A full weekend packed with events for the family and even four-legged, furry family members is in store for Troup County.

To kick off the weekend, visitors and locals will gather downtown at the statue of Marquis de Lafayette on Friday at 10 a.m. for the second annual Wreath Laying and Commemoration Ceremony, in honor of Lafayette. Last year, Sept. 6 was officially named Marquis de Lafayette Day, which is his birthday, by the governor, the House of Representatives and Senate.  

The Sons of the American Revolution color guard will fire a salute with Revolutionary War-era muskets, which Lafayette Alliance secretary Alex Hughes, said is a crowd favorite. 

Dog lovers and avid runners will have the opportunity to collide worlds Saturday morning 

The fourth annual Bark at the Park 5K and Dog Walk will begin at 7 a.m. at Granger Park on Saturday. 

Helping Young Professionals Engage (HYPE) chairwoman Anna Beth Ivey said Bark at the Park helps support a cause but also gives the community a reason to meet new four-legged friends. 

Participants can take part in either a 5K and 1-mile dog walk or both. There will be three community representatives to judge the dog walk and choose a winner for best costume and who looks most like their owner. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Granger Park and go through the “flower streets.”

Registration for the 5K begins at 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for the dog walk. The fee for ages 18 and under and 65 and over is $15 by Aug. 27. For 18 and over and 65 and under, the cost is $30. All dogs must be leashed and current on vaccinations.

The momentum of the weekend will continue with the LIFE LaGrange International Festival starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Sponsored by the LaGrange International Friendship Exchange, festivities that immerses you into cultures from all over the globe will continue until 7 p.m. on Main Street in downtown. Additionally, two other events in conjunction with the festival will be held. 

A student art show will be on display at Lafayette Square Friday Sept. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. hosted by the Cochran Gallery. ‘Music for Peace’ will conclude the festivities with a free international concert Sunday night at 7 p.m. at Callaway Auditorium at LaGrange College.