The Georgia coast boasts a fascinating history that spans hundreds, if not thousands, of years. During its recorded history, the flags of five nations have flown over here, reflecting exploration, settlement and occupation of the Georgia coast.
The coast also became home to another group of people who, while not here by choice, played a vitally important role in the development of our economy and culture. Their history and culture take center stage this weekend during the Georgia-Sea Islands Festival in Postell Park on St. Simons Island.
The festival is sponsored by the St. Simons Island African American Heritage Coalition, which is dedicated to "Educate, Preserve, and Revitalize African American Heritage and Culture." Amy Roberts, executive director of the coalition, has been involved with the festival since the first event was held in 1978.
According to Roberts, the festival is a celebration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and language, a mix of English and West African dialects that was spoken by slaves who were brought to the area. It is still spoken in isolated areas of coastal South Carolina and Georgia, including Sapelo Island in McIntosh County.
The festival will showcase various crafts, art and traditional cooking. Handmade baskets, seine nets, music and dance will be displayed. Local and regional groups will perform, including Frankie Quimby and the Georgia Sea Island singers, the Gullah-Geechee Shouters from Darien, Michael Hulett from Brunswick and many others.
There also will be plenty of food, demonstrations by local crafters and information displays.
The Georgia Sea-Islands Festival takes place Saturday, June 12 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday, June 13 from noon to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.
Information source: The Brunswick News
No matter what time of year, you'll find a wonderful array of weekend festivals, concerts and other activities throughout Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia. Here are some of the highlights; for a complete listing of exhibits, concerts, theatre performances and more, please visit our comprehensive online Calendar of Events.
FEBRUARY
First Friday, Downtown Brunswick
Feb 5 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.netFeb 5-27 Georgia Artists with Disabilities Annual Touring Exhibit - Works by disabled artists from throughout the state. Tues-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.orgFeb 12-13 Scribblers’ Retreat Writers Conference - Ten workshops featuring regional and nationally known writers. King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, St. Simons Island. 800-996-2904 or www.scribblersretreatwritersconference.comFeb 20 Living History Festival - Explore the past and meet people who called Frederica home as they demonstrate life in the 1700s. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Ft. Frederica National Monument, St. Simons Island. 912-638-3639. www.nps.gov/fofrFeb 22 American Soul - Hon. Orion L. Douglass narrates Copeland's "Lincoln Portrait." Community chorus, accompanied by the Coastal Symphony, sings "Gospel Mass for Choir and Orchestra" by Ray. Symphony performs "Afro-American Symphony" by Still and "Lift Every Voice and Sing." 8:00 pm, Glynn Academy Auditorium, downtown Brunswick. 912-634-2006 or www.coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.orgMARCHMar 5 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.netMar 5-27 The Art of Music II - Fine art photography of musicians and their work. Tues-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Ritz Theatre, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick. 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.orgMar 12-28 Come Blow Your Horn - Performance of Neil Simon's comedy by the Island Players. Fri and Sat at 8:00 pm, Sun at 3:00 pm. Casino Theatre, St. Simons Island. 912-638-0338 or www.theislandplayers.comMar 12-14 Jekyll Island Arts Festival - Exhibits, juried show, food, music, demonstrations, members’ art in all mediums for sale. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Goodyear Cottage, Jekyll Island Historic District. Jekyll Island Arts Association. 912-635-3920.
Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, Downtown Brunswick
Mar 12-13 Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale - A 211-mile yard sale linking communities along US Highway 341 – the Golden Isles Parkway – from Brunswick & The Golden Isles to Culloden, GA. Vendors will offer antiques, local crafts and traditional yard sale fare. Information: 912-265-0620 or www.peachestothebeaches.com
Mar 20 57th Annual Christ Church Tour of Homes - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, St. Simons Island. For tickets and information, call 912-267-9952 or visit www.christchurchtourofhomes.orgMar 20-21 Annual Spring Invitational Arts & Crafts Show - Local and regional artists in all media. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Postell Park, St. Simons Island. 912-262-0628 or www.artdowntowngallery209.comMar 27-28 17th Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Festival - Artists and craftspeople in all media. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Postell Park, St. Simons Island. 912-638-8770 or www.glynnart.orgAPRILApril 2 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
St. Simons Island Antique Show and Sale, St. Simons Island
Apr 10-11 Antique Show and Sale - Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village – St. Simons Island. Information: 912-264-3254 or www.stsimonsantiqueshow.comApr 18 A Little Light Music - Local and regional musicians perform outdoors on the grounds of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Coastal GA Historical Society. 912-638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html
MAY
May 1-2 Tabby & Tillandsia Garden Walk,Garden Market & Photographic Exhibition - St. Simons Island. Information: www.cassinagardenclub.org/gardenwalk.htm
May 7 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
May 9 Annual Blessing of the Fleet - Mary Ross Waterfront Park, downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-265-4032 or visit www.downtownbrunswickga.com
A Little Light Music, St. Simons Island
May 16 A Little Light Music - Local and regional musicians perform outdoors on the grounds of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Coastal GA Historical Society. 912-638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html
May 29 Jazz in the Park - Enjoy an evening of live jazz music under the stars on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Sponsored by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Information: 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.org
May 29-30 Antique Show and Sale - Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village – St. Simons Island. Information: 912-264-3254 or www.stsimonsantiqueshow.com
May 29-30 Annual Memorial Day Invitational Arts & Crafts Show - Pier Village Parks, St. Simons Island. Pier Village Association. Information: 912-262-0628.
JUNE
June 4 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
June 6 A Little Light Music - Local and regional musicians perform outdoors on the grounds of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Coastal GA Historical Society. 912-638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html
June 13 Jazz in the Park - Enjoy an evening of live jazz music under the stars on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Sponsored by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Information: 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.org
June 26-27 Antique Show and Sale - Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village – St. Simons Island. Information: 912-264-3254 or www.stsimonsantiqueshow.com
June 27 Jazz in the Park - Enjoy an evening of live jazz music under the stars on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Sponsored by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Information: 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.org
JULY
Jul 2 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
July 2-4 Sunshine Festival - Annual family festival features carnival, live entertainment and food, with fireworks July 4. July 3-5Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show. Pier Village Parks, St. Simons Island. Pier Village Association. Information: 912-262-0628.
Old Fashioned July 4 Celebration, Downtown Brunswick
July 4 Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration - Downtown Brunswick. Contact 912-265-4032 or visit www.downtownbrunswickga.com
July 4 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza - Jekyll Island. Contact: 912-635-3636 or visit www.jekyllisland.com
July 11 A Little Light Music - Local and regional musicians perform outdoors on the grounds of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Coastal GA Historical Society. 912-638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html
July 25 Jazz in the Park - Enjoy an evening of live jazz music under the stars on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Sponsored by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Information: 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.org
AUGUST
Aug 6 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
Aug 8 A Little Light Music - Local and regional musicians perform outdoors on the grounds of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Coastal GA Historical Society. 912-638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html
Aug 20-22 Sea Island Black Heritage Festival - Celebrate African American heritage and culture through live entertainment, craft demonstrations, food and a marketplace. St Simons Island. Information: 912-230-2834 or www.seaislandsblackheritagefestival.com
Aug 20-21 Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival and Barbecue Bash - Information: 912-635-3636 or visit www.jekyllisland.com
Aug 22 Jazz in the Park - Enjoy an evening of live jazz music under the Aug 30stars on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Sponsored by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Information: 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.org
SEPTEMBER
Sep 3 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
Sep 4-5 Antique Show and Sale - Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village – St. Simons Island. Information: 912-264-3254 or www.stsimonsantiqueshow.com
Labor Day Invitational Arts & Crafts Show, St. Simons Island
Sept 4-5 Annual Labor Day Invitational Arts & Crafts Show - Postell Park, St. Simons Island. Information: 912-262-0628.
