Augusta, GA

‘Small town feel’ Hardy festival brings in tens of thousands

Published

1 year ago

October 8, 2023

‘Small town feel’ Hardy festival brings in tens of thousands

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 34th annual Oliver Hardy Festival brought in a crowd of up to 25,000 people, according the Harlem Museum and Visitor center.

Oliver Hardy is a native to Harlem and is best known for being half of the comedic duo, Laurel and Hardy.

The festival including shopping from both local businesses and vendors, as well as music, short films and a parade.

“We did do some shopping, we got some croc charms. Yeah, they were $1 each,” said Andrew Axon, festival attendee.

People from other states were even at the festival.

“We just came out of the antique store and that was really cool and we went to the nice ice cream parlor so I just love the small town feel. It’s you know, we’re from a big city, so this is just it’s very homey,” said Laurie Cindrich, festival attendee.

A bigger crowd means more sales for vendors.

“We had a lot of… people come in and look,” said Mason Robertson from Dewy Rose family business.

And it also brought in more customers to local businesses.

“We had customers pretty much throughout the whole day, the line was to the door all day long. It was crazy,” said Sang Lee, Harlem Java House owner.

New or old, every business had a crowd at the festival.

“I’m a new business, so I haven’t done too many but the ones that I have done, compared to this one there’s definitely a lot more people here,” said Joyce Sanns, My Mosaic Pony owner.

But being busy is a good thing.

“These events, I think really keep a lot of these businesses like a float, even. It’s a lot of business for us and it’s a good opportunity for us,” said Lee.

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Augusta, GA

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

Published

58 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on US 1 in Aiken County.

The South Carolina High Patrol and Aiken County Coroner’s Office said a pedestrian was walking south on US 1 near Bogeyville Road around 7:18 Sunday night when a 2021 Chevrolet Camero hit them.

The driver of the Camaro was not injured.

The woman was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, according to Coroner Darryl Ables, where she died from her injuries at 8:35 Sunday night.

The victim’s name will be released at a later time.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

13 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

24 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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