July 6-10  & 13-17, 2009 - Children's Craft Camp. The Hart Regional Arts Council is sponsoring a Children's Craft Camp from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. $45 per child per week or $15 a day and includes lunch.  Ages 6-13.  This year's focus: Folk Crafts.  Pre-registration encouraged. To register please call Mary Alice Ray at (706) 376-6591 or email maray@hartcom.net.

July 18, 2009 - The Hart County Community Theatre will be holding a Flat Building Workshop coordinated with the UGA ARCHWAY project. This event will be at the Theatre, from 10a.m. - 3p.m. with a lunch break.  Call the HCCT Box Office for more information at (706) 376-5599 or email hcct@hartcom.net.

July 30-August 27, 2009 - Chuck Norton, Watercolor Show at the Arts Center.   The Art Center is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1p.m.-5p.m. For more information, contact Mary Alice Ray at (706)376-6591 or email maray@hartcom.net.

August 28-30, 2009 - Hart County Community Theatre production, a SENIOR FOLLIES Variety Show. *Auditions will be Sunday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 28. Performers age 50 and over are needed for this variety show. Singing, dancing, comedy, etc! Call the HCCT Box Office for more information at (706) 376-5599 or email hcct@hartcom.net.

August, 2009 - Trivia Challenge to benefit the Arts Center which will be held from 7-10 pm. The competition has been fierce and the title of Trivia Champs has been passed around Hartwell. The format has changed a bit this year in hopes of better serving our participants. Each 4-member team will be required to pay an entry fee of $120 ($30/team member). Game play will be structured much like the traditional “Trivial Pursuit” board game in that teams will answer questions in predetermined categories and try to earn all of their “pie pieces.” Here is a quick example of the new structure of the game - to encourage competition between the teams; you will have the chance to challenge the other teams. After a team has won a pie piece, your team can use your turn, pay an extra $25, and challenge that team to try and “steal” their pie piece. The challenged team will be asked a question for which you have challenged them - if they answer correctly, they keep their pie piece BUT if they answer incorrectly and YOUR TEAM answers correctly, you get to take their pie piece! You can only challenge ONCE during the game so use it wisely! If you have any questions, please contact Shelbye J Reese at (706) 318-1181.

August, 2009 Hart Regional Arts Council Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. at the Arts Center in Hartwell, GA. Members and general public are invited to attend.  Contact Garlene Smithson at (706) 376-4739 for more information.

August 8, 2009 - Diabetes Workshop at the Adult Learning Center from 8 until noon, sponsored by the Tri-County Diabetes Taskforce Team. This is for people who have Diabetes and their family members or for people with a family history of Diabetes. Light Snacks will be served and sponsors will have exhibit tables that will contain more Diabetes information. Door prizes will be given out! For any questions about the workshop or to pre-register for the event call: Lauren Papka at (706) 245-1845 or via email at lauren.papka@tycobbhealthcare.com.

September, 2009 - Annual Bluegrass Festival at Clem's Shoal Creek Music Park. Call (706) 356-1092 for more information.

September 4, 2009 - Local businesses are encouraged to participate in “ Hart County Day” at the Georgia Visitors Information Center in Lavonia on I-85. This is a free event for you to promote your business and to increase tourism in Hart County. You will need to provide your own table for this event and no selling is allowed . If you plan to participate in “Hart County Day” please contact Shirley Crawford at the Georgia Visitors Information Center in Lavonia at (706)356-4019 or scrawford@georgia.org and also email hartchamber-michele@hartcom.net - so we know who and how many will be participating. This is the Friday of Labor Day Weekend, and is a very heavy traffic day on I-85, so it should be busy.

September 3-27, 2009- Salley McInerney Show at the Arts Center.   Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1-5p.m. through September 27. For more information, contact Mary Alice Ray at (706)376-6591 or email maray@hartcom.net.

