FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT RACHEL CRUMBLEY
PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
(706) 663-5187
pr@callawaygardens.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CALLAWAY GARDENS 2012 SPECIAL EVENTS
PINE MOUNTAIN, GA (1/23/2012) – In addition to year-round natural beauty and
fun yet educational attractions, Callaway Gardens hosts a variety of special events.
Free Admission January and February Come explore a Winter Garden and enjoy
Callaway Gardens in a whole new way. Without the leaves on the trees everything looks
and sounds different. January and February
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K** This competition,
the first of six events for the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series, is certified by US
Track & Field and a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Register at www.active.com.
January 29
Valentine’s Dinner Dance** Spend a romantic evening with your loved one at a
Valentine’s Dinner Dance featuring a delicious meal prepared by the Callaway Gardens
culinary team and the sounds of The Auburn Knights, a legendary jazz/swing band.
February 11
Founders’ Day The public is invited to visit Callaway Gardens with free admission to
pay tribute to Gardens co-founder Virginia Hand Callaway. Special organ concerts will
be featured in the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel from Noon to 4 p.m. February
21
Celebrate Spring!/ Azalea Season* Spring is here! Get outside and enjoy the
sunshine at Callaway Gardens among the amazing beauty of the historic Overlook
Azalea Garden and the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, the world’s largest azalea
gardens, as well as flowering shrubs and trees and colorful bulb displays including tulips,
daffodils and more. Full lineups of activities are planned for each weekend. Also, check
the Azalea Watch at www.callawaygardens.com beginning mid-March. (Special event
admission applies on weekends. See below.) March 22-April 22
Callaway Gardens Annual Plant Fair and Sale Looking for those plants unique to the
South? Callaway brings the South’s top nurserymen to the Callaway Gardens Annual
Plant Fair and Sale at the Robin Lake Beach Area to provide an incredible plant buying
opportunity. Free admission to the Plant Fair and Sale. Admission to visit the Gardens
is additional. March 22-25
Callaway Gardening School** Launch your Spring gardening endeavors with
advice from the experts. Join horticulturist, author and design expert Erica
Glasener for an informative and enjoyable learning experience. Learn what is
new and more in a fun, informal setting. March 22-23
Easter Eggstravaganza* Grab everyone’s Easter basket and visit Callaway Gardens
for Easter egg hunts for all ages (Saturday before Easter, April 7, 2012). On Easter
Sunday (April 8, 2012), make plans to attend the traditional Easter Sunrise Service,
lakeside adjacent to the Gardens Restaurant. Admission before 8 a.m. Easter morning
is free. Then, enjoy Callaway’s Easter Buffet,* available in The Plant Room (walk-in), or
make advance reservations for meals in the Mountain Creek Inn Ballroom or Gardens
Restaurant.
Symphony on the Sand featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra** “Amazing”
describes the experience of sitting on the shores of Robin Lake enjoying ASO’s music
under the stars on a Spring night. Mark your calendar to be at the fifth annual concert at
Callaway Gardens. Ensure you have the perfect seat by purchasing a stage-front,
beach table in advance. April 13
Plein Air Paint Out, Art Show & Sale* Observe well-known artists from throughout the
United States as they capture the Spring beauty of Callaway Gardens onto their
canvases outdoors using natural light. For details visit www.callawaygardens/pleinair
April 15-22
Plein Air Collector’s Preview Gala**: April 20 (advance ticket required)
Plein Air Quick Draw** in Downtown Pine Mountain: April 21
Plein Air Art Show & Sale at the Callaway Discovery Center: April 21-22
Callaway Gardens Farmers Market Find locally sourced vegetables, fruits, meats,
cheeses, herbs, honey, baked goods and healthy snacks. In addition, artisans and
crafters will offer their creations for purchase. To keep the market items local, vendors
are from within a 150-mile radius. Admission is free from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays May
4-October 5 and a special market on Saturday, October 6
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Duathlon/5K** This competition, the second of six
events for the annual Callaway Gardens Fitness Series, is a 5K run/30K bike/5K run and
a great warm-up to the Sprint Triathlon in June. Register at www.active.com. May 13
Mothers Day Buffet** Spare Mom from having to prepare a meal on her special day.
