SouthernMamas.com E-letter, Oct. 2
Things to do with kids in Savannah this month & this fall including a list of free local kids’ events.
Find it all in this week’s free SouthernMamas.com E-letter.
Read it here
Subscribe for free here.
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Fall Festival 2024 @ Advanced Academics Academy, Pooler
Save the date for this Pooler Fall Festival Fundraiser benefiting Advanced Academics Academy: Fri. Oct. 18, 5-7PM.
Games, Prizes. Face Painting. Bouncy House. Food truck. And more!
Cost: $15 per family (includes 2 punch cards) $3 for additional punch cards.
Advanced Academics Academy is @ 605 Hwy. 80 in Pooler.
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Advanced Academics Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Free Admission on Sat. Oct. 19 @ Jepson Center for the Arts, Savannah
Residents of Savannah and surrounding areas are invited to enjoy free admission to the Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center in Savannah for a day of engaging artist demonstrations and art projects!
In celebration of the exhibition, ‘Norman Rockwell and Peers,’ families are encouraged to come witness the talents of local children’s book illustrators and discover their own inner artists with creative studio activities.
Free admission for locals is made possible thanks to investment by the City of Savannah, The Georgia Council for the Arts, Colonial Group, Inc., and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center Free Family Day Art activities and demonstrations will take place 1-4PM Sat. Oct. 19 2024
*Free to residents of Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Bulloch, Beaufort and Jasper Counties.
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Telfair Museums monthly Art Start program for caregivers & children, Savannah
Introduce your little ones to art @ Telfair Museums’ monthly Art Start program @ the Jepson Center in Savannah Thurs. Oct. 17 2024 10:30-11:30AM.
Register online here.
$5 per child. Adults: Members free, Non-members $12
Start your day with art. Once a month, Telfair Museums’ youngest patrons are invited to the Jepson in downtown Savannah for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here.
Space is limited. Pre-register to secure your spot.
Register online here.
Art Start 2024 Dates
10:30-11:30AM Thurs. Oct. 17
10:30-11:30AM Thurs. Nov. 21
10:30-11:30AM Thurs. Dec. 19
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Artful Tales Friday Storytimes @ the Telfair Children’s Art Museum, Jepson Center, Savannah
Let your little ones’ imaginations soar during the new Artful Tales Story Time every Friday at 10:30AM in the Telfair Children’s Art Museum located at the Jepson Center.
This enchanting program is perfect for young art lovers and curious minds, combining the joy of storytelling with the wonder of art. Each week, Telfair Museums’ skilled storytellers will bring captivating tales to life, encouraging creativity and imagination in a vibrant, art-filled setting.
This event is free for Telfair members and included with general museum admission.
Become a Telfair member here.
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Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Savannah Wiener Dog Races 2024
Make plans to join the fun on Saturday, October 12, for the 2024 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, hosted by Plant Riverside District in Savannah and organized by Savannah’s Waterfront.
Race heats are open to Dachshunds as well as “Almost Wiener Dogs,” with proceeds benefiting Savannah’s Waterfront.
Apart from the fastest run awards in all categories and weights, there will be exciting contests such as best dressed dog, best dressed dog owner and more.
Race is @ 11AM Sat. Oct. 12 2024.
Learn more here.
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Plant Riverside District is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Fall Festival 2024 @ Savannah Adventist Christian School, Pooler
Looking for a private school in Pooler?
Come get a feel for Savannah Adventist Christian School @ their Fall Festival, 1-4PM Sun. Nov. 10.
Inflatables, face-paint, petting zoo, crafts, games, bake sale, food & more.
$2 adults/ $10 kids. Open to the public.
Savannah Adventist Christian School is a Preschool-8th grade school in Pooler, housing an Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, and Middle School.
Learn more about SACS here.
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Savannah Adventist Christian School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
LOCAL*FEST Free Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat @ Jenkins Athletic Club, Savannah
You’re invited to LOCAL*FEST, hosted by Local Church, 4-6PM Sat. OCt. 26 2024.
This will be a Trunk-or-Treat with lots of inflatables, games and a video game truck. The festival is October 26 from 4-6 PM at Jenkins Athletic Club at 6408 Waters Ave.
Free & open to the public.
Poppell Farms opens Sat. Oct. 5 through Nov. 3
Get ready to get lost in Poppell Farms’ country music themed corn maze featuring Luke Bryan, pick the perfect pumpkin, and enjoy 30+ exciting attractions for the whole family
Poppell Farms opens Sat. Oct. 5 through Nov. 3. To celebrate, we’re giving away four tickets to a lucky SouthernMamas.com reader to Poppell Farms pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, farm fun, which is Odum, Ga, near Jesup and about a 90-minute drive (80 miles) from Savannah.
