This year's festival dated February 18th, is themed "All That Jazz!" Celebrity matchmakers from the OWN Network's LOVETOWN, USA series will serve as grand marshals of the parade that begins at 10 am in Downtown St. Marys.  After the parade, attendees can browse the food and craft vendors, enjoy The Great Camden County Chili Cook-Off, Pet Costume Parade and the Most Romantic Dessert Contest.  The special Mardi Gras Ball is at 7 pm at Southern Junction.  Tickets for the ball are only $35 each and include an authentic New Orleans Style Buffet, Music and Dancing. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes.This event has earned the Southern Tourism Society's designation of "Top 20 Event" so you will not want to miss it!  For more information call 912-882-4000.  

The War of 1812 comes alive at Orange Hall on Saturday, February 18th during the Mardi Gras celebration.  Come to Orange hall to learn about the war that raged from 1812 to 1815 and the part that St. Marys played in it.  This event is sponsored by the St. Marys DDA, the National Park Service and the Spirit of 1812 committee.  For more information, contact Cheri at 912-576-2906.   

This community event takes place on Sunday, February 19th at 3 pm starting at the pavilion on the St. Marys Waterfront and proceeding to the Washington Pump in front of Orange Hall.  For more information call Bob at 912-729-3022.  

The St. Marys DDA, SBDC, Camden County Chamber of Commerce and the local SCORE branch will be hosting a seminar on March 8th at 5:30 pm in downtown St. Marys.  The interactive panel of business owners will discuss small business and online media use, managing social media websites, and much more!  This NO FEE seminar will fill up soon so visit http://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/evr/reg_event.php?orgcode=CAMD&evid=10176495 or call 912-729-5840 for more information.    

Various speakers will be on hand to discuss different types of renewable energy.  This event will be held at the College of Coastal Georgia, Camden Center on Thursday, March 22nd 9-5 pm.  Visit:   www.caes.uga.edu/extension/camden/anr/index.html to register or call 912-882-8111.  

Mardi Gras season is an inspiration for artists at the Olde Towne Gallery in downtown St. Marys which will be featuring St. Marys artist Constance Knepp-Holt's mask art through the month of February. Holts's masks are three-dimensional and represent various aspects of art and nature. Other member-artists will be displaying art celebrating Mardi Gras also at the gallery which is open daily from 8 to 3 pm and located next to Cedar Oak Cafe.   

Beginning Thursday, February 16th do not miss your chance to view a series of highly acclaimed and award winning short films.  The Live, Action, and Animated shorts will be shown in two sessions are are hosted by both the Coastal Georgia Film Alliance and the Fernandina Little Theatre.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at:  The Blue Goose (126 Osborne St., 912-673-7974), The Cedar Oak Cafe (304 Osborne St., 912-882-9555), Once Upon A Bookseller (207 Osborne St., 912-882-7350), and Bulldog Discount Liquors (1101 Osborne St., 912-576-5002).  For a listing of dates and times call Mike at 410.925.8873.