Finally, after the relentless ribbing and smart aleck cracks that retired Bainbridge City Manager Charles Tyson has launched at others—it’s his turn.

The Bainbridge Pilot Club will hold its annual roast and Tyson will be the subject of the jokes and roasts.

But hold on a minute.

“I get the last crack at them, so beware,” Tyson warned those who will have the pleasure—or pain—of roasting him on Thursday, March 26, at the Jimmy Harrell Gallery at the Firehouse Center, beginning at 7 p.m.

The 76-year-old said he’s been a participant of many roasts, but he’s never been the roastee.

“I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but I’m happy to help the Pilot Club,” Tyson said Wednesday. “They do a lot of good for the community.”

Karon Elwell, an organizer of the event, said many persons have said to “roast him good,” but then didn’t want to actually do it.

Those brave enough to take the stage next Thursday are former Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox, who will serve as master of ceremonies; Tyson’s colleague, Gene Dunlap, and his wife, Clair; Vera Custer, and Al Kelley, the director of Bainbridge Leisure Services, who served under Tyson.

Pilot Club, has held the roast now for 24 or 25 years, with the first one being Jack Wingate, Elwell said.

Tyson retired as city manager in 2002, then eventually went to work at DeHildren Realty, concentrating on commercial real estate.

Tyson and his wife, Polly, came to Bainbridge in 1986 when the late Mayor Bill Reynolds and the city council hired him. Prior to that, Tyson had been city manager of Johnson City, Tenn., Moultrie, Ga., and Kissimmee, Fla.

Tickets to the roast are $20 each and may be purchased by calling Elwell at 248-3800, Ext. 3118, or Emily Yent at 246-6400.