Bicycles, Brews, Blues and Good Ole' Fashioned BBQ!

I remember the first time I rode my bicycle without training wheels. I was a lady with a mission and after a few bumps and bruises along the way, I was a master of the art by the age of five. I continued to love my bike and as I grew, my parents ensured that my bike grew with me.

Fast forward several...(ahem!) years, and I haven’t ridden my bike in quite some time. Actually, I think my parents may have sold it in a garage sale, leaving me at times dreaming of those days when I could zip around the neighborhood or park with the greatest of ease. Now thanks to a new amenity available at Evans Towne Center Park, all of those bike riding desires can be fulfilled!

B-Cycle is a self-service bike kiosk located in Evans Towne Center Park on the side of the concession/restroom building. This is a service that the county is very excited to offer, and it is ready just in time for summer! The bikes are meant for riders 18 and up, which is perfect for all of those parents/adults, like me, whose bicycle may have ended up in someone else’s garage after years of no rides.  You can pay as you go—the $8 fee includes two hours of riding—or you can sign up for a yearly membership which offers endless riding possibilities. For more information on B-Cycle, check out columbiacounty.bcycle.com, or stop by the park and see for yourself!

Not only is it prime bike season, but the azaleas are in full bloom, the pollen is in full force and the warm weather has finally settled in. Spring time in Columbia County has officially sprung and that means it's time for our annual spring rite of passage, Blues, Brews & BBQ! For three consecutive Fridays, beginning April 25th, the Columbia County Amphitheater will be THE place to be for good music and good food from the area's best barbecue pit masters.

Blues, Brews & BBQ will be held at the Columbia County Amphitheater

This year we have a great line-up of musical acts! Kicking off the series this year (thanks to an unwelcome rain delay on the 18^th) will be The Kenny George Band on April 25^th  with delicious BBQ from Perry Foster’s BBQ (Hank Williams, Jr. is a fan of their stuff!). If you enjoy getting your late-breaking, local news from WRDW’s Richard Rogers, wait until you hear him on drums! On Friday, May 2^nd, News 12’s Breaking News Band will be opening up for Athens favorite blues band, Funky Bluester with BBQ from local favorite Jus’ Plain Smokin’.  The closing week of the show will feature Chris Ndeti & Company (from Mama Says fame) with BBQ by Dixie Pig. Brews will be available for purchase, provided by Vineyard Wine Market.

Athens favorite Funky Bluester will perform on Friday, May 2nd

Admission is $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free. So grab your blankets & chairs (no coolers, please) and get your heapin' helpin' of the area's best BBQ at the 9th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ shindig happening at the Columbia County Amphitheater (behind Evans Branch Library)! For more information visit columbiacountyga.gov or call (706) 650-5005.