Battle of the Bands

Think you have the sweetest musical talent? Let our judges decide. Winner will win a $200 cash prize, studio time in Nashville, and will open for Craig Campbell and The Charlie Daniels Band on stage at the Vidalia Onion Festival.

• Open to the public; $5 tickets sold at the door
• March 15th
• The Historic Pal Theatre in Downtown Vidalia
• Application
• Rules and Regulations

 Tales From The Altamaha: Legends, Lures, & Corn Likker

Listen…can you hear it? The rustle of the wind in the trees, birds chirping in flight and the waters of the Altamaha? It’s calling, calling…and once again you will have the opportunity to be transported back to a time when southern traditions were just being forged. This award winning Georgia folk-life play takes the stage for its ninth year with a brand new production created from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe. Journey back in time through the magic of the dramatic arts and bluegrass music to experience stories of lives, loves, losses, and just plain ol’ gossip. Ticket price range $10 – $20.

• April 4th – 13th - 7 pm
• The Blue Marquee Theater in Historic Downtown Lyons
• Phone – 912-526-6445
• Website

Youth Boys Invitational Baseball Tournament

Sponsored by the Vidalia Recreation Department. Divisions include: 12 & under boys live pitching, 10 & under boys pitching machine, and 8 & under boys pitching machine. Champion and runner-up t-shirts are awarded to first and second place teams. Team trophies to first, second, and third place teams. Entry fee is $200 per team.

• April 13th – 9 am
• Ed Smith Complex, between Highway 280 East and Highway 292 East in Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-7913
• Application

Little Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant

Categories for ages 3-13. Admission is $5 per person. Sponsored by American Business Women’s Association.

• March 16th
• Southeastern Technical College on Highway 280 in Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-9256 (Casey Stewart)
• Little Miss Vidalia Onion application

Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant

Categories include Junior Miss Vidalia Onion (ages 14-16) and Miss Vidalia Onion (ages 17-22). Admission is $6 per person. Sponsored by American Business Women’s Association.

• March 16th
• Southeastern Technical College on Highway 280 in Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-9256 (Casey Stewart)
• Junior Miss Vidalia Onion application
• Miss Vidalia Onion application

Golden Onion Chef Competition

The 2nd Annual Golden Onion professional cooking competition showcases the Vidalia®Onion, Georgia’s most exclusive and internationally renowned agricultural treasure, and also offers a new platform for chefs across Georgia to display their skills and creativity.  Hosted by Sonny Dixon, 2011 Emmy Award Winner for Best Anchor.  Admission is $10 in advance (Vidalia Onion Museum) or $15 at the door.  Recipe booklets featuring all of the competitors’ recipes will be included with the ticket price for the Golden Onion 2013 event; the booklets will also be available for $10 at various events throughout the 36th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival (while supplies last).

• April 14th – 12:30 pm
• Vidalia Community Center, 107 Old Airport Rd. in Vidalia
• Phone – 912-538-8687
• Download Chef’s Cover Letter
• Download Chef’s Entry Form
• Download Competition Manual

Carnival

Gold Medal Carnival with rides and attractions is a mobile family fun fair and theme park for all ages, proudly featuring a glittering galaxy of spectacular state fair amusement rides and attractions. Come with us and return to wholesome family entertainment and memories, enjoy absolute fun and super fantastic thrills again for the first time. Unlimited-ride wristbands available for Thursday and Friday.

• April 18th - 5 pm – 11 pm
• April 18th-21st
• Vidalia Regional Airport
• Website

Children’s Parade

This year’s theme for our children-only parade is “Yumion’s Going Country in Downtown Vidalia.” Calling all seedlings, sprouts, and full grown onions to a hoedown, onion style. All are invited to dress up in your onion or farmer best to bring the Sweet Onion spirit downtown. Register on Meadows St. near Jackson St. at 5:00 PM. Lineup and judging at 5:30 PM, parade begins at 5:45 PM. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the following categories: 0-3, 4-7, 8-12, and group. Winners are announced at the end of the parade in Meadows Street Park. Free t-shirts for the first 50 registrants.  Sponsored by McDonald’s,Bishop-Durden Insurance Group, and ViTech.

