Deer Festival

It’s time to gear up for the 49th Annual Deer Festival.

Did you know the Chamber of Commerce works on the festival all year? We’ve been selling vendor spaces and meeting monthly to plan this year’s event. There have been several changes/additions made this year to the festival that I would like to share with you.

The most exciting are the changes to the parade. This year, we are giving away prize money! For the best entries, first place will receive $200, second place will receive $100, and third place will receive $50.

We are encouraging a theme of “Deer Capital of Georgia.”

Another addition to the parade this year will be more bands! Speaking of bands, we have been working with the High School Band Director Chris Savage, and there is going to be a “battle of the bands.” Several bands from the surrounding area will be performing at the football field on College Street from 10 am until noon and then they will march in the parade. The bands will also be performing for prize money. The parade is at 2 p.m.

Are you ready for the “award winning” Deer Dash? This is the 18th year for the dash. We have mailed over 500 invitations. The 5k Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run is a favorite locally and around the state. You’re going to love the coveted t-shirt this year, designed by Payton Proctor and his art class at Jasper County High School.

You will want to purchase our annual Deer Festival T-Shirts. This year, they will be available in October before the event.

We introduced the food court last year and that will remain. The food court is on Warren Street in front of the stage area. We will have chairs in front of the stage and a few tables set up in the center of Warren Street for you to enjoy your eats. The food choices and vendor spaces are limited so we can have a nice variety and yes, there are many local citizens fixing your favorites. (three spaces left to sell).

We will continue to have a gun raffle and the Kiwanis Club will join us for the Annual Venison Cook-Off.

So…make plans now to attend the 49th Annual Deer Festival. It is Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Would you like more information? www.jaspercountycoc.com or join us on Facebook at www.faebook.com/deerfestival