Augusta, GA
‘Brighten our spirits’: Greek Fest brings normalcy to some in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Greek Festival is back this weekend after being postponed due to Hurricane Helene.
It’s at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which helped serve first responders as people recovered from Helene.
People say this weekend is going to be a breath of fresh air for them.
It’s one of the first big events downtown since Helene, and it definitely reflected that Friday night.
“We needed something to brighten our spirits and to give us something to a little bit of a distraction from all the chaos,” said festival attendee Donald Case.
Case says it’s wholesome to enjoy Greek culture, the food and the community again.
“After the hurricane and all the craziness we’ve been dealing with, having something like this to give us a chance to relax and enjoy a little bit of food and a little bit of entertainment. It’s a blessing,” said Case.
Organizers say it was a challenge moving food and supplies around after the storm postponed plans, but they say it was important to bring normalcy to Augusta.
Michelle Ennis, chairman of Greek Festival, said: “People were trying to put their lives back together. And so that was probably the biggest challenge, but we’ve we pushed through it.”
They set up shop at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church during the worst of it to feed first responders in need.
“We decided to put together some kind of response. We wanted to do it in a positive way, and we felt like that was something good that we could do,” said Ennis.
It’s a weekend escape for many, and some say they’re ready for everything that comes with it.
Jeff Padgett, a festival attendee, said: “I think it’s going to be a really good turnout, exactly because of that, because people want to get out again and be with people.”
Case said: “More vendors, more food like they’ve got their food game a little bit. It’s just gotten better and better each year.”
If you missed Friday, you’re not out of luck.
You can still enjoy plenty of Greek culture and festivities throughout the rest of the weekend.
They are open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A traffic stop attempt by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office ended in a rollover crash Friday afternoon after the driver refused to stop, authorities said.
Deputies attempted to stop the red 2017 Honda Civic around 2:22 p.m. on Peach Orchard Road near Mike Padgett Highway, according to the sheriff’s office. The driver continued south on Mike Padgett Highway before traveling east on Marvin Griffin Road, deputies said.
The pursuit ended near Marvin Griffin Road and Doug Barnard Parkway when the driver lost control, went into a ditch and crashed through a fence at the Augusta Water Works Wastewater Treatment Facility, according to authorities. The car overturned.
The driver had visible injuries that were described as non-life-threatening and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said warrants will be served after the driver is released from the hospital. Charges are expected to include multiple traffic violations, including felony fleeing or attempting to elude and DUI.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The VA Augusta Healthcare System cut the ribbon on its new emergency ambulance service on Thursday.
The in-house medical transportation program is designed to ensure specialized care for veterans with complex medical needs.
“So we have two new ambulances that we have put into service officially,” said James Doelling, the interim executive director of VA Augusta Healthcare System. “This is for us to be able to, through patient safety and get veterans where they need to be, when they need to be, to make sure we’re given the best care anywhere in our nation’s heroes. We’re really excited. As you are aware, we are the only four star facility in the Augusta area, and this is only going to make us even better and deliver exceptional care to our heroes.”
The VA said it hopes the service will reduce delays and better support veterans.
Photojournalist credit: Dania Alawir
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A driver is in custody after leading Richmond County deputies on a chase that ended in a rollover crash Thursday evening.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies say they attempted to stop a black BMW sedan with no registration plate on Tubman Home Road at Gordon Highway around 6:30 p.m.
The driver, Willie Junior Brown, 33, failed to stop and led deputies on a pursuit, according law enforcement.
Deputies say Brown lost control of the vehicle on the 2500 block of Blueberry Drive, striking an unoccupied 1999 Chevrolet Silverado.
Brown’s vehicle rolled over and he then attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.
Deputies say Brown was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Several criminal charges are forthcoming and the investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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