Special to The Post-Searchlight

Family and friends of Jack Wingate will celebrate the life and legacy of Jack Wingate, “the Sage of Seminole,” at Bainbridge College’s Kirbo Center on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Starting at 10 a.m., a Rock-a-Thon kicks off the festivities, along with a children’s bait-casting competition, a “go fish” pond for the little ones, a silent auction with lots of items, and a 50-50 raffle. Music starts at 1 p.m. Folks will also be sharing their memories of Jack, and Wingate BBQ sandwiches and “Real Wingate House dressing” will be available. Charlie Platt of Channel 18 in Dothan, Ala., will be the emcee, and Reel Rock Productions and Production Support Group of Tallahassee is providing the sound. All ages are welcome. A donation of $5 per child under 12, $10 per adult or $15 per couple is requested.

All proceeds will go into the “Friends of Jack Wingate” trust fund to restore and preserve the artifacts, memorabilia and the log cabin that is home to all these treasures. The goal is to be recognized by the state of Georgia as a historic site and museum to be open to the public on a limited bbasis at first. Ultimately, the goal is to continue Wingate’s legacy of teaching children (and adults) about the local history and Native Americans that lived and fought in the area.

Hundreds of man hours by Jack, friends, neighbors, craftsmen and the young men that worked at the fishing lodge were required to make the cabin a home. The Wingates moved in Dec 10, 1986, and Jack passed away two days before their 25th anniversary of living there. It has evolved into a museum of sorts for the many Indian artifacts, war relics and family heirlooms Jack and his wife collected over their lifetimes. It was Jack’s greatest wish that his legacy become a state recognized, historic site and museum. The goal is to see that dream realized.

For more information, search for the “Jack’s BBQ ‘n’ Hoedown” event page on Facebook.