• April 18th
• 5 pm – registration
• 5:30 pm – line-up and judging
• 5:45 pm – parade
• Phone – 912-538-8484 (Michelle)
• Meadows St., Downtown Vidalia

Vidalia Onion Culinary Extravaganza

Georgia artist Mark Ballard will showcase his culinary expertise, wit, comedy, and decorating styles with our “Sweet Vidalia Onions.” There will be door prizes, goody bags for the first 125 participants, and vendors in the lobby one hour prior to the show. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Reserved seating tickets are $15.00 and are for a designated area. Reserved seating tickets deadline for purchase is April 12, 2013. Tickets will be available for purchase March 25, 2013 at Merle Norman in Vidalia.

• April 18th – 6 pm
• Southeastern Technical College, Highway 280 in Vidalia
• Phone – 912-293-2407 (Jan) or 912-293-3630 (Lindi)

Movie Under the Stars

Bring your entire family and lounge chairs to enjoy the movie ”Wreck-It Ralph” on the large outdoor movie screen. Admission is free!  Concessions will be available.

• April 18th – 7 pm
• Downtown Vidalia

Weekend parking passes (unlimited entry) are $40.  Friday parking passes (single entry) are $10.  All fees are per car.

Downtown Activities – Historic Downtown and Beyond

Visit, shop, eat and relax in our beautiful historic district…browse our diverse specialty shops offering antiques, onion memorabilia, jewelry, and gifts. Our unique eateries are a “must try” – great selections of culinary delights with style and personal flair – elegant dining and sweets to satisfy your taste buds – sidewalk sales and unadvertised specials downtown and beyond.

Take a break and enjoy a Taste of Sweet Onion Rings and more at the onion festival souvenir/information tent located at Jackson Street/Hwy. 280 East, cooked by our Promotions Committee and provided by Lillard Farms, a local onion grower — purchase onions on site or ship them.

• April 19th – 10 am – 5 pm
• Historic Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-8033

Downtown Gospel Music Fest

Visit our beautiful historic district and enjoy free gospel music in Meadows Street Park, Friday and Saturday, organized by The Dixie SonLighters. The kids will love Pilgrim “D” Clown. Bring your lawn chairs, pick up your lunch at one of our eateries – sit back and relax in a great atmosphere. 

• April 19th – 10 am – 5 pm
• Historic Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-8033

Carnival

Gold Medal Carnival with rides and attractions is a mobile family fun fair and theme park for all ages, proudly featuring a glittering galaxy of spectacular state fair amusement rides and attractions. Come with us and return to wholesome family entertainment and memories, enjoy absolute fun and super fantastic thrills again for the first time. Unlimited-ride wristbands available for Thursday and Friday.

• April 19th - 5 pm – 11 pm
• Vidalia Regional Airport
• Website

Opening Ceremonies

Join us for an event-packed evening to kick off this year’s festival. Events include recognition of the Vidalia Onion Queens and Writing Contest winners, local dancers, food, and fun activities for kids of all ages. Around 7 pm, get ready to dance and sing to the music of 1st Generation Band!  This year’s celebration will be capped off by the Southeast’s largest display of fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs and join us for this great family event.

• April 19th – 6 pm
• Vidalia Regional Airport 

Weekend parking passes (unlimited entry) are $40.  Saturday parking passes (single entry) are $25.  All fees are per car.

36th Annual Vidalia Onion Run

Events will include a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk beginning at 7:30 am, a 5K Run/Walk and a 10k Run/Walk both beginning at 8 am. All races begin and end on the corner of 2nd and Church streets. The 5K and 10K races are certified by USA Track & Field. $1,500 will be awarded to any runner who sets a new time record for the 10K, and awards are given to the top three finishers in the 5K and 10K in different age brackets. Check application for registration fees. 

• April 20th – 7:30 am
• Corner of 2nd St. and Church St., Downtown Vidalia
• Application
• Register online

Airshow

Featuring the Raider Flight Demonstration Team, an Exciting WWII re-enactment of an aviation cadet’s first aerobatic air show performance of the famous Vultee BT-13 Valiant, Rower Airshows in a solo 450 hp Stearman, Wild Horse Aviation flying a Pitts, Jim Tobul flying his corsair F4U, Gary Ward Airshows, Glory Days Jet Dragster driving up to 300 mph, and the last flying SB2 Helldiver.  Don’t miss this high energy show.  Along with the performers you will be able to buy a ride in a Huey or a Jet Ranger Helicopter.  Don’t be surprised if you see some fly-overs overhead.  We will have simulators, kiddie rides, novelty and food vendors.  Gates will open on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am, with show starting at 12:30. 

