
Craft stores are starting to expand their in-store experiences while also trying to lower prices. Major chains like Michaels are shaking things up and setting the standard. They are reducing everyday prices on over 3,000 items, with cuts around 10%. These price reductions aim to reignite interest in arts and crafts. I support anything that encourages people to step away from the internet for a while. In addition to lower prices, stores are adding interactive spaces like DIY bars and hosting in-store events to enhance the shopping experience. Shopping is becoming more of an experience rather than just a quick trip. Are you more likely to visit a store that offers hands-on experiences?
Rock legends to deliver favorite hits in 2026 lineup during park’s 30th anniversary season
VALDOSTA, Ga. — Wild Adventures Theme Park will continue its 2026 Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series on Saturday, May 2, with a performance by rock band ZZ Top, delivering an array of their world-renowned hits with an adrenaline-pumping performance during a full lineup of live entertainment during the park’s 30th anniversary year.
As a touring entity, they’ve been without peer over the past five decades, having performed before millions of fans on four continents and have been the subject of their own Grammy-nominated documentary titled That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. The band’s line-up of the bearded Gibbons and Hill and Beard, who ironically is clean shaven, remained intact for more than 50 years until Dusty’s passing. When Dusty temporarily departed the tour in the summer of 2021, it was a given that Elwood would be the perfect choice to stand in for Dusty until he could return. But Dusty’s return was not to be, and Elwood continues to handle the bass duties for the band now and into the future.
“ZZ Top will surely rock the house at the Wild Adventures LIVE! Amphitheater,” said Asher Raymond, public relations specialist. “Their performance will be an energizing trip down memory lane for guests. Songs like ‘La Grange’ and ‘Legs’ will get fans up on their feet.”
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the Wild Adventures LIVE! Amphitheater. A park admission ticket or Season Pass is required to attend. General Concert Admission is $10. In the general admission area, guests may bring chairs and blankets.
Reserved concert seating is available in advance for $5 for Diamond Season Passholders, $10 for Gold Season Passholders and $15 for all other guests. Reserved seats will be $20 on the day of the show.
For guests planning to attend multiple concerts, a Season Pass offers added value. Season Passholders receive free General Concert Admission to every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert, and Gold and Diamond Passholders can also purchase reserved seats at a discount. Guests will receive $30 off when they purchase a Gold Season Pass now through Sunday, April 26.
The 2026 Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series will continue throughout the season with performances by Chris Janson, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Parmalee & LOCASH, Travis Tritt, The Beach Boys, Australian Pink Floyd, Skillet and for KING + COUNTRY.
More information about the concert series, reserved seating and Season Passes is available at WildAdventures.com.
About Wild Adventures Theme Park
Wild Adventures Theme Park, located in Valdosta, Ga., halfway between Atlanta and Orlando off I-75, is a 170-acre destination where families can ride, slide, and explore all in one place. A Herschend Family Entertainment property, the park is home to more than 35 rides, hundreds of exotic animals, a full calendar of concerts and special events, and Splash Island Waterpark, ranked among the “Top 30 Waterparks” by U.S. News & World Report. Wild Adventures has been recognized as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure and named the Most Thrilling Theme Park in Georgia by FinanceBuzz. It is also home to the Good Sam-rated 10/10★/10 Wild Adventures Safari Campground, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the nation.
About ZZ Top
“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half century, delivering rock, blues and boogie on the road and in the studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ TOP is virtually synonymous with beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language. The elements that keep ZZ TOP fresh, enduring and above the transitory fray can be summed up in the three words of the band’s internal mantra: “Tone, Taste and Tenacity.”. As genuine roots musicians, they have few peers. Their influences are both the originators of the form – Muddy Waters, B.B. King, et al – as well as the British blues rockers and Jimi Hendrix who emerged the generation before ZZ’s ascendance. They have sold hundreds of millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Keith Richards, no less) and have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms. They are true rock icons and, against all odds, they’re really just doing what they’ve always done. ZZ TOP abides!
About Herschend
Wild Adventures Theme Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.
.

Today's fashion trends are being driven by TV and pop culture more than ever. With every new TV series, a new fashion trend emerges, influencing how many people choose their outfits. TV and pop culture are not only impacting clothing styles but also driving trends in beauty products, leading to higher retail demand. Have you ever purchased something because you saw it in a show or movie?