September 26, 2009 - ARTS in hARTwell Festival of Heritage and Fine Arts. The 10th annual ARTS in hARTwell Festival of Heritage and Fine Arts in historic downtown Hartwell Georgia . The event starts at 10 a.m. and continues until to 4 p.m. with an assortment of activities, including juried fine art, heritage crafts , entertainment and a children's creativity booth, and demonstrations. Admission is free to the festival. The ARTS in hARTwell Festival focuses on the heritage crafts of yesteryear, as well as contemporary fine crafts and fine arts. Artists compete for prize awards and demonstrate their skills creating contemporary or heirloom pieces. The Arts in hARTwell Festival is sponsored by the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority. Call the Michael Crump, Hartwell DDA at (706) 376-0188 for more information.

October, 2009 - Hart County Community Theatre production of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, directed by Darcy Kelley. Auditions will be Saturday, August 8 at 7:00 PM; and Sunday, August 9 at 2PM at the Theatre. There are roles for adults and children, as well as backstage and make-up, etc. help.  Call the HCCT Box Office for more information at (706) 376-5599 or email hcct@hartcom.net.

October 9-10,  12-14 2009 - 4-H Plant & Tree Sale at Hart County Extension Office located at 200 Arthur Street in Hartwell. Call the Hart County Extension Office at (706) 376-3134 for more information and times.

Cancelled for 2009 -to return in October 2010
Loch Hartwell Highland Games & Scottish Festival (LHHG) For more info call (706) 376-6761.

October 10, 2009 - Buddy Walk. Taylor and Friends, Inc. will have their 4th Hart County Annual Buddy Walk from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Hart County Recreational Department, 200 Clay St./ Registration is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. This fee includes your Buddy Walk T-shirt and access to all the day's events. Special guests featuring: a special appearance by Ronald McDonald. For more information, call Ayoca Freeman, Buddy Walk coordinator, at 706-377-2192 or 706-436-2374.

October 10, 2009 - CIRCUIT RIDER'S WIFE - The Musical - A Savannah River Production at 7:30pm at the Lonnie Burns Fine Arts Center at the Hart County High School. Play tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $8 for students under 12 and $12 for groups of 8 or more. Call (706) 376-7397 for more information.

October, 2009 - Pilot Club Annual Turkey Supper with all the trimmings will be served from 5-7 p.m. at Hartwell Elementary School cafeteria. Plates include turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, green beans, cobbler and roll. Eat in or take out. Tickets are $7 and tickets are available from any Pilot Club of Hartwell member or by calling Angie at 706-436-6661 or Jane at 706-376-2838.

October 19, 2009 - The Education Summit! Call the Hart County Chamber (706) 376-8590 for more information.

October, 2009 - The Pink Partini!  This is a 'girls night out' benefit sponsored by the Hartwell Service League. Tables are $320 and seat 8 women. For more information on buying a table, contact Mary Lynn Johnson at Bailes-Cobb (706) 376-7156.

 
October 24, 2009 - Freedom Fund Banquet.  Hart County NAACP will host its 25th Freedom Fund Banquet at 7 p.m. at the Christian Worship Assembly Family Life Center on Highway 29 South in Hartwell. See a member to get your ticket.

October 31, 2009 - Mayor's Monster Mash! Trick or Treaters are invited to visit around the Courthouse Square & on Depot St. Visit participating downtown merchants for treats from 4:30 til 6:00PM.

October 2009 - Annual Haunted House & Woods Walk will be from 7-11 p.m. nightly at the corner of Memorial Road and Highway 29 (Royston Road), one mile South of Hartwell, across from Nancy Hart Memorial Cemetery. Cost is $5 per person. Food and drinks will be available. Proceeds to benefit Heart Haven (The Battered Women's Shelter). Call (706) 377-4141 for more information.

October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 29-31, 2009 - The Haunted Goldmines and Woods is located at Highway 29 between Royston and Hartwell at Triple Ranch Road, will be open at dark. Proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.

November, 2009 - Depot Day in Hartwell will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Historic Depot Street . There will be entertainment throughout the day as well as activities for children. The club is now seeking venders for the event. Booth fees: $25 (non-profit organization) or $30 (professional vendor). No electrical hook-up & fee is non-refundable. For a registration form or more information please call Angie at 706-436-6661 or Jane at 706-376-2838 or send vendor information and check payable to The Pilot Club of Hartwell, P.O. Box 1284, Hartwell, GA 30643.

