Labor Day signals start of various fall activities

Columbia County's fourth annual Labor Day Fireworks Show on Saturday will blast off fall events throughout the county.

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The fireworks display at Wildwood Park is scheduled to begin about 8:30 p.m.

The fireworks over the lake will last about 10 minutes, said Stacie Adkins, the county's community events manager.

"We'll have them there just to finish off the summer," Adkins said.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, Adkins said, and to park by the mega-ramps at Wildwood Park. A $2 entry fee per vehicle will be charged.

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the event. For information, call Adkins at (706) 312-7191.

Many more community events are ahead for the fall:

Music and Movies

- The Sunset Music Series will continue Thursday and on two days in September at the Columbia County Amphitheater.

The Groove Masters will perform Thursday, Split Rail is scheduled for Sept. 4, and Braggn' Hughes will wrap up the series Sept. 11. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

The concerts are free, and guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs.

- Columbia County is bringing back September Screen on the Green at the Columbia County Amphitheater.

The featured movies will be shown on a 36-foot-tall inflatable screen and include Walt Disney's Enchanted Sept. 6, Bee Movie Sept. 13 and Casablanca Sept. 20.

Movies begin at dusk and tickets go on sale for $2 at 6:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs.

- The Augusta Symphony will begin their Columbia County Music Series on Oct. 4 with tunes from the acoustic duo Montana Skies.

The series, sponsored by Doctors Hospital, also will feature violinist Levon Ambartsumian and pianist Evgeny Rivkin on Nov. 1.

The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $30.

- For the Fans Entertain-ment Inc. will finish their Music Evolution Series with concerts Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.

Both shows start at 3 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater, but artists have yet to be announced.

Treat Your Taste Buds

- The 13th annual Art of Chocolate will provide sweet treats and live entertainment for guests on Oct. 3 for a good cause.

The black-tie optional event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion and will feature extravagant chocolate and other desserts and a silent auction.

Tickets cost $50 with all proceeds benefitting Child Enrichment Inc., the Child Advocacy Center and the court-appointed special advocates.

- Wine and roses will be on display at the third annual CSRA Wine Festival held 1-4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

The event is held in conjunction with the 46th annual Rose Show. Guests can sample more than 200 wines, cheeses, breads and other foods while listening to live jazz music.

Tickets cost $35 at the door and $30 if purchased before Sept. 26. Designated drivers can purchase tickets at the discounted price of $15. For information, visit www.csrawinefestival.com.

Celebrate the Holidays

- The inaugural Columbus Day Festival will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Memorial Garden behind the Columbia County Library.

The festival will feature live entertainment, a performance by the Children's Musical Theater, arts and crafts vendors and food from the Italian-American Club of the CSRA.

The event, which replaces the county's annual Renaissance festival, also will encompass activities for children and an art contest.

Any vendors interested in joining can call (706) 312-7191.

- Children can help families in need while collecting candy on Oct. 30 during the eighth annual Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat.

By donating a can of food, children can pick up candy for free from many businesses 5:30-8:30 p.m. inside the gym at Patriots Park. Other games also will be available.

Businesses interested in joining can call (706) 312-7191.

- Columbia County residents will have the chance for a head start on holiday shopping during the first annual Christmas Crafts and Caroling event.

Guests can check out the indoor craft show Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

Outdoor events

- Residents can gain essential knowledge about fire safety and partake in a variety of games Oct. 11 at Evans Town Center Park.

The Rotary Club of Columbia County's 10th annual FireFest and Muster will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is free to attend.

In addition to food and entertainment, the event will include muster competitions, emergency helicopter demonstrations, games and activities for children, and fire safety lessons.

- Columbia County pets can participate in numerous activities with their owners during the Animania Pet Fair Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Memorial Garden behind the Evans library.

Guests can participate in a pet costume contest, a pet-owner look-alike contest and watch training demonstrations. Also, pet-related vendors will be available and pet owners can have their animals blessed. Other prizes and giveaways will be available.

Dogs must be on leashes and other pets must be in carriers.

Harlem Hoopla

- No October would be complete without the annual Oliver Hardy Festival held in Harlem's downtown district.

The festival, which includes two parades, a Laurel and Hardy look-alike contest, games, live entertainment and much more, falls on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Vendors also will be on hand to sell arts, crafts and food.

- The community can help give soldiers from Fort Gordon a homemade feast two days before Thanksgiving at a Harlem church.

Harlem United Methodist Church will open its doors to about 200 soldiers for the sixth annual Feed-A-Soldier event.

Volunteers can sign up to donate dishes, money or their time by calling Columbia County Community Connections at (706) 556-0609.