Let's Bring The Color Run to Athens, GA!

Known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, The Color Run is an un-timed paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality and giving back to the community. Participants are encouraged to wear white at the beginning of the race and are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues at the finish line with a "Color Festival" involving even more colored power to create happiness and lasting memories.

We're sure lots of Athens, GA residents and University of Georgia students have traveled to other cities to run The Color Run.  So we're thinking, what would be better than bringing the Color Run to Athens, GA?

One of the best aspects of The Color Run is its strong emphasis on giving back. For each city that the race visits, a local charity is chosen to receive donations. In fact, in 2012, The Color Run raised donations for more than 60 local and national charities!

Now known as the single largest event series in the nation, The Color Run is expected to have more than 100 events and 1 million participants in 2013. Event planners are currently in the process of choosing race locations, and we think Athens, Georgia would be the perfect location for this exciting race! After all, we love maintaining an active lifestyle (as anyone who has driven down Milledge Avenue knows) and our annual non-profit fundraising events demonstrate that we're dedicated to giving back to the community. If you agree and want to see Athens, Georgia host The Color Run, be sure to cast your vote at http://thecolorrun.com/vote-for-your-city/. 

Let's bring this party to Athens, folks! Vote now!

Athens This Weekend: June 15-17

Happy Father's Day weekend! Help make Dad feel extra special by spending the holiday weekend in Athens, GA while treating the whole family to outstanding food, music, and events! We're certain there is something that you and your loved ones will enjoy!

1.Georgia Theatre Chili Cook Off 

The Georgia Theatre will host the first annual Georgia Theatre Annual Cook Off on Saturday, June 16. Come out to sample and vote on delicious chili recipes from the contestants, including fantastic Athens restaurants like The Last Resort Grill, the Globe, Amici's Italian Cafe, and more. First, second, and third place prizes will be given to the winners of the three competing categories of "Restaurant/Bar," "Individual," and "Overall People's Choice." Doors open at noon, and the competition starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Don't miss out on this chance to eat great food made by some of Athens' finest!

2. Sprockets Music Video Show

Film Athens presents the 7th Annual Sprockets Music Video Show on Saturday, June 16 at 10 p.m at the 40 Watt Club. Come watch the show, and then vote to help give your favorite music video the chance to win the "Audience Choice" award. Winners of the "Audience Choice" award and "Best Music Video" award will be screened and awarded on Thursday, June 21 at the Flagpole Music Awards. Admission is $5 per person. Many local Athens bands will be participating, including Patterson Hood, Easter Island, Electrophoria, and more!

3. The Amazing Kreskin: The World's Greatest Mentalist

An all ages show!  Get ready to be blown away by famous mentalist, The Amazing Kreshkin! He will perform two shows on Sunday, June 17 at 3 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. at the Georgia Theatre. Admission is $22 for adults, and $12 for children ages 12 and under. The Amazing Kreshkin has been featured in numerous magazines, comedy clubs, TV shows, and more. His unique performance flair, humor, and impressive mind-reading acts are sure to excite all audiences!  

Hopefully you've found something happening this weekend in Athens, GA that will help you and your family celebrate Dad! For even more weekend ideas, activities, and events be sure to check out our calendar of events at Visit Athens, GA! Happy Father's Day!

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Darius Goes West- $1 Million Free Vote (Chase Community Giving)

"Darius Goes West" is an award-winning documentary about Darius Weems, a local resident of Athens who was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is the number one genetic killer of children worldwide. It has no cure, and it is 100 percent fatal.

I have had the pleasure to meet Darius on multiple occasions and I am continually inspired by his positive attitude and strong demeanor. He is determined to find a cure for DMD to help prolong the lives of others. The need for a cure is why you need to know about it.

Accompanied by his eleven best friends, Darius and the crew traveled across the country in 2005 and filmed an amazing documentary that has inspired millions to help raise money for a cure for DMD. The Chase Community Giving Challenge is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and money for DMD research.

Chase bank is giving away $1 million to the top cause in a free vote and $100k to the next five winners. Darius Goes West is currently in 11th place! You have until the end of the week (Friday, Jan. 22) to VOTE and help this wonderful cause earn $1 million for DMD research. Also, be sure to watch the documentary, which won 28 film festival awards. You are guaranteed a laugh, a cry and a determination to help this wonderful cause.

Vote for the Athens Farmers Market!

Care2 is a large action site dedicated to helping people make a difference in their lives and world. The Web site is currently carrying on a contest called Love Your Farmers Market.

Each week until September 17, Care2 will donate $250 to a random market. After September 15, the top 5 Farmers markets all win cash.

First place: $5,000
Second place: $3,000
Third place: $2,000
Fourth place: $1,000
Fifth place: $1,000

Vote for the Athens Farmers Market by clicking this link.