QUITMAN — The City of Quitman and Brooks County Board of Commissioners invite citizens to help them celebrate Brooks County’s 150th anniversary with a day filled with activities Saturday.

“For the past 150 years Quitman and Brooks County have sat nestled under the shady oak trees of South Georgia; throughout which the city and county have maintained the quaint lifestyle and southern charm of yesterday, while still striving for economic growth,” the event coordinator, Lindsay Swengros said in an overview of the celebration. “Thus 150 years after being established, the City of Quitman and the Brooks County Board of Commissioners are sponsoring a Sesquicentennial Celebration. The main goals of the celebration are to promote community involvement, honor Quitman and Brooks County’s rich, historical background and encourage citizens of surrounding areas to partake in the festivities.”

From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, citizens and visitors can participate in several competitions and enjoy a variety of entertainment. The day will begin at the Brooks County Courthouse with a 5K walk and run for adults and a 1-mile run, walk or ride for kids. All racers will receive shirts and prizes as well as trophies for the top males, females, girls and boys.

Following the race, the celebration will be officially opened by Miss Teen Georgia and other honored guests at 10 a.m. During that time, special awards will be presented and letters from Congressmen Johnny Isakson, Sanford Bishop, Tim Golden and Saxby Chambliss are to be read. A personal letter from U.S. President George Bush will also be read to commemorate the day Brooks County was founded.

Judging for the Birthday Cake Contest will follow the presentation. Contestants will be judged in the categories of people’s choice, best decorated, best tasting and best overall. The Camellia 500 Pinewood Derby Race will feature cars sponsored and decorated by local businesses and during the Digital Scavenger Hunt, participants will compete by taking pictures of the downtown landmarks described in clues and hints.

The Quitman Flag Design Contest (for children ages 4 to 13) and Essay Contest (for children ages 4 to 17) target children involved in summer enrichment programs, with ribbons given to all participants and trophies and prizes for the top participants.

The celebration will conclude with a ball in downtown Quitman, where guests can wear costumes from 1858 or dress up in black tie.

Food and craft vendors will be set up all day along with bounce houses, games and face painting for children.

“No matter what city you’re from, we’d love for you to come be a citizen of Brooks County and Quitman for a day,” Swengros said.

Additional information and registration forms can be obtained at Quitman City Hall, on the Internet at www.visitdowntownquitman.com or by calling Lindsay Swengros at 229-232-9106.

Schedule

• 5K and 1-mile On-Site Registration and Breakfast - 6 to 6:45 a.m.

• 5K Line Up - 6:45 a.m.

• 5K Gun Fire Start - 7a.m.