Currahee Military Weekend Underway in Stephens Co.

Stephens County is once again welcoming back the men of Camp Toccoa over the next few days. for the annual Currahee Military Weekend.

Activities are scheduled for today, Saturday, and Sunday.

Each year, Currahee Military Weekend pays tribute to the paratroopers that trained at Camp Toccoa before going off to fight in World War II, men that included those featured in the “Band of Brothers” HBO mini-series.

Stephens County Historical Society Executive Director Brenda Carlan said that organizers are looking forward to a great weekend.

“Every year, I say I am excited and this is going to be the best,” said Carlan. “Well this year will be the best. We have several things going on.”

Activities begin today with the annual Chamber of Commerce BBQ at the Toccoa First Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Then this afternoon starting at 1 p.m., the annual book signing will be held in the Mitchell Allen Meeting Room of the historic train depot on Alexander Street in downtown Toccoa.

Carlan said the book signing gives the public a chance to meet with authors who have written about World War II and the men of Camp Toccoa, as well as some of the veterans themselves.

“People will be able to come in and meet the veterans,” said Carlan. “That is pretty much what it is about. The veterans love it. They get to speak to people one on one.”

After the book signing will be the Vintage Hangar Dance at the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets for that are $15 at the door.

Moving on, Saturday will be a busy day with activities starting at Currahee Mountain for the annual Currahee Challenge run/walk starting at 7:45 a.m. with the 3 mile run and 8:30 a.m. for the full 6 mile run.

Just before 11 a.m., a parachute jump team will jump and land at Boyd Field in downtown Toccoa.

Carlan said right after that, the annual veterans’ parade will wind its way through downtown Toccoa leading to the opening ceremonies at the historic train depot.

“It ends up here at the museum and then we have the opening ceremonies, which usually start at about 11:30 a.m.,” said Carlan. “This is where all the veterans are together in one place.”

Carlan said there are two veterans coming back this year for the first time since training at Camp Toccoa.

“We are very excited about that, as are they,” said Carlan.

Throughout the day on Saturday, there will be a memorabilia show at the historic courthouse, living history re-enactors downtown, and plane and helicopter rides leaving from the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport.

Saturday night, the annual Military Weekend Banquet will then take place at the Camp Toccoa property at the foot of Currahee Mountain.

Carlan said activities conclude on Sunday with the remembrance service at the Camp Toccoa property, starting at 8:30 a.m.

“It is also a tribute, a memorial, and a thank you, not only to the men who did not come back, but the men who did,” said Carlan.

That service will last for 30 to 40 minutes.

Carlan said the Museum will also be open throughout the weekend with a number of special exhibits.

For more information on Currahee Military Weekend, go online to www.toccoagachamber.com and click on the link for Currahee Military Weekend.