If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 2, then the next-best place to be is the Legends Club for the annual Derby Day party. Horse racing fans or people who just like to have fun can cheer on their favorite horses like they’re at Louisville’s famous racetrack.
Partygoers can nibble on Southern cuisine and sip – what else? – mint juleps while they watch a live broadcast of the Run for the Roses on giant TV screens. The event also features live music, outdoor games, raffles, equestrian fanfare, a ladies hat contest and a gentlemen’s fashion contest. A silent auction also will feature artwork by employees of Augusta Training Shop.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Augusta Training Shop, a nonprofit that was established in 1947. The organization employs mentally and physically challenged adults who have been taught to repair, strip and refinish furniture; re-cane chairs and polish metals.

If You Go:

What: Derby Day

When: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2

Where: Legends Club

How Much: $75 in advance at any Georgia Bank & Trust location; online at AugustaTrainingShop.com or by calling (706) 738-1358; $100 at the door. Price includes all food and beverages.

More Info: AugustaTrainingShop.com

The Mustang marked 50 years of continuous production in April 2014, and soon Mustang fans will have something else to celebrate. Each year the Mustang Club of America holds four national shows, and this month one of them – the Gateway Southern Stampede – is coming to Columbia County.
“We’ll have 350 cars at the event from all over the country,” says Don Blackstock, president of the CSRA Mustang Club. “We’ll have everything from original 1964 Mustangs to 2015 models.”
Car show entrants will vie for trophies and pride when judges evaluate Mustang models in categories ranging from modern to vintage, Shelby to Boss, racing to cruising.
“We’ll give out 200-plus trophies for the different classes of all the cars,” Blackstock says. “The judges are looking to see how clean your car is, how original you’ve kept it and how you take care of it.”
Southern Stampede patrons will have plenty to do besides admire cars, however. A number of vendors will set up at the event, and they should appeal to a broad range of people. In addition to booths with automobile-related products, others will offer goods such as Tupperware, cosmetics and jewelry. A Saturday Night Banquet, which is open to the community, will feature a Sconyers barbecue dinner and entertainment by comedian Jeff Allen.
Blackstock, who currently owns a 2007 Shelby and a 2015 Mustang convertible, says their durability is one of the features that make the model so popular. “That was one of my first cars when I was in high school, and it lasted throughout,” he says.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rebecca Erryn Moon Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Martinez that supports children who have cancer and their families.
“We like our cars,” Blackstock says, “but we love our community.”

If You Go:

What: Gateway Southern Stampede, Mustang Club of America National Show

When: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, May 24; 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday Night Banquet

Where: Car show – Columbia County Exhibition Center; banquet – Savannah Rapids Pavilion

How Much: Free admission to car show; banquet tickets are $40 per person

More Info: gatewaysouthernstampede.com

The area once again will celebrate Armed Forces Day with a salute to our nation’s soldiers at Thunder Over Augusta.
Entertainment at the event, which is returning after a one-year absence, will include freestyle motocross motorcycle stunt shows by Team FMX, a Huey helicopter that people can ride for a fee, military displays of vehicles and equipment from Fort Gordon and musical performances. The North American Lumberjack Games will be a new addition to Thunder Over Augusta this year. Festivalgoers can watch competitors participate in contests such as log rolling, ax throwing and sawing during three different shows.
“We want to show our appreciation to our military,” says Shane Thompson, event organizer. “A lot of veterans and wounded warriors will be there. We try to give them a great time, and we give them the VIP treatment. We ask the public to come out and have a good time and show their support.”
Food and drink vendors will be on hand, and a kids’ zone will offer fun and games to the younger set. Thunder Over Augusta will conclude with a fireworks display.

