Dawn Castro
The Valdosta Daily Times
HAHIRA — Downtown Hahira will host Green Day on Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities include a cleanup, a chili cook-off, a parade and more.
Emily Grace Newkirk, the downtown development coordinator, said the main purpose of the event is to beautify the city and bring families out to enjoy the festivities. The day will begin at the Red Caboose on Main Street.
Trash bags and sterile gloves will be provided for volunteers who will be cleaning up. Individuals assisting with planting flowers may want to bring a pair of gardening gloves. Newkirk said there was a good turnout of volunteers last year. She hopes to have even more this year. She also added it is very important to pre-register so that everyone can be sure to have a place when they arrive on Saturday.
At noon, committee organizers will do a formal thank you to all the volunteers, who will judge the chili competition.
Competing in the chili cook-off will be some local civic groups of Hahira. The first place winner will receive bragging rights for the year along with a sign to carry in the parade.
“The parade will be a nice addition,” Newkirk said. “We actually have our very own St. Patrick to lead it off. We will also have a bagpipe and drum corps in the parade. I think it’s going to be really fun.”
Newkirk said the success of the event would not be possible without the volunteers and sponsors who give so selflessly.
“All of our events are really products of group effort from the Hahira merchants and business owners to the KLVB (Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful) organization and volunteers to tireless city public works crews who always help out with a smile.”
This year’s event includes the Hahira Girl Scouts, Hahira Fire Department and the Lion’s Club, just to name a few.
To learn more or to register as a volunteer, call Emily Grace Newkirk at (229) 794-2567.
