Another spring is here and even though a lingering coolness of winter air persists in the mornings, one one has to do is breath in the fresh air, tinged with a hint of pollen to know that old man winter is fast retreating. Despite these cool mornings, other things are heating up in the greater Butts County community and there is much to be excited about in our small corner of the world.

First, a familiar annual event, the Dauset Trails Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival on April 20th, is up for its 19th year and promises to be a fun family day for all. Information on this event has not been shared with us at the time of publication but please keep an eye on their website for updates. The main gate will open at 9:00 AM and admission is free!

Second, on May 11th, the 19th Annual Fine Arts Festival returns to downtown Jackson, hosted at the corner of East Third Street and Dempsey Avenue. Featuring a variety of local and regional artists and sculptors, the Fine Arts Festival is hosted by the Jackson-Butts County Council for the Arts. Box lunches will be available for sale on the grounds and many different artists will have their booths set up to display their creations, available for sale. Admission is free and while you are there, be sure to walk over and visit the Jackson Veterans Memorial Park that pays tribute and homage to our Veterans who fought in wars over the last century, as well as those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

As we head into spring and look forward to the coming summer season, I hope you will take time to explore some of the great things happening in our own backyard of Jackson-Butts County…and if you are not from here, I hope you will come and visit us and learn why we are “Georgia’s Outdoor Capitol” in terms of lakes, state parks, nature centers, river corridors, golf, trails and scenic beauty. Located less than an hour from Atlanta or Macon, we are really closer to everywhere than anywhere else and we’d love to welcome you to our community. Visit our towns or explore our natural areas, then experience some great food and have some fun. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you!

Michael