| Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce |
Official PTF & 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 2011 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 May 5th edition of The Forest-Blade. Brochures are also available at the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, 102 South Main Street. |
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Events kick off Pine Tree Festival
The Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo will kick off the celebration with multiple events on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 29th, 30th, & May 1st.
Swainsboro Country Club will be the scene of the 2011 Pine Tree Festival Golf Tournament. Practice rounds will be played on Friday, April 29th, while tournament play is scheduled Saturday and Sunday. Champions of the various flights will be crowned late Sunday afternoon.
The Pine Tree Festival Tennis Tournament will be held at East Georgia College Tennis Courts on April 29th through May 1st. The tournament is sponsored by the Swainsboro Area Tennis Association. There will be women, men, girls & boys competition in singles and doubles. For more information call Diane Morris at 478-494-3933.
On Saturday, April 30th, the Swainsboro Rotary Club will be hosting the annual Pine Tree Festival Beauty Pageants. The pageants are divided into three age categories, 0-6, 7-12, and teen & queen. For more information contact Al Lawson at 478-237-7025.
Also in Saturday will be the Pine Tree Festival Breeze Bicycle Race. The event will begin behind Spivey State Bank at 7:30 a.m. and is sponsored by the East Georgia Circle K Club. Call 912-531-3417 for more information.
The Sudie Fulford Learning Center at East Georgia College will be the site of the Pine Tree Festival Spring Flower Show. The show will open at 3 p.m. on Saturday and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. |
Major events are planned for Festival & EXPO
 "The Fearless Flores" and "The Great Bear Show" are just two of the exciting new events planned for this year's Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO. Performances are slated for a number of times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 5th, 6th, & 7th (See brochure for times).
In addition, "The Masters of the Chainsaw" will make a return appearance at this year's festival.
The "Motorcycle Globe of Death," featuring the famous Fearless Flores family, should astound everyone! This two-wheel spectacle of motorcycle madness has traveled and performed in almost every state in America. They recently completed a 2010 summer showcase on the "Beachwalk" in Atlantic City. Father, mother, daughter, and son, perform in this event which has been seen by millions on national TV, ESPN 3 and "Extra." See the amazing human cannonball, heart-stopping thrills on the space wheel, a beautiful lady daredevil defying death 65 feet in the air, and the Motorcycle Raceway in the sky, all performed by the Fearless Flores.
The "Great Little Bear Show" is the oldest and longest running wild animal educational show in the country. Having performed at state fairs, in movies, and on sports shows and television, The Great Little Bear Show is led by trainer and owner Jeanette Rix. The show is a wonderful mix of entertainment and education sure to excite children and adults alike.
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. A crowd favorite, the chainsaw performers are back for a demand performance.
Back for another year also is the "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 major events, there will be forest-management equipment displays, Department of Natural Resources' wildlife displays, demonstrations by the Swainsboro Fire Department and "Haz-Mat" unit, plenty of arts & crafts vendors, and delicious food and treats for the entire family. |
FFA Chapters to compete in event on Wednesday, May 4th
Schools from across Georgia that have earned a spot in the state competition by placing either first or second in their area contest, will compete in the State Forestry Career Development Event (CDE) to be held at the Swainsboro- Emanuel County Recreation Department in conjunction with the Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo. The event will be held Wednesday, May 4th, 2011, starting at 10:00 am.
The top scoring team will move on to the National FFA Forestry CDE to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in the fall during the National FFA Convention.
The Forestry Field Day CDE provides recognition to FFA members who demonstrate skills and competencies as a result of forestry instruction through agricultural education. Each Forestry Field Day team is made up of 11 FFA members who compete in individual activities and four members who compete in a team activity dealing with forest management. The individual activities include reforestation, timber stand improvement, timber cruising for cord volume, timber cruising for board foot volume, tree identification, ocular estimation, land measurement, hand compass practicum, forest management and tree/forest disorders. The top three individuals in these 10 events are presented savings bonds by the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo.
Sponsors for the Forestry CDE are the Southeastern Technical College Foundation, the Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber Expo Foundation and Meeks Tree Farm and Nursery.