 If You Go:

What: Thunder Over Augusta

When: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Where: Evans Towne Center Park

How Much: Free admission

More Info: thunderoveraugusta.com

Almost 1,000 athletes could test Columbia County’s trails and waters as cyclists, open-water swimmers and runners compete at the Wildwood Games Presented by Zaxby’s Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 at Wildwood Park.
On Saturday the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in Columbia County for the first time as the nation’s top endurance racers ride in pursuit of the stars-and-stripes jersey. The event also includes open-water swims of 1.5 miles or 3 miles on Saturday and 50K, marathon, half-marathon and 10K trail runs on Sunday. A two-day, 54-hole disc golf tournament and an expo will be part of the festivities as well.
“Our goal is for this to be a premier sports festival in the Southeast, and ultimately, in the country,” says Randy DuTeau, the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director. 
Last summer’s inaugural Wildwood Games served as a test run for the mountain bike championships. According to DuTeau, this year’s Games will include challenging, well laid-out and well-marked courses for the racers. Well-trained volunteers and an emergency management team that is ready to respond to any situation will be on hand as well.
“The kind of coordination for an event of this size is pretty significant, and everyone has stepped up their game to try to ensure the success and safety of the event,” he says. “It will be significantly larger than last year when we had 224 total participants.”
DuTeau expects to attract competitors from across the nation and the Southeast. However, he adds, “We’ll also draw a lot of the local population, too, because these events are popular in this area.” 
The expo will include food, beverages and vendors that sell products such as health foods and equipment for the outdoor-oriented types of activities that are part of the Games. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday.
“Folks will want to come out and watch the races, and we hope they’ll stick around for the awards presentation,” DuTeau says.
For more information, visit wildwoodgames.com.

Pull out your kayak, canoe or paddleboard for the fourth annual Benderdinker at Betty’s Branch in Evans. This year the popular noncompetitive paddle event, scheduled for 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, will be accompanied by River-Fest, an afternoon of fun and games on land, as well.

The event is designed to make noise about silent sports, human-powered activities that typically do not disrupt the natural environment, and slow foods – locally sourced, sustainably raised, wild and foraged foods.

The paddle, which takes about two-and-a-half hours to complete, will feature nine food and live music stops along the six-mile route. Musicians on the water will include Donna Jo, Nick Brown, Clyde’s on Fire and Delta Cane.

The landlubbing musical lineup at River-Fest will consist of Savannah River Stringband, Ariana Williams, Donna Jo, The Ramblin’ Fevers, Clyde’s on Fire, The Mason Jars and Delta Cane. Food, beverages, beer and vendor merchandise will be available for purchase on land after the paddle. Festivalgoers also can participate in lawn games such as corn hole, giant tic-tac-toe, ladder ball, mini disc golf and bocce ball. Sand volleyball pickup games will run from noon until 5:30 p.m. Standup paddleboard, paddleboard yoga and kayak fishing demos will be available as well.

Paddlers can register for the event online. Check-in will run from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 24 when participants can bring their vessels to the site and select their launch times. Overnight security will be provided.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Augusta Locally Grown and the Benderdigger, which educates children ages 6 – 15 about eating healthy self-produced and wild foods.

If You Go:

What: Benderdinker and River-Fest
When: Saturday, April 25; paddle 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; River-Fest noon – 6 p.m. 
Where: Betty’s Branch, 4431 Hardy McManus Road, Evans
How Much: $35 per vessel (kayak, canoe or SUP); registration includes one T-shirt, one goody bag and one admission to River-Fest; $3 admission per person to River-Fest with registration of vessel or $5 admission per person to River-Fest at the gate; additional cost to rent vessel
More Info: benderdinker.com

It wouldn’t be spring without the annual Sacred Heart Garden Festival, and the annual event once again will feature growing tips and tricks for novice gardeners and serious horticulturists alike.
Talented local professionals will display their landscaping and floral creations in and around Sacred Heart Cultural Center, while vendors from across the Southeast will sell plants, home accessories and garden accents at the Garden Market. As part of the Speaker Series, gardening gurus will share their expertise through lectures and how-to demonstrations.
Tours of private gardens in Augusta, including historic Summerville, will be offered from noon until 5 p.m. each day of the event. Proceeds will benefit Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

 If You Go:

What: Sacred Heart Garden Festival

When: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, April 24; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25; noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26

Where: Sacred Heart Cultural Center and various local gardens

How Much: $25 for three-day ticket that includes Sacred Heart exhibits, garden market, lectures and garden tours; $10 for one-day pass for Sacred Heart events (garden tours excluded)

More Info: (706) 826-4700 or sacredheartgardenfestival.com

Wildlife and small pets are not always a good mix, and residents should take caution from recent coyote sightings in Columbia County.