November, 2009 - The Hart County Historical Society Annual Meeting at 7PM at the Adult Learning Center conference room downstairs.

November, 2009 - Seventh Annual 5K Run Over Violence. 5K starts at 2:30 PM & One mile starts at 2:00 PM. Registration and awards at McGee Heating and Air located at 93 Old Highway 29 - across from Ingles Grocery Store. Proceeds to benefit "Heart Haven" Battered Women's Shelter. Call (706) 377-4141 for time, cost and more information. Entry forms at Chamber Office.

November 14, 2009 - Sacred Heart Catholic Church Arts & Crafts Show at 1009 Benson Street, Hartwell, to be held from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall at the church. The church is seeking artists and craftsmen who wish to display and sell their wares at rented tables. Tables are available for $25 each for the show. Please contact Judy Earle at (706) 376-3476 or email jandjearle@hartcom.net for more information and reservations.

November, 2009 - Tellabration! A Night of Storytelling will be performed at the Hart County Community Theatre at 2:30PM. Admission is $5. Also, anyone who is interested in TELLING a story, call Mary Anne Huggins at (706) 376-5997 or the Theatre at (706) 376-5599. The storytelling performances begin at 7:00 PM at the Theatre at 83 Depot Street in Downtown Hartwell. Call the HCCT Box Office for ticket information at (706) 376-5599 or email hcct@hartcom.net

November, 2009 - Home for the Holidays - Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling! Downtown businesses announce the annual “Home for the Holidays” Lighting of the Tree on the Courthouse Square on Forest Avenue on Tuesday, November 18th from 6:30pm-8:00 pm. There will be a drawing for a $1000 shopping spree. There will be great entertainment, caroling, funnel cakes, train rides and a live nativity -- and Santa is coming for pictures! For more information contact Michael Crump at the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority at (706) 376-0188.

November 26-28, 2009 - Thanksgiving Weekend Blue Grass Festival at Clem's Shoal Creek Music Park. Call (706) 356-1092 for more information.

November 29, 2009 - XTERRA Ga 10K Trail Run at Victoria Bryant State Park, in Royston. These events are designed for mountain bikers and trail runners to have fun, be competitive and provide an endless supply of great memories! Dirty Spokes Productions, LLC is excited to present our 12 and 6 hour mountain bike team relay races and trail races to you. Web-site info at www.dirtyspokes.com and click here for the registration form.

December 3, 2009 - Bowersville Tree Lighting. The Town of Bowersville will have its tree lighting at 7p.m. at the Bowersville Community Center. Come for a time of fun, fellowship and food. Bring your camera and wish list to visit with Santa.

December 4, 2009 - Christmas Parade of Lights!  Cash prize for top float! The Friday evening parade starts at 6:30PM and goes along Franklin Street & ends at the High School. The parade entry fee is $10. This event is sponsored by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. Call the Hart County Chamber at (706) 376-8590 for more information.

December 6, 2009 - Hartwell Service League Tour of Homes. This year's tour of five houses will be on Sunday from 12:30pm-6:00pm. All of this year's selections, are beautifully unique! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Bailes Cobb, or from any Service League Member. All proceeds benefit children's literacy in Hart County. Tickets are also for sale at the Chamber Office.

December 23, 2009 - The Night Before the Night Before - Annual FREE Christmas Special at 7PM at the Hart County Community Theatre. A Community Sing-a-long and Santa is scheduled to visit. Bring the Family! Call the HCCT Box Office for more information at (706) 376-5599 or email hcct@hartcom.net.

2010

January 13-17, 2010 - Atlanta Boat Show The Hart County Chamber will have a booth (#248) at the Georgia World Congress Center promoting our community.

