June 2022 Chamber News
It’s Watermelon time in Cordele!
Welcome Gliders!
B & H Pressure Washing
Joshua Hulett/ Shannon Baker
1994 Ga. Hwy 257
Cordele, GA 31015
229-947-5747
bhpressurewashing2019@gmail.com

Downtown Cordele Development LLC
Michael C Lee
3127 N Oak St Ext
Valdosta, GA 31602-1099
229-247-1040
mlee@leeassoc.net
Air Evac EMS INC
Amber Roberts
Cordele Dental Associates
Cordele Kiwanis Club
Crisp Area Board of Realtors Inc.
Crisp County Community Council, Inc.
Crisp Farms
Georgia Southern Softwash Services LLC
Holiday Inn Express
L & W Bonding Company
South Georgia TV
Stevens Health Services
The Cozy Camper Coffee
NEWS & INFORMATION
June 3rd – 11th, 2022 Chris Carter & Lyn Forbes
770-843-4099
Cordele-Crisp County Airport – Cordele Contest Managers for Region 5 South
 
Annual Regional Glider Competition
 
Beginning Friday, June 3, 2022, the Cordele Crisp County Airport will host the week-long 51st annual Region 5 South glider competition sanctioned by the Soaring Society of America (SSA.org). The City of Cordele, Crisp County, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Crisp-County Airport offer a wonderful venue for glider pilots from all over the country to race over the fertile fields of Middle and South Georgia.
 
Glider pilots race high-performance sailplanes covering distances of 150-300 miles by observing the sky, terrain and weather conditions. They determine the best thermal lift and energy lines to keep them aloft and moving efficiently around the course. Normally the warm rising air in high cumulus clouds provide the best indicators of lift for flight, however days that are blue also provide many lift opportunities in the atmosphere. The racing course, known as the “race task” differs every cloudless day based upon the predicted weather conditions around the State. Pilots are required to race around specified GPS “turn points” within a set period of time with the fastest competitor winning the day. Occasionally, a pilot will be unable to return to the starting airport due to the constantly changing weather during a flight. Typically, the pilot will seek out another airport or will have to make a “land out” in a safe field. Sailplanes are much lighter and far more maneuverable than power planes and can land in very short distances. Typically, when this happens Middle and South Georgia’s residents show their real hospitality in assisting the pilot and their crew. Often landowners and pilots become new friends in sharing the adventure of cross-country soaring.
 
The public is invited to watch the launch and return of gliders at the Cordele Crisp County Airport. Viewing is in designated safe areas and parking is outside the fence line. Contest and airport staff will guide you to safe viewing areas to watch the launch. Chairs, umbrellas, and water are highly recommended. Five tow planes will pull each glider to an altitude of 2000 feet above the airport where the sailplane releases from the tow plane and tries to remain in lift awaiting the opening of the “start gate.” The loitering gliders stay in close looking for lift and begin to climb in thermals creating “gaggles' ' around the Airport. The launch goal is to have all the gliders airborne in one hour which is exciting to watch as tow planes are constantly returning to the airport to hook up the next glider. The 40-50 gliders grid on the closed runway an hour prior to the typical launch of 12:30-1 p.m. Depending on weather and the task, gliders will return between 4--5:30 p.m.
 
Over 50 years ago, a few soaring enthusiasts requested permission to hold a fun soaring weekend in South Georgia which led to an Annual event and the Region 5S Contest. Eventually, Cordele became the host of numerous National Soaring Contests and even a US World Soaring Team Camp. In 2023, Cordele will be hosting the 15 Meter and Open Class National 10-day Contest to be held in mid-May overlapping the Regional Contest. Each year, The Cordele Crisp County Airport has always provided a friendly soaring site with southern hospitality. The event is also beneficial to the county and local businesses with an influx of revenue and tax dollars when pilots and their crew patronize the many local establishments and hotels. The Soaring Society of America, Region 5 South, and Cordele Racing, LLC wish to thank the Cordele Community, the Chamber of Commerce, and Crisp County for its continued support. Pilots often say, “when Cordele is working, the Soaring just doesn't get much better than this!”
 
