Feeding the masses at the Annual Cultural Day Festival
Coastal Culture and cuisine on Georgia’s Sapelo Island
October 15th brings the Annual Cultural Day Festival which celebrates the rich history of Sapelo Island, one of the major barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. The festival is a glimpse into the people, history, food, music and culture of this magical island that is a secret to most people.
Sapelo’s History:
Thomas Spalding built his plantation home from tabby in 1810 and remained his permanent plantation home until 1861. Spalding’s slave ownership grew over the years. The slaves worked rice, indigo, cotton and sugar. William S. McFeely in his book, Sapelo’s People, notes that “Sapelo’s people today are descendents of slaves of Thomas Spalding…. After 1802…[he] began engorging the island and making it a plantation that ranked among the largest in productive acreage and in number of slaves in Georgia.” Each year, the descendents of the Spalding plantation celebrate their heritage with the Annual Cultural Day Festival.
Festival highlights:
Music rings out the traditional slave songs of the South. Watch African dancers share their love of their African heritage. Gospel choirs reflect the religious life of the island. You might want to attend a service at the Church at Racoon Bluff.
Cornelia Walker Bailey
Storytellers share the history and culture of Sapelo Island. Cornelia Walker Bailey, the island’s historian, has lived on Sapelo most of her life. She will have copies of her cookbook available for purchase which is filled with recipes of traditional island food. She will also share information about medicinal medicines and cures that are unique to the island.
Yvonne Grovner
Geechee/Gullah arts & crafts, such as sweet grass baskets, art and handmade fish nets, will be a part of the festival. Remember, don’t forget your cash.
Lula's for great fried chicken
Food such as smoked mullet, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, oysters, crab cakes are just a few of the local delicacies.
The festival is always family friendly with old fashion children activities and games. So, bring the whole family to experience this special place.
Event Information:
Date: October 15, 2011
Time: 9:00 to 5:00
Place: Historic Hog Hammock Community
Price: $25.00 adults, $15.00 children (6-12) includes ferry ride from Meridien, Georgia
Ferry Schedule:
Departs Meridian Dock
9:00 am
3:30 pm
5:30 pm
Departs Sapelo Island Marsh Landing Dock
8:00 am
12:30 pm
4:30 pm
For information Contact number: 912-485-2197
