Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta bars prepare for St. Patrick’s Day weekend
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Bars are gearing up for a busy Saint Patrick’s Day weekend.
However, some bars are not allowed to be opened because of a law that only allows Richmond County to open bars one Sunday a year.
That Sunday was already used on Super Bowl Sunday.
We spoke with Pedal Pub to see how they are still making the most of this weekend.
This very reason is why bars have vocalized their concerns about this law and want it to change.
There are a few holidays that fall on a Sunday this year. First, it was the Super Bowl. Now, it’s St. Patrick’s Day, and next it will be Cinco de Mayo.
However, it Isn’t stopping local bars from being creative and finding other ways you can celebrate with them.
“We’re super excited. Yeah, take advantage of every opportunity we can to be open,” said Pedal Pub owner Syderist Manuel.
Bars like Pedal Pub have been preparing for this weekend, especially being near the parade.
“Right here in our backyard. It’s going to be off on the route that starts off on Green Street. And as you know, we’re right here off of 305 12th Street. So, you can find us at the bar. Come on through,” said Manuel.
Despite still having to close their doors on Sunday, they’re doing everything they can before then to make up for it.
“A huge opportunity for the city of Richmond County to make some money with alcohol sales and everything, but to say that we’re not allowed to be open. With that said, there are ways that we have partnered and sponsored an event that is happening on Sunday. It’s a BYOB event, but it’s definitely here to represent the community for St. Patrick’s Day,” she said.
They’re hoping that events like this will get bigger every year so that people will want to stay or come here for holidays.
“Everybody likes to go down to Savannah. Right? But we want to be that next point. Where you can come and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day here, we have a huge event. The parades are massive,” said Manuel.
But that will be difficult without a change, which is something they hope to see soon.
“At the end of the day, I just think Sunday will be a great opportunity for bars to bring revenue into the city. You know, I think we’re missing out on that with our current alcohol ordinance that we have in place. I know there are some revisions that are taking place. We definitely want to see what that new ordinance looks like some shape out for bars,” she said.
This change is still in the works after failing in Atlanta, but the goal is to try and do it here locally.
It will be back on the commission agenda soon and they’re going to talk about putting it on the local ballot for November.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.
12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.
Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.
“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.
The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.
Copyright 2026 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.
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