Swainsboro and Emanuel County come alive this weekend as the longest continually-running agricultural festival in the state of Georgia once again celebrates the true star of the timber industry. This year, Pine Tree Festival Saturday falls on a unique date – May 4. What’s special about May 4, you ask? Over the years, May 4 has grown to become known as “Star Wars Day,” in a play on a phrase made popular in Star Wars movies. The line “may the force be with you,” which can be heard throughout the movie franchise, has been adapted to “May the 4th be with you,” and thus, May 4 has become known as “Star Wars Day.” The fact that the county’s largest celebration will be held on Star Wars Day is not lost on organizers of the Pine Tree Festival. Instead, the festival committee has embraced the unique timing by adopting a fitting theme and slogan for this year’s event: “May the Forest Be with You”, and to further expand on this opportunity, five iconic characters from the Star Wars franchise will be joining the celebration. Pine Tree Festival attendees can meet and take photos with their favorite Star Wars characters from both the Jedi Alliance and the Dark Side including Chewbacca, Princess Leia, R2D2, Darth Vader, and a Storm Trooper. The meet and greet is free of charge and will take place on the Square, in front of the Chamber of Commerce, beginning after the parade on Saturday.
So, you don’t have to travel to a galaxy, far, far away this weekend. It’s all right here in Emanuel County. Make your plans to attend the 77th Annual Pine Tree Festival, May 3-4 in downtown Swainsboro beginning with the Rhythm & Pines Music Festival at 5 p.m. on Friday. After a night of music on the square including the Swingin Medallions, the Grand Parade starts at 10:30, Saturday morning. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit pinetreefestival.org. The Pine Tree Festival is produced by the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Festival Foundation, Inc.
