Each Spring, Vidalia anticipates the harvest of Georgia’s Official State Vegetable, the internationally known, Vidalia Sweet Onion. Since 1978, we have celebrated this special occasion with an array of fun-filled events. You and your family are invited to share in the natural beauty and color of Spring in Vidalia during the 30th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival.

We will be continually updating the schedule, so check back often! 

2008

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(schedule subject to change)

Stay Tuned!

Events:

Air Show
Altama Museum of Art and History
Arts and Crafts Festival
Carnival
Car Show
Children's Parade
Concert
Ladson Genealogy Library
Main Street Happenings
Motorcycle Rally
Movie Under the Stars
Onion Eating Contest
Onion Run
Opening Ceremonies
Pageant
Paul Anderson Youth Home Tour
Pecan Orchard Plantation
Vidalia® Onion Recipe Contest
Rodeo
Sam Shortline
Sidewalk Sale
Softball Tournament
Street Dance
Vidalia Onion Culinary Extravaganza
Virtual Army Experience
Webkinz

Saturday, March 29

Friday, April 18

Saturday, April 19

Wednesday, April 23

Thursday, April, 24

Friday, April, 25

Saturday, April, 26

Sunday, April, 27

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10:00 Little Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant *Southeastern Technical College, Highway 280 Admission Price $5.00 per person. Categories include Miss Onion Seed, ages 3 – 5; Miss Onion Sprout, ages 6 – 9; Miss Spring Onion, ages 10 – 12. For more information contact Julie Cook at (912)277-2293 or (912)245-4266 or Brenda Carroll at (912) 537-7139. Sponsored by American Business Women’s Association

7:00 PM Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant *Southeastern Technical College, Highway 280 Admission Price is $6.00 per person. Categories include Junior Miss Vidalia Onion, ages 13 – 16 and Miss Vidalia Onion, ages 16 – 22. Contestants must live within 60 miles of Vidalia. Contest will include sportswear, evening wear, and photo. For more information contact Julie Cook at (912)277-2293 or (912)245-4266 or Brenda Carroll at (912)537-7139. Sponsored by American Business Women’s Association.

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7:00 PM 29th Annual Sweet Onion Invitational Softball Tournament *Ed Smith Complex, Between Hwy. 280 East and Hwy. 292 East Men’s entry fee & women’s entry fee $200 per team. Qualifier Tournament for both Men’s SSAA and Ladies SSAA Classes. 
Three homerun limit. Team awards to first three places. For more information, call Tommy Sasser (912)537-7913 Or Jessie Dennison at (912)287-1047. Sponsored by the Vidalia Recreation Department and The Edge.

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9:00 AM 29th Annual Sweet Onion Invitational Softball Tournament *Ed Smith Complex, Between Hwy. 280 East and Hwy. 292 East See Friday, April 19, 7:00 PM.

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WEDNESDAY, April, 23

10:00 AM Ladson Genealogy Library 8 125 Church Street, Suite 104, Vidalia Hours 10 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM. Come see our area’s incredible treasure – a genealogy library containing more than 30,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts, periodicals, and microfilm. The library specializes in materials on Georgia, The South, and the Eastern Seaboard. The library staff offers research strategies and assists the researcher in locating materials. Contact Dusty Gress at (912)537-9283 or e-mail us at ladsonlibrary@ohoopeelibrary.org.

6:00 PM Carnival *Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Airport Road, Highway 280 The world’s finest rides and attractions provided by Geren Rides. Fun for the entire family. For more information, contact Tracy Clark at (912)537-3017. Sponsored by Vidalia Lions Club

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9:00 AM - 8 PM  The Pecan Orchard Plantation • Come at any time of the day and visit us for the annual Vidalia Onion Festival farm tour. Put on your walking shoes and stroll through an onion field to see how onions are grown and pick onions of your own to take home. Come hungry! The Montgomery County 4-H will be serving food and drinks as a fund raiser. Most of the farm tour will be on a relaxing hay ride to see cows, horses, and a pond. Children or adults will be able to feed and pet goats and chickens at our barnyard petting area. From downtown, take Hwy. 280 West to 135 South. Turn left on Hwy. 135 South and go to the stop sign in Alston. Turn right on Alston/Mt. Vernon Road. Turn left on the first dirt road, Alston/Longpond Road and follow signs to the farm. Contact Phillip or Marinette Scott (912)594-1805 or e-mail pecanorchard@att.net or www.pecanorchardplantation.com for more information. Cost is $7.00 per person, children under 3 free, call for group rate.