The Georgia Forestry Commission, International Paper, Langdale Corporation, Plum Creek, members of the Fish and Game Management Program from the Swainsboro Campus of Southeastern Technical College and the University of Georgia will have representatives at the CDE that serve as judges for the different events.
Miss Pine Tree Festival 2011 will be on hand to help present the awards to the students around 2:00 pm that afternoon.
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Agriculture Commissioner Black to speak Thursday night
Georgia's new Commissioner of Agriculture, Gary Black, will be the guest speaker for the second annual Forestry and Wildlife Field Day slated for Thursday night, May 5th. The event is held in conjunction with the Pine Tree Festival and the Georgia Forestry Association Regional Landowners' Meeting and Dinner.
GFA Regional Landowners' Meeting and Dinner will begin at the conclusion of "A Day in the Forest" and is slated to be one of the most informative forestry meetings in recent years! "We are so thankful that Commissioner Black thinks enough of what we are doing here to come be a part of it," expressed Johnny Payne, Pine Tree board member.
Also expected to be of much interest to landowners and foresters will be Timber Mart South's timber market analysis, which will be presented during the dinner. Timber Mart South is a leader in timber market analysis and they will be presenting trends and future outlooks for timber markets in the Southeast. "As a landowner and a forester, I am very interested in hearing what these folks think the future holds for the timber industry," said Russ Yeomans, local business owner and Expo co-chair. |
"Day in the Forest" to be held
"A Day in the Forest" will be held in conjunction with the Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO on Thursday afternoon, May 5th, at 1:00 p.m. The field day includes stops at indoor and outdoor classroom settings to learn about current topics of interest to landowners, foresters, loggers, and all outdoor enthusiasts.
This year's topics include establishing high quality food plots, investing in agriculture and timber lands, growing healthy forests for timber and wildlife, and the role of tree genetics in the future of forestry. Also new to this year's field day will be a tour of the Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area.
Many forestry and wildlife companies will be on hand with exhibit booths set up in the Swainsboro/ Emanuel County Recreation Department Gym for the Field Day and the Landowners' dinner.
Mark Crosby, co-chair of the Southeast Timber Expo, is looking forward to a big turnout. He said, "We are excited about the early responses we are having from exhibitors and landowners alike!" More than 15 exhibitors are expected to be on hand to showcase their information and speak with attendees during the afternoon and evening.
The information-packed event will be held at the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Recreation Department from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the Landowners' Meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. Continuing Logger Education and Continuing Forester Education Credit will be available. Pre-registration is required. Contact Donna Brinson at the Chamber of Commerce for more information, or visit online at www.pinetreefestival.org. |
Friday night features Medallions, Sam's Drive-In & shows!
On Friday afternoon, May 6th, gates will open at 5 p.m. for the 2011 Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO. Those in attendance will enjoy " top-entertainment shows" and a concert featuring two of this area's favorite bands, The Swingin' Medallions and Sam's Drive-In.
Following the performance of the "Great Little Bear Show" at 6 p.m. and "Fearless Flores at 6:30 p.m., Sam's Drive-In will begin the concert at 7 p.m.
Featuring Billy Cooler, Phil Wilson, Troy Braswell, Trey Cowart , Chuck Hutcheson, Lige Moore, and Gloria Sutters, the local band has recently completed their third CD entitled "Living at the Crossroads." The band is well-known for their music that resonates with nostalgic memories from Swainsboro's own "Record Hop", the "56-Drive-In" and Sam's Drive-In "Rocket."
Taking center stage at 8 p.m. will be the fabulous Swingin' Medallions. Known as the "Party Band of the South," the group is famous for their hit songs "Double Shot of My Baby's Love" and "Hey, Hey Baby." Their sound has been labeled beach music, R&B, frat rock, and shagging music, so bring your chairs, sit back, and enjoy the great sound of this high-energy band.
Advance tickets are $10 for Friday night, or $15 at the gates. Tickets are available at Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, Yeomans Chiropractic, East Georgia College Student Center, and Merle Norman. |
Students to visit Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO
Nearly 4,000 students from area schools are set to visit the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Recreational Complex on McLeod Bridge Road on Thursday and Friday mornings, May 5th & 6th, for the 2011 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 Fearless Flores Circus & Thrill Show, The Great Little Bear Show, Masters of the Chainsaw, "Camp McLeod" and much more. Students will receive drinks and popcorn during their field trip exercise.
