| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
 It's Pine Tree Time!!!
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Thursday and Friday, April 29th & 30th
Local schools to visit EXPO site
On Thursday and Friday mornings, nearly 4,000 students from local area schools are set to visit the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreational Complex on McLeod Bridge Road for the 2010 Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber EXPO. Awaiting them will be a day of fun and learning experiences.
Among the featured events highlighting the day will be the highly popular FMX Motorcycle Stunt Show, Masters of the Chainsaw, Animal Encounter from the
Parks at Chehaw, the McLeod Moring SCV Camp, Georgia Department of Natural Resources exhibits, and other exciting events.
The FMX Motorcycle Stunt Show features high energy as the fastest growing action sport of the new millennium and is described as a combination of suspense, thrills and danger Each show is staffed with professional motorcycle riders who have competed in the world famous ESPN X-Games. In addition to ESPN, riders have demonstrated their skills on the Speed Channel, Fuel TX's "M-80" series and MTV.
Hailing from Lehighton, Pennsylvania, will be the most incredible of all chainsaw carving exhibitions. "Masters of the Chainsaw" is a truly awesome spectacle as top chainsaw sculptors demonstrate their prowess in creating beautiful works of art using nothing but a chainsaw. These carvers have entertained millions at more than 150 events yearly including the New York State Fair, Iowa State Fair and Utah State Fair.
"The Parks at Chehaw" will be a part of this year's Pine Tree Festival & EXPO also. From Albany, Georgia, "The Parks at Chehaw" presents an animal encounter that is both entertaining and educational. Shown will be animals native to Georgia and many exotic species.
Students will also enjoy a "live-history" demonstration presented by the McLeod-Moring SCV Camp and Emanuel Rangers UDC Chapter 2318. "Camp McLeod" is a re-enactment of a Civil War camp complete with tents, cannons, re-enactors in period uniforms and a number of wartime artifacts. The camp will also feature a field hospital with patients, nurses and true stories of local soldiers and their families.
In addition to these events, students will be able to see forest-management equipment displays and see demonstrations by the Swainsboro Fire Department and "Haz-Mat" Unit.
Students will receive free drinks and popcorn during their field trip exercise.
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Thursday Afternoon, 1 to 5 p.m.
Forestry Field Day is added to this year's Pine Tree!
Reflecting the desire to expand the Pine Tree Festival into a more regional event, Swainsboro Festival Foundation, Inc. has announced plans to add a forestry and wildlife field day to this year's EXPO events. The event will be called "A Day in the Forest."
The event will be held on Thursday Afternoon, April 29, from 1 until 5 P.M. at the EXPO site on McLeod Bridge Road.
The event will be followed by the Georgia Forestry Association Regional Meeting and Dinner. Tickets for "A Day in the Forest" are $5. Ticket prices for both the field day and the GFA Meeting and Dinner are $15.
Russ Yeomans, Co-Chair of the Southeast Timber Expo explains, "We are extremely excited to be teaming up with Georgia Forestry Association to offer landowners and friends of forestry an opportunity to learn about management practices and brush up on current events and happenings in the forest industry." Many of the short classes will be "certified" allowing forestry professionals to earn credits outside the classroom.
Many forest and wildlife businesses and organizations will be on hand to promote forestry services and management techniques. Expected to attend are experts from the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, The University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry, The University of Georgia College of Agriculture, The Longleaf Alliance and The National Wild Turkey Federation.
"An outdoor environment will be the setting for an educational experience as attendees take a beautiful trek down a short trail linking stations that will cover topics such as streamside management, water quality, pond management, pine straw production, forest heath/ invasive species, herbaceous weed control and wildlife habitat. Participants will be able to move about at their own speed, asking questions and seeing live demonstrations.
The Ga. Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission-Emanuel County Unit will conduct two controlled burns at 1:45 P.M. and 3:45 P.M. on site, weather permitting.
"The State of Georgia has over 24 million acres in forest land. Swainsboro and Emanuel County are at the very heart of this "timber belt". Many citizens in this region either work in timber, own land, or are affected by this industry. It's only fitting that the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo grow to include a forest and wildlife field day to spotlight this important renewable resource," stated Bill Rogers Jr., chairman of Swainsboro Festival Foundation, Inc."
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Friday Concert Plans are announced!
The event of the year will be held when country sensations Bucky Covington and Jimmy Wayne appear in concert at this year's Pine Tree Festival. This announcement was made by Athen Walden, president of Swainsboro Festival Foundation, Inc., organizers of the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber EXPO.
The Friday night concert will be held at the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreational Center on McLeod Bridge Road. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased at the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, online at www.pinetreefestival.org., or at local banks and other outlets.
The concert will be presented on a huge 40 x 40 ft. stage with lights and canopy in case of rain.
In 2008, Jimmy Wayne's career was stone cold. His new album, "Do You Believe Me Now" turned into one of the greatest comeback stories in modern country music history. His album soared to the top of the country charts, was No. 1 for three weeks and became one of the biggest hits of 2008-2009.
Bucky Covington's career took off after appearances on American Idol. His talent was illustrated through three hit singles ("A Different World," "I'll Work," "It's Good to Be Us") that pushed his debut album toward gold status. He became the best selling debut artist of the class of 2007, with the best first week sales and highest Top 200 debut for any male artist in 15 years.
Also on stage will be one of Atlanta's hottest country bands, South 70. The band will kick off the concert prior to Wayne and Covington appearances.
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Historic airplanes to arrive for festival on Saturday
 Last year, the Pine Tree Festival introduced a new addition to the festivities. Flying over the parade route and on display was "Killer B," a World War II B-25 Bomber.
This year, "Killer B" will return to the Festival, but with additional reinforcements. Expected to appear will be a T6-Texan and a DC-3. Both aircraft were instrumental in winning the war.
In addition, Prestige Helicopter, Inc. will offer rides around the Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO site for $25.00. This marks the second year the Atlanta firm has been a part of local activities.
Weather permitting, the historic airplanes will pass over the downtown area during the parade enroute to the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport. The aircraft will then taxi to the EXPO site for viewing.
The airport will also serve as the center of an all-day "Fly-In." Invitations have been sent to area and regional pilots to "fly-in" and enjoy the festivities for the day.
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Saturday, May 1st
Large crowds expected on Saturday!
With so much to do and so many events planned for this year's Pine Tree Festival, it's best to get up early on Saturday!
The "Knotty Pine Race" gets underway in downtown Swainsboro with registration in front of Catered Creations at 6:30 A.M. A 5-K race is scheduled for 8 a.m. with a Fun Run slated for 9:00 A.M.
The Glad Garden Club will open the doors at 7 A.M. for its first-ever Pine Tree Festival "Indoor Yard Sale" at 114 North Main. In addition, the WXRS Pine Tree Festival "Grill-Off" is slated to begin at 8:00 A.M. in the Boneyard. An Artist Market is set to begin at the same time in the Downtown Square.
Continuing downtown will be entertainment starting at 9 A.M. followed by "Grand Marshall Ceremonies" at 9:45.
This year's parade will begin at 10:30 A.M. following at noon by the WXRS "Battle of the Bands" contest.
At 3 p.m., WXRS will conduct a Bake-off contest to wrap up the downtown events.
The day is just as busy at the EXPO site.
The gates open at 8 a.m., with the Pine Tree Festival Open Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show.
The FMX Motorcycle Stunt & Exhibition Show, the Masters of the Chainsaw, The Parks at Chehaw Animal Encounter Show, and the Department of Natural Resources will present multiple shows that afternoon.
In addition to the events, exhibits, and forest management equipment displays previously mentioned, the antique aircraft will be on hand for viewing while Prestige Helicopters, Inc. will offer helicopter rides around the EXPO site.
Back for a second year will be the Caterpillar/Prentice logging loader competition. Local loggers will compete for the title and $1,000 in prize money.
At 2:00 p.m. "Camp McLeod" will come alive with a full-fledged battle. Sounds from multiple cannons and re-enactors engaging in a mock Civil War battle will give attendees a first-hand look at history.
During the day singers and dancers will be performing.
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Calling all local businesses. . .
Local businesses are invited to be a part of this year's Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO. Being a vendor allows your business to show your product(s) before a huge audience. Last year over 10,000 people attended the event. For more information, call Athen Walden, 478-237-6619.
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Special thanks to our sponsors
This year's Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO has a very special group of sponsors and contributors. The 65th annual event, with many new activities, events, shows and displays, is made possible through generous contributions to the Swainsboro/ Emanuel County Festival Foundation, Inc.
The Festival Foundation was created to improve and expand the scope of the Pine Tree Festival beyond its single-day celebration into a more regional affair. In addition, the Foundation was created to broaden knowledge of the timber industry and the impact it has on the area's economy.