Event info
Location: Cordele-Crisp County Airport – Cordele, GA
Dates: June 3rd – 11th, 2022, 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
 
For more information regarding this event or to schedule an interview with any of the pilots please contact Chris Carter at 770-843-4099 or by email at flycordele@yahoo.com.
Congratulations to all our newly crowned
2022 Watermelon Days Festival Queens
Baby Miss- Henley Jernigan

Teeny Miss- Juliette Gates

Tiny Miss- Scarlett Tyson

Little Miss- Anzleigh Harpe

Petite Miss- Zoey Pope

Junior Miss- Kady Booth

Teen Miss- Dani Jones

Miss- Charleigh Harper

People’s Choice- Kenzi Davis

A huge thank you to Kristen Card Smith for coordinating and organizing the Watermelon Capital Queen Pageant!!
Crisp Regional 16th Ave Project Groundbreaking
Steve Gautney, CEO speaks at the ceremony with over 75 people in attendance.
Board Member and State Representative District 147 Noel Williams JR with Carden Summers
State Senate District 13
Breaking Ground
The 22,000 square-foot facility will offer an ambulatory care center physical therapies, a retail pharmacy, orthopedics, different therapies and office space.
Celebrating the retirement of Bob Evans, Regional President, and Terry Ann Brake, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender.
Bob has been dedicated to the banking industry for nearly 50 years, having begun his career in 1974 shortly after graduating from Georgia Southwestern State University. Bob joined our Colony Bank team in 2010 as Market President before being promoted to his current position as Regional President in 2015.

Throughout his career, Bob has remained an active community leader and has served on numerous boards and committees. Bob and his wife, Jean, have been married for 47 years and share two children and nine grandchildren.

According to Bob, “Community banking gets in your blood.”

When looking back on his career, Bob’s favorite part has been helping his customers and being involved in community development through the Bank. He believes that when you love people and love helping them, whatever you give, you get back tenfold. This is among the many reasons Bob says he has “the best job in Crisp County.”

During retirement, Bob is looking forward to being more involved with their church development, spending time with the family, and working on his farm.

Thank you for all of your years of service Bob. Happy Retirement!

However, we are excited that Bob will not be going far as he will be appointed Chairman of our Cordele Community Board.
Since joining Colon Bank in 2006, Terry Ann has served as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lender. Her career in banking began over 20 years ago after raising her family and going back to school to earn her Master of Science in Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University.

As a lifelong resident of Cordele, she has been actively involved in the community through civic organizations, such as the Lion’s Club where she has served on the Board and a number of committees. Terry Ann and her husband share 3 children and 7 grandchildren. They have been long-time members of the Church of Christ.

When asked what her favorite part of banking has been, she said it’s the people and connections throughout the community. Her passion has been helping people discover their goals, what drives them, and what they need to materialize these goals. This will also be the part she’ll miss the most.

Over the years, Terry Ann said one of the most positive changes in banking is our accessibility to customers and the various self-service options available.

During retirement, Terry Ann is looking forward to spending time with her family, attending more of her grandchildren's activities, and staying involved in the community through volunteer work.

Thank you for your dedication to Colony Bank and our customers, Terry Ann. Happy Retirement!
Bob and Terry Ann's last day will be on June 30th.

There will be a celebration on Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 5-6:30 PM at the Colony Cordele banking center located at 1031 E 24th Ave.
CHAMBER UPDATE
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
 
Platinum $750 
Sponsor name listed on Chamber website, social media, and in the newsletter, recognized at events, and receives 2 tables of 8 at dinner
 
Gold $500
Sponsors name listed on Chamber website, social media, and newsletter, recognized at dinner, and receives 1 table of 8 at dinner.
         
Silver $250
Sponsors name listed on Chamber website and newsletter, recognized at dinner, and receives 4 tickets to dinner.
 
