Get Ready For The Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree!
The Chamber of Commerce is bringing the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree to the Cain Center in Athens on Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23.
It's going to be a trip down memory lane for many, a new experience for some, but it will be a reminder of a happier time for all.
"It's really all about the nostalgia," said Chamber Director Kristin Willingham. "It was a huge thing in the 80s and I think we could all use a little 80s joy these days."
So in addition to modern festival events like multiple concerts, a 5K race, Jeep Club Car Show, and BBQ Cook-off, the Jamboree will include old standards like the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, Pea Shelling Competition, and Terrapin Races.
Events are being hosted by Miller Athletics, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the Jeep Club. The Farmer's Market will also be moving to the Cain Center for its Saturday market.
"It's all of Athens," Willingham said. "That's the beauty of the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree, it is everyone coming together and it is a beautiful thing."
The history of the Jamboree will be highlighted at a historical popup inside the Cain Center.
Speaking of the Cain Center, there will be free swimming in the pool on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parking, admission, and concerts will also be free.
"We can only do that because of the help of our sponsors," said Willingham.
The title sponsor for the Jamboree is Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Other sponsors include Republic Services, Kevin and Jeaneane Lilly McDonald's, UT Health Athens, Schneider Electric, Trinity Valley Community College, and Atmos Energy.
You can learn more, get a detailed schedule of events, and find vendor or sponsor forms on the Chamber website here. https://bit.ly/BEP2022
These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.
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