Now this day makes me smile big time! I love grilled cheese sandwiches. I like plain grilled cheese sandwiches. I like grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches. I like a grilled BLT with cheese. All my sandwiches have to be plain though. Absolutely NO mayonnaise. My daddy could not stand mayonnaise and neither can I. That could come from the fact that when my mother was pregnant with me, all she ate was mayonnaise sandwiches so I had enough of that for nine months. So now I just stick with grilled cheese sandwiches. Where do you like grilled cheese sandwiches from? My favorite plain grilled cheese sandwich is from Ed’s Truck Stop. They grill it to perfection. My favorite grilled tomato and cheese sandwich is from 3 Squares. It is always so good. My most favorite place for a Grilled BLT with cheese comes from Fat Boys. It is the smallest cut up bacon and is very crispy. It is the best! Daddy and mother use to make the best of the best grilled cheese sandwiches when we were little. They would cook them on the stove. I now cook ours on the George Foreman. Who makes your favorite? And if you cook them at home, how do you fix the best grilled cheese sandwich?
Premier Taylor Swift Tribute Band bringing favorite hits during park’s 30th Anniversary Season
VALDOSTA, Ga. — Wild Adventures Theme Park will continue its 2026 Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series on Saturday, April 25, with a performance from Los Angeles’ premier tribute band, Blank Space: The Taylor Swift Tribute. The performance will feature fan-favorite hits throughout the globally recognized singer’s eras during a full lineup of live entertainment during the park’s 30th anniversary year.
Fronted by the charismatic Olivia Moretti, Blank Space delivers a seamless, song-by-song recreation of Taylor Swift’s hits. Each performance is crafted with precision and passion, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the stories, emotions, and magic behind Taylor’s music.
“Blank Space is not like any other tribute band, it’s a full-fledged production that will surely resonate with Taylor Swift fans,” said Asher Raymond, public relations specialist. “Swifities and causal listeners will both enjoy the captivating vocals and energizing choreography.”
The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the Wild Adventures LIVE! Amphitheater. A park admission ticket or Season Pass is required to attend. General Concert Admission is $10. In the general admission area, guests may bring chairs and blankets.
Reserved concert seating is available in advance for $5 for Diamond Season Passholders, $10 for Gold Season Passholders and $15 for all other guests. Reserved seats will be $20 on the day of the show.
For guests planning to attend multiple concerts, a Season Pass offers added value. Season Passholders receive free General Concert Admission to every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert, and Gold and Diamond Passholders can also purchase reserved seats at a discount.
The 2026 Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series will continue throughout the season with performances by ZZ Top, Chris Janson, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Parmalee & LOCASH, Travis Tritt, The Beach Boys, Australian Pink Floyd, Skillet and for KING + COUNTRY.
More information about the concert series, reserved seating and Season Passes is available at WildAdventures.com.
About Wild Adventures Theme Park
Wild Adventures Theme Park, located in Valdosta, Ga., halfway between Atlanta and Orlando off I-75, is a 170-acre destination where families can ride, slide, and explore all in one place. A Herschend Family Entertainment property, the park is home to more than 35 rides, hundreds of exotic animals, a full calendar of concerts and special events, and Splash Island Waterpark, ranked among the “Top 30 Waterparks” by U.S. News & World Report. Wild Adventures has been recognized as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure and named the Most Thrilling Theme Park in Georgia by FinanceBuzz. It is also home to the Good Sam-rated 10/10★/10 Wild Adventures Safari Campground, one of the highest-rated campgrounds in the nation.
About Blank Space
Get ready to step into the extraordinary world of Taylor Swift with Blank Space, Los Angeles' premier tribute band that redefines what it means to celebrate music's most iconic artist. Fronted by the charismatic Olivia Moretti, who embodies Taylor’s spirit with every note and move, Blank Space is more than just a tribute—it’s a full-scale recreation of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking musicians and dancers, dazzling visuals, and intricate choreography, this show takes fans on a diverse musical eras. Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with love, heartbreak, and the infectious energy that has made Taylor Swift a global sensation. Blank Space is not just a concert—it’s a celebration of music, connection, and the unparalleled artistry of Taylor Swift. Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or a casual listener, Blank Space invites you to sing, dance, and relive every moment of Taylor’s incredible career. Join the party and experience the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute with Blank Space—a night of music, memories, and pure joy awaits! Blank Space is not endorsed by or in any way affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.
About Herschend
Wild Adventures Theme Park is part of Herschend’s family of brands. Herschend is the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, with a portfolio of over 40 family entertainment brands across North America, including destinations, resorts, theme parks, water parks, immersive experiences, and content enjoyed by audiences worldwide. For more information, visit www.Herschend.com.
There is not a day that goes by that a volunteer is not needed and there is not a day that goes by that we say thank you enough to our volunteers. Sylvester and Worth County have many great activities and events that occur in this great town but it could not happen without many volunteers and endless hours. If you ever wander how you can give back by giving your time, always contact your local Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce. They will always have list of events and contact names and numbers of places that you can help. Contact your local schools and see what way they may need help as well. It is not always giving your money that is needed. Your time is a great thing needed. I personally volunteer for several organizations and we could always use your help. If you are interested in volunteering but do not know where to start, please email me at themartinnews@gmail.com and I can help you get started. For everyone in Sylvester, Worth County and surrounding counties that volunteer...THANK YOU from The Martin News. We truly could not make it with out you!
