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Snowman memories won't melt
Three-year-old snowman killer Adi Conway sits atop another victim on Jan. 3
- photo by Mark Lastinger/staff
Mark Lastinger
Updated: Jan 9, 2018, 3:19 AM
Published: Jan 9, 2018, 3:24 AM
It was sad to see life drip from their formerly vibrant bodies. Slowly shriveling in the sun, they left piles of carrots, buttons, trucker caps, beer cans, Georgia Bulldog T-shirts, hunting vests and even a bikini or two behind. The hundreds of snowmen that popped up in Effingham County in the wake of a Jan. 3 snowstorm brought joy to young and old alike. Between impromptu snowball fights, their imaginative creators bonded while building memories that will no doubt warm their hearts years from now. This 55-year-old grandfather didn’t get left out of the fun. My snowmen, however, all met premature deaths. Long before temperatures topped the freezing mark, my three-year-old granddaughter Adi Conway stomped each of my snowmen into the ground, giggling with delight every time. Although I have no decent photographs of my icy murder victims, dozens of Effingham Herald readers posted great pictures of their snowmen on our Facebook page. It is our intention to publish them all but it is going to take a few issues to accomplish the mission. Please be patient if you don’t see your frozen masterpiece in the Jan. 10 newspaper. We hope you enjoy the photos of the snowmen and snowwomen on pages 3A and 4A of the Jan. 10 issue as much as the people who built them. I hope we don’t have to wait another dozen years or so before we get the chance to build more.
Haunted History Comes to Life Tonight at Mars Theatre
And That’s Just The Start — Effingham County’s Weekend is Full of Fairs, Festivals and Family Fun!
Updated: Oct 17, 2025, 12:02 PM
Published: Oct 17, 2025, 11:47 AM
Get ready for a weekend packed with excitement across Effingham County! Tonight, experience spine-tingling ghost stories at "Spirits & Myths at Mars Theatre." Head to the Effingham Fair for thrilling rides, games, live shows, and tasty treats all weekend long.
Saturday brings the Lost Plantation Community Yard Sale, Guyton’s Fall Sale on the Trail, the GCC Fall Women’s Conference in Rincon, and the festive Mutt Strutt Trunk or Treat. Don’t miss the Fall Fun Fest with a hot air balloon, petting zoo, food trucks, and games, or cap off your night with live music from Lyn Avenue at Mars Theatre. There’s truly something for everyone this weekend!
Friday
“Spirits & Myths at The Mars"
Spend an unforgettable evening with the Savannah Paranormal Museum as they bring the area’s haunted history to life. You’ll hear real ghost stories and eerie legends straight from one of Savannah’s most haunted collections — plus enjoy interactive demonstrations, mysterious artifacts, and a chance to ask your own questions about the supernatural. Whether you’re a true believer or just love a good ghost story, this is one night you won’t forget!
Time:7 p.m. Location: Mars Theatre, 106 S Laurel St, Springfield
Effingham Fair Get ready for 10 days of family fun and carnival excitement! Enjoy thrilling rides, games, tasty treats, live shows, music, and nightly entertainment. Location:Effingham Fairgrounds, 409 Zeller Dr., Springfield Safety Measures: Clear bag policy; only clear bags allowed. Admission: $5 ages 6 and up; free for children under 5. Weekend opening times: Tonight: 5 p.m. Saturday: 1 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m.
Catch Lyn Avenue live at The Mars Theatre Saturday at 7 p.m., bringing soulful Americana, storytelling, and small-town charm to the stage. (Submitted photo)
Saturday
Lost Plantation Community Yard Sale Shop, sell, and connect with neighbors at Lost Plantation’s annual community yard sale! Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: Lost Plantation, Rincon
Fall Sale on the Trail Celebrate the season at Guyton’s Fall Sale Along the Trail! Enjoy a trail market, food trucks, vendors, and unique crafts. Vendors interested in a space should visit Guyton City Hall. Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Guyton City Hall, 310 Central Blvd., Guyton
GCC Fall Women’s Conference Grace Community Church in Rincon invites women to a day of worship, testimony, and encouragement. The theme is “Healed and Held: From Brokenness to Glory in Christ.” Keynote speaker Karima Burdette shares her inspiring journey from Morocco to the U.S., exploring faith, resilience, and hope. Special guests include Tobi Lariscy and Pat Helmly, with worship led by the 13:6 Collective. Breakfast and lunch included. Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $20 at the door Location:Grace Community Church, 1094 Goshen Rd., Rincon
Mutt Strutt Trunk or Treat Dress up your kids and pets for a festive morning of trunk-or-treating, games, and Halloween fun! Costume contests for kids and pets begin at 11 a.m. Local vendors are welcome to join in the celebration. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Empire Gym, 614 Towne Park Loop, Rincon
Fall Fun Fest Celebrate fall with Double Trouble and Effingham County Sports and Recreation! Enjoy a hot air balloon, petting zoo, food trucks, vendors, games, hayrides, DJ music, bounce houses, candy, and an opportunity to support local businesses. Time: 2-7 p.m. Location: Clarence E. Morgan Complex, 1750 GA-21, Springfield
Lyn Avenue ft. Andy and Mandy at Mars Theatre Experience the soulful Americana/Country sounds of Lyn Avenue! This dynamic duo brings storytelling, six-string spirit, and small-town charm to the stage. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Mars Theatre, 106 S Laurel St, Springfield