4:00 PM, All Aboard! Come Ride the Train! *Downtown Vidalia

7:00 PM SAM Shortline is a Southwest Georgia Excursion Train, operated by the Heart of Georgia Railroad. SAM has an interesting history that reaches back into the late 19th century. Come enjoy a one hour ride from East to West. Advance tickets are available at the Downtown Vidalia “Main Street” office at 128 Church Street or by calling (912)537-8033. Coach Seats – Adults (13 and over) $15.00; Children (3 – 12), $8.00 Premium Seats – Adults $20.00; Children $10.00. For more information, contact Paula Toole at (912)537-8033. Sponsored by the Down Vidalia “Main Street” Association

5:30 PM Children’s Parade, Downtown Vidalia. The theme is “Downtown Vidalia on Parade.” Use your imagination to have your child dress as anyone or anything from downtown Vidalia (The mayor, a fireman, a police officer, a postal worker or mailbox, a library book or a character from a library book, a newspaper reporter, etc.) Area children are invited to dress up and join in a parade just for children. Please arrive at City Hall at 5:00 for parade registration, line up, and judging. The parade begins at 5:30 PM. This year’s route will from City Hall, down Meadows Street and ending at the Meadows Street Park where the winners will be announced. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive Chamber Bucks which can be spent at a variety of local retailers. The first 50 registered participants will receive a free t-shirt and other goodies. For more information, contact Gwen Warren at (912)538-0126. Sponsored by McDonald’s and Murray, Bishop, and Stevens, Inc.

6:00 PM Carnival *Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Airport Road, Highway 280 See Wednesday, April 23

6:00 PM Vidalia® Onion Recipe Contest & Public Tasting. Vidalia Community Center. Hwy 280 behind Shoney’s. Enter your best Vidalia onion dish, judged on use of onion, taste, & presentation. Categories include Individual Main Dish, Side Dish, and Miscellaneous, along with new Youth Group and Business categories. Pre-registration required by April 22nd. $10 entry fee per person, multiple entries encouraged. Entrants must prepare two of each dish. Prizes awarded in all categories. Dishes must be in by 6 pm, free public tasting at 7pm. For more details, call 912-537-1918. Sponsored by Vidalia® Onion Committee. 

7:00 PM SouthernLINC Wireless Movies Under the Stars, Vidalia High School Football Stadium SouthernLINC Wireless brings its 31-foot outdoor movie screen to the Vidalia High School Football Stadium for a night of family fun. Bring your lounge chairs or blankets to enjoy Bee Movie while sitting under the stars. There will be a concession stand hosted by the Vidalia High School Booster Club, and everyone is invited to register for the ‘Fishing Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes’ at the event. Admission is free. No coolers allowed. Sponsored by SouthernLINC Wireless.

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FRIDAY, April 25

9:00 AM to 8:00 PM The Pecan Orchard Plantation See Thursday, April 24

9:30 AM, All Aboard! Come Ride the Train! *Downtown Vidalia

11:30 AM, SAM Shortline Train Excursions Operation Lifesaver Special; Kid’s Day Specials; Special Group/School Rates

1:30 PM See Thursday, April 24, 4:00 and 7:00 PM

1:30 PM Paul Anderson Youth Home Tour *1603 McIntosh Street, Across from Choo Choo in Vidalia Since the Paul Anderson Youth Home was established in 1961, it has provided a Christian alternative to juvenile and adult correctional programs for young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one, the majority of whom are court-ordered. The facility’s on-campus, SACS accredited school enables student to successfully complete high school and enter into the mission field, military, college, vocational school, or work force. Spiritual guidance, academic training, physical fitness, emotional development, and social growth are emphasized. On the tour you will see weights lifted by Paul Anderson, “The World’s Strongest Man,” who is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for his 6270 pound life. You won’t want to miss viewing the gold medal that he won at the 1956 Melbourne, Australia games as well as photographs of Paul with great Georgians, presidents, and professional athletes. This will be a tour that you will not soon forget! For more information, please call Truett Andrew at (912)537-7237 ext. 316 or www.tandrewpayh.org. The Paul Anderson Youth Home website is www.payh.org.