Isn’t it funny how a word or phrase, a holiday or a day to celebrate can remind you of a simple memory? I was reading just the other day about April being the month to celebrate different hats and I saw where they mentioned a straw hat. It took me back to Gordy. My daddy loved to do yard work and always wore a ball cap but as he got a little older, he bought him a straw hat. He was the cutest thing ever with his straw hat on. He would wear it when he was picking up pecans out at our home in Gordy. He loved picking up pecans but wanted to make sure he kept the sun off his head and neck. When Larry was about three months old, he loved to hold that straw hat and my daddy thought he was so sweet wanting to hold the hat that was about the size of him. After daddy passed away, we now have the straw hat that hangs on an old straight back chair of my grandmother’s. Both hold such great memories. We love to look at that hat everyday. Who knew a simple hat would bring so much joy.

Being smart with your money is more than just opening a savings account. Money smarts include smaller things you wouldn’t think are important, but in the long run these tips can end up saving you hundreds of dollars! You need to know every way to be smart with your money in this day and age. With prices increasing, debts rising, and demanding needs, this article with 7 ways to be smart with money is just for you! You would probably be very surprised if you realized the amount of money you spend per week just by going out. A movie here, bowling there, coffee every now and then, or an occasional shopping spree can really add up. Remedy this problem by limiting yourself to going out once a week. The rest of the time, get creative with your friends and think of free entertainment options. This is one great way to be smart with your money! Try and cut out unnecessary bills. Take a look at the bills you have. Are there any unnecessary bills you are paying? Do you really need the expensive phone plan you have, or a landline in addition to your cell phone? Cable and Netflix are awesome, but if you are never home to watch them, it’s pointless. And with so many places now offering free Wi-Fi, there’s another bill you can drop. This technique can really help you to be smart with your money. Another great idea is to open a Savings Account. One of the best ways to be smart with your money is to open a savings account. Then, make it a priority to put a little money in it with each paycheck. You may only be able to afford to put $20 or less in there, but in time that small amount of money will add up. You never know when you will need emergency funds or when something may come up, so it’s always nice to have a little money put back. Have you ever thought to avoid small purchases? Avoiding small purchases on a whim is one way to be smart with your money. Do you really need a snack or drink every time you stop for gas? Do you have to buy a coffee every morning? Is the latest issue of Cosmo that important? Try cutting out small purchases like these and see where your account stands. It may be hard at first, but just be patient, and give some time for this new habit to kick in. You’ll find yourself saying no to bigger items after you kick the smaller ones! It is always good to think before you buy! One thing to really watch out for when you shop is telling yourself you HAVE to have it. Ask yourself these two questions: "Do I really need it?" "Can I afford it right now?" If you can answer both of these questions with a yes, then go for it. Be proud of yourself, knowing you are being smart with your money! A great way to save money is leave the credit cards at home. If you have a credit card, it’s a wise choice to leave it at home in a safe place. Only carry it when you know you will absolutely need it. Credit cards encourage splurging, so it’s better to limit yourself to cash and what you can afford. This makes a great way to be smart with your money! One way that everyone can save whether it is for personal use or business is watch for sales. Why pay full price for something when you can get it for a better rate? A final tip for being smart with your money is to always look for bargains. If you know there is something you are going to need soon, be on the lookout for sales, or a used, less expensive version. When you are grocery shopping, keep your eyes peeled for markdowns, and print out coupons online. And this same tip applies to shopping for clothing and accessories! These ways to save money will add up and really help you save a buck! If you put these tips into practice, you won’t be disappointed. Being smart with your money is rewarding because when you stop buying unnecessary items, you have enough money left over to buy things you really want or need. Who knew that cutting out your morning coffee could pay for a new digital camera? These great tips came from online money matters site. However these tips are so true. I have stopped and thought about ways to save and even used some of these tips before reading them on here which makes me feel great! Now let’s start saving them pennies!

Buc-ee’s has been expanding rapidly, and this growth continues in Georgia. The gas station chain has just broken ground on a new location in Forsyth, GA, off Interstate 75 on Rumble Road. Buc-ee’s is expected to bring over 200 jobs to the area. This new site is part of the gas station chain’s larger expansion plans across multiple states. The iconic travel stop keeps growing — and people keep showing up. Have you ever been to Buc-ee’s, or is it on your list? What is your favorite thing to buy at Buc-ee’s?

Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup corn
Directions:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, rice, and beef broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
Simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
Stir in corn and sprinkle cheese on top.
Cover a few minutes until cheese melts.
Taco night made even easier
Sign up to get each issue delivered straight to your inbox.
Have a story idea for us? Send us a message and let us know what you are thinking about.
The Martin News