There is more truth than fable to the old tale that during the horse and buggy era, counties were organized so that a person could leave from anywhere in the county at sunrise, transact business at the county seat, and be home before dark. These were the good ‘ole days and to remember these “good ole days,” we’re planning a grand celebration!
Don’t let November 10 and 11 go by without attending Colquitt and Miller County’s 150th birthday celebration!
Ladies, young and old, get your sewing machines going and make that ‘ole time’ frock and bonnet and men, your overalls will fit the weekend just fine as we celebrate our heritage!
It’s all happening in our hometown beginning on Friday afternoon. There will be something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. So get ready for the fun!
At 6:00 p.m. on Friday, some of the most talented people from all around and right here in Colquitt will compete for a $1000 cash prize. Hurry, if you haven’t signed up -- only the first 40 applicants will be accepted. Any group or solo may enter with any type of music: gospel, country, blue-grass, rock-n-roll, soul, you name it! The contestants will be judged on their presentation, capability, and their overall stage appearance. There is a $50 registration fee to enter, but who knows, you might just be the lucky one. The judges for this contest will be out-of-town judges, so don’t worry, it will be fair! After the 40 contestants compete, the top five will be announced and will perform in the finals on Saturday beginning at 11:15 a.m.
At 9:00 a.m. the streets of Colquitt will be filled as the antique cars and farm machinery make their way to the square. They will be on display throughout the day for you to view.
Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. for the beard contest, country fair, and swamp gravy cook-off. Entries are still being accepted. You may call 758-2400 to register or for more information.
The opening ceremonies of the festival will take place at 10:00 a.m. on the town square. All the vendors will open their booths to sell and display their homemade goods.
There will be exhibits of all kinds. Mark Dixon from the Georgia Agrirama in Tifton will be demonstrating a turpentine production exhibit. This exhibit displays a glimpse of turpentine production history through artifacts, photographs, and text. The original “box” method will be explained as well as the “cup” method of production, followed by the final phase of production history - sulfuric acid treatment.
Following the ceremony, all the men in the community will come together at 10:45 to see who will be the winner of the best beard. So, men, get your beards groomed for the judges.
Cotton Hall will be the place for the county fair. At 11:00 a.m. the judges will sample some of the best homemade baked goods you’ll find anywhere. There will be pies, cakes, candies, breads, cookies, etc. Canned goods of jellies, jams, preserves, sweet pickles, honey, dill pickles, peaches, tomatoes, green beans, and relishes will also be in the judging. All entries are due by Thursday, November 9, at the Arts Council.
The quilt contest will also be at Cotton Hall. You may enter antique guilts or locally made quilts.
And of course what would a celebration be without swamp gravy! Can you cook swamp gravy? If you can, we need you to enter our cook-off. Cash prizes will be given to the top three cooks. Call Billy Kimbrel at 229-254-2727 to enter.
If you like good entertainment, don’t miss the groups that will be performing. The Singing Echoes from Cleveland, TN, and the Bainbridge British Band from Bainbridge will perform during the afternoon, along with other local talent.
And if you haven’t seen Colquitt’s own version of Hee-Haw, you’ll want to get your tickets for our “May-Haw” show now. There will be a 2:30 p.m. show and a 7:30 p.m. show. Call 229-758-5450 for your tickets.
So go ahead and mark your calendars to be in Colquitt on November 10 and 11 to help us celebrate our 150th birthday! You’ll be glad you did!
Did you Know...
The centrally located village in Miller County on the east side of Spring Creek was originally named Springtown? The name was changed from Springtown to the town of Colquitt on August 23, 1865. The name was changed to honor Walter Terry Colquitt.
The county of Miller was named for Andrew Jackson Miller. Miller studied law, and at age 19, he applied for examination for admission to the bar. Being under-age, the legislature passed a special act allowing him to practice. He was sent to the lower house of the General Assembly from Richmond County, and the next year returned to the Senate where he continued to serve until his death 20 years later. He was twice elected president of the Senate.
In 1854, Miller requested the people of Richmond County to permit him to retire from the Senate, but he was prevailed upon to serve another term. While serving, he returned home to attend a court session, was taken ill and died. The Georgia Legislature sent a special committee to attend his funeral, ordered a $200.00 Georgia marble monument erected at the expense of the State, and created a new county, which in his honor, was named Miller.

Just in case you have been on another planet for the past few months, the state of Georgia is going to have an election on Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
Many of the candidates have taken the time and effort to come to Colquitt to meet, greet and politick with those citizens who cast one vote at a time. Just this week, two senatorial candidates were honored with a reception by friends and supporters. Both of these will be reported on in the next edition.
Most voters could care less about personally seeing all of the candidates, but make no mistake, a personal greeting goes a long way for many Miller County electors although it is impossible for all the candidates to get around this state.
The local races were already decided in the General Primary elections. The state candidates from governor on down will be elected in this General Election, or in the runoff to follow. Check the Liberal this week for those on the ballot and the amendments. Know what you are going to do before you get to the polling area. See the ballot on page 16 of this edition.
There are some most important offices to fill, or re-elect. They will determine the course of our state for the next two, four or six years. Some to the questions and amendments will affect us for the rest of the time we are in Georgia.
There is no reason for anyone who desires to vote, not to vote. The voting has already begun, and will continue until just prior to election day. Many voters do not agree with this process because there have been too many questions of fraud and stealing with the process lasting this long, but this is the process until it is changed. The proof of who you are has been negated, so anyone can vote.
The right to vote has been paid for and still is with the blood of our military. Don’t let this blood go to waste by staying home or not voting. Everyone vote!

Week of October 22, 2006