May We Be...Exuberant

EXUBERANT  iɡˈzo͞ob(ə)rənt, eɡˈzo͞ob(ə)rənt | adjective

filled with or characterized by a lively energy and excitement.

May is a month characterized by celebrations. From Mother’s Day brunches to graduation ceremonies to the Memorial Day picnics that begin our summer season, the air is abuzz with energy and excitement. It’s time to party!

Here on St. Simons Island, the first big celebration of the month is Derby Day! Frederica Academy’s annual fundraiser centered around the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is FUN, FUN, FUN! Mint juleps and delicious finger foods will be served up at Frederica Golf Club on May 6 to attendees who will be cheering for their favorite jockeys and the thoroughbreds thundering down the track at the Kentucky Derby during the simulcast. Live and silent auctions with amazing experiences and unique items are always a huge hit. Mason Waters & the Groove Allstars will be providing the evening’s musical entertainment before and after the race, so a good time is guaranteed! Tickets are available through sponsorship packages at fredericaacademy.org.

Next up is Mother’s Day Weekend. Sunday, May 14 is the day set aside to celebrate the mothers in our lives. Several area restaurants and resorts usually offer brunch opportunities so you can treat Mom to a delicious day. This is also the weekend when Brunswick holds the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Now in its 85th year, this is the longest running blessing of the fleet and includes a boat procession and blessing ceremony by Father Tim of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, as well as a festival in Mary Ross Waterfront Park on Saturday, May 13. There will be music from the lively duo Blossom & Bone from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tim Akins will regale the crowd with bagpipe tunes from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the procession. The festivities in the park also include a children’s play zone, education area with the UGA Marine Life Touch Tank, food and arts & crafts vendors, axe throwing, and more. Admission is free and open to the public. For information on how to participate, visit brunswickbotf.com.

The following week is a busy one with exciting activities too! STAR of Coastal Georgia will be holding its Low Country Boil to kick off the summer on Friday, May 19 at Village Creek Landing. Another event that puts the fun in fundraiser, the evening under the stars will include delicious coastal fare from Mr. Shuck’s Seafood and music by Hot Banana Coffee (acoustic duo). And don’t forget about the notorious crazy pants competition! Don your most flamboyant pair of pants and YOU might be crowned King! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit starofcoastalga.org.

On Saturday, May 20, it’s the American Cancer Society Victory Board’s CUREoke event. Teams of brave community members will be singing for a cause with Squirt Gun as the house band that evening in the Tree Bar at Bennie’s Red Barn. You won’t want to miss seeing what each of these groups has up their sleeves for their performances. Always a great time! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit acsvictoryboard.org.

On Sunday, May 21, hit the beach at the Historic Coast Guard Station on St. Simons Island to catch the wave of excitement that is the big Womp Off! In addition to the skim board competition that benefits the Firebox Initiative, this year there will be even more fun at WompFest 2023. The fest takes place at Mallery Park following Wompzilla ’23 Rise of the Phoenix at the beach and will include the Womp Off awards ceremony, raffle, food trucks, and live music with Taylor Martin, Squirt Gun, and DOiNK. For more details and registration information, visit wompoffssi.com.

Glynn County Public Schools officially let out for the summer on Friday, May 26, with Memorial Day following closely on its heels Monday, May 29. There's more info about Taps at Twilight on Memorial Day on our calendar, but these celebrations should be enough to get you started for now. Once that final bell rings, let the graduation parties and summer fun commence! Don’t even try to hide your excitement, we’re ready to GO!