Good morning, Augusta.

Phil Jesse retired on June 27 after nearly 40 years of delivering mail downtown and was honored by his colleagues — who gathered with applause and a special button — as he ended his long career.

He began working in New Hampshire in 1986 and served the same route since 1988 before planning a relaxed retirement and possible volunteer work.

Large crowds gathered downtown on Saturday morning for the 15th annual PRIDE parade that united the community.

Attendees such as longtime participant Marc Trimm, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer, and Tammie Gilds said they celebrated the festival while officials promised to continue the event in the future.

At its May End-of-Year Celebration Luncheon, the Jefferson County Retired Educators Association honored graduating seniors by awarding a $2,500 scholarship to Jefferson County High School senior Zion Heath and recognizing eight retiring educators for their service — marking a record achievement. It also received the Unit of Distinction award for the eighth consecutive year at the 65th Georgia Retired Educators Association Convention in Augusta — a nod to its commitment to education.

Glascock County received a $3.5 million FEMA check to cover the final Hurricane Helene cleanup bills—officials praised the teamwork that secured the funds and retrieved a repaired ambulance from the storm.

County leaders are also planning to build additional practice fields for local recreational teams as hurricane season approaches.

The Georgia DNR will host public fishing events at select waterways this summer to help families learn basic fishing techniques and enjoy guided support from volunteers (who will provide gear and tips on baiting hooks and casting lines).

The Wildlife Resources Division will also offer extra activities like prizes and educational materials to make each outing informative and fun.

Bob Duke, a property owner from Washington representing Redwood Properties, defended the condition of Bon Air and Richmond Summit at the Augusta Commission meeting but was sharply rebuked by Mayor Garnett Johnson and local residents for failing to fix maintenance issues during the summer—critics warned he must clean up or lose his license.

Bryce Leatherwood: Boom In The Park

5-9 p.m. — Evans Towne Center Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fun activities at the 25th Annual BOOM! in the Park.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting Candlelight concert featuring the music of Queen performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

Summer Beach Party

7-11 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP tickets available — Kick off summer with legendary Motown hits and a surprise guest performance.

Nike Jr. EYBL 7th Grade Championship

July 14-17 — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Entry fees may apply — Watch young basketball talent compete for the championship title.

Signing with Sara (ASL) Storytime

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Wallace Branch Library — Free entry — Learn American Sign Language basics with ASL Certified Signer, Sara Cooks.

Crimson Hills Trail Ride

4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — Crimson Hills — Cost varies — Experience thrilling trail rides, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere with food and games for all ages.

2nd Annual Bookbag Bash

10 AM - 1 PM — Bell Auditorium — Free entry — Enjoy free school supplies, costume characters, and live DJ performances.

Mahjong Mania Camp

9 AM - 12 PM — Episcopal Day School — Supplies included — Learn the art of Mahjong with expert instruction in a fun, engaging environment.

Augusta Captains Seafood Festival

1 PM to 5 PM — Augusta Common — Free admission — Enjoy three days of fresh seafood and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

AugustaCon Summer 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket details pending — Explore a variety of fandoms at Georgia’s premier comic convention.