Clermont Days celebrates old-fashioned family fun

CLERMONT - There was only one place in Hall County on Saturday where you could participate in archery and laser tag, pet a goat and a pig, and watch a parade while chowing down on some boiled peanuts and a snow cone.

September 18, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

After tragedy, friends unite in softball tourney to raise money for widow, child

When asked to describe William Buchanan Chapman in a few words, his brother-in-law, Anthony Vargas calls him "the best hero ever" without hesitation.

September 13, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Life

Family Sunday features 'Patriotism's Path' event

Five-year-old Celia Wilson-Patino likes polka dots. She told her mother, Ana Patino-Osorno, this as she created a polka-dotted patriotic magnet at the Northeast Georgia History Center Sunday. To carry on with September's patriotic theme, the history center decided to host "Patriot's Path" as its monthly Family Sunday event. "Today we have hands-on activities that are patriotic," said Julie Carson, education and volunteer coordinator at the Northeast Georgia History Center. "We will also lead hikes down ...

September 12, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Fire-breathing fun on Lake Lanier

Dragons are known for breathing fire, but Saturday they showed their competitive side through racing.

September 11, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Lakegoers enjoy last summer fling on Lanier

Summer in Hall County means barbecue, time at the park and fun on Lake Lanier. As Labor Day approaches, the end of the traditional summer is coming to a close. That means the long days on the lake soon will give way to football games and corn mazes. But Steve Gable wasn't about to let his holiday weekend go to waste. Gable chose to spend his Saturday out on Lake Lanier with his son, Landon, ...

September 04, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

‘Garlic freaks’ gather to sample their favorite bulb

CLEVELAND - It can be hot. It can be sweet. It can even be a little buttery. Despite the numerous varieties, there was one consensus Saturday: People love garlic. LoganBerry Heritage Farm was host to the second annual GarlicFest, which gave spectators the opportunity to participate in garlic-themed events, free of charge. LoganBerry Heritage Farm, once home to the Cherokee Indians, is now owned by Sharon Mauney, a fifth-generation granddaughter of Berry Turner, who originally ...

August 28, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Bridal expo benefits breast cancer groups

Brides can be beautiful, elegant and graceful. But they can also be survivors and fighters. Women teamed up at "A Party With A Purpose" at the Chattahoochee County Club in Gainesville on Sunday in an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. The $15 a person fee granted access to the bridal expo, which included 24 wedding professional companies, as well as a silent auction, a runway show provided by Christi's Bridal and much more. ...

August 23, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Veterans get a show of gratitude at annual picnic

Cody Halvorson may only be 23 years old, but he has been through more than most men his age. Halvorson has five years of military experience, having served in Afghanistan in 2006 through 2007. He also was one of many veterans present at the annual Veterans Appreciation Day picnic at Longwood Park in Gainesville. The event, held by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 17, celebrated its fifth year with food, fun and admiration. "We do ...

August 15, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Pro anglers, families enjoy their Lanier visit

Anglers lowered their rods for the final time Sunday as the FLW Outdoors' Forrest Wood Cup and the National Guard World Junior Championship came to a close.

August 09, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Humane Society fundraiser combines the love of animals and motorcycles

Wag your tail and kick-start your engine. The third annual Ride for Paws Motorcycle Ride & Show held by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia took off Saturday morning at Gainesville Motor Sports. The idea to raise money for animals at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia came from a woman who used to work with the Humane Society and who loved motorcycles. Registration for the event was $25 per rider to ride, or $25 ...

August 07, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

New Flowery Branch Festival features art, music

Being an artist doesn't mean you have to be perfect. After all, sometimes it is when you choose to draw outside the lines that you create something amazing.

August 02, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Chestatee River diving bell has been restored and is ready for display

DAHLONEGA - Who said history can't get a makeover? A historic diving bell found in 1983 in the Chestatee River was restored this summer in Gainesville. The bell was unveiled Saturday evening at Barn C at the Cottrell Circle C Ranch in Dahlonega as part of a fundraiser to build a pavilion in Hancock Park. The pavilion, estimated to cost about $125,000, will feature a raised platform for the bell and an iron fence to ...

July 31, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Dragon boats fly across Lake Lanier

Watch out. Some dragons mean business. At least the people steering them do. Dragon boat paddlers, steerspersons and drummers were ready for a fight to the finish Saturday morning at the Lanier Dragon Boat Racing Series Final at Clarks Bridge Park. "What we have had during the summer is a racing series," said Rich Stewart, the program coordinator for the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club. "Basically, you practice one weekend, and you race the next." ...

July 24, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

Horse lovers gather at Chicopee Ag Center to adopt worthy steeds

Horse lovers trotted to the Gainesville Wild Horse and Burro Satellite Adoption on Saturday at the Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center.

July 17, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

History center event has kids learning by hand

There was a heated battle going on at the Northeast Georgia History Center on Sunday afternoon.

July 11, 2010 | Jennifer Messer | Local

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