Come Celebrate the 50th Annual Buggy Days: A Week of Fun, Festivities, and Community Spirit!

The Press Release below was provided by the Barnesville-Lamar County Chamber of Commerce.

For Festival Information, Maps, Craft/Food applications and Parade applications – CLICK HERE.

Barnesville, GA – June 6, 2024 – Get ready to celebrate half a century of tradition, fun, and community spirit at the 50th Annual Buggy Days! From September 14th to September 22nd, Barnesville will come alive with a series of exciting events and activities for all ages. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Step back in time and experience the heartwarming charm of Barnesville Buggy Days, the city’s most cherished festival. Since its inception in November 1974, Buggy Days has celebrated Barnesville’s storied past as the “Buggy Capital of the South” during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Over the years, this beloved festival has garnered national attention, being featured in Southern Living Magazine and earning the title of the “Longest Hometown Parade in the South.”

Every third weekend in September, our community gathers to honor tradition, family, and camaraderie. The streets come alive with the sights and sounds of a bygone era, local talent, including our famed gunfight reenactment, a spectacle that continues to thrill audiences young and old. While the festival has evolved, embracing modern activities and attractions, its essence remains the same: a celebration of community spirit and heritage.

Buggy Days is not just a festival; it’s a homecoming. It brings together residents and visitors from miles around to shop local, enjoy handcrafted and handmade goods from artisans across Georgia, and create lasting memories with friends and family. 

Unique Features and New Additions:

This year, Buggy Days is spicing things up with a pizza cook-off held during the car show! Our Kid’s Park, which previously only featured inflatables, has been significantly expanded. Last year, we introduced Gellyball, and this year, we’re adding even more games to delight everyone from small kids to adults, ensuring a fun experience for all attendees. Additionally, the popular cornhole tournament, which made a triumphant return last year, will now take place during the concert at Summer’s Field!

Sponsorship, Volunteer and other Opportunities:

Sponsorship opportunities are now open. Sponsorship deadline is August 2nd. 

Volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact info@barnesville.org if you would like more information on volunteering.

Applications for vendors, car show, pageant, parade, corn hole tournament, and more can be found at www.eventeny.com/events/50thbuggydays-7937

Event Schedule:

September 14th: Miss Buggy Days Pageant

Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Location: Gordon State College Theatre  

Description: Witness the crowning of this year’s Miss Buggy Days. Contestants of all ages, from babies to grandmas, will compete for the title in their respective categories.

September 17th: Almost Anything Goes Field Day & Honor Day 

Location: Summer’s Field Park  

Time: TBD  

Description: Enjoy a day of fun and games with teams of 16 (6 children ages 8-15, 10 Adults) competing in events like tug-o-war, sack race, water balloon toss, slip and slide football, and three-legged race. The Rotary Club sponsors the Honor Day, providing lunch to our hometown heroes.

September 19th: Downtown Buggy Days 50th Celebration Kick-Off 

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

Location: Lamar Arts  

Description: Celebrate the official start of Buggy Days with a special event showcasing historical memorabilia from past Buggy Days celebrations.

September 21st: Buggy Days Arts and Craft Festival

Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 

Location: Downtown Barnesville  

Description: Explore a variety of arts and crafts vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in fun activities. Highlights include:

Car Show: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Pizza Cook-Off: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Parade: 2:00 PM (Theme: Golden 50th Anniversary)

Concert: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM featuring local bands, food trucks, young artists, corn hole tournament, and a finale headliner.

Fireworks: 9:00 PM sharp with two viewing locations – inside Summer’s Field Park and on the grassy hill along Highlander Way at the Gordon State College athletics parking lot. Enjoy tailgating in the parking lot or join us at the concert for a free night of entertainment. PLEASE KEEP OUR CITY CLEAN – THROW AWAY YOUR TRASH! THANKS!

September 22nd: Buggy Days Arts and Craft Festival

Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

Location: Downtown Barnesville  

Description: Continue the fun with more arts and crafts and family-friendly activities.