasses, for us to drink. As we cooled off, he asked if we liked summer or winter better? We all had varied answers and reasons on the season we liked best. Finally, it was his turn. He proclaimed "I like summer better than winter, cause it is easier to seek shade than to keep a fire!" His name was Judge Stillwell! What he said to us that day went over our young heads. Then, 20 years later while my brother in-law and I were cutting and loading firewood to burn for the winter; we sat on the tailgate of my truck, drinking water to cool off and rest. A light goes off in my head and a vision of the Judge, whittling under the big oak tree, flashes in my mine. The wisdom of the old man finally hit my brain, as I now understand the meaning of his of his proclamation. He loved summer only because he could sit in the shade of the big oak tree and whittles rather than tote wood, ashes, or clean up; all that it takes to keep a fire for the winter! I like summer too!
Those of you the read Columbus Georgia Online missed a great opportunity for some great free entertainment this May, as they were mentioned on CGOL; as things to do around Columbus. Here are a few I attended and loved:
May 6, 2006 Antioch Volunteer Fire Department "Spring Fling"
A fun day for all! The event had a large crowd ! Plenty of good food, games and entertainment.
Antioch VFD is located on Hwy. 219, in south Harris County. They give fire protection for almost ¼ of the County / the southwest side. This event is one of their fund-raisers with the main event being a Reverse Gender Beauty Pageant, all the contestants are male firefighters and officers of the Department. The winner is chosen by the votes (money) they collect from the crowd after their performance on stage, they milled around having their picture taken with friend on in-laws for a fee. These men are really dedicated firefighters that dress in gowns and less just to help the department make much needed money to provide fire services. They are a special breed, but there were some I thought liked being dressed that way a little too much!!
Everyone had fun and raised much-needed funds. My hat goes off to the few, the proud, the cross dressing firefighters of Antioch Fire Department. The people of Harris County owe you a lot of respect and pride in the tasks you perform for its citizens when they are in need! Thanks for the fun! Guys
May 13th, 2006 Pleasant Valley Music Park, Talbot County
On field off Chalybeate Springs Road on Pine Mountain outside of Woodland, Ga. is the location of the Music Park being developed by Charlie Williamson and friends from Evans Chapel.
John Fine, with the City of Manchester, told me about "some good Gospel and Blue Grass Singing" being held at the new Music Park. It’s free and they are doing a bar-b-que chicken plate at noon for a $5 donation. That got my attention as I like nothing better than a free outdoor concert and food too! Needless to say this event went to my calendar, I’m going!
We arrived at noon, after a beautiful drive in the countryside of Harris and Talbot County, we parked and I went to get a plate of that good smelling chicken-que. I met some good and friendly people as we waited for the singing to begin. A cool breeze was blowing on the mountain, I hear a sound much like an angel singing. I look toward the stage and see a young girl singing, with a voice that would chill a hardened sinner as well as make some of the top singers of today take notice and feel threatened. She belted out a song and made the trip worth while. I learned later her name is Whitney Scott, she is from Troup County, Ga. This girl will be heard from again. Her love for the Lord sounded from every song she sang on the mountain that day!
Next Up—We heard songs from Ann and Ernest Young , who have been performing for over 30 years in concerts, TV and radio. Great gospel music!
Next Up—We heard from Arther Geeslin and Rickey Whitley they played and sang some Blue Grass Gospel and got the spectators up for the feature group of the day CROSSINGS from North Carolina and the Smoky Mountains. The Crossings are a great Blue Grass Gospel group--- rains moved in on the mountain so the stage was vacated as it had no roof. Power was shut down for safety--- this didn’t stop the Crossings as they moved with their instruments under the spectator shed with us all and performed the rest of their set acoustically. They sounded even better to me! What a wonderful day on the mountain with new friends.
June 22, 2006 there will be another concert at the Music Park. Try it you will like it! Call Shannon Williamson or Charlie Williamson 706-646-7055 for information.
May 19th,20th,21st, 2006—Piedmont Lake Garden Railroad Display
Jan and Norman Marwitz and all the Volunteers of Piedmont Lake and North West Harris Volunteer Fire Dept. did it again! And all for Free!
Spectators came from all over the United States and even a couple from Scotland to see what Norman, Jim Moore, and Terry Austin (the Rail Road Gang) had built for this year, in the Marwitz’s Garden on Piedmont Lake in Harris County near Whitesville/ Pine Mountain, Ga. The Largest number of spectators came than ever before, in it’s 5-year history. Free hot dogs, drinks, chips and popcorn for all, even a boat ride on Lake Piedmont. And then, all the trains running trough the gardens on the lake. If you missed this one, you will have to wait till next May as Norman and Jan will only be doing it once a year as the display has gotten so large it takes weeks to put together and take down each time. Perfect weather and a great time! See you next year.
More information call Norman at 706-663-8304
Watch Columbus Georgia Online for future announcements of happenings around the area. Pine Mountain has again started on Friday night, all summer having it’s outdoor, Main Street Concerts. It’s free! Drop In and have fun! Thanks for reading Ron Rollins
Chiefnw1@peoplepc.com
Thanks Ron Rollins