• April 20th-21st
• Gates open at 9:00 am
• Shows starting at 12:30 pm
• Vidalia Regional Airport
• Phone – 912-293-2885 or 912-537-3979

Arts and Crafts Show

Take a leisurely stroll in the shade and enjoy the wide variety of artists, entertainment, crafts, and food. You’ll find items of glass, wood, fabric, and paper crafts. All items are made by the individuals showing them. There’s a wide variety of food (featuring the Vidalia Onion, of course!) and activities for the youngsters. Be sure to get your copy of the Vidalia Onion Prize Winning Recipes cookbook. Entertainment includes music from Jerry and Terry Richardson at the pavilion. Special appearances by Yumion and Miss Vidalia Onion 2013. Admission $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, children under 6 free with parent.  Sponsored by the Vidalia Woman’s Club and Vidalia Lions Club.

• April 20th – 9 am – 6 pm
• Airport Rd. off of Highway 280 in Vidalia
• Website
• Email – info@vidaliaartsandcrafts.com

Downtown Activities – Historic Downtown and Beyond

Visit, shop, eat and relax in our beautiful historic district…browse our diverse specialty shops offering antiques, onion memorabilia, jewelry, and gifts. Our unique eateries are a “must try” – great selections of culinary delights with style and personal flair – elegant dining and sweets to satisfy your taste buds – sidewalk sales and unadvertised specials downtown and beyond.

Take a break and enjoy a Taste of Sweet Onion Rings and more at the onion festival souvenir/information tent located at Jackson Street/Hwy. 280 East, cooked by our Promotions Committee and provided by Lillard Farms, a local onion grower –  purchase onions on site or ship them.

• April 20th – 10 am – 5 pm
• Historic Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-8033

Downtown Gospel Music Fest

Visit our beautiful historic district and enjoy free gospel music in Meadows Street Park, Friday and Saturday, organized by The Dixie SonLighters. The kids will love Pilgrim “D” Clown. Bring your lawn chairs, pick up your lunch at one of our eateries – sit back and relax in a great atmosphere.

• April 19th – 10 am – 5 pm
• Historic Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-8033

Downtown Sweet Onion Antique Fair

Visit our beautiful historic district sidewalk antique fair on North Main Street.

• April 20th – 10 am – 5 pm
• North Main St. in Historic Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-6753 (Sandy Bridges)

Vidalia Onion Recipe Contest and Public Tasting

Enter your best Vidalia Onion dish, judged on use of onions, taste, and presentation. Categories include Main Dish, Side Dish, and Appetizer. Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 19th. Admission is $3 per person.  Vidalia Onion Cookbooks from past entries will be available for sale.

• April 20th – dishes turned in by 11 am
• Open to public tasting at 12:15 pm
• First Baptist Church Kid’s Bay, 105 E. Second St. in Vidalia
• Phone – 912-293-0159
• Application

Carnival

Gold Medal Carnival with rides and attractions is a mobile family fun fair and theme park for all ages, proudly featuring a glittering galaxy of spectacular state fair amusement rides and attractions. Come with us and return to wholesome family entertainment and memories, enjoy absolute fun and super fantastic thrills again for the first time.

• April 20th – 9 am – 11 pm
• Vidalia Regional Airport
• Website

World Famous Onion Eating Contest

Located inside the Arts and Crafts festival. Age categories are 6-11, 12-16, and 17 & older. Prizes will be awarded in each category. Want to participate? Be there by 3:30 pm to register at the Pavilion.

• April 20th – 4 pm
• 3:30 pm for registration
• Airport Rd. in Vidalia, inside the Arts and Crafts festival

Charlie Daniels Band Concert

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family to enjoy a night of entertainment.  The performance will feature The Charlie Daniels Band and Toombs County native Craig Campbell as special guest. Tiger Creek Band and Movers & Shakers, the winners of Battle of the Bands, will also be performing on stage. No outside coolers or pets allowed.

