As I write this, spring and winter are having their annual February battle in Georgia, where the temperatures swing wildly from freezing cold to near-summer warm, usually within the same day and sometimes within the same hour. The yellow scourge can’t be far behind, and the inevitable dust clouds of swirling pollen and congested noses are likely just weeks (days) away. Despite all that, you can definitely sense the change in the season approaching, and it’s exciting to think about longer days, warmer weather, the last run toward the end of the school year and the many events coming up in Jackson and Butts County.

Some of the biggest annual events of the year happen in spring, including the Annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on March 10th, the Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival on April 23rd, the Annual Fine Arts Festival on May 7th and the Chamber Golf Tournament on May 18th. Each of these present unique opportunities to enjoy fellowship with others from the community, to appreciate diverse artistic and musical talent, to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and even to engage in friendly competition on the beautiful fairways of our local golf course.

The Annual Butts County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet is set for Thursday, March 10th at the Central Georgia EMC Annex from 5:30 PM-8:30 PM. The banquet is the Chamber’s signature annual event and, in addition to being the yearly business meeting of the organization, it’s also the event where a number of citizens, businesses and organizations are recognized for their good works in the community.

The theme of of this year’s banquet is “Everybody All Aboard!”, which is an appropriate theme considering the number of new businesses and members that have jumped aboard the Chamber train over the last year. Information about the banquet and how to make reservations can be found on their website at www.buttschamber.com and attendees are sure to enjoy the program planned by the highly creative team from the Butts County Chamber of Commerce.

The Annual Bluebirds and Bluegrass Festival is next, set for Saturday, April 23rd at Dauset Trails Nature Center, located near the Indian Springs Community. An annual tradition, the festival draws lovers of Bluegrass Music from all over Georgia to this family-friendly event, held on the expansive grounds of the nature center.

The festival features outdoor Bluegrass music, Dulcimer Jam Sessions and a variety of outdoor activities. Wildlife encounters, demonstrations, activities for kids and more are always part of the fun at Dauset Trails, which never charges admission…just come and enjoy the fun! If you’ve never been, don’t miss this chance to visit Dauset Trails Nature Center, a hidden jewel of family fun and adventure, located in Butts County…and maybe you just might spot Beau, our famous local weather prognosticator who comes out each year on Groundhog Day to let the south know when spring is coming. Dauset Trails is located at 360 Mount Vernon Church Road, Jackson, Georgia and more information can be found at www.dausettrails.com

This year marks the quarter century celebration for the Annual Fine Arts Festival, hosted by the Jackson-Butts County Council for the Arts, which returns to the downtown Jackson square for its 25th yearly art show! The festival will be held on Saturday, May 7th, 2022 from 10AM until 3PM and is definitely worth seeing. The event, now held on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse Visitor’s Center in downtown Jackson, draws both artists and art lovers from all over Georgia. Patrons may view and purchase original artwork in the form of paintings, clay, mixed media, photography, blown glass, sculpture, turned wood, jewelry and much more. A number of the artists are also from Butts County, and you can take home a piece of locally created art to enjoy in your home, office or business.

The Jackson-Butts County Council for the Arts “is organized for the purpose of encouraging excellence in the arts by promoting a broad range of arts activities throughout the county. It is to provide opportunities for children and adults to develop their imaginations and creative abilities through exposure to exhibitions, performances, concerts, festivals, and classes” according to their mission statement. The active group is always welcoming to new members interested in promoting and advancing the arts in Butts County.

The Council houses its permanent collection of artworks at the Butts County Administration Building, in Jackson City Hall and at the Historic Courthouse Visitor’s Center, where they have an office suite. The art and sculptures are displayed year-round for the enjoyment of all citizens and visitors. While you are in downtown Jackson for the art show, be sure to drop by the Jackson Presbyterian Church just north of the square and check out their annual Spring Fling Plant and Craft Sale, open from 9AM until 2PM

Finally, the Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be teeing up on Wednesday, May 18th at Hickory Hills Golf Course. This much-anticipated community event is always a day of fun, skill and friendly competition as golfers from all over the surrounding area come together for a chance to take home a prize or at least some bragging rights. Hickory Hill is a locally owned and operated 27-hole golf course that features water hazards, bunkers and challenging terrain, combined with natural, scenic beauty. It’s the perfect place to spend a day in the Outdoor Capital of Georgia. More information can be found on the Chamber website at www.buttschamber.com and be sure to check out their Facebook page for updates about the Annual Golf Tournament.

These are just the major events scheduled for spring this year, but a lot of smaller events go on as well throughout the county and I encourage you get out and see the community come to life as the spring season begins. Even if there is pollen, there’s no better place to be in the spring than Georgia and no better place in the state than in Butts County for both indoor and outdoor recreational activities. It’s important to remember that these events don’t just happen either…a lot of volunteerism and community activists work hard behind the scenes to showcase our community at its best and provide things to see, hear and do for everyone to enjoy.

Have a great spring season in Beautiful Butts County!

MB