Daniel Mayne, the county Animal Services operations manager, says the department has received a number of phone calls about coyote sightings from all across the county, primarily between Hereford Farm and Washington roads along Owens Road.

He says Animal Services also has gotten reports of coyote sightings in the Appling and Grovetown areas. Coyotes have been spotted in neighborhoods off of Furys Ferry Road such as West Lake and Wexford as well.

A West Lake resident lost her dog to a coyote, according to a West Lake Property Owners Association bulletin, and the neighborhood has set out traps for the animals.

“Coyotes are present the whole year, but we get more calls about them in the spring and summer. I think it’s because people are more active then,” says I.B. Parnell, senior wildlife biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Mayne and Parnell agree that coyotes pose little threat to human beings, but the animals are a danger to cats and small dogs.

“Coyotes don’t see people as a prey source, but they will attack small dogs and cats, especially cats,” Parnell says. “They might attack a small dog for food or as a threat to their territory. They won’t attack a person unless there is something wrong with them.”

Mayne cautions residents to be wary of a coyote that looks sick or lethargic because it could be a sign of rabies. He also advises residents to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up-to-date.

To discourage coyotes from coming into their yards, homeowners should keep garbage secured, refrain from putting out pet food for stray animals and eliminate water sources from their properties. Parnell also recommends that homeowners keep birdseed off of the ground because it attracts small mammals and rodents, which are a coyote’s main source of food.

“If you see a coyote in your yard, you can chase it off by spraying it with a water hose or by throwing a rock or a stick at it,” says Parnell. “Then the coyote won’t associate your yard as a safe place to be.”

Augusta Amusements is wrapping up its season this month with a quartet of performances that will appeal to all types of audiences. Whether a musician that tickles the ivories or a group of good old-fashioned gospel singers gets your toes tapping, these performers are sure to end the season on a high note.

Michael Kaeshammer — March 7

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and pianist Michael Kaeshammer will bring plenty of excitement to his local fans. Kaeshammer is known for putting on a chilling performance as he sings and plays boogie-woogie, blues, jazz and pop tunes on the piano. From 2001 through 2010, he was nominated for numerous awards, and he has been named West Coast Music Award’s Male Artist of the Year as well as Performer and Musician of the Year. Tickets are $30 and $35.

Blind Boys of Alabama — March 13

You may not have been around as long as this group has, but you most likely have heard of them. The Blind Boys of Alabama, formed in the late 1930s at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in Talladega, have harmonized from the Jim Crow through the Civil Rights eras. If you need a refresher about the legendary group, then you should know that they have enjoyed some of their biggest successes in the last 10 years. The gospel group has won five Grammies and four Gospel Music Awards. The singers were honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and they have received multiple invitations to sing at the White House. Tickets are $59 and $64.

Jim Brickman — March 20

Not only is solo-pianist Jim Brickman known for his master piano skills. He also is known for his popular vocal collaborations with artists such as country songstress Martina McBride, singer Rebecca Lynn Howard and Columbia County’s own Lady Antebellum. During his career, Brickman has earned two Grammy Award nominations, a couple of SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and a Dove Award, presented by the Gospel Music Association. Tickets are $57 and $62.

Al Stewart — March 28

If “Year of the Cat” rings a bell, then you know exactly who is coming to town. Singer-songwriter Al Stewart, who performed here last year, will return to Columbia County to dazzle audiences with his unmistakable style. Stewart was a key figure in British music, and his unique folk-rock sound spread to the United States. He has released 16 studio and three live albums since his debut album, Bedsitter Images. Tickets are $37.50 and $42.50.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Jabez S. Hardin Performing Arts Center. For more information, call (706) 726-0366 or visit augustaamusements.com.

– Katlin Carter

The event has moved from Savannah Rapids Pavilion to the Columbia County Exhibition Center, and the festivities also will include Cuban influences with a “Havana Nights” theme.

“The menu will feature a variety of Cuban foods, and some of the entertainment will follow the ‘Havana Nights’ theme,” says Stacie Adkins, the county events manager.

Of course, anyone who has enjoyed Vegas-style casino games in the past still will be able to play blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. The gala also will feature a cash bar, raffle prizes and a Texas Hold ’Em tournament. Entertainment will include a DJ and a jazz band for an evening of dinner and dancing.

“The event gets bigger and better every year, and we hope to increase attendance by holding it in a larger venue,” Adkins says.

This year proceeds from the gala will benefit Columbia County Cares food pantry, the Columbia County Arts Development Fund and Columbia County Forward Foundation. Previous galas have generated more than $90,000 in donations for Columbia County charities.

“We want people to recognize these organizations and their causes,” Adkins says. “The goal is to raise as much money as we can for the three organizations.”

If You Go:
What: Columbia County Charity Gala “Havana Nights”
When: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, February 28
Where: Columbia County Exhibition Center, Grovetown
How Much: $80 per person; $150 per couple
More Info: (706) 312-7192 or columbiacountga.gov

Prepare to be bowled over by a popular community fundraiser when the 14th annual Empty Bowl takes place on Sunday, March 1. Although the event was held at Augusta Jewish Community Center in the past, it has been moved to the Legends Club this year to accommodate the growing number of people that attend.

“The new venue will give us a lot more space,” says Lynda Jaremski, the AJCC community programs director.

The event, which benefits AJCC and Golden Harvest Food Bank, typically attracts 400 to 500 people. Patrons can enjoy an all-you-can-eat soup kitchen-style buffet with soups, breads, beverages, desserts and kid friendly foods including hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. All foods are donated by area restaurants, caterers and food companies.

Each guest gets to take home a ceramic bowl made by an area school student or by a local artist. Patrons can purchase additional bowls for $10.

“They will be set up in a bowl room as a reminder that some people still have empty bowls,” Jaremski says.

Patrons also are encouraged to bring cans of food for Golden Harvest, and they will receive a raffle ticket to win a bicycle from Chain Reaction for each can that they donate. They can purchase additional raffle tickets for $1 each or six for $5. The fundraiser will include a silent auction and an interactive children’s event with a live storyteller as well.

If You Go:
What: Empty Bowl
When: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1
Where: Legends Club, Augusta
How Much: Advance tickets – $20 adults, $5 ages 2 – 10. At the door – $25 adults, $7.50 ages 2 – 10. Free for children under age 2. Tickets are available at Augusta Jewish Community Center, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Weinberger’s Furniture and WifeSaver in North Augusta.
More Info: (706) 228-3636 or augustajcc.org

The cultural scene in Columbia County is always a cause for celebration, but the new Yuchikiokee Festival will specifically highlight the county’s art, music, dance and heritage.

“We wanted to have an art festival that primarily celebrated Columbia County arts,” says Virginia Atkins, the county community events specialist. “It shines a spotlight on what Columbia County arts really are.”

But where in the world did the name come from? Although it may be a bit tricky to pronounce at first, the festival name comes from two Native American tribes, the Yuchis (also spelled Ugee, Uchee or Euchee) and the Kiokees, which once made a home here. Two local creeks that wind through the county and join into the Savannah River also have been named for the tribes — Euchee and Kiokee creeks.

The two-day festival will get underway Saturday, March 21 with live entertainment at 11 a.m. and an opening ceremony at noon. A 7 p.m. concert will round out the first day of activities. In between, the event will include plenty of entertainment with vendors and artisans from the Southeast, a sidewalk chalk competition, performances by Columbia County arts organizations, zorbing, light painting and a juried fine art competition.

Live performances from Journey Church will kick off the festivities on Sunday, March 22 at 10 a.m., and the festival will close with excerpts from Columbia County Ballet’s Roar of Love beginning at 5 p.m.

A variety of food vendors will be on hand as well, so no one will go hungry.

– Katlin Carter