You choose: Rambunctious or Relaxing Weekend

by Laura Perry

The Augusta Southern Nationals drag boat races start this weekend off with a big bang, rain or shine. But if you want some quieter culture, come out to the Salvation Army’s fashion show or head over to North Augusta’s Arts and Heritage Center Heritage Day for painting demonstrations and history seminars. Even the drag boat races settle down for a bit on Sunday with their Racers for Christ chapel service.

Friday, July 20th 27th Annual Augusta Southern Nationals 8:00 a.m.(gates open)/ 9:00 a.m.(races start)—6:00 p.m. (usually over) 7:00 p.m. (Ring of Fire) 800 Block of Broad & Reynolds, Downtown Augusta 706-821-2870 www.augustasouthernnationals.org

Need an instant adrenaline rush? If you haven’t heard it loud and clear by now, head downtown to the Savannah River for this annual drag boat race. The Augusta Southern Nationals will rev up some river fun this weekend, all for a good cause, the Georgia Special Olympics. Everybody loves a parade and tonight’s the Ring of Fire in the Augusta Common. Bring the family to watch this boat demonstration. The ASN Series tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are $22 in advance and $30 at the gate; children 10 and under are free with an adult. Ticket distributors include Windsor Jewelers, Georgia Bank & Trust, Four Seasons and tixonline.com. It will be very hot, so remember to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids before and during races. Medical personnel will be available if needed. Along with your earplugs, bring your chairs, blankets and cameras, but leave your pets and picnic coolers at home—they aren’t allowed on site. Umbrellas are OK, but must be set up at the top of grassy areas in order to prevent obstructive view. There will also be closed circuit TV showing the race. It’s all for a good cause—the Augusta Southern Nationals benefit our local chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics.

First Class, Second Hand Fashion Show & Sale 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. The Salvation Army Family Store (1507 North Leg Rd, Augusta) www.krocaugusta.org This free family event will feature a runway show with women’s, men’s and kid’s clothing, onsite fashion consultants, craft demos, and even refreshments.

Augusta Green Jackets vs. Hagerstown (MD) Suns -AWAY After this series of 4 games in cooler Maryland, the Green Jackets will be back home to play the Hickory Crawdads next Friday.

Saturday, July 21st 3rd Annual Arts and Heritage Day 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta 803-441-4380 www.artsandheritagecenter.com The Arts and Heritage Center’s 3rd birthday to be a non-profit organization, this annual event will have live painting by local artists and seminars with area historians and authors every hour, on the hour. The Center is located inside the new North Augusta Municipal Building (100 Georgia Ave).

Augusta Southern Nationals 8:00 a.m.(gates open)/ 9:00 a.m.(races start)—6:00 p.m. (usually over) Boathouse at 101 Riverfront Drive (Spectator parking= Broad St. & Prep Phillips Drive, enter at East Boundary & Riverfront Drive) 706-821-2870 www.augustasouthernnationals.org Not enough action on Friday? Come back to the River Saturday for more and watch the qualifying rounds.

Sunday, July 22nd Augusta Southern Nationals 8:00 a.m. (gates open)/ 10:00 a.m.(races start)—6:00 p.m. Boathouse at 101 Riverfront Drive (Spectator parking= Broad St. & Prep Phillips Drive, enter at East Boundary & Riverfront Drive) 706-821-2870 www.augustasouthernnationals.org Get there early and go to church at the races with a non-denominational chapel service by Racers for Christ at 9:00 a.m. The Elimination Rounds start at 10:00 a.m. You Might Also Like: