One of the biggest and most popular festivals in Camden County every year is the Labor Day Kingsland Catfish Festival. This festival offers everything from 5K run to pancake breakfast, arts and crafts vendors, live music on stage and most importantly Southern fried catfish dinners served with ice cold sweet tea.
Catfish Festival Give Away
This week CamdenHappenings.com is doing a special Giveaway for the Kingsland Catfish Festival. The photo below shows you exactly what you will win:
- Two Kingsland Catfish Festival t-shirts (size L)
- 4 special catfish festival coozies for the cold beverage of your choice
This is the perfect package of stuff to use for your own southern style fish fry! How can you resist those cute and funny catfish coozies!
This is what you need to do to participate in the give away:
a) Subscribe to our newsletter and confirm the subscription. (When you subscribe you’ll get sent an email asking you to click on the link to confirm – you need to do this to confirm your subscription. )
Once you’re a subscriber to the newsletter you’ll find out about new contests and give aways at CamdenHappenings.com!
b) Sign up & and like Camden Happenings Facebook Page
c) Remember to let your friends know about us so they can win too!
The grand prize winner will be selected from our list of confirmed newsletter subscribers. Deadline for entry Monday September 6, 2010.
The winner will be notified via email. U.S. residents only.
Win this from Kingsland Catfish Festival Give Away
I was able to catch up with the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance Co-Chair Barbara Ryan for an interview about the organization and it’s upcoming Gala event. Watch the video and I have include the event press release below as well.
Read about the movie production Eye of the Hurricane – Upcoming movie production in St Marys
Read about the TV pilot – TV series filming in St Marys and Fernandina
The Coastal Georgia Film Alliance invites Coastal Georgia and Northeast Florida residents to polish up their bling and dust off their tuxedoes to attend the November 13 “Hollywood Nights” Gala to be held in downtown St. Marys. Attendees will be met on the red carpet by Joan Rivers (character), snapped by the paparazzi, and whisked inside for a night of high glamour. According to Coastal Georgia Film Alliance Chair Doug Vaught, the evening promises to be one of St. Marys’ most exciting. “From the moment the valet parker takes your car and you step onto the red carpet, you will find yourself immersed in a world of celebrity,” Vaught said. “Everybody likes to be treated like a star, and at Hollywood Nights, everybody will be a star.”
The Coastal Georgia Film Alliance designed “Hollywood Nights” as a fundraiser to help support the purchase of museum-quality items for the St. Marys Film Museum. In addition to a star-quality dinner, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on unique auction items including walk-on roles in movie and television projects.
Donna Boyett, Chair of the Gala, said her committee is assembling a lineup of auction packages that even stars would like to bid on. “Chic getaways, sports packages, and arts and romance packages have already been assembled,” Boyett said. “One item that we think will bring a top price is dinner for eight at the Historic Clark House with a local dignitary serving as butler.” Boyett went on to say that though the event is months away, the Film Alliance has already sold 50% of the available 200 tickets. “They make a great early Christmas present,” Boyett said. “But mostly people are making reservations in anticipation of something quite out of the ordinary for our area. They won’t be disappointed.”
The event is by invitation only with tickets priced at $45 each. To receive an invitation, email barbara@coastalgeorgiafilm.org.
For more information, call 912-729-1103.
If you’ve ever dreamed of following in the footsteps of great songwriters like Carole King, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon, come August 21, you just may get your first break in St. Marys.
Jamaster Productions is hosting a Songwriters Showcase and is inviting talent from around the region to compete for prizes that include 12 hours of recording studio time, a trip to Nashville, a $1500 press photo session, media coverage, and cash. The Songwriters Showcase will be held at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park in St. Marys.
The brainchild of local musicians Dave Duggan and Arlie McLendon, the Songwriters Showcase presents area talent with the opportunity to get their original music heard by several recording representatives as well as talent scouts from Florida to Nashville. The event is designed for songwriters of all genres. According to Duggan, many artists have gotten their start by participating in regional competitions such as this one.
