CITY MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

WITH 537 CITIES, GEORGIA SEES BIG MUNICIPAL milestones every year. These anniversaries are opportunities for leaders and residents to reflect on how their home has grown since its inception and the good work it does every day.

In 2022, 13 cities marked significant milestones, from five years to two centuries. Many used the anniversary to celebrate with parties, historical tours and major projects. GMA congratulates all the cities who marked a milestone anniversary in 2022!

200 Years

Covington

While 2022 is Covington’s bicentennial, the city started celebrating early. The Newton County seat had a yearlong series of events marking the leadup to the anniversary in 2021, including a Bicentennial Birthday Bash complete with fireworks in December 2021. A new Bicentennial Park with commemorative Legacy Bricks purchased by residents and businesses has also been opened.

175 Years

Ringgold

The small North Georgia city’s anniversary celebrations included a Brews and BBQ event at the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market. The market was developed in a partnership with the city, the local convention and visitors bureau and the Ringgold Downtown Development Authority. Launching in 2021, it required little startup funds from the city and quickly gained popularity with locals. Ringgold was recognized for its work creating the Rabbit Valley Farmers Market with a Visionary City Award in January 2022.

150 Years

Buford

Buford was founded as a railroad stop between Atlanta and Charlotte. Since its founding, it’s retained its small town charm while growing as a tourist destination for Lake Lanier and maintaining a strong local economy.

Rockmart

Part of Rockmart’s sesquicentennial celebrations included a guided tour of Rose Hill Cemetery, where many important former residents are buried. Those residents include teacher, professor and writer Mary Lane; early Rockmart businessman August Henry Graefer; and pastor and educator Rev. Elbert Woodfin Ballenger.

Smyrna

The Jonquil City is in a pretty sweet spot, with Truist Field right outside its city limits and the resources of Atlanta on the other side of Interstate 285. Residents enjoy an idyllic suburban life while being able to take advantage of these resources at their leisure. To mark the city’s sesquicentennial, Smyrna held a daylong celebration in October full of music, family friendly events and fireworks.

Tifton

Tifton has spent all year celebrating its sesquicentennial. Events have included a city-wide birthday party, a screening of the first movie to ever be shown in Tifton and a day honoring Congressional Medal of Honor winner and Korean and Vietnam War veteran Col. Ralph Puckett. The cherry on top of this anniversary year is that Mayor Julie Smith assumed the position of GMA president in June, at GMA’s Annual Convention.