Augusta, GA
Augusta bars keep their doors open for their only Sunday of the year
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Super Bowl Sunday was the one designated Sunday for bars to be open and sell alcohol in Richmond County.
There has been lots of controversy that’s poured into commission meetings over this state law but not many people or bars jumped on the opportunity as you would think.
“We needed Super Bowl Sunday because we’re a sports bar. So, you know, Super Bowl Sunday is one of our biggest days,” said Clifton Thomas, owner of Cliffisms Sports Grill.
Local bars are only able to be open one Sunday a year in Georgia, this year voted by the Augusta Commission, it’s super bowl Sunday, again. But they are hoping it will change.
“If we’re allowed to open on Sundays, this would be a consistent crowd. We’re on the south, south side of Augusta. There’s nothing else out here. So you know, these people that are here need the same amenities that they have across town,” Thomas said.
It’s the same issue all over the CSRA every Sunday.
“We would like that opportunity as a bar to be open on a Sunday, I think it’s a great opportunity, with sports and everything going on, think about it, you got it. Every season, there’s something from football, to basketball, to college football to college basketball that goes on as an opportunity as to generate revenue for the city,” said Syderist Manuel, owner of Pedal Pub.
They say if being open on Sundays became permanent., it would help more than just their business.
“Augusta is the second largest city in Georgia and that is something to be I mean all around the world and we have the perfect opportunity to have other people come from other places. So just want to be at our beat in our area. Oh, we can keep up with it. It will be an awesome thing and something as simple as that is being open on Sunday will be a ticket for that,” said Charity Jones, owner of Pedal Pub.
So they plan to keep fighting for a change and doing what they can to keep the customers coming in
“But if we can open on Sundays, that’ll boost our revenue tremendously,” said Thomas.
Even though there is am effort in the Augusta commission to try and let bars individually pick which Sunday they would like to be open, nothing has moved forward yet.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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