Celebrate Labor Day at the Post

James Rogers playing annual block party in Fort Oglethorpe

Hometown favorite James Rogers will headline the entertainment at Labor Day at the Post on Monday, Sept. 3.

The annual community party returns to the Barnhardt Circle polo field in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering food, arts and crafts, music throughout the afternoon and children’s activities. Chalk art on Barnhardt Circle will be a new addition to this event.

Labor Day at The Post is the city’s original outdoor family festival that was started to raise money for equipment for the Post Volunteer Fire Depart- ment.

Rogers headlined the event for many years. Then he won the 1983 National Mountain Music Festival at Silver Dollar City in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and his musical career changed dramatically, says Chris McKeever, executive director of the 6 th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe, which has kept the festival going.

During his career, Rogers partnered with the Dollywood Company to run Music Mansion in Pigeon Forge from 1993 to 1998. His show at that time, “James Rogers and Company,” earned the title of“No .1 most-attended show in the Smokies.”

Music Mansion performances won Peoples’ Choice awards for Best Show in 1997 and 1998; Best Theater in 1996, 1997 and 1998; and Rogers won Best Entertainer in 1997 and 1998.

Midnight Promise will kick off the music at Labor Day at the Post at 11 a.m. with its high-energy acoustic rock and roll. Connor Priest, 15-year-old singer- songwriter from Dalton, Georgia, makes his Labor Day at The Post debut at noon.

Austin Zackary returns for his second year at 1 p.m.. The 24-year-old Florida native lives in Rocky Face, Georgia, and is a country singer-songwriter. Rogers will perform at 2 p.m.

A Kid’s Fun Zone will include Apex Inflatables, Noah’s Little Ark petting zoo and supervised pony rides. A $ 15 wristband allows a child all the bouncing and pony rides he or she can work into their time at the event.

Parents can browse vendors selling handmade and homemade goods. Food vendors will include American Legion Post 214, Hungry Hollow, Southern Treats, Corn Crib, Kettle Corn Man, Repici Ice and Donna’s Cotton Candy.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information: 706-861-2860.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO James Rogers performs at 2 p.m. Monday during Labor Day at the Post.