My, we have a myriad of fun things to do and people to see in Americus, Sumter County.
Spring is here in force and so are the varied events. Today Arts in Rees Park, a fun, family-oriented festival, presented by the Americus Sumter County Arts Council, opens at 11 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. and hey, it’s free and open to the public. You don’t want to miss this.
The event will feature a fantastic array of visual and performing art vendors and demonstrations such as glass blowing and glass art by Devon Cole and Robin Humphreys, pottery demonstration, storytelling, dance performances, live music featuring the Americus High Jazz Band and the GSW Jazz Band and other musical groups, and interactive creative activities for all ages.
Stilt walker and juggler Robert Dinwiddie will entertain as well as the Curious Moon puppet show. Sumter Humane Society will offer pets to adopt and showcase their new mobile rescue unit, too. Americus Fire and Emergency Services will have fire safety information and the Perry Wellness Center will have live plants and crafts for sale.
Of course, there is the array of delish food — this is a great time to enjoy a picnic in the park and munch on goodies from the food vendors. So be there early and spend the day. It’s always a memorable occasion.
We have many happy memories of Arts in Rees Park over the years. Bruce, my artist husband, and I have always been supportive and as president of the Arts Council for a number of years, led the event. We’re glad that it continues as one of the main attractions in Americus and Sumter County. We’ll be there and hope to see you, too.
And don’t forget the Sumter Historic Trust’s annual spring party and auction is the evening of Saturday, April 30 at the Lee Council House. Tickets are available at the Hooks Agency and Minick Interiors.
Last weekend was packed with the Junior Service League annual luncheon, weddings and bridal showers. The wedding season is upon us. It will be a merry-go-round from now through October for the 20s to 30s crowd jumping from one to another.
Speaking of the league luncheon, it was delightful. The theme reflected our southern heritage: guest speaker, Georgia born Virginia Willis, Southern food writer and author, and blue and white décor. The luncheon entrée was appropriately basil-peach chicken breast prepared from Willis’ recipe, and the table centerpieces were fluffy white hydrangeas, blue larkspur, tiny yellow mums and white daisies mixed with native greenery in blue and white vases. Congratulations to Megan Scott, entertainment chairman, and Felicia Harper, co-chairman for the outstanding event.
The 2016 JSL Provisionals are Melanie Aldridge, Shannan Blanchard, Laine Brown, Lauren Covington, Kate Fussell, Mandi Gibby, Krista Greene, Hayden Hooks, Angie Miller, Jessica Phillips, Alex Riccardi, Hannah Ricketts, Ashley Rush, Tobey Shirah, Elizabeth Waldron, Jami Welch, Morgan Whaley and Lauren Vann. The 2016 honoraries are Jane Myers and Dot Smith.
Congratulations also to Brittany Eason, rising senior at Americus Sumter High School, recipient of the 2016 DAR Junior ROTC medal presented by the Council of Safety Chapter.
The Rotary Club of Americus members’ annual ride to the “rivah” — more well-known as Lake Blackshear — aboard the SAM short line train was so much fun. We boarded the train in Americus at the West Church Street depot and road the line, enjoying the passing landscape while mixing and mingling with everyone. We dined on a delish Chick Fil A supper onboard while parked on the trestle, overlooking the flowing waters of the Flint River and watching birds dive for their own supper of fresh fish. Those making the excursion were Mary Ann Crowley, president, and her husband, Chet Crowley, Jim and Vicky Covington, Steve and Mona Nelson, Steve and Jeannie Stanfield, Don and Sybil Smith, Karen Holloway, Joe Daniel, Carl and Judy Tott, Kelly and Reda Rowell, Hank Hart, Jimmy and Morgan Whaley, Brandon Vann, Danny and Lisa Adkins, Brad and Mary Lafevers, Sam and Reba Hunter, Susan Ruckman, Lou and Candy Riccardi, Rene and Angela Smith, Marion and Virginia Franklin, Cindy Pryor and Thurston and Gail Clary.
Meanwhile, Rod and Lynn Marchant visited daughter, Kelly Marchant, in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she is studying for six months at the University of Edinburgh through the University of South Carolina where she is a rising senior in the Darla Moore School of Business, majoring in international marketing with a minor in Islamic studies and Arabic. Also on the trip were Jared and Lauren Leigh Marchant Wall and toddler daughter, Marianne Wall, 18 months. While in Edinburgh, they dined with former resident, Grace Durham, at her flat in Edinburgh then traveled to Glasgow, where they visited with David and Francine Gifford, former Americus residents. Rod and Jared also got in a game of golf at the famed old course at St. Andrews, playing in the dreary drizzle and brisk wind. They also got a trip to London in during the 10 days. Welcome back Marchants to the sunshine of southwest Georgia.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.