“All it takes is for one person with connections to be impressed by a song,” said Duggan. “If you have the talent, you can make an impression, and who knows…end up in Nashville.”
McLendon, who has been writing songs and playing locally for more than 20 years agreed.
“You never know where these types of competitions can lead you,” he said. “You just have to pick your best material and sparkle on the stage to get the talent scouts’ attention. And with the new roof over our waterfront amphitheatre, we have the perfect venue for showcasing the talent.”
Judging will be based on originality, authenticity, and difficulty; overall lyrics, melody, and performance, and stage presence as in the performer’s ability to capture the audience.
There will be a first, second, and third place winner plus a People’s Choice Award that will go to the songwriter voted on by attendees at the event
For more information, call 904-535-3955 or visit www.jamasterproductions.com.
Last year, we filmed at the Songwriters Contest at Treehill Nature Center in Jacksonville, Fl. Here is that video.
St. Marys resident Tom Hayden, motion picture producer, Coast Guard Auxiliary member, and experienced actor, has been on location in
St Marys, GA, and Fernandina Beach, FL, for the last four weeks filming a television pilot tentatively titled Semper Paratus (Always Ready).
Along with co-writer and director of the pilot, Mark Hildebrand, who is known for his work with Farragut Films, Hayden developed a script focusing on the local U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAUX) and their many experiences on the local waterways. Hayden and crew began shooting the TV pilot in June at the Riverview Hotel and Seagle’s Restaurant in St. Marys. They then moved to on-the-water scenes with CGAUX members and their boats, and private actors and their boats.
According to Hayden, the U.S. Coast Guard is very interested in the project and is providing technical support and will review the final script and production schedule before final approval.
As the result of an open casting call facilitated by the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance, Hayden was able to secure all the talent he needed to make the pilot. Main character roles are being played by seven local actors, and extras are from the southeast Georgia/northeast Florida area as well.
According to Hayden, “We could not have completed the project without the help of the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance.” Hayden said that he appreciated the Film Alliance’s continued support in providing talent, prop assistance, and logistics in making the TV pilot a success.
Most of the action in Semper Paratus is centered on the local CGAUX members and their boats (called Operational Facilities) with many scenes in St. Marys, GA and Nassau County, FL.
The story begins with a safety patrol on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) where they advise a novice boater on safety regulations. Later, during another patrol, they help rescue bikini-clad ladies aboard a boat with engine trouble.
During night training, two of the CGAUX facilities approach suspected drug runners who make a run for it.
Future series story lines will have oil spill disaster activity; mass casualty accident (commercial airplane in the water); stolen vessels; safety cordon for space shuttle launch; CGAUX in Katrina & Haiti; Kings Bay Submarine Base training with Coast Guard units; USCGCIS (NCIS for the USCG), and much more.
The production of a pilot for a full television series is the first step in selling a TV series.
Click here to go to the interview with Barbara Ryan from the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance
Bring your best four-legged friend to Yappy Hour at Seagles Saloon Patio on the waterfront in downtown St Marys. The event usually takes place the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Cost is $10.00 per person, Dogs free, includes complimentary glass of wine and appetizers.
Well-behaved owners and dogs are welcome. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society.
For more information visit www.humanecamden.org
Now you can spend Sunday afternoons in Howard Gilman Waterfront Park enjoying the nice weather while listening to live country music on stage.
The even kicks off on Sunday May 2nd, when Marshall Rowland in co-operation with St. Marys Downtown Development Authority will host “Country Sunday in the Park”. This event features the best of South East Georgia’s country music musicians and singers as well as several members of the Woodbine Opry.
Bring your whole gang, lawn chairs or a blanket and plan to spend time in the park. Country in the Park starts at 3 PM in the afternoon and the musicians will keep performing until the crowd is ready to go home, at least that’s what our information says.
And the best thing is – it’s a free concert!
Rowland, who occasionally sits in with the Woodbine Opry on Saturday nights, will take the mike as emcee. He’s a Country Music pioneer in North Florida having been associated with WQIK in Jacksonville and WBGA in Brunswick, both country music stations. Rowland started his country music career by playing for dances and shows throughout the area, and now he’s bringing country music to downtown St. Marys.
