Currahee Military Weekend Welcomes Visitors

The 22nd annual Currahee Military Weekend is underway.

The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Canteen Chicken-Que is today from 11A.M-1P.M. for pickup and delivery only at McNeely Hall at Toccoa First United Methodist Church on East Tugalo Street. Chamber President Julie Paysen says there are more events today. “You’ll notice reenactors coming into town. You can visit and hear their stories. The WWII book signing is 1-5 at the train depot, and the memorabilia show is in downtown Toccoa as well.”

Get your dancing shoes on. Paysen says the swing dance is tonight with a new host and location. “This year it is going to be hosted by our local VFW Post 4346. It is from 7:30-11:30, free of charge and located at the VFW located at 270 West Savannah Street in Toccoa. There will be live music and dancing, and an awesome way to honor and celebrate the many people who served our military.”

Tomorrow morning the Currahee Challenge 5K and 10K run/walk returns at Camp Toccoa at Currahee Mountain. “Registration is currently available through active.com or we will have walk-up registration. Registration begins at 7 A.M., the 5K will begin at 8 A.M. and the 10K at 9 A.M., but I would recommend coming early. It’s all a buzz. We are going to take the route a little different this year past and up through Camp Toccoa. You will be able to enjoy all of the work that the team at Camp Toccoa has devoted over the years. We now have a C-47 plane display, there are barracks assembled, you can even stay in the barracks and experience what the paratroopers experienced in the 40’s.”

Saturday at 1 P.M. the Veteran’s Parade returns to Downtown Toccoa. Stephens County Historical Society Executive Director Brenda Carlan says it is great to have it back. “We really missed it. That is something that everyone seems to enjoy. The parade will use the same route, but this year we have several reenactors with their military vehicles, and other organizations. We are trying to give an opportunity for all veterans and active military to participate and “A time to Shine”.

Carlan says there will be activities following the parade. “We will have a reenactment. It is an outside event. Come, wear your mask if that makes you feel comfortable, we welcome it and would love for everyone to come out and enjoy this opportunity.”

The Currahee Banquet and Fellowship is Saturday night in the Mitchell Allen Room. Carlan tells us about the guest speakers. “One of the authors that will be at our book signing, Byrne Bennett, will be talking about his uncle Joe Mann, and we are real excited to have him back, and there is also Vincent Speranza, the WWII veteran will be speaking at the banquet. We do have a few tickets available.” Tickets for the banquet are $60 and you can contact 706-282-5055 for more information.

The Currahee Military Weekend closes on Sunday with a special Memorial Service at Camp Toccoa beginning at 8:30 A.M. Carlan says it is our chance to show our appreciation. “The Memorial Service is an opportunity for us to say thank you, to say goodbye, but it is also a tribute. There were so many men who gave their lives. Those that made it home we owe so much. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you to those that didn’t come home and to those that did.”

This reminder, that the Currahee Military Museum and Camp Toccoa will be open for visitors throughout the weekend.