Two former mayors for the City of Nahunta and the current mayor spoke kicking off a week-long Centennial celebration Monday night.
Former Mayors Jeffrey Lee and Barbara Mayfield, along with current Mayor Marty Lee talked during the July 21 opening ceremony at City Hall, which began at 6 p.m.
The eight-day celebration culminates Monday, July 28 with a closing ceremony starting at 6 p.m.
The three spoke in front of a few citizens as well as current council members. They shared their pride and passion for how Nahunta has grown into a thriving community over the past 100 years.
Current Mayor Marty Lee spoke on the beginnings of Nahunta and how the current council and citizens want to preserve its legacy.
“This is about recognizing resilience, determination and spirit that has carried us through every challenge we’ve had,” Lee said. “We built a community defined by hard work, passion and shared purpose.”
He said the story of Nahunta is not finished with the fledging businesses and schools being built. He spoke specifically on the new water facility which will meet environmental standards, ensure safer water delivery and handle waste water deliveries.
Barbara Mayfield, the first female mayor, spoke on how the last 100 years have shaped Nahunta into what it is and how much the city has overcome.
“I am reminded that our celebration is not only about the passing of time, but about the progress,” she said. “When the founders of our town established it, they planted seeds of love and hope.”
Mayor Jeffrey Lee made a speech about what he had accomplished during his tenure, specifically the economic challenges.
“The City was pretty tough, but we got it in compliance,” he said. “We had an old bill for the water tower we paid off in 10 years.”
The former mayor also said numerous accomplishments also pertained to getting grant money in the form of $1.5 million as well as fixing drainage problems and remodeling City Hall.
At the end of the ceremony, City Clerk Angie Wirth spoke about how much she appreciated everyone who welcomed her and her husband, City Manager Tom Wirth, with open arms.
Other members of the current council, Andrew Altman and Crystal Jone, spoke about how proud they are of how far Nahunta has come in the last 100 years and shared anecdotes about their own families and how much they have come to call Nahunta home.
Cultural Day will be held Tuesday, July 22 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. This is a time for sharing traditions and customs from forefathers.
Kids Day is Wednesday, July 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with activities around City Hall.
An Art Expo & Wine Tasting is scheduled for Thursday, July 24 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Come and enjoy a nice glass of wine.
A Car Show is slated for Friday, July 25 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., n the Brantley County Courthouse parking lot.
Participants need to arrive between 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
The “Parade Through the Decades — 1920s to present” Saturday, July 26 starts at 10 a.m. It begins at Nahunta Elementary and moves up Hwy. 301 North to the old recreation department.
There will be a community- wide service and Gospel Sing Sunday, July 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, July 28 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
