Republican Brian Kemp and Democrat Stacey Abrams face off in the race to become Georgia’s next governor. The election is Nov. 6 2018.

Are you registered to vote?

Registration deadline is Oct. 9, 2018. Register online before Oct. 9 here.

National Voter Registration Day

There will be voter education opportunities for current voters and for children (i.e. future voters). You are invited for civic engagement about becoming a more informed voter with lots of kid-friendly activities, refreshments & door prizes, 10AM-2PM.

Facepainting (Saturday only), kids’ crafts & booth visitations available all day.

Sat. Sept. 22 @ Southwest Library Auditorium
14097 Abercorn St.
Savannah GA 31419

Tues. Sept. 25 @ Chatham County Voter Registration
1117 Eisenhower Dr. Suite E
Savannah GA 31406
912-790-1520

Sat. Sept. 22

10AM: Doors open/greeting & brief overview of voter registration office.
10:30AM: Absentee ballot training.
11AM: Story time/reading Dr. Seuss’ “One Vote, Two Votes, You Vote, I Vote!
11:45AM: Individuals & organizations third party training
1PM: Story time/reading: Doreen Cronin’s “Duck for President.”

Tues. Sept. 25

10AM: Doors open/greeting & brief overview of voter registration office
10:30AM: Story time/reading Dr. Seuss’ “One Vote, Two Votes, You Vote, I Vote!
11AM: Story time/reading: Doreen Cronin’s “Duck for President.”
11:45AM: Absentee ballot training

#NationalVoterRegistrationDay
#CCNVRDAY

For more info, call 912-790-1520.

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Prior to Election Day – confirm your registration and poll location by calling Voter Registration at (912) 790-1520 or use the My Voter Page website at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Keep your residence and mailing address updated with the Voter Registration Office, 1117 Eisenhower Dr, Ste E, Savannah, Georgia 31406

Learn more about the candidates? Check out Voters Guide at lwvcga.org.

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Important dates

Oct. 9: Deadline to register to vote.

Oct. 15-Nov. 5: Early voting

Oct. 27: Saturday voting

Nov. 2: Request for absentee ballot

Nov. 6: Absentee ballot deadline

Nov. 6: Georgia General Election, including for governor

Leopold’s Ice Cream is 99 years old and you’re invited to a big old-fashioned block party in Savannah to celebrate on Sat. Aug. 18 2018, 11AM-7PM.

Free and fun for the entire family.

Highlights:

* .99 cent single scoops all day
* Largest I Pledge for Ice Cream event ever with a giant flag hanging from a 250 feet ladder fire engine
* Doggie Oasis – Bring your pup to cool down with a free Doggie Sundae
* Oatland Island animals on site – A percentage of all t-shirt sales at the party will go towards helping Oatland Island’s tornado recover efforts
* DIRTT Kids’ Zone – FREE fun
* Win ice cream for a year by posting your pics from the day with #leopolds99
* 2018 birthday party logo designed by Leopold’s soda jerk

Block Party in front of Leopold’s Ice Cream
212 E. Broughton Street
Savannah, GA 31404

New this year, Chatham Emergency Services will bring an ambulance and a ladder truck for the kids to explore. At 2:30PM, all kids are invited to participate in the largest I Pledge for Ice Cream event as a huge American Flag is hung from the 100-foot ladder truck. All participating kids will receive a free cup of ice cream.

SEE THE FULL STAGE SCHEDULE HERE. 

Nancy Owen of the Gryphon Den presents “Creatures of the Night” nature program @ Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. Part of the monthly “Second Saturday” presentation series.

The program addresses our Earth’s vital need for bio-diversity. Features the physical adaptations of nocturnal owls, and bats, including an opportunity to see these live birds in person.

The kid-friendly program begins promptly at 1PM @ the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge visitor center.

Sat. August 11 2018, 1-2PM
Vistor Center @ Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex
694 Beech Hill Ln
Hardeeville, South Carolina 29927

Free Movies in the Park
Memorial Park, Tybee Is.
Sat. Aug. 18, 2018 8:30-10:30PM

Head on over to the park with your chairs, blankets as the sun begins to set.

The free showing of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch will begin as soon as the stars can be seen in the sky and on the screen.

