Augusta, GA

Pride organizers work to keep public safe during weekend activities

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

Pride organizers work to keep public safe during weekend activities

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – June is Pride Month, and Augusta’s celebrations are some of the largest in the Peach State.

Last year, a record 16,000 people came to Pride to celebrate.

We were live in downtown Augusta where Beats on Broad held its hours-long music party at the Augusta Common.

With so many people expected to turn out this weekend, public safety is top of mind.

It’s a time to recognize everyone in the CSRA.

“We’ve grown and grown every year. And we’re hoping that we have at least 15 to 16,000 people show up in the next two days,” said Augusta Pride Secretary James Mintz.

It’s a weekend Mintz says you can come as you are with no fear.

He says organizers took great lengths to try and make that a reality.

“We utilize Richmond County Sheriff’s Department to do our security. And we’re very happy with the announcement that there are more patrols in downtown Augusta to just try and give people more a sense of safety and crime is down in general nationwide. So, there’s no reason why you can’t come out to the Augusta common tonight and tomorrow and celebrate,” he said.

Public Safety Officer Doug Ruben was named officer of the year.

It’s an atmosphere vendors say they are willing to take the extra effort to maintain.

“We’ll keep an eye out for everybody’s boots. Like our young lady over here. She had to walk away. We’re gonna watch out for everybody to make sure there’s no crime going on. And if so, we know who to report it to,” said vendor Kirby Eckleberry.

Organizers say it’s a bright weekend of festivities to look forward to.

“A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, drink plenty of fluids. Several booths will be offering free water and just come check out each booth that’s available here because we think that there’s some good resources here,” said Mintz.

The festivities don’t stop after Friday night, the parade and festival will be happening tomorrow on Saturday.

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Augusta, GA

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

Published

6 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Local group holds 4th annual walk against autism

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – April is Autism Awareness Month, and one local group raised awareness with a walk in Augusta on Sunday.

The fourth annual autism walk was hosted by Moving Over Mountains Against autism at Lake Olmstead Park.

All proceeds from the walk support autism awareness initiatives.

We spoke with the CEO and founder of the group, Deidre Roberson, who said this year they are dedicating the walk to their photographer, who died recently.

Roberson told us what she looks forward to the most.

“I look most forward to seeing the different people every year. We always meet different people, new people, and they come from all over the CSRA, so Washington, Wilkes, Carolina,” she said.

There were also several vendors providing resources to families.

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Augusta, GA

From Augusta roots to Nighthawks leader: Nolan Belcher comes home

Published

18 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

From Augusta roots to Nighthawks leader: Nolan Belcher comes home

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Augusta University baseball is in a three-game series matchup against the University of North Georgia.

AU is currently down in the series 0-2 after a close loss Friday and a loss Saturday.

But we aren’t focusing on the Jags, we’re going to take a look at North Georgia’s head coach, Nolan Belcher.

He is an Augusta native who began his career at Greenbrier and Augusta Christian.

He won three state championships, which then led him to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

There he won back-to-back national championships and finished runner up in 2012.

His coaching career began after that where he eventually joined the Peach belt Confrence, coaching at USCA and GCSU.

Now in his first season as head coach for the Nighthawks, he is happy to come home and coach in front of his friends and family.

“I’m very fortunate that I got family that, one is still around and they can come watch me do what I love. And, they’ve shown me, nothing but support throughout my whole coaching career and even back on my playing dates are very thankful and appreciative for everything they’ve done for me.”

AU and UNG will have their final series match on Sunday.

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