10:00 AM – Sweet Onion “Happenings” on Main Street, Downtown Vidalia

5:00 PM Find great deals at the 4th Annual Sweet Onion Sidewalk Sale. Enjoy a taste of Downtown Sweet Vidalia Onion Rings, Shop the downtown Sweet Onion sales with local growers, and visit the downtown art exhibits. Stop by the Downtown “Main Street” office at 128 Church Street for tickets to scheduled events and leads on the best “onion” deals in town. For questions or directions, call Paula Toole at (912)537-8033.

10:00 AM Ladson Genealogy Library – 125 Church Street, Suite 104, Vidalia See Wednesday, April 23, 10 AM

11:00 AM Altama Museum of Art & History – 611 Jackson Street, Vidalia See Wednesday, April 23, 11 AM

2:30 PM – Webkinz Day Extravaganza at Phillips Pharmacy, 306 West First Street 

6:30 PM Young Onion Sprouts are offered a rare and unique experience. Join our local festivities as Webkins lovers coast to coast celebrate Webkinz Day Extravaganza. Your little sprout can adopt a stuffed animal pet and discover a virtual world at the party. We will have several contests on this day with more fun on Saturday (see Saturday’s listing). Admission to the event is free. Free Webkinz, while supplies last with nominal purchase. Please join the party at Phillips Pharmacy from 2:30 – 6:30 PM. Sponsored by Phillips Pharmacy

6:00 PM Street Dance and Opening Ceremonies – Southeastern Technical College, Highway 280 Join us for an event-packed evening at Southeastern Technical College to kick off this year’s Vidalia Onion Festival. We will begin the evening with the recognition of the Vidalia Onion Festival Queens along with the Yumion Writing Contest winners. In addition, there will be air performances by the United States Coast Guard and the Black Daggers, a great show for the kids to see. The world famous car-eating “Transaurus,” standing over 35 feet tall, will be on display blowing 15 foot flames. Then, around 7:00 PM, get read to dance and sing to the tunes of an up and coming band from Bainbridge, playing classic rock and modern country: The Leigh Mullis Band. This group has shared the stage with great artist such as Jason Aldean, Deep South, and Daryl Singletary, just to name a few. This year’s celebration will be capped off by the southeast’s largest display of fireworks in honor of our nation’s military. In addition to all of the scheduled events, there will be many attractions, local dancers, food, and fun for kids of all ages. This is a family even so bring your lawn chairs and join us for great night in Vidalia! For more information, contact Lance Helms at (912)538-3207 or lhelms@southeasterntech.edu. THE CHAMBER PARKING LOT WILL BE RESERVED FOR HANDICAPPED PARKING ONLY.

6:00 PM Carnival – Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Airport Road, Highway 280. See Wednesday, April 23, 6 PM

7:00 PM Vidalia Onion Festival Rodeo – Rocky Creek Saddle Club Arena, US Highway 1 South, 4.5 miles south of Lyons The Vidalia Onion Festival Rodeo features the Georgia High School Association Rodeo. Admission: ages 5 and under free; ages 6-12 $5.00; 13 and older $10.00. This year’s rodeo is different from rodeos from past years. This year Rocky Creek Saddle Club is sponsoring the Georgia High School Association Rodeo. This will consist of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, breakaway calf roping, clover-leaf barrel racing, pole-bending racing, goat tying, tie-down calf roping, steer wrestling, dally team roping, and bull riding. A full concession will be available and Everyone is encouraged to arrive early. For more information, please contact Alicia Stanley at (912)565-8563, Keith Davis at (912)526-4851, or Buddy Meeks at (912)293-7337. Sponsored by Rocky Creek Saddle Club and Dodge.

