Battle of Byron Returns for Third-Year Celebration

BYRON, Ga. – “Let the Battle Begin!” was the phrase of the day last Saturday as the recently resurrected Battle of Byron returned for its third year in Downtown Byron. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., people were able to come and enjoy food, music, games, and more!

Byron’s annual festival had a wide array of activities ranging from shopping to games and competitions. People were able to partake in mud volleyball, sack races, egg races, hula hoop contests, bubble-blowing competitions, high-heel races, and much more.

Alongside the many competitions, there were multiple food trucks for people to browse. There were also multiple bands and artists providing live music including Atticus Roness, Zach Butler, The Varden, and more.

The Byron Convention and Visitors Bureau was at the newly renovated Historic Train Depot, providing those visiting free Byron memorabilia and information about the history of Byron. 

During the opening ceremony, Battle of Byron Chairman Austin Simar took a moment to thank one of his friends and the current Director Of Transportation At B.O.B. Devon Davis. According to Simar, Davis was one of the frontrunners for helping bring the Battle back to Byron. 

Simar was very happy with this year’s festival, with each year being able to go further than the previous due to the various sponsors that helped make the Battle possible.

“I think the festival turned out really well. We had lots of things going on! We had 100 vendors, 18 food trucks, a car show, live music, and tons of games and challenges for people of every age! Some of the challenges included adult couples musical chairs, tug of war, mud volleyball, distinguished ladies contest, egg races, hoppity hop races, jump rope contest, men’s prettiest legs, trike races and so much more!” Simar said. “I’m very satisfied with how everything turned out.”

Simar was overjoyed with the overall turnout from the community. 

“I think the community really showed up and showed out! Even when it started to drizzle, the people pushed through!” Simar stated. “I was so proud looking out into the crowd and seeing all of those people.”

Simar wanted to take a moment to thank everyone involved in helping make the Battle of Byron a success.

“I want to say thank you to all of the vendors, sponsors, elected officials, first responders, staff, and most importantly to the attendees of the festival. I also want to say that this was a team effort and I absolutely couldn’t have done any of this without each and every single member of my staff. From the members of the board all the way to the day of volunteers. I have an amazing staff who is always willing to help and I want them to get as much credit as possible because they are the ones who made it happen!” Simar said.

Simar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring the Battle back to Byron with the help of his staff and the support of the community.

“I want to express how much of an honor it is to be able to serve as chairman of this great event. I am honored to lead such an amazing group of people and I am honored to live in such an amazing community. I do want to give a special shout-out to Byron Heritage Church for providing breakfast for my staff as well as breakfast for the first responders!” Simar stated. “I also want to say how much of an honor and a privilege it is to serve as Chairman of this great event for the past 3 years and I look forward to next year’s event. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2, 2026, for another great Battle!”