January, 2010 - The Hart County N.A.A.C.P. with the 'Pastors and Ministers' Fellowship presents

• MLK Breakfast - January at Adult Learning Center 7:30-10am.
• MLK Parade - January at Bell's parking lot at 11am
• MLK Program - January at Flat Rock C.M. E. Church at 7pm

Call Arthur Craft at 706-436-9818, Darlene Rucker at 706-436-5986 or Hazel Allen at 706-376-9378 for more information.

January 28, 2010 - The Hart County Chamber Annual Banquet
Stop by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce for tickets or call for more information at (706) 376-8590. This event will take place at 7 p.m. The 2009 Chamber Community Awards will be announced. Each ticket (which includes dinner) is $25 for Chamber Members and $30.00 for Non-Chamber Members. All tickets MUST be purchased ahead of time.

February 20, 2010 - Annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast will begin at 8:00 AM followed by a panel discussion and a question and answer period. All tickets MUST be purchased ahead of time. The breakfast will take place at the Adult Learning Center, next to the Library on Benson Street. The cost is $10 for Hart County Chamber Members and $12 Non-Chamber Members. Call the Hart Chamber of Commerce at (706) 376-8590 to get your Eggs & Issues tickets.

February, 2010 - Adult Learning Center Annual Spelling Bee! Form your teams now! If you are interested in signing up, please call the Adult Learning Center at (706) 376-3000.

February, 2010 - STAR Student & Teacher Recognition sponsored by the Hartwell Rotary Club, Hartwell Kiwanis Club and the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. Call the Hart Chamber at (706) 376-8590 for more information.

February, 2010 - The Polar Bear Plunge at the Hartwell Marina. This is the 13th annual benefit for Heart Haven - a shelter for victims of domestic violence. This event is sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence. For more information call Carrie at (706) 377-4141.

April, 2010 - Spring Fever Catamaran Regatta on Lake Hartwell with the largest Catamaran Regatta in the USA, and the Southern Area Formula 18 Championships, with a full three days of racing. The World's Finest Regatta by a Dam Site! This is the 12th year of this event. For more information contact Mr.Ernie@TwinHulls.com or see web page at http://www.twinhulls.com/springfever2009/09announce/

April, 2010 - Antique Boat Festival from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This Annual event is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, the Hartwell Marina and the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. Lake Hartwell provides the backdrop for exhibitors from across the U.S. to display their classic wooden boats dated from the 1920's - 1960's. Come see over 50 classic boats at the Hartwell Marina on beautiful Lake Hartwell . Call the Hart County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 376-8590 for more information.

April, 2010 - The Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. at Hart State Park, Cricket Theater area. Bring your own baskets, ages 1-10.

April, 2010 - Community Easter Egg Hunt at the Jimmy Bell Ball Field (at the Recreation Park ) on Sunday, April, at 10 AM. There will be candy, prizes, story-time, music and a hot dog lunch. Free to public. This event is sponsored by Good Shepherd Fellowship Church of Hartwell.

April, 2010 - Master Gardener Plant Sale. Friday from noon-6pm and Saturday from 9am-1pm. For sale will be drought resistant plants, perennials, ferns, ornamental shrubs, herbs, as well as heirloom plants from the Master Gardeners private collection. They will also be selling some annuals, vegetable crops, garden gloves, and pre-planted containers. The sale will be held at the Hart County Botanical Gardens, located next door to the Hart EMC. Contact Diane Bourne, President, for additional information at (706)376-0909 or ddf003@yahoo.com.

April, 2010 - Dam Dog Walk benefits the Hart County Humane Society. The event is from 1-4PM at the Big Oaks Recreation Area. Registration is $25. Pre-register by April 3rd to receive an event t-shirt. Registration forms are available at Hartwell Animal Hospital, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, Royston Animal Hospital, and Foothills Outfitters.  Call (706)376-0930 or email the Hart County Humane Society at hartcohumane@yahoo.com for more information.

April, 2010 - North Hart Elementary Spring Fling! To be held at North Hart Elementary from 3-7PM. Included in the events will be adult & children's Bingo, pony rides, a train ride, hayrides and various outdoor children's activities. Please contact Kathy Martin at (706)856-7369 for more information.