To enter to win, visit the giveaway post on SouthernMamas.com Facebook page or SouthernMamas.com Instagram and comment on the post- telling us which local fall 2024 event you are most looking forward to.
(Need ideas? Visit SouthernMamas.com Fall Fun 2024 page here. )
Deadline to enter 10PM Sun. Sept. 29. We’ll announce the winner then on SouthernMamas.com Facebook page or SouthernMamas.com Instagram
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Friday or Saturday Night: 5-9PM. Saturday: 10AM-9PM. Sunday: Noon-5PM
If you purchase a Saturday daytime admission, it is good until 9PM.
Learn more & purchase tickets online here.
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Scam Awareness: All winners will be announced on SouthernMamas.com Facebook. We will never message you or request personal/financial information. Registration is never required to enter. If you get a message like that, please report it to Facebook. Do not click on any suspicious links.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.
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Sensory Sensitive Morning, 10AM Sun. Oct. 6
On Sun. Oct. 6, Poppell Farms will create a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment for children with special needs and their families. Gates will open at 10AM with a calm and quiet experience—no music, minimized loud noises, no large crowds, and no long lines. The hayride will run continuously to ensure no waiting.
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Poppell Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Halloween Hike 2024 @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Savannah
The beloved Savannah Halloween tradition – Halloween Hike @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center – will be Fri. Oct. 18 & Sat. Oct. 19 2024, 5-8PM.
Walk your trick or treater through Oatland’s friendly forest to meet and gather goodies from cheerful animal characters. Face painting, crafts, concessions, and many more activities await your arrival.
Advanced reservations required and will be available for two sessions per evening to spread out visitation, reduce gatherings and allow proper parking.
There will be no day of, or onsite sales.
Tickets are non-refundable and will only be valid during the specified time frame and date purchased.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Halloween Hike.
Purchase tickets online here.
ATTENTION
Halloween Hike purchases are different this year. Savannah Chatham County Schools has a new pay system, and your entry will be purchased through them. The web address is on the flyer above. There will be no actual tickets but rather your receipt will serve as your ticket.
Print your receipt for entry or present your receipt on your phone on the day and time of your entry.
VOLUNTEER
Community Service Opportunity @ Oatland Island Widlife Center
Come earn hours and complete your Community Service requirements by volunteering @ the 2024 Halloween Hike.
Friday, Oct. 18 & Sat. Oct. 19 2024.
Volunteer shifts are from 4-7PM 6:00pm-9:00pm or both shifts
Lot’s of fun positions.
Must be at least age 14 to volunteer.
Volunteering questions? Email: oiwcvolunteers@gmail.com
Sign up to volunteer here.
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Friends of Oatland is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Georgia State Railroad Museum and Savannah Children’s Museum will transform into a magical Harry Potter-themed experience during “Frogwarts” on Sunday, October 20 2024, 11AM- 3PM.
Families are immersed in STEAM activities, such as chemistry, engineering, biology, and art, all disguised as magical classes inspired by the beloved book series. Lowcountry Turners will be making custom lathe-turned wands that will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Other activities will be led by CHS’s community partners including Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, Callaway Critters, Georgia Southern Center for Wildlife Education, Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital, Coastal Rail Buffs, Savannah Speech and Hearing, and Starbase Savannah.
Pie Society food truck and Savannah Square Pops will be on-site with treats available for purchase.
Sponsored by the Lesher Family Foundation, Dogwood Pediatric Dentistry, Regions Bank, Norfolk Southern, and Colonial Group, Inc
Purchase tickets online here.
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Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Oglethorpe Charter School Fall Festival 2024
Enjoy food trucks, inflatable slides, bounce houses, trunk or treat & more @ Oglethorpe Charter School Fall Festival in Savannah, 11AM-3PM Sat. Oct. 19 2024.
Wear your costume.
Free tree giveaway & tree climbing competition, Savannah
Savannah Tree Foundation is giving away two free trees per household, while supplies last, at the 2024 Savannah Trick or Trees Community Giveaway in Daffin Park on Sat. Oct. 26 2024, starting at 9AM until they run out.
The Foundation will also host an International Tree Climbing Competition on the same day.
Learn more here.
