Something to crow about...

The Wild Chicken Festival is held in historic downtown Fitzgerald annually the third weekend in March.

Back in the 1960’s, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources stocked Burmese chickens all over the state as an additional game bird to be hunted like pheasant or quail.

These tiny, colorful birds resemble fighting game chickens, sporting brilliant orange and yellow ruffs and gleaming black tail feathers.  Flocks of chicks were released several miles from Fitzgerald at the Ocmulgee River.  Populations of the bird never took hold in other areas of the state, but for some reason, left the river site and make their way to downtown Fitzgerald, where they have propagated and prospered ever since.

Fitzgerald residents have a love/hate relationship with these wild birds.  Some folks buy seed and feed them regularly while others chase them out of their yards and gardens with a broom and a few choice words.  They wake you up in the morning; create minor traffic problems, and some claim, even keep the bugs away.

Up, up and away...

The Harmony Jubilee is held at Paulk Park Campground on the edge of Fitzgerald on the last weekend in September. This celebration of unity and diversity features hot air balloon rides and glows, and includes on Saturday an artisan market, kid's zone, pet fashion show and civil war encampment, as well as musical and other entertainment throughout the day.

Attention art lovers...

The Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Arts Council offers their Third Thursday Event every month at the historic Carnegie Center.  Local artists as well as those from around the state are honored with an evening reception as guests view their visual art and listen to a variety of musical performances.   The Carnegie Center is within walking distance of the Dorminy Massee House.