A new event catered to expectant mothers, women who are new mothers and their children is launching Saturday, Aug. 19, in Summerville, Ga.
Mommy/Baby Palooza is a free children's fair in a block-party format that will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Summerville around the historic Summerville Depot, 119 W. Washington St.
"It's going to be kid-friendly for all ages," says Susan Locklear, executive director of sponsoring Summerville Main Street. Locklear says the event is timed to coincide with the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum's Summerville Steam Special.
More than 20 vendors are participating, primarily exhibiting ladies, baby, toddler and children's products.
If you go
› What: Mommy/Baby Palooza› Where: Summerville, Ga., depot, 119 East Washington St., Summerville, Ga.› When: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19› Admission: Free, bring cash for shopping vendors› For more information: www.summervillega.orgSCHEDULE9 a.m.-4 p.m. Farm animal station9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mini train ridesNoon. Mommy-child fashion show inside depot12:30-1 p.m. Arrival of Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum passenger train2:45 p.m. Line up for 3 p.m. children’s teddy bear parade
Entertainment and activities are planned throughout the day, says Locklear. The Chattooga High School cheerleaders will offer free face-painting. Balloon artist Danny Hester will be on-site. There will be a children's farm animal station and rides on a child's miniature train.
The Chattooga County Library System staff will hold storytimes throughout the day.
There will be demonstrations by the Georgia State Patrol and information for mothers from the Chattooga County Health Department, Community Resource Center of Chattooga, Floyd Medical Center Women and Children's Services, Dr. Raj Miniyar's Pediatrics and Harbin Clinic Pediatrics of Rome, Ga.
In addition, Child Safety Information Kits will be provided by local law enforcement.
The day's fun will close with a children's teddy bear parade at 3 p.m. Children may bring their own bears from home or purchase one on-site. Children should bring their bears to parade lineup at 2:45 p.m. behind the depot.
First Steps To Freedom Ministries will have "Huggy Bears" available for purchase in its booth. The bear is the creation of Philip and Becky Lawrence, who designed the bear and wrote an accompanying book about him to comfort foster children. Their goal is to give every foster child in Georgia a bear for free when they come into care. Huggy Bear will sell for $40 with a goal of funding these donations.
Kay Pope Photography will be located inside the depot offering children's photo sessions. Also, anyone booking a future maternity or children's photo session will receive a special rate with a deposit during the event.
This event is free, but Locklear suggests bringing cash if you plan to shop vendors because some of the smaller business owners do not take credit or debit cards.
For more information: www.summervillega.org or 706-859-0900 ext. 1337.
Ride the train
The Summerville Steam Special departs Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Grand Junction Station, 4119 Cromwell Road, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19.It crosses in Georgia at Rossville, traveling past Chickamauga Battlefield, through Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette and Trion before arriving in Summerville for a 90-minute layover.Passengers may opt to eat lunch aboard the train or in a Summerville location.The train returns to Chattanooga about 6 p.m.Remaining tickets are $90 in a coach seat, with meal; $115 Pullman Car, which includes breakfast and lunch in the dining car; and $190 for Premium Observation Car, which also includes breakfast and lunch.For tickets: www.tvrail.com.