Spring is nearly here in rural Georgia, and with warmer weather come events of all sorts. Consider adding these to your calendar this month!
· Opening Day at Hardman Farm, Mar. 1 in Clarkesville: Hardman Farm reopens for the season! Join us for a guided tour on the hour, with the first one at 10:00 a.m., and the last going out at 3:00 p.m. Adults: $12, Seniors (63+): $10, Youth (6-17): $7, Children under 6: Free. More details: http://explore.gastateparks.org/info/235233?c=16534316.
· First Friday, Mar. 1 in Americus: On Friday, March 1, Americus will hold its monthly “First Friday” downtown-wide open house. The theme for this month’s First Friday is “Game Night!” Downtown merchants will offer discounts, samples, giveaways, and more! Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with most shops and businesses staying open until 8 p.m. “First Friday After Dark” continues the festivities into the night after 8 p.m. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/events/609035546188452/.
· Farm Animal Fun Day, Mar. 2 in Clarkesville: Over the years, Hardman Farm has been the home to several species of livestock. Come visit and pet some furry friends here on the Farm as we continue our journey to "bring the farm to life" and keep the American agricultural experience alive. Pricing: Animal encounters are free with site admission. Your site admission also includes a tour of the Mansion and Farm. More details at http://explore.gastateparks.org/info/255878?c=16534317.
· In the Wake, through Mar. 12 in Statesboro: Exhibition by self-taught artist and Statesboro resident John Givens explores the South through pastels, watercolors and French crayons. More information at www.averittcenterforthearts.org/exhibitions.
· Emory Jones Book Signing, Mar. 9 in Clarkesville: Hardman Farm celebrates its past with Emory Jones, author of "Distant Voices: The Story of the Nacoochee Valley Indian Mound." He will read excerpts from his new book, "The Valley Where They Danced." This post-WWI historical novel features scenes from Hardman Farm. Hear excerpts prior to your tour and then bring back questions for Mr. Jones afterward. More info at http://explore.gastateparks.org/info/226917?c=16534356.
· Georgia Ag Week 2019, Mar. 18-22, statewide: The Georgia Department of Agriculture is excited to celebrate the 2019 Agriculture Awareness Week in Georgia, March 18-22. There will be a themed event each day of the week, all designed to celebrate the vital role Georgia agriculture contributes to our daily lives! We encourage you to get involved in your communities and schools by spreading the word, sharing your knowledge and helping us promote Georgia's No. 1 industry-- agriculture. We invite you to take part in as many of the activities as possible. Each day, the department and partner organizations will highlight Georgia agriculture and sponsor giveaways, so find out more at http://georgiaagweek.com/agweek2019/.
Find more rural Georgia events on our event calendar on the homepage. Submit your community's event and let the Rural Center help you drum up a crowd.
Nacoochee Mound photo by Georgia photographer Alan Cressler.