Bronze $100
Sponsor name listed in newsletter and receives 1 ticket to dinner
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
CHAMBER STAFF PRESENT TSPLOST, WATERMELON FESTIVAL AND CHAMBER UPDATE TO KIWANIS CLUB
Monica Simmons, Chamber President, and Tamala Mathis, Chamber Vice President talked about the benefits of TSPLOST, the upcoming Watermelon Days Festival, and what the Chamber had been working on.
TSPLOST passed in Crisp by over 64%.
 
The Chamber would like to thank those who voted earlier this week. We were very pleased that the TSPLOST passed as this will help the City of Arabi, City of Cordele and Crisp County Commission be able to do road, bridge and sidewalk projects that they otherwise would not be able to do. The passing of TSPLOST also saves the government dollars since we only have to have a 10% match for local projects. If we had not passed the TSPLOST, it would cost us a 30% match for projects with the Department of Transportation. TSPLOST also helps keep our property taxes down. If TSPLOST isn’t passed, the dollars to do those projects would have to come from an increase in property taxes and no one wants an increase in property taxes. Also, over 65% of the TSPLOST dollars comes from folks outside our community who spend money in our community. So passing TSPLOST just makes good CENTS!
 
The Chamber will keep the community updated throughout the year on the TSPLOST project so you can see what all is being accomplished. Thanks again for your support. Also, a special thanks to the businesses who contributed donations we could promote and advertise the important of passing TSPLOST.
HOW TO CONTACT OUR LEGISLATORS
TOURISM UPDATE
Watermelon Days Festival
The Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce announces the 73rd Annual Watermelon Days Festival main day will be held on June 25, 2022. Thank you to our presenting sponsors Cordele-Crisp Tourism and Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club! President of the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce Monica Simmons stated, “We are so excited about our festival this year! We are bringing back the watermelon eating contest, seed spit, and chunking contest. We love these classic events to celebrate the fruit of our community!”
The festival kicked-off with the Watermelon Capital Queen Pageant on May 21st at the Crisp County Middle School Auditorium. The pageant director Kristen Smith continues to do a fantastic job promoting the Watermelon Capital Queen Pageant and surpassing the contestant numbers each year. This year the pageant had 82 girls participate. We would like to extend a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our newly crowned 2022-2023 Watermelon Capital Queens: Baby Miss- Henley Jernigan, Teeny Miss- Juliette Gates, Tiny Miss- Scarlett Tyson, Little Miss- Anzleigh Harpe, Petite Miss- Zoey Pope, Junior Miss- Kady Booth, Teen Miss- Dani Jones, Miss- Charleigh Harper, and People’s Choice- Kenzi Davis.
 
The Gliders will arrive to town for the 51st Annual Region 5 South Glider Competition on May 26th. The contest days will be June 3rd- 11th 11:00am-5:30pm. Chris Carter and Lyn Forbes stated in the press release, “The public is invited to watch the launch and return of gliders at the Cordele Crisp County Airport. Viewing is in designated safe areas and parking is outside the fence line. Contest and airport staff will guide you to safe viewing areas to watch the launch. Chairs, umbrellas, and water are highly recommended. Five tow planes will pull each glider to an altitude of 2000 feet above the airport where the sailplane releases from the tow plane and tries to remain in lift awaiting the opening of the “start gate.” The loitering gliders stay in close looking for lift and begin to climb in thermals creating “gaggles' ' around the Airport. The launch goal is to have all the gliders airborne in one hour which is exciting to watch as tow planes are constantly returning to the airport to hook up the next glider. The 40-50 gliders grid on the closed runway an hour prior to the typical launch of 12:30-1 p.m. Depending on weather and the task, gliders will return between 4--5:30 p.m.”  Marlene Kimball, Chair of the Tourism Committee stated, “The gliders choose to come back to Cordele year after year because of our hospitality. We are thankful that they choose to come back to Cordele each year. The gliders bring in many tourism dollars to our community.”

We are thrilled to announce the “This Is Your Life” recipient for 2022 is Mary Beal. This Is Your Life will be held on June 16th at 6:30 in the evening at Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chamber at 229-273-1668. The tickets are $30.00 for individuals or $240 for a table of 8.