Treat her to a buffet meal in the Callaway Gardens Plant Room inside the Mountain
Creek Inn. Reservations not required. May 13
Mystery Dinner Theater** Sleuth for clues while you enjoy a wonderful dinner
prepared by the Callaway Gardens culinary team. May 19
Callaway Gardens 60th Anniversary Visit the Gardens and celebrate the beauty of
nature that Cason and Virginia Callaway as well as their vision to preserve such a place
so that all may enjoy and benefit. May 21
Memorial Day Weekend featuring the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard
Tournament®* Kickoff the Summer Memorial Day Weekend by watching the world’s
best water skiers and wakeboarders compete for the coveted title of “Masters
Champion.” Soak up the sunshine, play in the water and around the beach, and peruse
the latest in water sports equipment and techniques. May 25-28 (Tournament is over
May 27)
Summer Fun at Callaway Gardens Bring the whole family for the Florida State
University Flying High Circus performances, swimming, shuffleboard, miniature golf, and
much more. For a small fee you can have a ton of fun playing on Aqua Island, Blaster
Boats and Laser Tag. Beach open: May 25-September 4. Circus open: June 2-August
3 (daily performances except Mondays and Wednesdays)
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Sprint Triathlon** The Sprint Triathlon is a ¼-mile
swim, 10-mile bike, and 2-mile run. Expectations are that this event will become one of
the most popular of its kind in the country. This is the third of six events for the annual
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series. Register at www.active.com. June 17
Plumleaf Azalea Blooms Cason and Virginia Callaway, founders of Callaway Gardens,
saved the plumleaf azalea from extinction. People come from far and wide to see this
beautiful, native, reddish-orange flower in bloom. July and into August
July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party* Spend the day at Robin Lake Beach and enjoy
beach games, live music and fabulous fireworks. July 4
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival* End the Summer on a high note. Marvel at the
beautiful Balloon Glow on Friday evening. Float in the air in a balloon safely tethered to
the ground as you watch the sky fill with color at Callaway’s annual hot air balloon
festival. Between the morning and afternoon balloon launches, the days are filled with
entertainment, family activities, exhibits, car show, demonstrations and more. August
31-September 2
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Triathlon** This event is ranked as one of the best
triathlons in the nation and is the longest-running triathlon in the continental United
States. Participants compete in a 1k swim, 30k bike ride and 8k run in a beautiful
setting. Register at www.active.com. This is the fourth of six events in the annual
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series. September 2
Blue Morpho Butterfly Month Enter the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center to experience
the spectacular sight of beautiful Blue Morpho butterflies flitting all around. September 130
Chrysanthemum Season Explore the Gardens and enjoy an incredible variety of color,
size and type of chrysanthemums. Rare Cascading Mums overflow their baskets up to
four-and-one-half feet long. Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden’s displays are reminiscent of
a patch-work quilt. October 1-November 15.
ICCF Benefit Golf Tournament** Test your golf skills on Callaway’s golf courses while
helping support the educational programs of the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway
Foundation, parent organization of Callaway Gardens. Call (706) 663-6799 to register
an individual, team or for sponsor information. September 24
Harvest Moon Festival** Enjoy a two-day festival focused on great music, fresh food
and outdoor active living in the beautiful setting of Autumn at Callaway Gardens.
October 5-6
Mystery Dinner Theater** Sleuth for clues while you enjoy a wonderful dinner. Fun for
all. October 27
The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens** Enjoy spectacular horse racing, beautiful
Fall weather and a day of fun with friends at The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens.
Benefiting the arts, the event features top riders in their sport. Terrier races, art displays,
music and stylish picnicking round out this annual event. November 3
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Twilight 10K** Run through beautiful Callaway
Gardens at twilight in the 10K, one part of the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.
Register at www.active.com. This is the fifth of six events for the annual Callaway
Gardens Fitness Series. It is certified by US Track and Field and is a qualifier for
Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race. November 3
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series: Mountain Bike Competition** Mountain bike
enthusiasts of all skill levels test themselves on Callaway’s Mountain Bike course at the
Steeplechase site. Register at www.active.com. This is the final event for the annual
Callaway Gardens Fitness Series. November 4
Founders’ Day The public is invited to visit Callaway Gardens with free admission to
pay tribute to Gardens’ founder Cason Callaway. Special organ concerts will be featured
in the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. November 6
Fantasy In Lights®** Celebrate the holidays at the 21st Fantasy In Lights. See the
magic of Christmas come alive in the eyes of loved ones as everyone enjoys the
brilliance of eight million lights in one of the world’s largest outdoor light and sound
shows. Sing carols and buy unique gifts to celebrate the holiday season at Fantasy In
Lights. November 16- December 30 (Pedestrian traffic only November 18)
March of Dimes Night Walk** Put a holiday twist on the campaign for healthier
babies by walking through Fantasy In Lights® to benefit the March of Dimes.
November 18
Dine at Callaway Gardens for Thanksgiving**, Christmas Eve** and Christmas
Day** On these holidays, save yourself from the hassle of cooking and let the chefs at
Callaway prepare the feast. Thanksgiving November 24, Christmas Eve December 24,
Christmas Day December 25
New Year’s Eve Celebration** Welcome the New Year on this overnight package with
a sensational celebration and a champagne toast at midnight! Then relax on New
Year’s Day at beautiful Callaway Gardens. A wonderful New Year’s Day Brunch will be
sure to satisfy. December 31
For more information these events or on overnight packages, educational
workshops, tennis tournaments and fly-fishing schools, please call 1-800-CALLAWAY
(225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.
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Details and prices subject to change
*Special Event admission: $25/adult; $12.50/child age 6-12; children 5 and younger are
admitted for free. Tax is included.
**Event Specific admission
2012 General admission:
$18/adult; $9/child age 6-12; children 5 and younger are admitted for free. Tax is
included. Annual passes are available for purchase.
Gardens Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST January 1 through March 23 and September 4 through December
31
9 am to 6 p.m. March 24 through September 3
About Callaway Gardens
For 60 years as of May 21, 2012, Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation,
inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors. Owned
and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, Callaway Gardens
includes a garden, resort, preserve and residential community on 13,000 acres in Pine
Mountain, Georgia. Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center,
discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the
year.
In addition, Callaway Gardens offers nearly 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 685
guest rooms, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing and more.
Five unique, close-knit residential communities — with custom home sites, lakefront
properties and cottages on the golf course — offer an ideal home away from home or
full-time residence.
Callaway Gardens is home to a 4,610-acre forest preserve which is under conservation
easement. This conserved, sustainably-managed land is used for biological studies and
environmental education programs.
Note to Editors: Images, interviews and visits to the event can be arranged. Thank
you.