Lowndes County hosts Lunch on the Lawn

Rachel Larson |, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
·3 min read

Apr. 13—VALDOSTA — Lowndes County held its first Lunch on the Lawn at the historic Lowndes County courthouse Friday.

Lowndes County Public Information Officer Meghan Barwick says this is a great way to gather the community and support local businesses downtown.

"We're super excited to launch Lunch on the Lawn here at the historic Lowndes County courthouse," said Barwick. "[Lunch on the Lawn] provides a sense of community and allows folks to come downtown and shop, eat, and enjoy live music."

Residents who attend the event can either bring their own food to the lawn, or they can purchase quick grab and go options from a selection of nearby restaurants.

"We have partnered with a few downtown restaurants. Downtown Social, Gūd Coffee Company, Jessie's Restaurant and Catering, and The Nook Nutrition," said Barwick.

"It's a great opportunity to support not only downtown and our community, but the folks that do so much and give back so much to our community," she said.

Tables and seating were set out on the front lawn for residents to sit and enjoy their food and local musician Joe Smothers. Smothers is a founding member of the band Skannyardle.

"I love hearing Joe, I've been following him since he was in the band Skannyardle," said local resident Julianne Jabon. "I like to be able to be in the outdoors. I've just retired, and I'm ready to get out and enjoy life."

Alongside residents, members of the Lowndes County Board of Commission and Valdosta City Council attended to show support for their community.

"This is a One Valdosta-Lowndes, so we're supposed to support each other," said Councilwoman Vivian Miller-Cody. "I'm a real good team-player. In order for the city to move, you can't be separated."

"This is about the community, the citizens, and if they see that we're unified, change comes from seeing how we interact with each other," Miller-Cody said.

Chairman Bill Slaughter was also in attendance and shared a similar sentiment, "I love this community, that's what it's really all about. I would do everything I could to get to an event like this whether I was an elected official or not."

"I think it's important that our citizens are able to come together for a fun event, come and enjoy the weather that we've got today. ... We're very proud that we're able to put this on," he said.

Lowndes County with be hosting Lunch on the Lawn again on April 26 at 11 a.m. on the front lawn of the historic courthouse. Zach Mannino will provide live music and the same restaurants will offer grab and go lunch options.

Barkwick says they hope to continue with Lunch on the Lawn in October.

"[Lunch on the Lawn] is a huge quality of life component to everything going on in our community. It adds another option for folks to grab co-workers, friends, and family and come downtown and enjoy live music and friends," said Barwick.