April, 2010 - Celebrity Waiter/Waitress Night to benefit Prevent Child Abuse Hart County. Don’t miss Thursday night at Mi Jalisco! Many local celebrities will wait tables for tips that will go toward Prevent Child Abuse Hart County Programs and Awareness.

May, 2010 - Low Country Boil Dinner - Imagination Library Fundraiser. Dinner includes Low Country Boil, Cole Slaw, Bread and Dessert. (A "Low Country Boil" consists of shrimp, polish sausage, potatoes, and small corn-cobs) This fundraiser is for the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children in Hart County, from birth to age five. Tickets are $12.50 each. The dinner will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, on Benson Street from 6:30-8pm. Entertainment will be provided. Buy your tickets at Hart Partners (706) 376-7449, which is next to the Library or stop by the Hart County Chamber Office.Tickets must be bought ahead, as they will not be sold at the door.

May, 2010 - 32nd Annual Lake Hartwell Dam Run! One of Georgia 's most scenic 5K and 10K runs. Featuring a one mile "Fun Run". It all begins at Big Oaks Recreation Area on US 29 just North of Hartwell at 8:30 AM. The street address for the Big Oaks Recreation Area is 5625 Anderson Hwy. Come and enjoy the "Best Dam Run Anywhere". Sponsored by the Hart County Running Club. Contact the Hart Chamber at (706) 376-8590 for more information or print out the 2009 registration form or Register Online at Active.com   *If you can volunteer to help with the Dam Run, please contact Lillian Wysong at (706) 376-3220.

May, 2010 - Hart County 4-H Rabies Clinics - The cost is $7.00 per pet for a rabies shot. (Thanks Dr. Mauldin & Dr. Ellis!)

Monday- (6-7pm) at South Hart Elementary - Back parking lot.

Tuesday - (6-7pm) at North Hart Elementary - Back parking lot.

Thursday - (6-7pm) at Hartwell Elementary - Back parking lot.

Call the County Extension Office at (706)856-5378 for more information.

May, 2010 - Relay For Life of Hart County at the Hart County Middle School Track. Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. and Luminaria ceremony begins at 9:30 p.m.. Join Relayers in Hart County to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back against cancer. There is no charge to attend, but bring money to support the hard working teams of Hart County! There will be lots of food and beverage as well as priceless entertainment to be enjoyed by all! Visit www.RelayForLife.org/HartGA. There you can sign up for a team, dedicate a luminaria or torch or register a survivor for the event.

May, 2010 - P.A.W.S for a Cause - Pooch Parade & Dog Show Heart Haven is planning their 4th annual P.A.W.S Dog Show (Providing Abused Women Shelter). The goal of this fund-raiser is to increase awareness of domestic violence in our community. The event is to be held at Big Oaks Recreation Area with registration beginning at 9:30 am and the show categories beginning around 11:00 am. Trophies will be awarded for best dressed, smallest, most unusual, happiest, best costume, and other fun categories. All proceeds will go directly to benefit domestic violence victims in our area. Registration forms will be available at the Hart County Chamber or call (706) 377-4884 for more information.

May 29, 2010 - Cars & Guitars, Under the Stars!

This family-friendly event is a great way to spend a Saturday admiring elegant classic cars, live music, children's activities and kick-start the summer season!

Every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of this Event Calendar; however we encourage you to confirm times and dates, by using the provided phone numbers.

 Fun attractions in Hart County

Hart County Botanical Garden Enjoy six acres of land located by the Recreation Department's new athletic fields and walking trails off the Elberton Highway. (Near Hart EMC) The Northeast Georgia Master Gardeners will be responsible for the planting, maintenance, and identification of the plants in the garden. The Botanical Gardens presently are open from dawn to dusk, free for the enjoyment of the residents of Hart County and surrounding areas.