Sept 5 A Little Light Music - Local and regional musicians perform outdoors on the grounds of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Sponsored by the Coastal GA Historical Society. 912-638-4666 or visit www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/music.html
Sep 17-19 Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival - A signature cook-off event with participation from amateur and professional chefs throughout the region. The event also features live entertainment throughout the weekend, shrimp-eating contests, a Family Fun Zone, and vendor area complete with an antique and collectables market. Information: 912-635-3636 or visit www.jekyllisland.com
Sept 19 Jazz in the Park - Enjoy an evening of live jazz music under the stars on the lawn of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Bring a chair or blanket and picnic. Sponsored by Golden Isles Arts & Humanities Association. Information: 912-262-6934 or www.goldenislesarts.org
OCTOBER
Oct 1 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
Oct. 2-3 Antique Show and Sale - Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village – St. Simons Island. Information: 912-264-3254 or www.stsimonsantiqueshow.com
DNR CoastFest, Brunswick
Oct. 2 Dept. of Natural Resources CoastFest - A fun family event celebrating Georgia’s coastal environment and wildlife. Georgia Dept of Natural Resources, Brunswick. Contact: 912-264-7218 or visit www.crd.dnr.state.ga.us
Oct 9 Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee - Enjoy a taste of the Georgia Coast during this traditional celebration in historic downtown Brunswick. The day begins with a road race, pet parade and antique car show. Later, local teams compete to see who can prepare the “Best Brunswick Stew.” Contact 912-265-4032 or visit www.brunswickstewbilee.com
Oct 7-10 Colonial Coast Nature and Birding Festival - This festival brings casual and experienced bird enthusiasts from all over the United States to experience Southeast Georgia’s wide variety of habitats and wildlife. The whole family can enjoy a weekend of activities including nature walks, a showcase of vendors and conservation groups, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, special speakers, and informative seminars. Jekyll Island. Information: 912-635-3636 or visit www.coastalgeorgiabirding.org
TBA 41st Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Festival - Pier Village area, St. Simons Island. Sponsored by the Glynn Art Association. Contact: 912-638-8770 or visit www.glynnart.org
NOVEMBER
Nov 5 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
Nov 6-7 Antique Show and Sale - Vendors from throughout the Southeast offer antiques, collectibles and craft items. Postell Park, Beachview Drive in Pier Village – St. Simons Island. Information: 912-264-3254 or www.stsimonsantiqueshow.com
Tree Lighting Festival, Downtown Brunswick
Nov 26 Brunswick Tree Lighting Festival - Downtown Brunswick. Information: 912-265-4032 or visit www.downtownbrunswickga.com
TBA Community Christmas Tree Lighting Festival - Celebrate the holiday season with live entertainment, children’s activities, food and fun for the entire family, including a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Contact: 912-635-3636 or visit www.jekyllisland.com
DECEMBER
Dec 3 First Friday - Visit the shops and galleries of Historic Downtown Brunswick. "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" tastings at select shops, live music at various locations and monthly art exhibit opening at Art Downtown/Gallery 209. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Newcastle Street. Information: 912-265-4032 or www.brunswickgeorgia.net
Dec 4 Brunswick Christmas Parade - Downtown Brunswick. Contact: 912-265-4032 or visit www.downtownbrunswickga.com
Holiday wreath, Maritime Museum, St. Simons Island
Dec 11 Annual Holiday Tour of Homes and Gardens - St. Simons Island and Sea Island. Sponsored by the Cassina Garden Club of St. Simons Island. Tickets are available at local outlets or online at www.cassinagardenclub.org
TBA Annual Plantation Candlelight Tour at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation - 5556 US Hwy 17 N , Brunswick. Contact: 912-264-7333 or visit www.gastateparks.org/info/hofwyl
TBA Holiday Island Programs - From Nov. 26 - Jan. 1 enjoy a variety of special holiday programs and activities from Historic District light tours to special dinners, musical programs and more. Contact: 912-635-3636 or visit www.jekyllisland.com
NOTE: All programs are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm. For an up to date listing of local events and activities, please visit our online calendar.
When I was kid there was a ceramics shop across the street, in what had once been a corner grocery store. I don’t know which fascinated me more: the fact that there was a real store across the street from my house, or the white ceramic treasures displayed in its big shop window.
