All next week, Pembroke and Richmond Hill, along with about 140 other Georgia cities, will be celebrating "Georgia Cities Week."
The annual event, created by the Georgia Municipal Association, offers a variety of local activities for each respective community to participate in throughout the coming week.
The downtown area of Richmond Hill will light up as entertainment, art displays and kids’ events are slated for J.F. Gregory Park and the Richmond Hill Historical Society Museum. Pembroke is taking their festivities to the senior center and schools.
Both Richmond Hill Mayor Richard Davis and Pembroke Mayor Judy Cook say they are excited about the week.
"We are very proud of our city and the services we provide that make it attractive to residents and visitors," Davis said. "Too often, people are unaware of how cities enhance their quality of life, and we would like to invite them to come out for these events and learn more about the government that works for them."
"I always look forward to this time of year," Cook said. "For me, it’s a time to stop and reflect about this great town and how far we really have come as a community. The council members and I are all excited about next week and what it signifies."
Jan Bass, who coordinates the Richmond Hill festivities, said this week has been spent cleaning up the city and a city-wide large item trash pickup.
"The plan is to clean up in order to showcase the city all next week," Bass said.
Pembroke has plans to do the same on April 25. The boy scouts will be leading the clean-up and welcome anyone that would like to participate. The day will end with a pizza party.
The week gets an early jump today for the Business Expo at the recreation center. Dozen of booths will be set up by local businesses inside the rec gym and the public is invited to attend. Also today, the Richmond Hill Historical Society is hosting an annual yard sale from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Georgia Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing at the Wetlands Center at J.F. Gregory Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The DOT is in the process of coordinating a plan for future road work that will be done in the county. Residents from all over the county are invited to show up and give their input.Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is the annual Relay for Life event in Richmond Hill. Activities and live performances will occur all night long as the community raises funds for the American Cancer Society. For more information, call Victoria TenBroeck at 355-5196.
Saturday includes a fishing derby, 5K marathon, art show and live performances occurring throughout the day at J.F. Gregory Park. The kids’ fishing derby, with prizes for kids in all different age groups, runs from 8-11 a.m., followed by music and dance by Richmond Hill Dance Theater from 12 noon – 4 p.m. The Energy Oasis 5K Marathon begins at 9 a.m. – call 756-5865 for race details.
Bass said RHMS Georgia Studies essays and RHES art will be displayed all week at city hall in conjunction with the holiday. Also, a visual art display, featuring local artists, will be up all next week inside the Richmond Hill Historical Society Museum.
Pembroke Better Hometown Manager Tonya Raulerson said the week is highlighted by some events for seniors and children.
On Monday, local public safety officers will be visiting Pre-K and Headstart kids. Tuesday is Senior Appreciation Day, and Mayor Cook will bear gifts as she appears at the senior center to visit and give a speech about the city.
Thursday will feature the second annual volunteer appreciation dinner. Raulerson said it is the Mayor Cook and the city’s way of recognizing locals who participate in committees and volunteer their time to local causes.
In addition, a citywide flea market will be held May 2.
Anyone interested is invited to bring their goods to the community parking lot for the sale. The cost for a vendor space is $10. For more information 653-4413.