The pavilion is available. The pavilion policies are: The use of the pavilion is available on a first-come-first serve basis. To learn availability and get a reservation, call the 4-H Extension Office, 706-376-3134, or visit the office at 200 Arthur St., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - noon and 1 - 5 p.m. There is no charge to use the pavilion and its restroom facilities. The restroom requires a key for which there is a $10 refundable deposit.  Users may bring their own chairs and tables as needed. However, seven lightweight tables and 32 chairs are available on site for rent for $25 payable in advance. For profit group rate is $50. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. All trash and garbage must be taken away following use of the pavilion. All lights and ceiling fans must be turned off, and doors locked. Failure to comply can result in loss of deposits, payment for damages and loss of use privileges. For any other information about the garden or NEGMGA, contact Charles Rice at the Hart County Extension office at (706) 376 - 3134.

Hart County Community Theater at 83 Depot Street - Call (706) 376-5599 for production information and dates.

Hart County Historical Museum & Chamber of Commerce. The Teasley-Holland house is a one-story frame Victorian style structure built in 1881. The museum is a source of county historical information. The Teasley-Holland House is also the home to the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. Located at 31 E. Howell Street & open 8:30 am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Call (706) 376-8590 for more information. *(See Map of Downtown Hartwell)

Bluegrass Express - Enjoy bluegrass music every Saturday night in a former cotton warehouse at historic 57 Depot Street in downtown Hartwell. A house band joins nationally known performers, providing music for clogging or just listening for the whole family. The performance starts at 7:00 p.m. and includes authentic bluegrass and gospel music. Adults $6 - Children Free. Along with the Bluegrass Express Musicians you will fine these great groups from the Northeast Georgia area during the upcoming month. Call (706) 376-3551 for more information.

The Arts Center - Enjoy the best of regional and national fine arts and fine crafts in a renovated historic building on the square at 338 East Howell Street. Call (706) 377-2040 for more information.

The Hartwell Farmer's Market - Open every Saturday, April thru October, from 7:00am – Noon at the City Hall  Parking Lot on the corner of S. Carter and Howell St. FYI -- All produce is locally grown in Hart County or a county that surrounds Hart. MORE GROWERS ARE NEEDED! Cost to sell is $7 for the whole season or $1 per time selling.

Cateechee Golf Club - Located close to Hartwell Lake this 18 hole Semi-private course is an Audubon Signature Course. Located at 140 Cateechee Trail in Hartwell.

Center of the World Monument - One reminder of the Cherokee Indians is an area designated the Center of the World. The site was a Native American assembly ground where they met for various councils and with traders from Augusta and other southern locations. The Native Americans bartered hides, furs and blankets with the traders. The monument is located near the Fabritex facility and marked by a historical marker on U.S. 29 about three miles south of Hartwell.

Hart State Park - Swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing at Lake Hartwell are prime reasons to visit Hart State Park in Northeast Georgia. Large mouth bass, hybrid bass, striper, black crappie, bream, rainbow trout and wall-eyed pike can be found in the sparkling waters of this 56,000 acre reservoir. The parks boat ramps and docks offer easy access to all water sports. A swimming beach and numerous picnic tables are also provided. Campsites are located on the scenic lake shore. Located at 330 Hart State Park Road in Hartwell.

Hartwell Golf Club - An 18 hole semi-private golf course. Located at 755 Golf Course Road in Hartwell.

Hartwell Marina - View Lake Hartwell from the Marina and see all the beautiful boats. A Ship's store is available. Located at 149 Hartwell Marina Road in Hartwell.

Lake Hartwell Dam - The Dam has a panoramic view of Lake Hartwell and the Savannah River from the top. Walking along the dam is a favorite local activity for exercise! Convenient parking available at the Big Oaks Recreation Park on Hwy 29, just 5 miles south of Hartwell.

Lake Hartwell - One of the Southeast's largest and most popular lakes. 56,000 acres with a 962 mile shoreline. Camping, fishing, swimming, boating and picnicking. Visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Information Center. In 2007, the lake had over 10 million visitors! Lake Hartwell is the #1 most visited Corps managed lake in the whole USA. Lake Hartwell is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers. The lake is created by Hartwell Dam. See map of Lake Hartwell.