Break out the red, white, and blue on June 29 when visitors can celebrate their patriotic pride at the Wiregrass Freedom Festival at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village.

Ride the 1914 Vulcan Steam Train into the Historic Village and join the Museum staff in numerous entertaining games and contests representative of the Wiregrass region of Georgia during the early 20th century.

Kids of all ages can enjoy traditional baseball, watermelon seed spitting, and fishing with a cane pole.  Kentucky Derby horses will have nothing on the diaper derby participants, a contest between infants to determine who can crawl the fastest to the finish line. The action-packed list of activities begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. at the Museum, located just off I-75 in Tifton.

Victorian “paper-works” and a patriotic costume parade and contest will add to the atmosphere which is sure to be enhanced by the pie-baking contest.  Pie bakers can bring their favorite pie to the Museum for a contest of culinary skills.

Trivia enthusiasts can challenge their knowledge of historic vocabulary in the Wiregrass School House for a chance to win a tasty prize.

Museum Director Garrett Boone said “the event will highlight the history of America as we celebrate our great nation through fun, educational, and unique activities for the whole family. Celebrate the holiday with old fashioned fun in the Historic Village.”

Cool off with slice of watermelon at the Cravey House, a snow cone from Sno Biz, or hand-dipped ice cream from the Drug Store. Need a break from fun in the sun? Children can play water games and adults will enjoy two comfort stations complete with shade, water, and misters.

Guests can also visit the antique and model tractors on display on the Tift West Lawn. The antique tractors will parade through the Historic Village at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Wiregrass Farmers Market will also be open for visitors. Local growers and producers will be offering fresh picked produce from 9 a.m. until noon as well as hand-made goods for sale at the Market located under the pole barn behind the Country Store.   

Admission for the day is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $5 for children 5–16 years of age, and free for children under five. For more information, interested persons can contact the Museum’s Country Store at (229) 391-5205.