Charlton County Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce upcoming events

2026 Miss Okefenokee Pageant (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Celebrating over 50 years of pageantry in Folkston, GA, the Miss Okefenokee Beauty Pageant is a local legend. This beloved hometown tradition is open to girls from birth to 21 years old and is dedicated to promoting a positive, uplifting pageantry experience for all participants.

Whether you're a first-time contestant or a seasoned pageant pro, this is your moment to shine. The stage is set for you to showcase your confidence, grace, and community pride.

Early Bird Registration: $80 - Deadline is August 7, 2026

Regular Registration: $90 - Deadline is August 31, 2026

Late Registration: $100 - Deadline is September 4, 2026

NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Registration can be found by going to the Miss Okefenokee Pageant Facebook Page.

Location restrictions apply only to the Miss division (ages 17–21). All other age groups are open to participants regardless of residence.

Admission: Adult admission is $6; Students (Pre-K through 12th grades) admission is $2; Children under 3 are free. Admission of contestants and one(1) adult parent/guardian is free.

Contestants must arrive dressed and ready 30 minutes before their division’s scheduled time.

Contact the Pageant Director, Delaney Murrell, at 912-602-0510 with any questions.

2026 Okefenokee Festival (October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Join us for the 2026 Okefenokee Festival, a day filled with fun, food, and festivities! This annual event is the perfect opportunity to experience the charm and culture of our community. Here's what you can expect:

Over 100 Vendors: Explore a diverse array of vendors offering unique crafts, local products, and more.

Food Trucks: Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delicious options from our amazing food trucks.

Parade: Enjoy a spectacular parade showcasing local talent and community spirit.

Swamp Hollerin' Contest: Cheer on contestants as they compete in this one-of-a-kind competition.

Live Music: Dance and sing along to live music performances from talented artists throughout the day.

Car Show: Admire a stunning display of classic and custom cars at our car show.

And Much More!

Don't miss out on this incredible event! Bring your family and friends to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Charlton County.

Stay tuned for more details and a full schedule of events.
We can't wait to see you there!

If you wish to sign up for multiple booth spaces, please complete the registration process again using the same account you used for your first booth space.

➡ VENDOR MAP ⬅

Yellow Booth: Food Truck/Trailer ONLY
Red Booth: Premium
Blue/Green Booth: Basic / Food Tent Vendor

ONE BOOTH SIZE FITS A 10 x 10 TENT

YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE YOUR OWN TENT/CANOPY AND ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL FURNITURE

WE DO NOT PROVIDE ELECTRICITY OR WATER

2026 Okefenokee Festival Parade (October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

LINE UP BEGINS AT 9:15 AM

PARADE STARTS AT 10:00 AM

All motorized vehicle drivers must be 18 years or older and have a valid Driver’s License.
Absolutely NO candy may be thrown from any float or vehicle.
You may walk alongside and hand out candy.
It is your responsibility to coordinate this with your parents and kids!
After the conclusion of the parade all floats will exit via Martin Street.
The parade committee reserves the right to refuse entry in any division of the parade.

2026 Trick or Treat on Main Street (October 31, 2026)

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Let's celebrate Halloween on October 31th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Main St.

Set-up time 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Don't miss out on the fun! Invite your friends and family today!

We encourage all our businesses, churches, civic organizations and anyone who just enjoys Halloween to participate. This is a safe environment for the children of our community. With your help we are able to provide the children with candy, goody bags, and fun activities!

Set up will be from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM along the sidewalks lining Main Street. We will let you know where to set up once we receive your participation form.

Participating groups can either choose to set up a table and give out candy/treats OR donate candy directly to the chamber without physically participating at the event.

Please register online for one of the participation options by Friday, October 25th!!

2026 Christmas on Main Street and Vendor Registration (November 28, 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for a magical evening of holiday cheer at the 2026 Christmas on Main St. celebration! This festive event, held on November 28th in the heart of Folkston, Georgia, promises an enchanting experience for the whole family.

Activities and Highlights:

"Light It Up" Parade: The highlight of the evening kicks off at 7:00 PM, featuring beautifully decorated golf-carts, cars/trucks, and of course, Santa Claus himself! Don't miss this spectacular display of holiday spirit as Main Street comes alive with twinkling lights and seasonal music.

Parade Application: Interested in being a part of the "Light It Up" Parade? Head to this link for more information and registration:

"LIGHT IT UP PARADE" APPLICATION

Food Trucks: Satisfy your taste buds with an array of delectable delights from a diverse selection of food trucks. From savory to sweet, there's something to please every palate.

️Market Vendors: Discover unique gifts and crafts from local artisans and vendors. Whether you're seeking that perfect holiday ornament or a one-of-a-kind handmade treasure, you're sure to find it here.

Bring your friends and family and immerse yourself in the holiday magic at the 2026 Christmas on Main St. We can't wait to celebrate with you in Folkston, GA!

No Pets permitted

2026 Light It Up Christmas Parade (November 28, 2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

*PARADE LINEUP BEGINS AT 6:15 PM*

2026 Light It Up Christmas Parade

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with sparkle and cheer at the 2026 Light It Up Christmas Parade! This community-driven celebration is all about neighbors coming together to light up the night with festive fun.

We invite you to sign up and join the parade with your decorated golf carts, cars, trucks, or bicycles — the more lights and creativity, the better! (Please note: no 4-wheelers or motorcycles are permitted.)

And of course… Santa Claus himself will be there, spreading holiday joy to all!

Mark your calendars, gather your decorations, and be part of a magical evening filled with lights, laughter, and Christmas spirit.

PARADE ROUTE FOR 2026:

2026 Winter Rail Watch (December 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

2026 Winter Rail Watch

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: 3795 Main Street, Folkston, Georgia

Celebrate the magic of the rails this holiday season at the 2026 Winter Rail Watch in Folkston, Georgia!

Train enthusiasts, families, and visitors from across the country will gather at the famous Folkston Funnel to experience the sights and sounds of over 60 trains rolling through — a winter tradition you won't want to miss.

Enjoy a day of:

Live Train Radio Broadcasts from the Platform
Model Train Displays
Railfan Meet & Greet
Collective Items for Sale

Pack your cameras, lawn chairs, and warm clothes — admission is free and open to all! Whether you're a seasoned railfan or simply looking for a cozy small-town adventure, Folkston’s Winter Rail Watch promises a day full of excitement and holiday spirit.

More information will be available closer to time.

Contact Bill Masey for more information @ 770-241-8365 or bgmfred@gmail.com