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.

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

On Saturday June 5, 2010, the Humane Society in Camden County holds an event at Bennett Suzuki, 230 Kenneth Gay Dr, Kingsland, Georgia.

Stop by for a special bake sale, barbeque and car wash. All proceeds to benefit the Humane Society in Camden County.

The event takes place from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

For more information visit www.humanecamden.org

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

After weeks of research and discovery of potential film locations for Braveart’s filming of “Eye of the Hurricane,” Hollywood Producer Susan Johnson has announced the project will be filmed in St. Marys, Georgia.

“Eye of the Hurricane” writer and director Jesse Wolfe said it was more than the beauty of the area that helped make his and Johnson’s decision.

Actor Campbell Scott will play the leading role in “Eye of the Hurricane.” Son of Hollywood icon George C. Scott, more than 20 movies comprise his film dossier including the poignant “Dying Young” that co-starred Julia Roberts. Jose Zuniga also plays a leading role in “Eye of the Hurricane.” His credits include the film “Twilight” and others, as well as starring roles in television series “Law and Order,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Ghost Whisperer.”

A plot synopsis of “Eye of the Hurricane” describes it as: “A compelling family drama about a small Florida community struggling to put their lives back together in the wake of a devastating hurricane. In the spirit of ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘Eye of the Hurricane’ is told through the eyes of a determined child, a troubled adolescent, a wounded parent, and a loyal friend.”

With filming set to begin in August, Writer/Director Wolfe sees “Eye of the Hurricane” as a prequel to much more filming in the Southeast.

“I originally wanted to shoot the film in Florida, as it is a story based in Florida,” Wolfe said. “But from the moment we drove into St. Marys, I knew I would change my mind. Potential locations leapt out at me each time we turned a corner, and the hospitality, enthusiasm and charm of the townsfolk, sealed the deal. I will be making my ‘Florida film’ in St. Marys, Georgia.”

“We are thrilled to be shooting ‘Eye of the Hurricane’ in St. Marys, due in no small part of the folks at the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance. Initially we were looking for a location that could match the Florida Everglades, but once we saw St. Marys, the possibilities were endless,” Johnson stated. “We saw every location we needed in the span of four hours and became so enamored of the look of St. Marys that the script has been rewritten to utilize the entire town. And we could not have received a warmer welcome. By the time we finish production, I’m sure one of us will have moved in permanently!”

Janet Brinko, Director of the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau, sees the economic effect impacting long after the production is finished.

“People love to visit places where movies were filmed,” Brinko said. “After the filming of ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ in Savannah, their area tourism soared. Having ‘Eye of the Hurricane’ filmed here will be like having a two-hour picture postcard for St. Marys distributed all over the world.”
To see the kind of picture postcard Brinko envisioned, one can visit www.havensfoot.com and view the location visuals posted by the production company showing the beauty of St. Marys and the surrounding area.

For more information about “Eye of the Hurricane,” visit www.havensfoot.com.

For more information about the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance, visit www.coastalgeorgiafilm.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