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SATURDAY, April 26

7:30 AM 31st Annual Vidalia Onion Run – First Baptist Church Parking Lot, Down Vidalia 1 mile Intersection of First and Church Streets One Mile Fun Run and Walk; 5k and 10k Onion Run and Walk; $3.500 in cash prizes available. 7:45 AM/5K $1,500 cash bonus for male and female course record setters in 10K run (Must be race winner in male or female category); 5 drawings for $100 cash; Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place male and female overall 8:15 AM/10K winners and in all age divisions of the 5K and 10 K; 1st Place awards for all male and female overall winner in the Fun Run. Pre-registration fee: $12.00 on before April 19, 2008. $25.00 Day of Race. Entrants after April 19 MUST register on race day beginning at 6:45 AM. Race day entrants will not be eligible for any awards or prizes but will receive a race number and t-shirt. All entrants will receive a t-shirt. Fruit bar and fluids will be Provided for participants at the finish line. For more information, contact Howard Holman (912)538-5889 or hholman@meadowsregional.org. Hosted by Vidalia Kiwanis Club and The Advance.

8:30 AM Vidalia Onion Festival Car Show, Kerrigan’s Country Parking Lot, Hwy. 280, Lyons Registration is from 8:30 – 9:30 AM, Set up is from 9:30 – 11:00 AM, Judging is from 12:00 – 3:00 PM, and the Awards Presentation will be at 4:00 PM. Classes include Antiques (1913 – 1949), Classics (1950-1975), Low Riders – Cars/Trucks, Modern Cars/Truck, Muscle Cars, and Tractors – Antiques & Up. Awards will be Presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place per class, Best of Show, and People’s Choice President’s Award. There will be concessions with food and drinks. For more information, call (912)526-9444. Sponsored by Lyons Masonic Lodge #49.

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM – The Pecan Orchard Plantation. See Thursday, April 24, 9 AM.

9:00 AM Vidalia Onion Festival Air-show at the Vidalia Regional Airport. Featuring the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, BLUE ANGELS! The world famous Blue Angels will be our featured performer at this year’s Air Show. Other performers will be the United States Army Operations Command “black Daggers” Parachute Demonstration Team, Tim Weber flying a X300, Greg Poe flying a MX@, Walt Pierce Wing Walking and others. Don’t miss the Freestyle Motocross or Transaurus (a car eating mechanical beast that stands three stories tall). There will be lots of static displays like Canadian Helicopters, the Coast Guard Helicopter, a B25, B17, F-18 super Hornet, YAK, and Kate Bomber to name a few. Military Fly-Bys, simulators, Kiddie rides, rock climbing, and lots of food and novelty vendors will be there. Rides will be available in a helicopter, a Huey, or in the Voodoo Monster Truck. Gates will open at 9:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday. One show each day beginning at 12:30. Free parking at the airport and off site with shuttle to the airport. Shuttle will be off of Commerce Way. Advance tickets are $8, and tickets at the gate will be $10. Children 12 and under admitted free with an adult. Avoid the lines and get your tickets at www.ticketweb.com, the Vidalia City Hall, or the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (912)538-7000, (912)537-3979, or (912)293-2885. Absolutely no rain checks, coolers, pets, ATVs, skateboards, etc. Keep checking our Website for more information. We look forward to seeing you for loads of action and family fun at the 2008 Air Show.


9:00 AM Virtual Army Experience, Vidalia Onion Festival Air-show at the Vidalia Regional Airport. The Virtual Army Experience (VAE) provides participants with a virtual test drive of the Army, with a focus on operations in the Global War on Terrorism. The core of the 19,500 square-foot VAE is the America’s Army computer game, rendered with State-of-the-art Army training simulation technology to create a life-size, networked virtual world. The VAE highlights key Soldier occupations, Army technologies, operations environments and missions, within a fast-paced, action-packed, information- Rich experience that immerses visitors in the world of Soldiering in the U. S. Army. Participants employ teamwork, rules of Engagement, leadership, and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual mission. Sponsored by the U. S. Army


9:00 AM Arts and Crafts Festival, Airport Road off Highway 280 East 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Admission Fee: $3.00 for Adults, $1.00 for children Take a stroll in the shade and visit a delightful mix of artists from all around the Southeast who work in glass, Wood, fabric, and metals, crafters or unique items, an assortment of food (featuring the Vidalia Onion, of course!), and activities for the youngsters. Don’t miss the Yumion dolls and the new Vidalia Onion Prize Winning Recipe Cookbook! You can also enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including Jerry & Terry Richardson on Saturday afternoon and the Onion Eating Contest at 4:00, followed by a raffle. There will be special appearances by Yumion and the 2008 Miss Vidalia Onion. You never know who else may show up… Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Air Show. The shuttle service ends at 4;30. Contact Vickie at 585-3845 or vbmckee@bellsouth.net or Elizabeth at Vidalia Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 538-8687 or vacvb@bellsouth.net for more information. Sponsored by the Vidalia Woman’s Club and Vidalia Lions Club

10:00 AM Sweet Onion “Happenings” on Main Street , Downtown Vidalia Sweet Onion Antique fair at North Main Street, organized by Treasures from the Attic. To reserve space at The antique fair, contact Treasures from the Attic at 537-6753. sidewalk sales/Art Exhibits – Girl Scouts, School Groups, Artists welcomed See Friday, April 25, 10 AM

10:00 AM Ladson Genealogy Library, 125 Church Street, Suite 104, Vidalia 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. See Wednesday, April 23, 10 AM.

10:00 AM- Webkinz Day Extravaganza at Phillips Pharmacy, 306 West First Street

2:00 PM See Friday, April 25, 2:30 PM. There will be contests, games, Webkinz prizes, crafts, face painting, refreshments, and more. Free Webkinz with nominal purchase. Sponsored by Phillips Pharmacy

1:00 PM Motorcycle Rally – Tabernacle Baptist Church, Highway 280 West Faith Riders is a Christian-based motorcycle group founded in 2004 in honor our Lord to provide a clean atmosphere for all bikers. Please join us for an afternoon of fun events starting with 125 mile bike ride at 1:00 PM. We will gather back at the church for a time of fellowship and a meal (no charge). We invite all bikers and their families to join us. Check our website for more detailed information about the schedule of events and about the group at www.faithridersonline.org or contact Randy McDuffie at (912)293-6502 or Arnold Palmer at (912)293-2839. Sponsored by Faith Riders and Tabernacle Baptist Church

4:00 PM World Famous Onion Eating Contest – located at the Arts & Crafts Festival Age Categories 6-11, 12-16, 17 & older. Prizes will be awarded in each category. Want to participate? Be there at 3:30 to register. 

5:00 PM Vidalia Onion Culinary Extravaganza – Vidalia Community Center A return engagement by Georgia’s very own Mark Ballard showcasing his culinary expertise, wit, comedy, and decorating styles with our “Sweet Vidalias.” Come join us for fabulous onion recipes and an afternoon of fun. Admission is $10.00 per person. For more information, contact Lindi Duvall at 537-9973.

7:00 PM Vidalia Onion Festival Sweet Onion Country Jam Featuring Aaron Tippin with special guest The Leigh Mullis Band. Buck Cravey Stadium, Vidalia High School Campus. Admission is $17.00 per person, Children 10 and under are free with a paid adult. No alcohol, food, drinks, pets, coolers, open containers, glass, umbrellas, or tents will be permitted. Lawn chairs are allowed. For more information, contact Darren McClellan at (912)538-2642. Sponsored by: The Vidalia Onion Festival Committee and The Vidalia Sports Boosters

7:00 PM Vidalia Onion Festival Rodeo, Rocky Creek Saddle Club Arena, US Highway 1 South, 4.5 miles south of Lyons See Friday, April 25, 7 PM.

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SUNDAY, April 27

9:00 AM Vidalia Onion Festival Air-show at the Vidalia Regional Airport*Featuring the Navy Blue Angels See Saturday, April 26, 9 AM.

9:00 AM Arts and Crafts Festival, Airport Road, Highway 280 See Saturday, April 26, 9 AM. A Gospel Sing on Sunday only will start at 1:00 featuring Jennifer Lynn and local entertainers or gospel singers.

12:00 PM Carnival, Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Airport Road, Highway 280 See Wednesday, April 23, 6 PM.

2:00 PM Ladson Genealogy Library, 125 Church Street, Suite 104, Vidalia 2 PM to 5 PM. See Wednesday, April 23, 10 AM>

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