Savannah Wag-o-Ween Weekend 2024 will be Oct. 26 & 27
Savannah Wag-O-Ween is a pet-friendly community event in downtown Savannah that attracts 2000+ yearly participants. Funds raised help to support local animal rescues, community spay and neuter programs, and support community educational programs.
Noon-5PM Sat & Sun Oct. 26 & 27.
Participants – dogs and their humans – dress up for and go trick-or-treating throughout the downtown and Starland districts of Savannah with participating businesses.
You’ll need one ticket (wristband) for each dog attending Wag-o-Ween. Each ticket includes a goody bag full of fun for both you and your pet.
Learn more & purchase tickets here.
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Annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in Richmond Hill will be Oct. 25-26
The Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in JF Gregory Park in Richmond Hill will be Friday-Sunday Oct. 25-26 2024.
WHEN: Friday, October 25 – Saturday, October 26, 2024
HOURS: Friday: 5PM – 11PM, Saturday: 10AM – 11PM
The Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival offers exhibits and entertainment including a carnival for kids, seafood dishes & live music.
Ages 8 and younger are FREE.
Learn more here.
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Find more local fall fun here.
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Discount on Horseback Riding Group Lessons for ages 6 & older @ Red Gate Farms, Savannah
Red Gate Farms in Savannah is offering a $20 discount on after-school group riding lessons now until the end of the year. Each session includes four weekly one-hour lessons.
Use discount coupon code: GROUPLESSONS
Group riding lessons are same day & time each week. Three students to a class. Group lessons are for ages 6 & older.
Group riding lessons offered: 5PM Monday, 4:45PM Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday; 5PM Friday.
Sign up. Call 912.239.7855 or visit Red Gate Farms online here.
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Red Gate Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Holiday Farms pumpkin patch, hayrides in RIdgeland SC
17th Annual The Great Pumpkin Patch @ Holiday Farms in Ridgeland SC (about an hour drive from Savannah) will be open for the 2024 season October 4-31.
Activities for kids including Duck Races, Haytona Speedway, Corn Grinding, Steer Roping, Cow Milking, Corn Maze, Barnyard Animals & MORE! Plus, a General Store.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday: 9AM – 6PM; Sunday: Noon-6PM
$15 per person ages 2 & up
Free pumpkin (pie pumpkin) with each paid admission.
Saturdays and Sundays only – unlimited barrel train rides for children is an additional $3
CLOSED Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays.
Concessions available daily from 11AM-5PM and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Saturdays from 11AM-3PM and Sundays 1-4PM
Military Appreciation Day – Oct. 5: HALF PRICE admission for all military and immediate family with proper ID.
Learn more & purchase tickets online here.
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Reservations now being taken for groups and field trips. Call 843-726-5527 or email holidayfarms@yahoo.com. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you.
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Holiday Farms in Ridgeland SC is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
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Tybee Island Pirate Fest, Parade
The annual Tybee Island Pirate Fest includes carnival rides starting at 5PM Friday and Saturday nights (Oct. 11 & 12) and more evening kids’ events in the Little Matey’s Cove including a bounce house (free) and facepainting (free). There are also kids’ activities and carnival rides Sunday Oct. 12 starting at noon. Carnival rides and some kids’ activities are not free.
The free Tybee Pirate parade is 3PM Sat. Oct. 12, starting @ 6th Street and traveling along Butler Avenue.
Learn more & see the schedule of events here.
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Wild Seed Plant Sale & Makers Market @ Savannah Hydroponics & Organics, Sept. 21
Wild Seed Plant Sale and Makers Market at Savannah Hydroponics & Organics in Garden City is back on Sat. Sept. 21, 9AM to 1PM!
Shop an amazing selection of common and rare houseplants, plant-based medicinals, fresh mushrooms and locally made food from our community.
Check out local makers, artists, and sustainable goods!
Hang for a while – Pupuseria Jireh Food Truck will be on hand with mouthwatering pupusas!
Pop into Savannah Hydro to load up on organic and hydroponic gardening supplies while you’re here.
DATE: Sat. Sept. 21, 9AM to 1PM
LOCATION : Savannah Hydroponics & Organics, 4107 8th Street, Suite C, Garden City, GA 31408, located next to the Savannah State Farmers Market; ten minutes from downtown Savannah and less than 20 minutes from Pooler and Richmond Hill.
Call 912-3489-4030 with any questions.
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2024 Fall Market Dates @ Savannah Hydroponics & Organics in Garden City
Sat. Sept. 21
Sat. Oct. 19
Sat. Nov. 16
Sat. Dec. 14
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Savannah Hydroponics & Organics is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Horseback Riding Group Lessons for ages 6 & older @ Red Gate Farms, Savannah
Fall is the perfect time for horseback riding group lessons @ Red Gate Farms in Savannah.
