The 30th Annual Hank Williams Festival is set for June 12 and 13 at the Hank Williams Park in the heart of Georgiana, offering a fun-filled weekend of country music, arts and crafts, food and drink.

But the weekend will get an early start with activities at the Hank Fan Club House located a short distance away.

Hank Williams International Fan Club president Mary Wallace wants to invite everyone to come on Thursday starting at 3 p.m. to tap their toes to lots of live music and enjoy a picnic meal of hot dogs, chips, dessert and cold drinks on the shady lawn of the club house.

“As always we will enjoy our great jam session with a local of talents from far and near,” Wallace said. A donation to the museum is the only cost for the jam session and picnic.

Thursday night, visitors can stroll over to the historic G’ana Theatre for a concert at 7 p.m.

“We already have some wonderful musicians and vocalists lined up for this, including Colin Leatherwood, Mary McDonald, Larry Darnell, Frank Brannon – and Butler County’s own Back Creek Country Band is going to be reuniting for this event,” Wallace said.

“We are also excited to have our dear friend, David Church, a favorite at the festival, returning for the weekend. If you like Hank, you will love David. He will be debuting his newest album at the festival.”

Tickets for Thursday night’s concert at the G’ana are $10, and refreshments will be available at the concession stand.

On Friday morning, the Songwriters’ Contest comes to the Georgiana Nutrition Center at 11 a.m. Anyone still wishing to enter the contest is welcome to call Sherry Brackin at (251) – 490 -5026 or by visiting the website www.hankwilliamsinternationalfanclub.com.

Saturday morning will bring the Fan Club Breakfast at the club house. From 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., enjoy a southern-style breakfast, more special music and a chance to meet and greet, says Wallace.

She will also be serving as an emcee for Saturday morning’s “Hank the Man” tribute featuring various artists and set for 9:30 a.m. to noon at Hank Williams Park.

Advance tickets to the Hank Williams Festival itself are $30 for a two-day pass through June 11.

Tickets are $15 for Friday admission and $25 for Saturday. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday. Free karaoke is set for the pavilion at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11 and a barbecue is slated for Friday at 5 p.m. ($10 charge; plates may be ordered in advance).

Among the many entertainers lined up to perform are Butler County’s own Starla Jones, Brad Magness, The Springs, Ronnie McDowell, Jett Williams and more.

Visit www.hankwilliamsfestival.com for more information or email cityofgeorgiana@centurytel.net.