Bluegrass festival fundraiser, kayak trip along river offered

Two outdoor events are kicking off in Columbia County this weekend.

For those in the mood for bluegrass and barbecue, the Living Light Village is holding its first bluegrass festival at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

"The purpose of raising money is to develop programs that will assist the disabled both in a service project angle as well as a recreational angle," said Ronald Worley, the organization's founder and president.

The Martinez-based organization caters to the spiritual, social, educational and recreational needs of the physically disabled, and matches volunteers with disabled persons weekly to help them. The organization also sponsors a monthly birthday party at St. John Towers in Augusta.

Proceeds from the festival will go toward expanding those programs and creating new ones.

The festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, will feature bluegrass groups The Page County Ramblers, All 4 Hym, The Cockman Family, Cane Creek Bluegrass Band, the Jones Brothers and Log Cabin Boys.

Food vendors providing barbecue, ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs and ice cream will be on site, along with a moonwalk and water slide for children and an antique car and tractor display.

Festival tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children age 6 to 12. Children under 6 get in free.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.ticketalternative.com.

For the county's more adventurous woman, American Wilderness Outfitters Limited is offering a chance to kayak the Savannah River. The class, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is for kayaking beginners.

The goal is to introduce women to kayaking, said Abby Dump, a store manager.

"I have a feeling there are so many women who always wanted to go kayaking," Dump said. "It is not only teaching people new skills, but it is also a networking experience."

The class costs $35. A catered lunch afterward is optional.

Participants will learn about boat basics including the different types of boats and widths, paddling basics and a little about water safety.

Dump said once everyone is comfortable balancing their boats, the group will leave from the Canal Headgates at Savannah Rapids Pavilion on a six-mile trip down the Savannah River to downtown Augusta.

Everything needed for the class is provided.

To register in advance, call American Wilderness Outfitters Limited at (706) 738-8500.