Select tickets
Anyone interested in the hobby of growing and collecting figs is invited to join us in Chattanooga, TN at the 5th Annual “Southeast Fig Frolic”
Everyone is invited, from the expert fig fanatic to the fignorant. We’re getting figgy with it. Got a fig shirt or other ‘fig attire’? Let your fig-obsessed freak flag fly! You have found your people. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is important for logistical reasons.
(Watch our full "Fig Frolic" playlist HERE for more videos)
PLANNED ACTIVITIES:
- White Elephant Fig Exchange – This event works by "luck of the draw". Each participant will be given a numbered ticket at checkin. Later, we will draw numbers. The person with the matching ticket number then selects one fig tree. We will continue drawing numbers until all tickets have been drawn and everyone receives a new fig tree of their own, or until we run out of fig trees. So bring a fig tree or two to donate, if you are able. We are counting on our generous veteran figsters to bring extra trees to donate for this. Please do set air layers or start cuttings now! Make certain that the variety name and your name are attached to each tree you bring.
- Fig Swap – If you have trees you want to swap, bring them with you. There will be a separate area for the Trade Tables. Make certain the variety name and your name is attached to each tree you bring. After you make a trade, we will have red tags available to hang on any tree that you do not want to trade. Visit the "Discussion" tab of the Fig Frolic event page on Facebook (link below) to post photos of trees you have to trade and see others' photos, too. Perhaps you can arrange a trade in advance. No sales at this event out of courtesy to Ooltewah Nursery, which is allowing us to have this event there.
- Education - Speakers and their topics a listed in the "Schedule of Events" below...
- Shopping – Ooltewah Nursery is allowing us to host this event on their 16-acre property. ONLC is the largest garden center within 75 miles of Chattanooga and has twice been named the top garden center in the Southeast. The nursery wants to welcome you by gifting attendees with a special coupon for our group only. Plan to come early and shop before the event starts. We will all be too hot and tired afterward to shop. Wear cool comfy clothes and shoes for walking. You will receive your coupon when you check in, so don’t check out at the nursery until you check in with us! Nursery hours: Sat 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; Sun 12:00-5:00 p.m. EDT. (Coupon will be valid for either day.)
- Demonstration - We have a cool demonstration booth we are planning to reveal soon.
- Grand Prize Drawing - At the end of the day, we will draw for some awesome prizes that have been donated by attendees.
- Finest Figster – Come wearing your best fig frolicking attire. Attendees will vote for their favorite. The winner will be announce at the close, and will win a gift card to the nursery, plus some serious bragging rights for a year as the Finest Figster of 2024! Last year's winner, Mike Gabriel of Georgia, will be there to pass the torch and help crown this year's Finest Figster.
- Beverages – Complimentary beverages will be provided, such as bottled water, assorted sodas, Sweet or Unsweet tea, as well as ice and cups. Feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
- Food – A Food truck will be here from 11- 2 or so! Go Gyro Go will bring us authentic Greek food. View their menu HERE or you can always bring a brown bag. You will need to plan ahead because there will be no time to leave for lunch. The first Photo below from 2024 is by GaliDuArt.com Second photo by 2 Angels Farm
ADMISSION - Free, of course, but registration is requested so that we can plan for seating, refreshments, etc. It will also speed up your check-in upon arrival. To register now, click the red button above.
COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRTS & MERCH - You have asked for this for years, and we are thrilled to offer the first Official Commemorative tee shirts, tote bags, and coffee mugs with the 2024 logo at last! Proceeds raised from the sale of Fig Frolic gear will be set aside to help offset overhead expenses. You can order even if you can't be here in person. These items are made when you order and shipped directly to you. Best of all...SHIPPING IS FREE. Because they are custom printed when you order, we will NOT have shirts for sale at the event. They are available through online sales only.
VIEW ALL ITEMS HERE
HOTELS - We have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted rate at two area hotels. Both hotels have a deadline. After that time, any remaining rooms will be released to the general public. Our group rate will only be honored after Aug. 9th if the hotel still has rooms available. I encourage you to reserve your room right away
- Sonesta Select - Chattanooga Hamilton Place: $95/night for a Deluxe King (If you need another size, call them directly.) The hotel is located nearby in the Hamilton Place Mall area. It is a pet-friendly hotel with big rooms and lots of amenities. Please register using the link below to receive our group rate. The deadline was Aug. 9th- The hotel will continue to honor our discounted rate as long as they have rooms available. RESERVATIONS HERE or you may call the toll-free reservations department at 1-800-SONESTA to make your reservations. You will need to give the hotel name and this code when doing so: 091224SOUT
- Springhill Suites by Marriott: $159/night. The hotel is located at the Ooltewah exit and is the closest to our venue. The deadline was August 16th. The hotel will continue to honor our discounted rate as long as they have rooms available. RESERVATIONS HERE
AIRPORT - Chattanooga has a great airport only 11 miles away. If you are looking at flying in, our airport code is CHA. Airlines servicing CHA are Delta, United, AA, and Allegiant. Airport website: https://www.chattairport.com/
TOURISM - Looking for Things To Do in Chattanooga? Why not make it a family trip and stay for a while. There are tons of things to do in this region. Whatever you are interested in, there is something great to do here. The possibilities are endless, so we recommend planning your itinerary now at VisitChattanooga.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
9:00 - Welcome! Check-in and drop off your fig trees for the White Elephant and Trade tables. Go shop the nursery with your coupon!
10:00 - Opening Announcements and The Giving of Gifts - We have some gifts to bestow upon some unsuspecting figsters. If you brought a gift for someone, now is a great time to do so.
10:10 - Morning Speaker: Randy Krohn "How to Grow Fig Trees in Pots" See Randy's Bio HERE
11:00 - Fig Walk 'n' Talk with Angel Miller - A short guided tour of the fig trees at Ooltewah Nursery. (optional)
11:30 - Lunch & Mingle - break to munch, mingle, chat, shop, and trade. Visit the food truck and Demo Booths
11:45 – White Elephant Fig Exchange
12:50 - Group Photos
1:00 – Keynote Speaker: Ryan Trusty "Growing Figs in a High Tunnel" See Ryan's Bio HERE
1:50 - Drawing for Grand Prizes - We have some awesome prizes donated.
2:00 – Winner Announced: Finest Figster of 2024
Stay and hang, like a ripe fig, as long as you wish. (Nursery closes at 5:00 p.m.)
6:00 - Hang Time dinner - A private social event for OurFigs.com members
Photos and videos will be taken during the event and may potentially be shared on the internet and/or possibly used to promote future events. By my attendance at this event, you acknowledge this possibility and give consent.