Forsyth turns 200: A weekend celebration filled with fun, nostalgia and a peek into the future

MONROE COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA) - The city of Forsyth is commemorating its bicentennial all year, marking 200 years since its founding. This weekend includes a full slate of activities.

Forsyth was established in 1823 and named after former Georgia Governor John Forsyth. It started as a small rural town and over the decades grew into a transportation hub and now a bustling small city.

A Retro Music Fest will be held downtown on Friday, September 22nd. This will be followed by a two-day festival on September 23rd-24th featuring live music, hot air balloon rides, arts and crafts, food trucks, historic tours, and more.

Additional events are planned through the end of the year, including ceremonies with elected officials, photo exhibits, weekly history facts published locally, an aviation fly-over event, and a time capsule burial.

Looking ahead, on December 9th, a birthday party will close out the bicentennial with the time capsule interment near the planted Bicentennial Legacy Tree. Letters from community members about the future will be included.

The 13-member volunteer Bicentennial Committee has been working to plan the series of events to celebrate Forsyth's past and future. According to committee members, the events are intended to inspire community nostalgia and highlight the city's rich heritage as it enters its third century.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take part in the various bicentennial festivities throughout 2023. Full details can be found on the city's website.