The Battle of Byron Festival

The Battle of Byron festival got its start in 1979 when the City of Byron became involved with the Governor’s Project Competition. The competition was spearheaded by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, through the efforts of Gov. George Busbee. The purpose of the competition was to encourage small cities to plan projects of community improvements, without seeking state help through the grants program. The Battle of Byron was begun as part of this competition.
The Battle was the brainchild of then City Clerk Frances McDaniel. Some residents were skeptical about the success of the Battle when it began in 1979, but, being the optimist Frances is, she pushed, prodded, and promoted the Battle into one of the largest successes in Peach County.

Since that time, the Battle of Byron has been used as a major fundraiser for civic and church groups with many residents working together to benefit specific community projects. The success of the Battle hinges on the cooperation of its volunteers, sponsors, and vendors and also on the challenges issued.

The Battle of Byron is centered in the historic district of downtown Byron on Main Street, Jail House Alley, and at the old school on Moseley Road on the first Saturday of May each year. Admission is FREE and the public is encouraged to attend, join in or just have a good time watching as new challenges are added each year. There have been numerous memorable challenges: the Trike Race, the Fanny Race, the Bed Chase, the Greased Flagpole, the Auburn Tigers vs. the UGA Dawgs Tug-of-War, Mud Volleyball, Pie Eating Challenge, and the “Distinguished Ladies” challenge, to name a few. In addition to challenges, the Battle also provides continuous entertainment, food vendors, an arts and crafts show, an antique car show, a 5K road race, and more.

The Battle is a fun way for people to be together, chat with old friends, meet new friends, and let their frustrations out by challenging them to an event they know they can win. The slogan of the challenge is, as in the song, “I can do anything better than you.”