Country in the Park takes place on the first Sunday of the month during the summer. For more information call 912-882-8111.
Amelia River Cruises has two unique extended trips available for the Spring and Summer season of 2010. On Saturday May 8, 2010, Amelia River Cruises will offer a full day trip out of Fernandina Beach, FL. The trip is a full day exploring history and culture on the coast and includes a tour of Kingsley Plantation and Fort Caroline. Passangers will also get an opportunity to enjoy the lively narration of owner and captain, Kevin McCarthy. Lunch will be served aboard compliments of Nicole’s on the River. This trip is a fundraiser in conjunction with the Amelia Island Museum of History. For tickets and pricing visit www.ameliarivercruises.com
On Saturday, May 15, 2010, Amelia River Cruises will sail to Jekyll Island. Passangers will enjoy both a narrated, historic and wildlife sightseeing tour along the way. The trip also includes a variety of Jekyll activities including lunch at the Grand Dining Room at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Trolley Tour of the Historic District and entry into the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Return transportation via Coastal Georgia Charters and Tours and all taxes, tips and gratuities is all inclusive in this $100 per person non-taxed fare.
For itineraries, pricing and other details visit www.ameliarivercruises.com.
St. Marys’ residents and visitors will now have seven more memorable experiences to add to their 2010 memoirs.
Beginning April 17, and extending beyond Labor Day, the City of St. Marys will be serving up monthly outdoor concerts and performances at the Howard Gilman Memorial Waterfront Park. Shows begin at 7 pm, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs.
“Whether you’re seeking a relaxing evening with your sweetheart or an event that your entire family can enjoy, the Starry Nights line-up has something for everyone,” said Janet Brinko, Director of St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The 2010 Starry Nights schedule is:
April 17, 2010 – Southeast Community Church Worship Band
Enjoy a contemporary praise band under the stars
May 15, 2010 – No Known Cure Band
A variety of popular music – Director of Camden’s Joint Development Authority, David Keating will be entertaining as a member of the band.
June 12, 2010 – Camden Cabaret
Enjoy the young singing talents of Camden County as they perform “A Taste of Hollywood”
June 19, 2010 – Reminisce to the Oldies
Enjoy the music under the stars
July 10, 2010 – Lisa Allen’s Dance Works
A fun filled evening of dance and a “Back to School Fashion Show”
August 14, 2010 – Big V. and the Screaming Deacons
A mixture of oldie’s music to popular music of today
September 18, 2010 – River Jam
Enjoy the battle of several youth bands
All Performances will begin at 7P.M. and end around 9P.M.
For more information Please contact St. Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau 912-882-4000 or info@stmaryswelcome.com
If you ever thought about building your own raft and racing down the river, now is your chance. This year it’s the second time around for the event Fun in the Sun Expo, which includes the popular raft race. If raft racing is too much excitment for you, there is also a duck race which one assumes is much less demanding – at least for the human participants.
The event is scheduled for Saturday May 29, 2010 from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
The 2nd annual Fun in the Sun Expo is a celebration of the start of summer held at Howard Gilman Memorial Park on the river in historic downtown St. Marys. The event features a 5K Fun Run, the 12th Annual Rotary Club of Camden County Charity Duck Race, the 2nd Annual St. Marys River Raft Race, the 2nd Annual Pet Fashion Show, the 2nd Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest, a free concert by Sound of Freedom, kids amusements and music.
Admission is free for this day of family fun.
Apply for the raft race now, click here for the form!
To participate in the 5K, click here to download the application.
According to Jacksonville’s Channel 4 News it’s a strong possibility that Kingsland, Georgia, can get a new Mega Mall. Kingsland is in a perfect location for a mall, right next to interstate 95. The new development could bring thousands of jobs to Camden County as well.
What do you think? How would a shopping mall of this size impact Kingsland and Camden County in general? Will it change Camden from small town to Jacksonville suburb, or is it something we need to get more jobs and more money to the county?
You can post your comments below.