• April 20th
• Music starts around 5 pm
• Vidalia Regional Airport

Weekend parking passes (unlimited entry) are $40.  Sunday parking passes (single entry) are $15.  All fees are per car.

Airshow

Featuring the Raider Flight Demonstration Team, an Exciting WWII re-enactment of an aviation cadet’s first aerobatic air show performance of the famous Vultee BT-13 Valiant, Rower Airshows in a solo 450 hp Stearman, Wild Horse Aviation flying a Pitts, Jim Tobul flying his corsair F4U, Gary Ward Airshows, Glory Days Jet Dragster driving up to 300 mph, and the last flying SB2 Helldiver. Don’t miss this high energy show. Along with the performers you will be able to buy a ride in a Huey or a Jet Ranger Helicopter. Don’t be surprised if you see some fly-overs overhead. We will have simulators, kiddie rides, novelty and food vendors. Gates will open on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 am, with show starting at 12:30.

• April 20th-21st
• Gates open at 9:00 am
• Shows starting at 12:30 pm
• Vidalia Regional Airport
• Phone – 912-293-2885 or 912-537-3979

Downtown Activities

Take a break and enjoy a Taste of Sweet Onion Rings and more at the onion festival souvenir/information tent located at Jackson Street/Hwy. 280 East, cooked by our Promotions Committee and provided by Lillard Farms, a local onion grower –  purchase onions on site or ship them.

• April 21st – 10 am – 3 pm
• Historic Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-8033

Arts and Crafts Show

Take a leisurely stroll in the shade and enjoy the wide variety of artists, entertainment, crafts, and food. You’ll find items of glass, wood, fabric, and paper crafts. All items are made by the individuals showing them. There’s a wide variety of food (featuring the Vidalia Onion, of course!) and activities for the youngsters. Be sure to get your copy of the Vidalia Onion Prize Winning Recipes cookbook. Entertainment includes music from Jerry and Terry Richardson at the pavilion. Special appearances by Yumion and Miss Vidalia Onion 2013. Admission $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, children under 6 free with parent. Sponsored by the Vidalia Woman’s Club and Vidalia Lions Club.

• April 21st – 11:30 am – 4 pm
• Airport Rd. off of Highway 280 in Vidalia
• Website
• Email – info@vidaliaartsandcrafts.com

Carnival

Gold Medal Carnival with rides and attractions is a mobile family fun fair and theme park for all ages, proudly featuring a glittering galaxy of spectacular state fair amusement rides and attractions. Come with us and return to wholesome family entertainment and memories, enjoy absolute fun and super fantastic thrills again for the first time.

• April 21st – opens at 9 am
• Vidalia Regional Airport
• Website

Ladson Genealogical Library

Our area’s treasure contains more than 30,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts, periodicals, and microfilm. The library specializes in materials on Georgia, the South, and the Eastern Seaboard.

• April 15th-17th – 10 am – 5 pm (closed 1 pm – 2 pm for lunch)
• April 18th – 10 am - 2 pm
• April 19th – 10 am – 1 pm
• April 20th – 2 pm – 5 pm
• 125 Church St., Suite 104, Downtown Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-9483
• Email – ladsonlibrary@ohoopeelibrary.org

Altama Museum of Art and History

The Altama Museum Collection is housed in the neoclassic-style Brazell House, which was built in 1911 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is best-known for its Libby Collection of Staffordshire porcelain, with over 260 pieces & 210 different patterns, and a group of 24 first-edition, hand-colored prints by John James Audubon. Altama exhibits also include a permanent collection of 18th and 19th century European prints, the Aldridge Vintage Clothing Collection, the Victorian Parlor and Bedroom, and historic local photographs. Admission is free, thanks to our donors.

• April 18th-19th – 11 am – 4 pm
• 611 Jackson St., Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-1911

Tumi Factory Store Onion Festival Sale

Come shop our 2013 Onion Festival Sale. Checks, cash, and most major credit cards are accepted. There will be no exchanges, no refunds, no warranties, and no phone orders. All sales are final. Register to win a FREE set of luggage, to be given away on Saturday April 20th.