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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, May 7th!
The "Knotty Pine Race", sponsored by Swainsboro Kiwanis Club, gets underway in downtown Swainsboro with registration in front of Catered Creations at 6:30 a.m. A 5K race is scheduled for 8 a.m. with a Fun Run slated for 9:00.
In addition, the WXRS Pine Tree Festival "Grill-Off" is slated to begin at 8:00 a.m. in the Boneyard. 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. followed at noon by the WXRS "Battle of the Bands" contest.
At 2 p.m., WXRS will conduct a bake-off contest to wrap up the downtown events.
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Historic airplanes and cars to arrive for festival
Antique cars, trucks, motorcycles and two vintage aircraft will be featured at the 2011 Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO on Saturday, May 7th.
A Mitsubishi A6M Zero and a Nakajima B5N2 Kate Bomber, used extensively by the Japanese during World War II, will be on display at the Recreational Complex. Weather permitting, the historic airplanes will pass over the Swainsboro downtown area during the parade enroute to the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Airport. The aircraft will then taxi to the EXPO site for viewing.
The Swainsboro-Emanuel County 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.
Over 60 antique cars, trucks and motorcycle, are expected to be a part of this year's "Classic Car, Truck and Cycle Show." Awards will be presented to the top 30 cars, top 5 trucks, and top 3 motorcycles. Show awards will be present to the Best Car, Best Truck & Best Motorcycle. For more information contact Michael Bright, at 706-551-8505 or visit www.southgeorgiacarshows.com. |
Who is the Best Loader Operator in the Area?
Yancey Brothers, Forest Products Division is scheduled to be back in Swainsboro on Saturday, May 7th, at the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo to see who is the best log loader operator in the area.
The 3rd Annual Yancey Bros. Loader Competition will begin Saturday morning with qualifying rounds. The top times will move on to "The Championship Run," which will be held just after lunch. Trophies and cash prizes are given to the top three places. Past winners expected to be present are Bobby Claxton (2009) and Dewayne Hart (2010).
Greg Callahan, Forest Products Sales Manager says Yancey is excited to be a part of the weekend. "We always look forward to coming to the Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber Expo. We see a lot of good loggers from the area at the event each year." Yancey Brothers plans to use a Cat 559DS Log Loader for the contest to showcase its strength, quickness and versatility and fuel efficiency. Yancey Bros. will also have other pieces of Cat forestry equipment on display for the public.
During the three day Expo event, other forestry equipment companies plan to participate. Skidders, feller bunchers, log trucks, and log trailers will be on site as well as company representatives to answer any questions about the equipment. Georgia Forestry Association fire suppression equipment will also be on display.
Anyone participating in the loader competition will be admitted free on Saturday. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. the morning of the event. For more information, please contact Russ Yeomans at 478-237-9940 or visit our website, www.pinetreefestival.org. |
Swainsboro Raceway features major event!
 Concluding the 2011 Pine Tree Festival activities will be Swainsboro Raceway's Pine Tree 100 World of Outlaws Late Model Race on Saturday night, May 7th. The winner will walk away with $10,000. In addition, Aaron's Crate Late Model Race will pay $1,000 to the winner. Grandstands open at 3 p.m. with qualifying at 7 p.m.
Earlier in the week on Thursday night, May 5th, Swainsboro Raceway will feature a Pine Tree Festival 100 "Thursday Night Thunder Race." The race will feature Road Warrior, Mini-Stock, Pure Stock and Super Street categories. Gates will open at 5 p.m., with Hot Laps at 7 p.m., and racing at 8 p.m.
For more information call 478-252-1300 or 478-494-5005 or visit www.swainsbororaceway.com. |
Calling all local businesses...
