AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)– Recognizing a longstanding community supporter and philanthropist, whose love for the Garden City shows in all of her endeavors.

A packed house turned out on this rainy Friday morning to honor Ann Boardman, including Congressman Rick Allen and Rep. Mark Newton, along with local officials and community leaders.

With hard hats and shovels in hand, a ceremonial indoor “groundbreaking” took place for the Ann C. Boardman Park. It will be located on the Kroc Center grounds off Broad Street.

Mayor Garnett Johnson presented a surprise proclamation, declaring December 5th “Ann Boardman Park Day” in the City of Augusta.

Boardman is a longtime supporter and board member of The Salvation Army of Augusta. She’s excited about the opportunities the park will offer the community.

“I hope it’s going to mean a lot to people around this area because they really have no park to go to, nowhere to be with nature.”

Derek Dugan is the Development Director at The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“What they’re going to get out of this park here is is going to be pickleball courts, volleyball courts, a turf soccer field and most excitedly a adaptive use playground for everyone to use, but especially designed for people with disabilities so that they can have a place to play.”

The park named in Boardman’s honor is expected to open in October of 2026.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Christmas parade scheduled for Saturday has been canceled due to weather, disappointing participants who prepared floats and paid entry fees.

The event will not be rescheduled and the $150 entry fee will not be refunded, as it is considered a donation to the Ronald McDonald House.

“It is a donation to the cause. And that’s the great thing about it. At least we got a chance to give back to help them out,” said Charity Jones, owner of Pedal Pub in Augusta.

Jones had prepared her bikes for the parade, as they participate every year. “We had everything all ready for tomorrow we were going to put our decorations on tonight because it was raining,” she said.

Despite understanding the weather concerns, she wishes for a rescheduled date.

“Not being able to do it this year is disappointing. But hey, we can’t do nothing about the weather. So that part is understandable. But it would be nice if we could reschedule it for another day,” Jones said.

Leaders from the city, Downtown Development Authority and the Ronald McDonald House, who work together to organize the parade, said they do not reschedule the parade due to other holiday events happening on other days through the next month.

The Augusta Light Up Spectacular, the city’s tree lighting event, has been rescheduled to December 13 at 4 p.m. at the Augusta Common.

Jones said the Pedal Express, their Christmas light tour, will continue operating through Augusta during the holiday season. “We take you around to all the other areas and do everything in the holiday spirit and then we come back and give you holiday cookies,” she said.

Those looking forward to Augusta’s parade will have to wait until next year.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The cities of Augusta and Grovetown have canceled and postponed some of its Christmas celebrations due to weather.

Augusta

The city of Augusta has canceled its parade that was scheduled for Saturday due to weather.

The Christmas Light Up Event will be rescheduled for Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at the Augusta Common.

The parade will not be rescheduled.

Grovetown

The city of Grovetown has postponed its Christmas parade and festival events due to weather.

The event scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 has been postponed until Dec. 13, according to city officials.

The parade will be held on the same route and will at 10 a.m.

The festival will be at Liberty Park and will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

City officials say they feel that the decision is in the best interest of event participants, organizers and attendees.

Waynesboro

Saturday’s parade has been postponed until , Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., Waynesboro officials said on Facebook.

“Your safety is our top priority and we look forward to seeing you then,” the city said.

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