The Watermelon Classic Race will be held on June 4th at Crisp Motorsports Park at 4:00pm. And Day Out with Thomas is incorporated in our Watermelon Days Festival events again this year and will be held on the 3 weekends leading up to the Watermelon Days Festival main date on June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at the Georgia Veterans Depot. The Kiwanis Club is sponsoring two events this year for the festival. The Billy Williams Memorial Fishing Rodeo will be held on June 11th from 8:00am-11:00am at Buford Pond on Kelly Road. The Kiwanis Club Annual Talent Show will be held on June 14th at 7:00pm at the Crisp County Middle School Auditorium. Our Watermelon Days Festival calendar is packed with events such as the Crisp County 4-H Dog Show, Watermelon Gospel Sing, WALB Noon Show, Reading with the Queens, Watermelon Walk, & more!! Please visit our website or stop by the Chamber for a brochure listing all of the events and times for this year’s festival.

We are excited to have a few balloons in town for the festival weekend. Hot Air Balloon flights are available by scheduling in advance. Please call 229-322-2275 to schedule your flight. The hot air balloons will be at the Georgia Veterans State Park Friday, June 24th 4:00pm-8:00pm for tether rides and a hot air balloon glow. The tether rides will be booked on site because ballooning is extremely weather dependent. While at the park on June 24th, make sure to check out the live entertainment at the Cypress Grill starting at 8:00pm.
The main festival day will be held on Saturday, June 25th. The 73rd annual parade will be held that morning at 9:30am. The parade will start lining up at 8:30am at the Southgate Shopping Center. The parade will start at 9:30am and follow the route of 15th Avenue from 6th Street to Owens Street. After the parade, come join us at the Georgia Veterans State Park for the festival! The festival will include arts and crafts, food vendors, food trucks, car and truck display, events, and live entertainment. There will be a $5.00 parking fee to enter the Georgia Veterans State Park. RMS Transit of Cordele and Vienna will be offering free transportation from Southgate Shopping Center to the Georgia Veterans State Park from 9am-5pm that day. We hope you come visit our family friendly event with live entertainment, watermelon slice giveaways, watermelon eating contest, seed spitting contest, watermelon chunking contest, and much more!!!
 
Our festival celebration will end with a BOOM on July 3rd, with Fireworks on the Flint! Fireworks on the Flint will be held at Georgia Veterans State Park over the beautiful Lake Blackshear. There is a $5 parking fee for the Georgia Veterans State Park. We would like to extend a big thank you to our Fireworks on the Flint sponsors! Thank you to Cordele-Crisp Tourism, City of Cordele, Crisp County Power Commission, Friend of GA Veterans State Park, Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club, Lake Blackshear Homeowners Association, Crisp County Board of Commissioners, and Blackshear Veterinary Hospital for your continued support!
This year’s festival theme is “Getting Sweeter with Time Since 1949.” We have shirts for sale at the Chamber prior to and on the day of the festival at the Georgia Veterans State Park. Call or stop by the Chamber to purchase your shirts.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors for our 73rd Watermelon Days Festival. If you have any questions about the festival or would like more information on upcoming events, please contact the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce at tamala@visitcordele.com or call 229-273-1668.
OFFICIAL WATERMELON DAYS FESTIVAL T-SHIRT
Prices:
CHILD S, M, L $10.00
Toddler 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T $10.00
Adult S-XL $15.00
Adult 2XL $16.00
Adult 3XL $17.00
Adult 4XL $18
The Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce and Tourism announce the official 73rd Annual Watermelon Days Festival t-shirts have arrived!! We are thrilled about this year’s design and theme. The theme is “GETTING SWEETER WITH TIME SINCE 1949.” This theme celebrates the heritage and tradition of watermelon in our Cordele-Crisp community. Tamala Mathis, Vice President of Marketing and Special Projects stated, “At the Chamber, we understand what the Watermelon Festival tradition means to our community. We wanted to design a shirt that will represent Cordele-Crisp and be a great shirt to keep in stock for our visitors to the area.”