The list of sponsors includes the City of Swainsboro, Mill Creek Foundation, Cooter Creek Farms, L.F.G. Company, Wal-Mart Supercenter Swainsboro/Emanuel County Parks & Recreation, , Alltel, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Forestry Commission, All-Green Services, Emanuel County Board of Education, CH2M Hill-OMI, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authority, Northland Cable Television, Whitfield Farms & Nursery, WXRS Radio, Rayonier, The Forest-Blade, Handi-House Manufacturing, National Wild Turkey Federation, Swainsboro Shrine Club, Yeomans Wood & Timber Inc., Ag South Farm Credit, Altamaha E.M.C., Air Star-Robert Barker, Aaron's, B & J Timber Company, Bill & Kay Rogers, Blanchard Equipment Co., Buckley & Associates, Carmichael Family Farms LLC, Caterpillar/Prentice, Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Central Fence Company, Claude Howard Lumber Company, Daniels Chevrolet, Durden Banking Company, East Georgia College, Emanuel Arts Council, Emanuel County Farm Bureau, Emanuel County Historic Preservation Society, Emanuel Tractor Sales, F&W Forestry Services Inc., Gallery RFD, Gillis Ag & Timber, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Power Company, Growing Communication, James Fendig, John Torpy, Jerry N. Cadle PC, John & Dorothy Black, Meeks Farms & Nursery, Milton & Tammy Gray, Mason Logging, L&M Farms, Longleaf Forestry Services, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Peggy Jolly, Pineland Telephone, Poole Properties, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co., Robins Federal Credit Union, Rhodes Timber, Rotary Club of Swainsboro, Screven Wood Company, Southeast Technical College, Shaving Express, Spivey State Bank, Stuckey Timberland, Inc., Swainsboro Exchange Club, Swainsboro Financial Services, Swainsboro Jaycees, Swainsboro Kiwanis Club, Swainsboro Raceway, Swainsboro Rotary Club, Vermeer S.E. Sales & Service, and Weyerhaeuser Company.
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Special recognition is due!!
Events like this year's Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO don't just happen. It takes countless meetings and hours of volunteer time. The Board of Directors of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Festival Foundation needs to be commended. Members are Athen Walden, Russ Yeomans, Charles Schwabe, John Allen Bailey, Dr. John Black, Larry Calhoun, James Canady, Calvin Close, Daisy Reeves Carol Yeomans, Doug Chassereau, Heather Cook, Mark Crosby, Bob Loser, Kay Peacock, Jen Meadows, Frank Denmark, Anthony Faris, Dr. Tommy Craft, Dr. Tim Goodman, Mack Griffin, Richard Claxton, Milton Gray, Rodney Kellum, Jolly Martin, Phillip Myhand, Al Lawson, Johnny Payne, Mary Smith, Richard Thornton, and Bill Rogers. |
Don't forget . . .
Wash Pot Festival is planned for May 15th
The 12th annual Garfield Wash Pot Festival has been planned for Friday and Saturday, May 14th & 15th. The festival will kickoff this year with a bass fishing tournament on May 1st.
On Friday night, May 14th, beginning at 7 P.M., live music will be presented from the stage, with vendors and crafters open for business.
On Saturday, May 15th, events include a 5K Potty Run, food & craft vendors, parade, auction, lawn mower pull and a street dance featuring the "Smokin Mirrors," from St. Augustine, Fla.
The Wash Pot Festival is famous for its delicious southern foods cooked in giant wash pots. Selections include barbecue, fried chicken, Brunswick stew, corn, collards, creamed corn, and much, much more. The lunch will be served at 11 A.M. and don't be late, because the food doesn't last long!!!
The Garfield Wash Pot Beauty Pageant will be held on May 5 & 6 at the Emanuel County Institute Auditorium. For more information call 763-2211 or 912-690-2719.
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Official Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber EXPO Brochure is here!
How can you be sure you don't miss any of this year's exciting Pine Tree Festival events? Get your hands on a copy of the official 2010 brochure of the Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO. The full color brochure features an EXPO map, sponsor listings, short history, parade route, and a complete listing of all events with times and places. The brochure will be inserted into the April 28th edition of the Forest-Blade. Copies are also available at local banks and other stores and outlets, including the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce.
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| April 2010 Chamber Member Renewals |
Adrian Building Concepts, Inc.
American Cancer Society
Emanuel Janitorial Services & Supplies
Hickory Trace Homes
Livingston Realty
Rentown
Stewarts Jewelers, Inc.
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Friday, April 23rd, 7:00 pm - Relay for Life of Emanuel County, Emanuel County Recreation Department
Saturday, April 24th-Wednesday, May 5th - Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO
Tuesday, May 11th, 9:30am - Chamber Executive Board Meeting, Chamber Building
Wednesday, May 12th, 10:30am - Region 9 GACCE Meeting, Chamber Building
Thursday, May 13th, 12:00pm - Chamber Regular Board Meeting, Chamber Building
Saturday, May 15th - Wash Pot Festival, Garfield, GA
Monday, May 17th, 7:00pm - Emanuel County Commissioners Meeting, County Chambers
Tuesday, May 18th, 5:00pm - Joint Development Authority Meeting, Chamber Building
Thursday, May 20th - Georgia Resource Center Trip, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, May 26th, 12:00pm - Industry Appreciation Day, Chemetron |
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