Part of Tybee’s Movies in the Park series.

Celebrate National Dance Day in Savannah.

Come learn the official National Dance Day 2018 routine & take part in a flash mob!

Meet at the field near the tennis courts at the Forsyth Park Farmers’ Market at 10:30AM on Sat. July 28 2018.

10:30AM: Tutorial
Noon: Flash Mob

Explore musical instruments and how they work with members of the Savannah Philharmonic @ a Free Instrument Petting Zoo this FRI JUL 27 @ 10:30-11:30AM @ Bull Street Library in Savannah.

For ages 5 & older.

Bull Street Library
2002 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Wednesday July 25 2018 is Teacher Appreciation Day @ Jacksonville Zoo & Garden. 

Educators get in FREE with their school or district ID.

This is not just limited to Florida teachers either; Georgia teachers included, too.

Jacksonville Zoo & Garden, 370 Zoo Parkway Jacksonville, Fla 32218, (904) 757-4463 www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Come one, come all. Come celebrate the 4th of July, Tybee style, by decorating your bicycles with your favorite red, white and blue.

Show your patriotic pride by parading throughout Tybee on your tricked out bicycles with flag inspired frills.

Meet at the flags at Tybee Memorial Park on Butler Avenue on Tybee Is.. Family Friendly Fun.

Wednesday, July 4 2018, 11AM-Noon
Tybee Memorial Park

FIND MORE SAVANNAH-AREA JULY 4th FESTIVITIES HERE. 

Starlight Pottery at 7070 Hodgson Memorial Dr. in midtown Savannah is having a 50% off sale during the entire month of July! So bring the kids in to paint their own pottery & cool off.

Price of the pottery you paint is all you pay.
Call or email Starlight Pottery to reserve your table. Call 912.303.9599 or emailcontactus@starlightpottery.com

Studio Hours

Tuesday & Thurs 1-6PM
Friday 3-8PM
Saturday 11-8PM
Wednesday Appointments only (great for groups/field trips~no extra fee)

Starlight Pottery may close one hour early if there are no painters in the studio. Call ahead if you’re coming around that time. Tel: 912.303.9599

Starlight Pottery, 7070 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Savannah, Ga. 31406, tel. 912.303.9599, contactus@starlightpottery.com , http://starlightpottery.com/ Starlight Pottery is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Things to do with kids this summer in and near Savannah. Click on the links below for details.

Fourth of July Fireworks & Festivities

Water Parks (near Savannah), Pooler, Statesboro, Jekyll Is., Charleston  

FREE Savannah Spray Pools.

FREE Summer Library Kids’ Shows & Programs 

Savannah-area Summer Camps

$1 Kids’ Morning Movies in Savannah, Pooler, Bluffton 

Best Daytrips from Savannah 

FREE Savannah-area Kids’ Events 

The Savannah Refugee Film Festival – organized by Mountainfilm on Tour Savannah, Georgia Southern University and Lutheran Services of Georgia – will be 6:30PM this Tuesday, June 19 at the Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus, Ogeechee Theater in the Student Union in Savannah

The festival is free and open to the public.

This is the first refugee film festival in Savannah. The following short films will be shown: “50 Feet From Syria”; “How We Choose” ; “Zain’s Summer: From Refugee to American Boy”; “The Sculptor of Damascus.”

The film festival coincides with World Refugee Day.

Learn more about the festival & how to help refugees resettling in the Savannah area here.

If you go

The Refugee Film Festival in Savannah
Tuesday, June 19, 6:30PM at the Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus, Ogeechee Theater in the Student Union, Savannah
Free and open to the public.
A reception will follow the screenings.

Easter Egg Hunts 2018

SouthernMamas.com Easter Egg Hunts Guide 2018 includes free egg hunts, Easter festivities in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Bloomingdale, Hilton Head Is.

Plus, the annual chick hatchery, where kids can hold newly hatched chicks will be a different location this year.

Get all the details here.

The Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market will host Puppy Palooza on Sat. March 31 2018 as a fundraiser for the local chapter of the Southeastern Guide Dogs: a non-profit organization that raises and trains puppies to become compassionate companions for the blind and our nation’s veterans.