The shirts are available at the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce (502 S 2nd Street). We will also have the shirts for sale at the Chamber booth at the Watermelon Days Festival on June 25th at the Georgia Veterans State Park. The prices are as follows: Toddler 2T-4T and Child S-L $10.00, Adult S-XL $15.00, Adult 2XL $16, Adult 3XL $17, and Adult 4XL $18. While purchasing your shirts at the Chamber, make sure to pick up a brochure for the 73rd Annual Watermelon Days Festival.

If you have any questions about the festival or would like more information on upcoming events, please contact the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce at tamala@visitcordele.com or call 229-273-1668.
73rd ANNUAL WATERMELON DAYS PARADE
 
JUNE 25th, 2022 at 9:30 am

 Theme: “Getting Sweeter with Time Since 1949"

ENTRY FORM DUE June 17th 

The lineup will be at 8:30 a.m. at South Gate Shopping Center (corner of 6th Street & 15th Ave and travel East to Pecan St.).

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. All entries except “Government Agencies” (Sheriff, Police, Fire Dept., Etc.) must submit a fee of $20.00 with the application.
The Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club and Cordele-Crisp Tourism hosted five travel writers and one blogger recently for a FAM Tour of The Resort, Georgia Veterans State Park and Historic SAM Shortline Excursion Train where they participated in a Murder Mystery Train ride.

We were excited to have them in town and look forward to seeing the articles and blogs promoting our community.  
FESTIVAL & EVENT DATES:

June 4th - 25th (Main Day June 25th)
Watermelon Days Festival

July 3rd
Fireworks on the Flint

July 30th
Georgia Veterans Triathlon

October 8th
Crisp Area Harvest Festival & 100 PPYS Mile Yard Sale
December 3rd
Christmas in Crisp
JUNE EVENTS
June 2nd
10:00 am
Ribbon Cutting
Firehouse Subs

June 4th-5th
Day Out with Thomas
on SAM Shortline Excursion Train
Call for more information 229-276-0755.

June 4th
4:00 pm
Watermelon Classic Races
Crisp Motorsports Park
229-938-8814

June 4th  
Softball Tournament USSSA
Crisp County Youth Ball Complex

June 9th
1:00 pm
Tourism Meeting
Chamber

June 10th
10:00 am    
Watermelon Days Ribbon Cutting
Cordele Farmers Market

June 11th
8:00 am-10:00 am
Billy Williams Memorial Kiwanis Fishing Rodeo
Buford Pond on Kelly Road
Sponsor: Cordele Kiwanis Club
229-273-1668

June 11th
Baseball Tournament SEC
Crisp County Youth Ball Complex

June 11-12
Day Out with Thomas
on SAM Shortline Excursion Train
Call for more information 229-276-0755

June 13th
10:00 am   
Ankle & Foot Associates Ribbon Cutting
Chamber

June 14th
7:00 pm
Kiwanis Club Annual Talent Showcase
Crisp Co. Middle School Auditorium
Sponsor: Cordele Kiwanis Club
229-273-166

June 16th
6:30 pm
This Is Your Life
Honoring: Mary Beal
Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club
Sponsor: Chamber
229-273-1668

June 17th
10:00 am
Crisp County 4-H Dog Show
Community Clubhouse
Sponsor: Crisp Co. 4-H
229-276-2612
Pre-registration required by June 14th

June 17th
7:00 pm
Watermelon Gospel Sing
Grace Baptist Church 1997 Royal Road
GoodBread & Company & More
Sponsor: Arlene & Charles Holmes
229-322-6333

June 18th
Softball Tournament USSSA
Crisp County Youth Ball Complex

June 18th-19th
Day Out with Thomas
on SAM Shortline Excursion Train. 
Call for more information 229-276-0755.

