The Covington Lions Club hopes to make their third annual Sherman’s Last Burning bigger and better than ever, with multiple events, live bands, attractions, plenty of fair-food, competing cooks, good vittles and more than 100 craftsmen and vendors showing their wares.
"It’s going to be very neat," said President John Braden. "We’re emphasizing the festival a little more than the cookout this year."
Last year’s event raised about $10,000 for Lions Club projects and causes, such as aiding the visually and hearing impaired, providing food at events such as the Dixie Boys World Series and Back-2-School bash, providing scholarships for Newton County students and aiding camps for the visually impaired.
This year, with the gas shortages, organizers are concerned that not as many people might come out this year. Publicity co-chair Doreen Stallworth estimated the Lions served 8,000 plates last year.
"We’re just hoping for a good turnout, in light of the crisis going on," said Stallworth, "where people are wanting to forget that for a little bit and come out for a good time."
Braden encouraged people to carpool to conserve resources. The entrance fee is $3, with children under 12 free. The American Legion Field on Mill Street, Covington, will be open Oct. 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.covingtonlions.org
Snakes almighty
A main attraction of this year’s Sherman’s Last Burning is the reptile show by Jason Clark of the Southeastern Reptile Rescue. Clark, a licensed reptile exhibitor who has appeared on WSB-TV Channel 2 and at the AgriCenter in Perry, Ga., reaches out to children and adults alike to teach them about native species of reptiles and about reptile rescue and adoptions. He has three 45- minute shows during the festival, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. "It’s a very neat thing," Braden said. "We think a lot of people come just to see this. It’s really worthwhile."
Covington Idol Eighteen hopefuls will have a chance to sing their hearts out Saturday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m., in the first ever Covington Idol. Spectators are in for a treat, according to committee co-chair Richard Garner. "Most of (the contestants) were serious about singing," said Garner. "There weren’t any crackpots like on American Idol." The contestants run the age-gamut from 14 to 72 years old and the music samples the judges received ranged from country to oldies to rock. The judges narrowed the field from 24 applicants to 15 finalists with three alternates. Several judges, each with a connection to music either through profession or appreciation, will score the contestants on stage presence and voice quality and award cash prizes and T-shirts to the top five winners. The overall winner, along with becoming the "Covington Idol," will receive a $250 cash prize and a recording session at the Star Vision studio in Conyers. Next year, the Lions might spin off a Covington Idol event just for seniors, Garner said, but for this year, everyone is competing on even ground.
Little Miss/Teen Miss/Miss Hazzard County The fifth annual pageant for the title of Little Miss, Teen Miss, and Miss Hazzard County will be held Saturday, Oct. 11. The winners of the events will receive a sash, trophy and crown, and all participating contestants will receive a trophy as well. The title holders are chosen to participate in various parades and functions throughout the year as well as the Dukefest in June, where the title holders can meet the Dukes of Hazzard celebrities. No pageant dress required. Contestants can wear their favorite country outfits. Boots, jeans, skirts – anything goes, according to event organizers. Ages range up to 18. To register for the event, call (770) 947-3260. Other attractions at the Sherman’s Last Bruning include a kiddie corner with rock climbing, bungee jumping, and shows by Magic and Lew-E the Clown. An "Iron Chef" barbeque contest will be held Friday night for the serious chefs out there.