What I do know was this: It was not the kind of place any self-respecting boy would venture into or be seen in. That stuff was for girls. We boys were too busy tearing around the neighborhood on our bikes, playing Batman, Green Hornet or whatever TV hero was currently hip.Besides, I was never good at artsy-craftsy stuff. Like many children of the 50s and 60s, I received my share of paint-by-numbers kits and other similar items for birthdays and Christmas gifts. My paintings never looked like the ones on the box; they more closely resembled the works of abstract expressionists than the Renaissance masters. Enter Meghan Davis at Color Me Happy studio in downtown Brunswick. She and her mom, Lois Spinner Henry, opened their studio four years ago on Newcastle Street. The place has been jumping ever since. “We offer a lot more than ceramics painting,” Meghan explained. “We also offer glass fusing. Most men really like that because they get to wear goggles and use tools.”
Glass fusing. Glass. Tools. Goggles. Fire. Real manly man stuff. “Sounds like fun,” I thought.Megan invited me to come by the shop and see for myself. Color Me Happy was having a “Paint ‘Til You Faint” party that night to raise funds for the annual Relay for Life. It sounded like an excellent introduction to the modern world of ceramics painting and glass fusing.When I arrived, the party was in full swing. Led Zeppelin was playing on the stereo, and four women were at a table painting serving dishes and sharing a bottle of wine. The place was packed with women, some girls and even a couple of men. There was a wonderful selection of hors d’oeuvres and liquid refreshments.This was a long way from the ceramic shop on Marshall Avenue.Meghan Davis opened the first Color Me Happy studio five years ago in Bremen, GA outside Atlanta. In fall 2005, Meghan and her husband learned they were expecting their first child and decided to return to her hometown, Brunswick. She and her mom, Lois Henry, joined forces and opened their door on Newcastle Street in October that year.In addition to ceramics painting, Color Me Happy offers the aforementioned glass fusing. Create your own stuffed animal in The Bear Factory, or make your own tie-died shirt. Meghan and Lois offer a great variety of custom painted items in addition to the traditional “paint your own” pottery. The creative possibilities are nearly endless. You can make it yourself (they’ll show you how), or they’ll do it for you. If it’s glass or ceramic and it can be fired, this is the place to be.
Oh, and that business about being just for girls? Forget it. Color Me Happy truly has something for everyone. Kids parties. Office parties. Girls Nights Out. Wedding showers. Bridal luncheons. Summer art classes. The first and third Fridays of each month are Ladies Nights. Lois and Meghan provide the chocolate and the venue; you bring your friends, a beverage of your choice and a creative spirit. They even serve pizza.Meghan was right about glass fusing. I got to work with tools and melt stuff. I made a rendering of the St. Simons Lighthouse with various bits of flat glass, glass rods and this crushed glass sprinkly stuff in jars. It was a lot less messy than the “Thingmaker” I had when I was a kid, and was probably a lot safer. And though it’s far from the Renaissance masters, my little glass picture actually resembles the lighthouse. There may be hope for me yet.Color Me Happy is at 1426 Newcastle Street in downtown Brunswick. Meghan and Lois are generally there Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call them at 912-554-1900 or visit them online.
Whether you’re a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, if you make it or grow it in Georgia, there’s a new outlet for marketing your products online.
A brand new web site, www.gamadegagrownproducts.org, is designed to help Georgia-based businesses promote their products and services to local residents, visitors and corporate buyers. This site is endorsed by the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development and is open to artists, entertainers, gallery owners, restaurateurs, food producers and other businesses. The only requirement is that their product be made or grown in Georgia.
Listings on the site are free for the first year, and include product details, business hours, photos and other information. Registrants can update their listings and photos throughout the year to showcase new products, seasonal promotions, changes in business hours and more.
Bill Tipton, executive director of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau, says his organization is encouraging Glynn County businesses and artisans to promote themselves, their products and services online.
“Artists, writers, chefs, jewelers and many others have found inspiration in the unspoiled beauty of our Georgia coast,” Tipton explained. “We have a thriving community of very creative people who are growing, creating and producing unique items and services. We encourage them to share their products and expertise with people who have an interest in things created here in Georgia.”
The Convention and Visitors Bureau will be contacting local businesses in January to make them aware of the opportunity. In the meantime, local businesses can register by going online to www.gamadegagrownproducts.org, and clicking on the registration link.
The Georgia coast boasts a fascinating history that spans hundreds, if not thousands, of years. During its recorded history, the flags of five nations have flown over here, reflecting exploration, settlement and occupation of the Georgia coast.
