

This edition is sponsored by Gumption Savannah Membership
Local Weather
American Prize

There’s not a single international racetrack to be found similar to those located in Indianapolis and Bristol or Daytona. However, on a cool, November day in 1908, the very first Grand Prix race was held in Savannah, Georgia. In the past, it was referred to as “The American Prize.”
It was organized by Savannah Automobile Club and the Automobile Club of America, the event relied on convict labor to construct and maintain the 17-mile course. Extra police were there to ensure that convicts didn’t escape, with images of racecars racing through the country back roads in the south of Savannah.
Twenty cars raced – 14 European in addition to six American which included notable automobile names such as Benz as well as Fiat along with Renault. The race was held on Thanksgiving Day, 1908. The race came down to three competitors: Victor Hemery, Louis Waggoner, and Felice Nazzaro. Waggoner took the victory in 56 seconds. He averaged 65 miles an hour, while most speedy laps were 69.8 miles/hour. The race lasted 16 laps, which totaled 402 miles. Louis Waggoner won in six hours, ten mins, and thirty-one seconds.
The loss of the race came from the public’s resentment against the use of convict labor for maintaining the track. Accidents occurred frequently on the track during the practice sessions, which led to an unconfirmed death. The final race at Savannah was held in 1911.
Every year in November, the American Grand Prize is remembered in Savannah where racecar drivers display their talents on the Savannah River from Hutchison Island.
Around Town
Food
wsav.com Be it the best of days or the worst of days, there’s never a bad time for soul food. Read more. |
Civic
wsav.com Local organizations are making sure voters get out to the polls for the May 24 primary. If you need a free ride to the polls, you… Read more. |
wtoc.com The short-term vacation rental saga continues out on Tybee Island. The city’s planning commission is considering change to the STVR ordinance. Read more. |
Community
wsav.com Hargray Fiber recently announced plans to expand its internet network to residential neighborhoods in Savannah and Chatham County. Hargray said construction has begun in the … Read more. |
wtoc.com Brightside Advocacy’s Savannah Court Appointed Special Advocates held Dancing with Savannah Stars on Friday, May 13. Read more. |
School
blufftontoday.com Flags from various nations were flying as students carried them April 28 in Royal Live Oaks Academy’s second multicultural parade. Read more. |
What’s happening
Today
Luncheon benefitting the Live Oak Public Library Foundation, with special guest Stratton Leopold.Join the Live Oak Public Libraries Foundation for a luncheon at the Chatham Club on May 18, 2022… Read more. |
Thursday
Join us at Service Brewing Company for the paperback release of Michael Ian Black’s A Better ManE. Shaver, booksellers is proud to present Michael Ian Black on his book A… Read more. |
Join us for an evening celebrating Savannah’s Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders on Thursday, May 19th, from 6p-8:30p at Front Porch Improv!SHE HUSTLES is a Creative Coast tri-annual event, where Savannah’s… Read more. |
You’re invited to the Virtual Job fair! (Powered by HireX)This event is FREE for all job seekers!JobFairX virtual job fairs connect you directly with local employers. Interview with 40 companies… Read more. |
Friday
Girls Night Out, the #1 Ladies Night Event Is Coming to Savannah! Limited Tickets On-Sale NOW! Open to Ages 21+ Doors open at 7 pm Get ready for the BEST… Read more. |
A Tribute to the 3 Kings of the Blues – Albert, B.B. and Freddie. Featuring the Eric Culberson Band and Friends.A special thanks to the following for sponsoring the show:… Read more. |
Savannah Jazz’s Annual Circle of Friends’ Gig! To support Savannah Jazz, the Jazz History Exhibit, Festival, Concerts, and EducationAn evening to support Savannah Jazz, the Jazz History Exhibit, Festival, Concerts,… Read more. |
Register your Parade Float or buy T-Shirts for the 2022 Tybee Beach Bum Parade! The world’s most fun water fight is right here! Register your float as a business, organization, family or… Read more. |
Saturday
Tickets will ALWAYS be available at the door!Rich Life presentsPeeWee LongwayTickets: www.elansavannah.comThis event is 18 and up.Must show photo ID at the door.Sections on either side of the stage are… Read more. |
Get ready for a night filled with comedy, food, music and laughter! C’mon out and Getcha-Laugh-On with C&B Entertainment. Comedian Saseddrick will be the MC for the night, with special… Read more. |
Savannah’s favorite CSN&Y Tribute Band, Harvest Moon, is coming this May to the Soundgarden Stage with new additions to their playlist! Read more. |
Pistol Tournament. Five stages are planned. Awards. Proceeds benefit GA Sheriffs’ Youth Homes Foundation Sign-in: 7:30 a.m., First shots: 8:30 a.m. 5 Stages Planned: USPSA type stage 34 rounds IDPA type… Read more. |
#gumptionsavannah
‘BLOW UP: Contemporary Inflatable Art’ opens next week on May 27, and we simply couldn’t help ourselves🫣, so swipe to enjoy a sneak peek of some of the works that will be on view at the @JepsonCenter!🤩