Columbia County shines for Masters, too

Almost as much a law of nature as the schedule for azalea blooms, spring break in this area coincides each year with Masters Week.

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Actually, spring break is our area's effort to get out of the way of Masters Week. Not many communities have the luxury of such a tremendous annual sporting event, and those that do are rarely able to shut down their school systems for the entire week.

The result is the creation of the near-festival atmosphere from a massive influx of visitors, and an uptick in vacations - both stay at home and traveling - from local residents.

Understandably, the spotlight is on Augusta this week. But Columbia County also uses this opportunity to shine.

For starters, For The Fans Entertainment brings the second of its Music Evolution Series concerts tonight to the Columbia County Amphitheater behind the library in Evans. The all-acoustic show presents a good kickoff to a festive week, and tickets are available at the gate.

Columbia County's Chamber of Commerce also is getting into the act with a Masters Week reception Tuesday at one of the area's jewels: The headgates of the Augusta Canal. Tickets for the event are very limited; to see if there are any slots left, call the chamber at (706) 860-4735.

On Wednesday, during the Par 3 Tournament, the entire community comes together in a sales pitch to visitors via a tent set up for Georgia's Red Carpet Tour. While Augusta's Chamber runs that show, Columbia County's Chamber, Development Authority, and Convention and Visitors Bureau staff and volunteers always present a neighborly face for our area.

With great climate, wonderful people, super quality of life and comfortable cost of living, Columbia County is a fine place to live, work and raise a family.

And spring break, once a year, is a great time to show it off. Here's to a great week!