Each horse riding lesson offers a fun and safe program so each student gains a solid riding foundation. Red Gate Farms offers riding lessons for both adults and children with the choice of group or flexible lesson plans.
Group riding lessons are a one hour-long class per week for four weeks. Same day & time each week. Three students to a class. Group lessons are for ages 6 & older.
Group riding lessons offered: 5PM Monday, 4:45PM Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday; 5PM Friday.
Sign up. Call 912.239.7855 or visit Red Gate Farms online here.
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Red Gate Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
Poppell Farms corn maze, pumpkin patch open Oct. 5-Nov. 3 2024
Poppell Farms is celebrating Georgia-born Luke Bryan in this year’s maze!
Poppell Farms hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo & farm fun start Oct. 5 2024.
Poppell Farms in Odum Ga. will open Oct. 5-Nov. 3 2024 for fall weekends through October. Enjoy giant bubbles, animals at their petting zoo, apple-cider slushies, pumpkin hunting.
Buy tickets online here.
Celebrate fall at Poppell Farms!
General Admission includes:
Tractor-Drawn Wagon Ride (*Last hayride runs at 4PM)
Pumpkin Patch
Corn Maze
Lotsa Photo Props
GIANT Jumping Pad
Hay Jump
Goat Walk
Petting Zoo
Farmer Brown’s Playground
Cow Train
And MORE!
Learn more here.
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Poppell Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
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The 2024 Savannah Greek Festival onsite festivities and pre-order pick-ups will be Oct. 10, 11 & 12, 11AM-9PM.
Learn more & find online pre-ordering here.
This year’s festival will feature homemade Greek foods, Greek desserts, Greek dancing, Greek music, church tours, market place, and more during the three-day celebration at St Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church at the Hellenic Center in Savannah.
On Thursday and Friday after 4PM and all day Saturday admission is $5. Children younger than 12 and military are admitted FREE. Learn more here.
Hellenic Community Center
14 West Anderson Street
Savannah, GA 31401
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Find more Savannah Fall Fun 2024 here.
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Poppell Farm corn maze, pumpkin patch open Oct. 5-Nov. 3 2024
Poppell Farms hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo & farm fun start Oct. 5 2024.
Poppell Farms in Odum Ga. will open Oct. 5-Nov. 3 2024 for fall weekends through October. Enjoy giant bubbles, animals at their petting zoo, apple-cider slushies, pumpkin hunting.
Buy tickets online here.
Celebrate fall at Poppell Farms!
General Admission includes:
Tractor-Drawn Wagon Ride (*Last hayride runs at 4PM)
Pumpkin Patch
Corn Maze
Lotsa Photo Props
GIANT Jumping Pad
Hay Jump
Goat Walk
Petting Zoo
Farmer Brown’s Playground
Cow Train
And MORE!
Learn more here.
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Poppell Farms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser
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“SHRIMPLY THE BEST”: YEMASSEE 30th SHRIMP FESTIVAL is Oct. 10, 11, 12 2024
Make plans to attend the 30th Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival
The Town of Yemassee is excited to offer a sneak peek at the events planned for the highly anticipated 30th Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival, set to take place from October 10-12, 2024. This year’s festival promises a lineup filled with family-friendly activities, exciting entertainment, and community spirit. And don’t forget about the shrimp and all the delicious food. Stay tuned, as even more announcements are coming!
Festival Hours
October 10-11 2024
Thursday 6-10PM
Friday 6-10PM
Saturday 8AM-11Pm
Learn more at YEMASSEESHRIMPFESTIVAL.COM
“Shrimply the Best!” Celebrating 30 years of community, culture, and coastal charm.
Shrimp Festival Beauty Pageant. The Annual Shrimp Festival Beauty Pageant will be Sat. Sept. 28, at 11AM at Fennell Elementary School. Contestants of all ages are invited to participate, with a special category for “Yemassee Shrimp Festival Miss Charity.” Boys and girls are welcome. To apply, please contact Lori Poston at 803-942-1145 or Paula Hagan at 803-942-0896. The application deadline is September 15. Learn more here
Unity Breakfast Kick off the festival on Thurs. Oct. 10, at 8AM with the Shrimp Festival Unity Breakfast at the Pilgrim Ford Dining Room in Yemassee. Join fellow community members for a morning of fellowship and a delicious meal. RSVP by October 1 to Stacy Pinckney at stacypinckney68@yahoo.com or call/text 843-599-3210.
