Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Railwatch Day in Folkston, Georgia

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Love trains? Come to Folkston for Railwatch Days on Saturday April 11, 2009. This event brings train aficionados from all across the country to observe, record and enjoy trains. The railroad junction in Folkston sees more trains passing through than any other railroad junction on the eastern seaboard, so no wonder this is a place to visit for the enthusiasts.

railways watch days folkston georgia
Schedule for the event:

  • Free coffee and donuts at the platform at daybreak on Saturday morning.
  • Platform ceremony at 10:00 am
  • New Town railroad mural dedication at noon
  • Using ATCS with the internet – Barry Baines (clinic held at the old depot) at 1:00pm
  • Editing your railroad video for YouTube – Danny Harmon (clinic at old depot) at 2:00pm
    CSX Signals 201 with Frank DeFalco (clinic held at depot building) at 3:00pm
    Burger and Hot Dog cookout at the platform at 6:00 pm
    Outdoor slideshow presented by Tom Imlay – Saturday night

Photo Contest – All day at depot – sponsored by the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce ($100 cash prize for best of show)

For more information about the event contact Charlton County Chamber of Commerce at 912-496-2536

Three Buzzards and Apple Pie – a Children’s Book

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Harold Cohn is an author from St. Marys, Georgia who recently released his children’s book “Three Buzzards and Apple Pie” through Tate Publishing Company. Three Buzzards and Apple Pie is a Lesson in life choices. The main characters are the three boys—Hade, Bo, and Drew. The boys decide to disobey their parents and venture past their usual play area one day. That decision sets off a thrilling journey for the boys and everyone involved.
Click here to check out the book Three Buzzards and Apple Pie

We talked to Harold Cohn about how the book came about in this video.

Mardi Gras Festivals on the Coast of Georgia!

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“Mardi Gras” is a French term meaning Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras refers to the carnival celebration.

Mardi Gras is a celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent and its origins go all the way back to the ancient Romans. Today the tradition is carried on in cities such as Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, and of course Rio de Janeiro.

Other names for Fat Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Dollar day. The actual date for 2009 is February 24th.
You can experience our own coastal version of Mardi Gras on Tybee Island or in historic downtown St Marys.

Mardi Gras Tybee
Tybee Island is celebrating Mardi Gras for the first time this year.
Purple, gold and green flags will dress up Tybee Island for the Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras Tybee kicks off with a Fantasy Masquerade Ball on Friday, February 20th at 8pm, hosted by Fannies on the Beach. The King and Queen of the event will be chosen at the Fantasy Masquerade Ball by costume contest and bring your best looking cocktail cup for the Best Krewe Cup Contest. On Saturday, there will be a Mardi Gras parade at 3pm down Butler Avenue and a street party with music and festivities on Tybrisa Street. Join the fun, listen to authentic Zydeco music featuring Brad Randell and the Zydeco Ballers, Buddy Kosic’s New Orleans Dixieland Jazz Band and Bottles and Cans. Admission to the street party and parade viewing is free. Tickets for the Fantasy Masquerade Ball can be purchased online at www.mardigrastybee.com

Mardi Gras St Marys
This is one of the most popular annual festivals in St Marys. Everyone comes downtown to view the Mardi Gras parade and catch beads.
The Mardi Gras Festival includes a parade and live entertainment on Saturday, February 21st.
For more information, please call St Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau at 912.882.4000 or visit www.stmaryswelcome.com

St. Marys Community Market on January 10

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St. Marys Community Market – 206 Osborne St., (Tribune & Georgian Parking Lot) this market takes place on Saturdays in downtown St Marys where you can buy from local vendors. For more information call 912-882-8111 or visit www.smcmarket.com

January 10, 9am – 1pm

Live Nativity in St Marys – St. Marys, GA

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Experience the Christmas Story through the presentation of The Live Nativity on the grounds of the Orange Hall House Museum. The Live Nativity will be presented from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Be sure to bring the family to share this wonderful holiday tradition. For information call 912-882-8111 or 912-882-4000.