Local businesses are invited to be a part of the 2011 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, 478-237-7001 or the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, 478-237-6426. |
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 Donna Brinson, Athen Walden, Russ Yeomans, Charles Schwabe, John Allen Bailey, Dr. John Black, Larry Calhoun, James Canady, Calvin Close, Daisy Reeves, Erica Priester, Carol Yeomans, Mike Jones, Heather Cook, Mark Crosby, Kay Peacock, Jen Meadows, Frank Denmark ,
Erma Jenkins, Dr. Tim Goodman, Mack Griffin, Richard Claxton, Dr. Mark Haddock, Milton Gray, John Thrift, Jolly Martin, Lynn Brinson, Ronnie Womack, Tessa Brown, Cody Hall, Al Lawson, Johnny Payne, Mary Smith, Dr. Richard Thornton, and Bill Rogers. |
Wash Pot Festival is planned for May 21st
The 13th annual Garfield Wash Pot Festival has been planned for Friday and Saturday, May 20th & 21st. The festival will kick off this year with a bass fishing tournament on May 7th. For more information on the tournament call 478-494-1046.
Wash Pot Beauty Pageants will be held on May 11th and 12th at the Emanuel County Institute Auditorium. For more information call 478-494-5455.
On Saturday, May 21th, events will include a 5K Potty Run at 8 a.m., food & craft vendors, parade at 10:00 a.m., an auction at 12 noon, and a lawn mower pull at 2 p.m. A street dance featuring Sam's Drive-In Band will be held staring at 7:30 p.m.
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!!
Tickets are $3.00 and are good all day. |
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It's Pine Tree Time!!!
The much anticipated 2011 Pine Tree Festival and Southeast Timber EXPO is finally here! After months of planning and coordination, this year's line-up of events should be the best ever! This month's Chamber newsletter is devoted to covering the slate of events. In all, there are 33 different events planned over the next ten days to celebrate the 66th Annual Pine Tree Festival. Be sure to enjoy them all. |
| April 2011 Chamber Member Renewals |
Altamaha Electric Membership Corporation
City of Stillmore
Emanuel County Clinic of Chiropractic
Hickory Trace Homes
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Kongsberg Automotive
McKinney's Pond
Papa Buck's BBQ & Catering
Porter Medical Clinic
Savannah Luggage Works
Sconyers, Linda
Southern Traditions
Sturgis Studio
Twin City Precision Metals, LLC
Yeomans, Russ & Stacy |
| April 2011 Chamber
New Members |
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Clark Dixon
660 Old Swainsboro Road
Twin City, GA 30401
478-763-2632
Matt Henry
686 Friendship Church Road
Twin City, GA 30471
478-494-3255
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Thursday, April 28th - East Georgia College Honors Evening, Gambrell Auditorium
Friday, April 29th-Sunday, May 8th - 66th Annual Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO
Thursday, May 5th - "Thursday Night Thunder Race" at Swainsboro Raceway
Friday, May 6th, 7:00 pm - Swingin' Medallions and Sam's Drive-In in concert, Swainsboro Recreation Department
Saturday, May 7th - Pine Tree Festival & Southeast Timber EXPO events, downtown Swainsboro and Swainsboro Recreation Department
Saturday, May 7th - Wash Pot Festival Bass fishing tournament
Saturday, May 7th, 7:00pm - Pine Tree 100 World of Outlaws Late Model Race, Swainsboro Raceway
Tuesday, May 10th 9:30am - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Meeting, Chamber building
Wednesday, May 11th-Thursday, May 12th - Wash Pot pageants, Emanuel County Institute auditorium
Thursday, May 12th, 12:00noon - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce Regular Board Meeting, Chamber building
Tuesday, May 17th, 5:00pm - Swainsboro/Emanuel County Joint Development Authorities board meeting, Chamber building
Wednesday, May 18th - GEDA conference
Thursday, May 19th, 5:00pm-6:30pm - Business After Hours, Swainsboro Raceway
Friday, May 20th - Wash Pot Festival presents Sam's Drive-In in concert, Garfield, Ga.
Saturday, May 21st - Wash Pot Festival events
Thursday, May 26th - Small Business Class, "Estate Planning" presented by Jeffrey Williams Monday, May 30th - Chamber closed in observance of Memorial Day Tuesday, May 31st - "Emanuel in Pictures" photo contest entries due |
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