June 20th 10:00 am
WALB Noon Show (Filmed)
Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club
Aired: June 23rd at 12:30 pm
Sponsor: WALB, Tourism & Chamber
229-273-1668

June 20th-24th
11:00 am Daily
Reading With The Queens
Cordele Carnegie Library
229-276-1300

June 23rd
5-6:30 pm
Retirement Reception for Bob Evans & Terry Ann Brake
Colony Bank
June 24th 7:30 am
Watermelon Walk
Perry G. Busbee Walking Track
Sponsor: Crisp Regional Health Services
229-276-3284

June 24th
4:00 pm-8:00 pm
Hot Air Balloon -Tether Rides Only
Tethers will be booked on site
Georgia Veterans State Park
229-273-1668

June 24th, 25th & 26th
6:30 am
Hot Air Balloon Flights
Sponsor: Cordele-Crisp Tourism
Call 229-322-2275 to make reservations

June 24th
8:00 pm
Live Entertainment
Cypress Grill

June 25th
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Watermelon Days Arts & Crafts & Food Booths/Trucks
Georgia Vets State Park
Park Fee $5
Sponsor: Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club
VENDOR SPOTS ARE NOW FULL
Linda Hawkins 229-401-1205

June 25th
9:30 am
Watermelon Festival Parade
Route: 15th Ave from 6th St.- Owens St.
Cordele-Crisp Chamber & Cordele Lions Club
Line Up 8:30 am at Southgate Shopping Center
229-273-1668

June 25th 
Baseball Tournament USSS
Crisp County Youth Ball Complex

June 25th
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Watermelon Days Car & Truck Display
Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Cordele Cruisers Car Club
Gene Arnett 229-322-1621

June 25th
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Crisp County 4-H Watermelon Slice Giveaway
Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Crisp County 4-H

June 25th
11:00 am
Jr. Watermelon Eating Contest
Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Cordele Lions Club

June 25th
12 noon-5:00 pm
Watermelon Days Entertainment
Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club
Contact: Linda Hawkins
229-276-1004

June 25th
1:00 pm
Watermelon Chunking Contest
Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Waste Management
229-271-8718

June 25th
3:00 pm
Watermelon Seed Spit Contest
Georgia Veterans State Park
Sponsor: Georgia Watermelon Association

June 25th
10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm
Watermelon Express (1 hour long rides!)
Georgia Vets Depot
Sponsor: Historic SAM Shortline Excursion Train
229-276-0755

June 25th
4:00 pm
Summer Shootout
Outlaw, Pure, Stock, Enduro, Mini Stock,
Legends, Bandoleros & Karts
Crisp Motor Sports Park
229-938-8814

June 25th
8:00 pm
Entertainment: Julie Allen
Cypress Grill
229-276-1004
Randy West
Crisp County Extension Office

Randy West grew up in Turner County and has an Associate Degree in Business Administration, Bachelor’s Degree in Science, and Master’s Degree in Education Leadership. Randy is the proud son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur and Lorene West. He is married to Marie West and they have 3 kids that they love dearly. They have been married for over thirty years and still do not have any grandchildren. Randy attends Evangelistic Tabernacle F.O.C. and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and serves on the Housing Authority Board.

When asked why you are a member of the chamber: Randy said “ I am a member of the Chamber to extend a hand in helping our community, youth and businesses reach their full potential"
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HUGE THANKS to Planters First Bank for picking up trash around their block and a portion of Greer Street from 16th Ave to 24th Ave!! Thank you for being part of the effort to make our community a cleaner place to live!!
Business Development
Business Training
Ready to become more knowledgeable about operating your business? 
MEET OUR STAFF
Monica Simmons
President
monica@visitcordele.com
Tamala Mathis
Vice President Marketing / Business Development
tamala@visitcordele.com
Catherine Harrell
Keep Crisp Beautiful
catherine@visitcordele.com
Evelyn Dowell
Bookkeeper
Timothy Kilpatrick
Volunteer
Mission Statement
"The Mission of the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce is to support, maintain, and promote member's businesses and quality of life in our community."
502 South 2nd Street / PO Box 158
Cordele, GA 31010
229-273-1668
info@visitcordele.com
visitcordele.com