• April 19th - 8 am – 6 pm
• April 20th – 8 am – 3 pm
• 2611 East First St. in Vidalia, next to Vidalia Ford on Hwy 280

Buckhorn Creek Ranch

Come by and enjoy a wagon ride through Buckhorn Creek Ranch – home to a herd of domestic and exotic animals such as bison, camel, red deer, and many more. The ranch also features a delightful petting zoo of smaller animals that the kids are sure to love! Admission is $8 per person. Directions to Buckhorn Creek Ranch from downtown Vidalia: travel west on Hwy 280 to caution light at junction of Hwy 280 and Hwy 135. Turn left at McCord’s Gun and Bow Store. Travel 3.5 miles on Hwy 135. Buckhorn Creek Ranch will be on the right side of road.

• April 19th-21st - 8 am – 5 pm
• Website
• Phone - 912-583-2737 or 912-245-4042

Stanley Farms/Vidalia Valley Tours

Ever wonder what makes a Vidalia Onion…a Vidalia?  Take a seasonal tour of Stanley Farms and Vidalia Valley to get a closer look into the production, packing, and processing of our famous onion.

This fourth-generation family farm started in 1964, with Mr. R.T. Stanley, Sr. farming and developing his own land and crops in Toombs County. He grew his first crop of sweet onions in 1975, with the help of his son, R.T. Stanley, Jr. Since then, Stanley Farms has not only farmed more than 4,000 acres of Georgia land, they have developed a diversified family business well known for the sweet Vidalia Onions. R.T. Stanley Jr. has three sons who assist him with all aspects of the business. Brian, the oldest son, handles all sales of the fresh produce division. Tracy, the second son, handles all engineering and operations at the packing facility. Vince, the third son, handles the processing divisions of the business, known as Vidalia Valley and Vidalia Onion Farms.

Established in 1983, Vidalia Valley is the processing ‘layer’ (division) to Stanley Farms. This division of the business is a grower-direct processing facility best known for: whole peeled Vidalia Onions and domestic yellow onions, sautéed onions, more than 50 different bottled products that contain Vidalia Onions as the key ingredient, and co-packing various recipes from cheese salsa to hot sauce.

Tours are $10 per person and scheduled for April 18^th and 19^th.  Times are as follows:

• 9 am – Vidalia Valley Bottling Facility
• 10 am – Stanley Farms, Vidalia Onion Factory
• 11 am – Vidalia Valley Bottling Facility
• 12 pm – Stanley Farms, Vidalia Onion Factory
• 2 pm – Vidalia Valley Bottling Facility
• 3 pm – Stanley Farms, Vidalia Onion Factory

Call 912-565-9700 or visit www.stanleyonions.com or www.vidaliavalley.com for more information.

Vidalia Onion Factory/Yo So Sweet

Come try 10 flavors of frozen yogurt including VIDALIA ONION YOGURT with 70 plus toppings to choose from. Enjoy the best Onion Rings in town on Friday & Saturday. Factory tours will be available on Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm. Vidalia Onions, Vidalia Onion Products, souvenirs, and tee shirts will be available for purchase. Painter’s Alley will offer face painting, henna, and glitter tattoos Friday 3 pm – 9 pm, Saturday 10 am – 9 pm, and Sunday 10 am – 5 p,.

• April 19th-20th - 8 am – midnight
• April 21st – 8 am – 9:30 pm
• Hwy 280 Vidalia

Paul Anderson Youth Home

PAYH was established in 1961, to provide a Christian alternative to juvenile and adult correctional programs for young men ages 16-21. On the tour, you will see Paul Anderson “The World’s Strongest Man” memorabilia. Meet behind the PAYH colonial house.

• April 20th – 1:30 pm
• 1603 McIntosh St., Vidalia
• Phone – 912-537-7237, ext. 800 (Rebecca)

Montgomery County Historic Village

Ever wish you lived in a more innocent, peaceful era?  Take a break from 21^st century stress and travel back to 19^th century rural Georgia at the fifth annual Spring Festival.  The free festival promises plenty of fun and hands-on activities for young and old.  Churn butter, beat biscuits, make cornhusk dolls, enjoy toe-tapping old-time music, and say “how-do” to friendly goats and mules. 

• April 20th – 10 am – 3 pm
• Historic Village at Brewton-Parker College, Hwy 280 by Jones Lake in Mount Vernon
• Mary Waalkes, 912-583-3110 or Anice McArthur, 912-583-2517