Held the fourth weekend of March, small-town Ashburn welcomes visitors to the Fire Ant Festival, but not the ants themselves. Known for its wacky and off-the-wall activities, the festival offers family oriented fun for all ages. Activities include the fire ant calling contest, the infamous Manty Hose contest, a carnival, arts and crafts, fireworks, bands, 5K run and 1-mile fun run, BBQ cook off, and much more!

Schedule of Events

March 21-23, 2024

Carnival
The Fire Ant Festival features a carnival from Lisko Family Amusements.  Arm bands are available for purchase that allow you to ride to your heart’s content.

March 22, 2024

Kids Burger Challenge

3:30pm - Cooks Meeting
6:15pm - Burger Turn In
6:30pm - Burger Judging
9:30pm - Awards immediately following the fireworks

Burger Entry Fee - Free
All registrants must be 4-15 years of age.

7pm: Fire Ant's Got Talent - Heritage Park
Warm up your vocal cords, break out your dancing shoes, and try on your old leotard. The second annual "Fire Ant's Got Talent"

Pizza Cook-off
Would you like to compete and put your pizza up against other pizza enthusiasts to potentially take home $1000 on any given weekend? And if you do win an event, how would you like to take part in competition with all other winners annually to possibly win the title of “Pizza Cook-off Association National Champion”? If this is you, then prepare to join the ranks of the BBQ and Steak worlds, and compete strictly… all things PIZZA!!

Time:
6:30 Pm: Cook Meeting
7:30 Pm: Turn In
8:30 Pm: Finals Turn In
9pm: Awards

March 23, 2024

Fire Ant 5K

A run that is fun and exhilarating.
From a one-mile fun run to a full 5K, this race through beautiful Ashburn neighborhoods is a can't miss! Open to all ages.

Check-in time: 7:00 a.m.
5K Run: 8:00 a.m.
One Mile Fun Run: 8:00 a.m.

Entry Fees:
5K Run
Adults: $20.00
Students (high school & younger): $10.00
1 Mile Fun Run: $10.00

Location:
Old Turner County Middle School
330 Gilmore Street,
Ashburn, GA 31714

Pet Parade
Any pet is welcome at the annual pet parade.  Bring your pets to Heritage Park on Saturday, line up is at 9:45 A.M. for preregistered pets, if the pet has not been registered then please be at the park at 9:30 A.M. to register the pet. The parade is at 10:00 A.M.

Poker Run
The 2024 Fire Ant Festival Poker Run starts at the Turner County Elementary School Bus Pickup area. You will travel across Turner County collecting playing cards. The one who collects the best "Poker Hand" wins.

10:00am - Registration for the Poker Run
11:00am - All participants load up and leave to start this county-wide journey

Anyone is welcome to join!

Date:
March 21-23, 2024

Location:
Ashburn, GA 31714

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