Festival Highlights From October 10-12, the festival will feature rides, games, food, and entertainment for all ages, provided by Family Fun Tyme Amusements. Discounted prepaid armbands for rides are available at Yemassee Town Hall, 101 Town Circle, Yemassee.
Shrimp Festival 5K Run/Walk :Join us for a fun, family-friendly 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 12! The race will wind through the scenic streets of Yemassee, starting and finishing at the Yemassee Municipal Complex. The mostly flat, fast course offers an enjoyable experience for participants of all ages. Medals will be awarded to the Overall Male and Female winners and top finishers in each age group. Strollers are welcome!
Entry Fees are $30 per person through Oct. 1 and $35 afterward. School-aged students (K-12) can register on race day for $15.00 but may not be guaranteed a t-shirt. The t-shirt Deadline is Oct. 1, so Register by that date to guarantee a t-shirt. Race Check-In: At 7:30 AM at the Yemassee Municipal Complex, the race starts promptly at 8AM on Sat. Oct. 12.
Learn more here.
Skidaway Marine Science Day 2024 is Sat. Oct. 12, 10AM-3PM @ UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Is., Savannah
Make plans to attend Skidaway Marine Science Day, a can’t-miss event for all ages, on Sat. Oct. 12, from 10AM-3PM on the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium located on the north end of Skidaway Island in Savannah,
The campus-wide open house will be presented by UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
As part of Skidaway Marine Science Day, the UGA Aquarium will be open to visitors with no admission fee. Aquarium educators will offer an afternoon full of activities, including a hands-on reptile exhibit, behind-the-scenes peeks of the aquarium and lab studies on the dock behind the facility.
Visitors will also be able to explore the aquarium’s newest exhibit, an immersive, 3D display focused on living shorelines, which are created using natural materials like oysters and plants to help stabilize shorelines. Learn about the environmental benefits of living shorelines and the variety of animals they attract.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Shellfish Research Lab will provide hands-on activities and educational information about sustainable aquaculture and oyster restoration!
Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary’s 52-foot Research Vessel Gannet will be available for tours.
Environmental organizations and coastal researchers will present a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities for people of all ages on the bluff adjacent to the aquarium. The Jay Wolf Nature Trail will be open for hiking and nature observation.
All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day are free. Don’t miss out on this exciting event celebrating Georgia’s unique coastal environment! Food will be available for purchase.
Questions? Contact Cindy Lingebach at calingeb@uga.edu
Skidaway Marine Science Day, Oct. 12, 10AM-3PM Free to the public, event for all ages
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More free events @ UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island
Oct. 19 2024, 10AM-5PM
Free admission to the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island in Savannah with recent report card or ocean fact
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Lowcountry Down Syndrome 19th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Fun Festival on Sat. Oct. 5
Savannah’s 19th Annual Buddy Walk will be in Forsyth Park in Savannah on Sat. Oct 5, 2024.
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10AM, and then the Buddy Walk starts at 10:30AM. The Family Fun event will be from 11AM.-2PM.
Participants will walk a mile around Forsyth Park. This event is a time of celebration and community, raising support and awareness for those with Down syndrome.
The money raised at the Buddy Walk goes towards Camp Buddy, two summer camps in Effingham and Chatham to help students retain their skills over the summer break. It also goes towards LDSS’s monthly Family Support meetings, new parent packets and educational opportunities for local families and advocates.
Registration for Buddy Walk 2024 is $15. Those who register will also receive a Buddy Walk T-shirt. When registering, you can either join a team or create your own. Register online here.
Volunteers are needed to help with the event in all aspects. Please inquire with John and Candy Bogardus for more information about becoming a sponsor or volunteering at ldssgabuddywalk@gmail.com or 912-663-8573.
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY:
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership in support, outreach, education, and advocacy. LDSS holds a monthly support meeting on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 at 1525 Dean Forest Road in Savannah, GA. There is an informational speaker and light refreshments. The event is also live-streamed. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
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Annual Savannah Phil the Park concert, Forsyth Park
You’re invited to the Savannah’s largest free concert in Forsyth Park: Phil the Park concert, 4:30-9:30PM Sat. Oct. 5 2024, hosted by Savannah Philharmonic & Savannah Philharmonic Chorus.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets, or grab a bite from your favorite local food trucks.
This Saturday afternoon and evening is full of festivities, fun and fantastic live music.
Learn more here.