Sponsored by Savannah Puppy Raisers of Southeastern Guide Dogs, Spectrum Printing & Marketing, Inc., Coca Cola, TailsSpin, Aequilibria Massage Studio and Hipster Hound, this family friendly event will feature puppy nail trimming by Pawsitive Mobile Grooming, puppy massages, puppy selfies & more.

Mercer University medical students from the Memorial Health University Medical Center will offer free blood pressure, body mass index and random blood glucose checks.

Kids will love the dog-themed bounce house, face painting, story time and crafts. The market will also offer its customary variety of delicious food, including $1 hot dogs, and handcrafted items for purchase from regional vendors.

This event is free and open to the public.

WHEN:
Saturday, March 31, 2018
9AM-1PM
Aequilibria Massage Studio Pet Massages: 9-11AM
Ben & Jerry’s Food Truck: 10AM-1PM
Dollar Dog Day $1 Hot Dogs: 11AM-1PM

WI Farmer’s Market
Islands High School
170 Whitemarsh Island Road
Savannah, Ga. 31410

SAVANNAH ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Sat. March 17 2018, 10:15AM.
See the parade route here. 

The City of Savannah Police and other law enforcement agencies will implement an enhanced security zone for the Vice-President’s visit to the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The enhanced security zone will be located between Bay Street to the north, Oglethorpe Street to the south, Whitaker Street to the west and Drayton Street to the east.Enhanced Security Zone map

The zone will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday morning. At 12:01 a.m., no parking will be allowed on streets between Drayton Street and Whitaker Street from Bay Street to the north and Oglethorpe Street to the South. This includes but is not limited to:

Bay Street
Bryan Street
Saint Julian Street
Congress Street
Broughton Street
State Street
York Street
Oglethorpe Street
All lanes between streets

Authorities will begin towing any vehicles parked on the street at 12:01 a.m., including the vehicles of residents. Vehicles will still be permitted to drive through the enhanced security zone until 2:00 a.m.

From 4AM-7AM, no one is allowed into the enhanced security zone due to a security sweep of the area. During this time, only residents who are already in the enhanced security zone will be permitted in the area. Residents are subject to be stopped at this time and will be asked for identification and proof of residence. Business owners and employees will not be permitted in the enhanced security zone until the magnetometer check points open at 7 a.m.

On Saturday March 17 at 7:00 a.m., the enhanced security zone will re-open for pedestrians. All pedestrians wanting to enter the enhanced security zone must pass through a magnetometer check point.

The magnetometer check points will be located at the following roads intersecting with Whitaker Street

Bay Lane
Saint Julian Street
Congress Street
Broughton Street
Magnetometer checkpoints will also be located at the following roads intersecting Drayton Street

Bay Lane
Broughton Street
President Street

Pedestrians coming from the west side of Savannah are encouraged to use the Saint Julian Street and Broughton Street check points on the intersection of Whittaker Street. Pedestrians coming from the east side of Savannah are encouraged to use the President Street and Broughton Street check points on the intersection of Drayton Street.

Pedestrians will have until 10:00 a.m. to enter the enhanced security zone. After 10:00 a.m. the enhanced security zone will be closed and pedestrians wishing to enter will be denied at the check points.

Inside the enhanced security zone, pedestrians will not be allowed to cross the parade route (Bull Street) at any time until security clearance is given at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Due to the number of restrictions in the enhanced security zone, the City is providing bleacher seating. All parade goers will be able to purchase items from stores that are open inside the enhanced security zone. In addition, the City will allow four food trucks into the enhanced security zone; two will be located in Johnson Square, two will be located in Wright Square.

Savannah residents with any further questions can call 311. Non-Savannah residents can reach the 311 Center by calling 912-651-6565

Free Admission Day @ Tybee Lighthouse on Mon. Oct. 2 2017 9AM-4:30PM

Enjoy a day visiting the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia during the celebration of its 150 years of leading ships safely into port!
​
Tybee Lighthouse
30 Meddin Ave
Tybee Island, GA 31328

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FOR MORE FREE SAVANNAH-AREA EVENTS, VISIT OUR FREE EVENTS PAGE HERE. 

Bring the kids to see Burton 4-H Center release Zoe, a 5-year-old Loggerhead sea turtle back to the wild. The turtle release is 10AM-Noon Sat. Sept. 23 just south of the Tybee Is. Pier.

