August is here and with that comes a proud South Georgia tradition — football. Here in Valdosta we are blessed to have such a long and proud winning tradition, dating back many decades. Those who set the stage for the programs still justifiably receive many of the accolades for establishing winning ways and training many of those who have followed in their footsteps.

While recognizing and respecting all of the local schools and their winning ways, particularly with Lowndes High’s terrific record for the last several years, the Winnersville tradition began with the Wildcats and its two legendary coaches, Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder.

As an acknowledgement of his contributions, the August Valdosta Scene magazine recognizes Coach Hyder and shares memories from former football players of years past, coaches of yesterday and today, and highlights from the winning traditions of all our area teams. And Friday nights aren’t the only nights for football anymore. Valdosta State University will continue its winning ways on Saturdays this fall, with more home games than they’ve had before. Fans have even more opportunities to turn out this year to watch the Blazers as fervently as they turn out on Fridays to watch the high school teams.

The Valdosta Scene is on newsstands now at Books a Million and is also available at the Times office on Troup St.

Try dinner and a show this week

Theatre Guild Valdosta’s production of South Pacific begins this week and the guild is partnering with several downtown restaurants to offer discounts for pre-show dinners for theatre goers.

If you are seated by 6 p.m. with your TGV tickets in-hand at any of the following restaurants you will receive a 10 percent discount off your food bill. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Participating are 306 North, Antoine’s The Flavor of New Orleans, The Bistro, The Bleu Cafe and the Blue Pub, which will also honor the discount after the show.

The offer excludes alcohol and cannot be used with other coupons.

For the 2009-2010 season, TGV announces 2-for-the-price-of-1 tickets for opening night on Thursday, Aug. 6. So come downtown this week, have dinner and catch a show!

Business Roundup

It looks like Vito’s Pizzeria is moving into the building on N. Patterson St. that formerly housed Luna’s. Owned by members of the same family, the former Vito’s location on N. Ashley has a for sale sign out front now, and Vito’s is supposed to have opened this weekend.

I understand it will feature a more family oriented atmosphere and a combination of the great Italian food items that were offered at both restaurants.

Bits Country Fried Chicken is moving to Bemiss Road across from Kats Lounge and next to the Dominoes and Family Dollar area. They opened yesterday and are only closed on Sundays.