Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1540272
October/November 2025 | maconmagazine.com 29 Find Nate's usual dispatches from the field at middlegatimes.com quirky art, sparkling jewelry, and glass creations. Glow-in-the-dark elements are a theme everywhere. I look forward to Art After Dark because of its uniqueness as a nighttime festival, where art and creativity is seen everywhere you look. 4 Weiner Dog Races and Ultimate Air Dog Dock Diving Cherry Street was the scene of pint-sized dachshunds racing (sometimes just playing), oversized ears flapping, and paws pounding during the Interna tional Cherry Blossom Festival's Weiner Dog Races this year. The tiny but passionate racers compete for the title of "Fastest Wiener Dog in Middle Georgia" and provide the crowd with hilarious scenes. Nearby, athletic pups launch into a huge pool of cool water, splashing to applause. As a dog owner (and appreciator), the two big-hearted, silly yearly events are ones that I try not to miss. 5 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade A procession of pink hues and peachy pastels delight the senses at this parade. Crowds line the street to watch the huge creative floats decked in blossoms, high-stepping marching bands, and local dignitaries waving. The invigorating bands from local high schools and colleges and the buzz of excitement in the air are exciting. A local tip: Other parades to savor throughout the year include the Veteran's Day Parade (coming soon on Nov. 9), Macon Christmas Jolly Parade, and Juneteenth Parade. 6 Lantern Light Tours at Ocmulgee Mounds This is a unique chance to explore Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Electric lanterns cast a golden glow along winding paths, while skilled history interpreters speak of 10,000+ years of human stories on the park's land. Each footstep I took during the tour seemed to echo softly, reminding me of ancient voices from centuries past. The cool air feels sacred, and I feel the weight of history and the immensity of the human story. Lantern Light Tours 10 48th Annual Labor Day Road Race This race is enjoyed by runners of all ages and sizes. They compete on a 5K and 10K course through Downtown Macon and into historic Carolyn Crayton Park. This is a tradition for our family, and runners from near and far take part in the race. As part of the Macon Tracks and OrthoGeorgia Race Series, the courses can serve as a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race. The running community is thriving in Macon with organizations like Macon Tracks, bringing people together over a therapeutic sport. As part of that community, I love feeling the sense of a common goal shared with thousands. As someone deeply invested in the bright threads of Central Georgia's communal fabric, these ten events remind me of the region's richness. Whether experiencing ancient mounds by lantern light, cheering on speedy dachshunds, or nibbling on baklava, I'm grateful to share these moments with you and our neighbors. have given me a greater appreciation for all those who came before us in the Muscogee (Creek) homelands. 7 Magnolia Soap Box Derby Something about the Magnolia Soap Box Derby makes me feel like a little kid again. On the second Saturday in April, Downtown Macon's steep Magnolia Street transforms into a makeshift racetrack. The sound of wooden wheels careening down the hill, music, and crowds cheering in delight make me smile every time. Soap box cars, some fast and sleek and some more for laughs, speed toward the finish line at the bottom of the hill. Magnolia Soap Box Derby always awakens a sense of childlike wonder in my heart, and I feel like we need that now more than ever before. 8 Greek Spring Fling During the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church's Greek Spring Fling in late April, the scent of grilled gyro and sweet baklava drift through the air while I pile my plate high with tzatziki-lathered meat, lemon-spiced potatoes, and flaky phyllo. Laughter and conversation between friends and families form a pleasant soundtrack at the annual fundraiser for the house of worship. As a lover of food and vibrant culture, the Greek Spring Fling fills not only my stomach, but also my heart. 9 20th Annual Macon Film Festival Movie lovers pour into Macon for the mid-August film festival. The festival just celebrated its 20th anniversary screening independent shorts, documentaries, and narrative features by independent filmmakers. This year, several movies were made by and about Macon residents, including a documentary about Newton Collier, trumpet player for Sam and Dave ("Soul Man"). One of my favorite parts is the immersive fulldome films, projected on the ceiling of the Museum of Arts and Science's planetarium. The excitement of watching something new that not many people have seen keeps me ready for the Macon Film Festival every year. Dancing and games are part of Bike Walk Macon's Play Streets. Photo courtesy of Bike Walk Macon.