Free & open to the public.

You can help support Zoe’s Journey by donating to help reach a goal of $5,000 towards a satellite tracker to see where Zoe goes on her next big adventure. Donate online here.  Be sure to select “Burton 4-H Center: Zoe’s Underwater Adventure.”Zoe was rescued as a straggler and has been an ambassador for sea turtle conservation with the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program, making friends with over 40,000 people.

Savannah-Chatham County public schools won’t be open until Monday Sept. 18, so Scribble Art Studio  is coming to your rescue by offering a Hurricane Camp for kids.

Hurricane Camp will offered Wed. Sept. 13 to Fri. Sept. 15 2017, 10AM-1PM, $25 a day per child. Please send a peanut-free packed lunch. For ages 4+. Call 912-713-7376 to sign up!

Scribble Art Studio, 212 E 37th St, Savannah, 31401

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah also offers open studio hours, private & group art classes, summer art camps, adult art parties & children’s birthday parties, both in the studio & at-home DIY art birthday kits. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates. For more info, contact artist Carrie Christian at (912) 713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com . Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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Open Studio @ Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe

Get those stir crazy kids out if the house and grab some coffee for yourself!

Henny Penny Art Space & Cafe in Savannah offers $5 Open Studio and lots of fun Art Kits to choose from. See Henny Penny schedule of open studio themes & weekly kids’ activities here.

Henny Penny is located at 1514 Bull St. Savannah.

Nestled just blocks from Forsyth Park, Henny Penny Art Space and Cafe also provides custom-designed arts and crafts kits for all ages, workshops, classes, and is available for booking birthday parties.

Foxy Loxy Cafe & Scribble Art Studio opened Henny Penny earlier this year.

Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Leopold’s Ice Cream celebrates 98 years in business @ their annual Birthday Block Party, Sat. Aug. 19 2017, 11AM-7PM outside Leopold’s @ 212 E Broughton St, Savannah, 31401.

You’re invited to help celebrate. Highlights include dance troupes; the Savannah Children’s Choir; the DIRTT Kids’ Zone; music, games, contests (a chance to win a year of free ice cream in a photo booth); a Dixieland Cruisers classic car show & dancing in the street. The Live Oak Public Libraries will be on hand with activities. Oatland Island will bring some of their animals to visit.

FREE & open to the public.

Help blow out the candles and cut the birthday cake at 3PM in front of the shop.

In celebration of their fourth anniversary, Whole Foods Market Savannah hosts this special store-wide party on Sun. Aug. 13, 1-3PM throughout the store.

Free & open to the public.

The event will feature a variety of free activities for all ages as well as prizes, giveaways, product tastings, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.

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FREE Back-to-School Party, Aug. 8

You’re invited to Whole Foods Savannah’s back-to-school party, Tues. Aug. 8, 3-6PM throughout the store.

FREE & open to the public.

There will be family fun activities, games, prizes and giveaways. Plus, food samplings in all WFM departments along with healthy lunchbox tips.

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Whole Foods Market Savannah
1815 E. Victory Drive
Savannah, GA 31404

Now hiring: an experienced Dental Assistant and Dental Receptionist at Southern Dental Center in Savannah.

Job highlights include:

-Hours Mon-Friday 8AM-5PM
-Dental Assistant and Dental Business Assistant, Savannah GA
-Full benefits including paid vacation and holidays
-Endless growth opportunity
-Dental Experience is required

All interested candidates should email Eserzega@heartland.com

Southern Dental Center in Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

There’s still time to register for The Coastal Empire STEAM Challenge @ Maven Makers in Savannah, a makerspace that supplies tools, training, and workshops in a variety of industrial and artisan fields for a monthly rate.

FREE Springpalooza 2017 @ Compassion Christian Church, Savannah

Compassion Christian Church is pulling out all the stops for a special Springpalooza event.

Bring your whole family for games, food, inflatables, music, a scavenger hunt and door prizes. Invite a friend to come with you. It’s going to be fun. And it’s all free!

Learn more here. 

10AM-Noon | Saturday, April 29
Compassion Christian Church’s Henderson Campus
55 Al Henderson Blvd., Savannah, GA 31419

Compassion Christian Church is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser