Preparations Underway for 2018 Currahee Military Weekend

Preparations are underway for this year’s annual Currahee Military Weekend.

Begun in 2001 as a way to honor World War II veterans from the 506th who trained at Camp Toccoa, the weekend has grown each year with thousands attending from all over the country.

Currahee Military Museum Executive Director Brenda Carlin says the weekend, which runs from October 4th through the 7th this year, will be filled with lots of events for history buffs and veterans to enjoy.

Carlins says this year, those events will begin a day earlier than in previous years.

“We’re so excited because Main Street has always been a big supporter of this event,” she

said. “And for the last three or four years they’ve been having an event on Thursday night. This year it’s going to be Joe Gransden with a Songs of Sinatra concert. This would be a 1940’s music concert. The Ritz always has great people coming in. So, we’re so excited about to start off on Thursday night.”

On Friday, the day will be filled with activities, including the annual BBQ at the National Guard Hall sponsored by the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber, the Memorabilia Show downtown and a book signing.

Friday night will once again feature the annual Swing Dance, which Carlin says will be held at a different venue this year.

“Friday night is the annual Swing Dance. The Chamber has been doing this for several year. This year, they’re going to be up at Reflections on Lake Toccoa. It’s a beautiful facility and they’ll have plenty of room. That event grows every year too and it’s really fun,” she

said.

Saturday begins with the Currahee Run, WWII re-enactors and encampments and the Veterans Parade. And on Saturday evening is the annual Meet & Greet and Currahee Banquet and Auction.

“Our guest speaker is Vincent Spiranza. Vincent was actually with the 501st. He will be quick to tell you that he didn’t train with the men at Camp Toccoa, but that he served with a fine group of men. He is very interesting and does a great program. We had him here before for our Veterans Coffee and he was such a big hit that we wanted him to come back and speak at the banquet.”

Registration forms for the Currahee Military weekend are available online at www.Toccoahistory.com or by picking a form up at the military museum office.