So what happened to Summer?! It's hard to believe the season is winding down, but that doesn't mean the fun is coming to an end. In fact, this weekend is jammed with stuff to do.
One of the best things to do this weekend has got to be the Annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens. Everything kicks off Friday night with the balloon glow on the beach at Robin Lake complete with live music. Then all weekend there’s tons of stuff going on with balloons going up at sunrise and sunset (weather permitting), tethered balloon rides, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, sandcastle building, kite building, t-shirt tye-dying, a classic car show, and a 5K and Triathlon Sunday morning. And something else really cool going on is the 2nd Annual Boat & Seaplane Regatta! This also kicks off Friday night during the Balloon Glow with a parade of boats in Robin Lake, then there will be lots of races all weekend long. You’ll see remote controlled sailboats, utility boats, barges and tug boats trying to maneuver around a specific course and doing demonstration runs. Something new this year, there will be model sailboats for kids to build, decorate, and race on the water pool! It's all happening at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Friday (5:00-9:00pm) and Saturday & Sunday (9:00am-5:00pm). Admission is $20 for Adults and $10 for ages 6-12, but here's a tip for you. The balloons will start launching around 7:00am, so if you get there before 9:00am, you can get in for half price! (www.callawaygardens.com)
Here's something that happens only once a year, so what a treat! This weekend, you have a chance to take a dip in the pools where Pres. Roosevelt once used to swim. Of course, he had the pools built here as therapy for polio and would visit Warm Springs as often as possible and it became a place that helped so many people stricken with this disease. The pools are normally kept empty for preservation, but just for this weekend, they’ll fill the pools with that naturally warm spring water. Space is limited to 60 participants per session (lasts 1 ½ hours), so it’s best to make reservations. (Check out the museum at the pool, too.) You can get a Family Package that includes admission to the Little White House. Did you know this was the only home Pres Roosevelt ever owned?! (706.655.5870)
Bookworms will love this one! It’s the Annual Used Book Sale held at Daniel Middle School that benefits lots of local organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Partners in Education, Springer, etc. You've got a lots of opportunities to make it to this one as they'll be open Friday 6:00-9:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm; Sunday: 1:00-6:00pm; and Monday from 10:00am-6:00pm (706) 324.0249
They’ve also got the Labor Day holiday spirit going on at Florence Marina State Park with a weekend full of fun stuff going on! Kids are going to “eat this one up” because they’re going to have snakes and all sorts of creepy-crawly reptiles on display, plus they’ll have lots of different crafts everybody in the family will enjoy creating. Take a picnic and make a day out of it! This will be happening from Saturday-Monday from 10:00am-4:00pm each day. You've got to love the admission on this one, too...only $2 per person and a $5 parking pass. Florence Marina State Park is located in Omaha, GA, about an hour south of Columbus. (229.838.4706)
Back by popular demand and brought to you by the Family Theatre is Illusionist Mick Stone! This guy is amazing!! He's only doing two shows on Saturday (Sept 5) at 3:00pm & 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd. (706) 536.8052
There's a whole lot more going on this weekend so if you'd like more details on those events, take a look at the Community Calendar for a full listing. (www.columbusgacalendar.com)
Be safe and make it a good weekend!
shelby