History in the making
The mission of the Historical
Society of Lula Bellton, GA is to preserve the history of Lula and Bellton, but also to assure that our railroad and pottery legacy is passed on to future generations.
Who are we?
The scenic Lula area and its rural lifestyle attract families seeking a quieter life. The Historical Society of Lula Bellton, GA works to preserve and share local history through documents, artifacts, and stories, and welcomes new members. As a 501(c)(3), we raise funds for preservation and often collaborate with other nonprofits.
Downtown Lula
Lula has changed it’s foot print over the years. If you look carefully you will notice that the Adams Building, or as we call it today, The Lula Mercantile and Vintage Shop still stands today.
Membership or Friendship
Although membership varies, the friendships formed endure. We are now holding events to recruit new members.
Events
The Historical Society of Lula Bellton, GA hosts several events annually: the Memorial Day Ceremony (May), Annual Lula Car Show (June), Lula Fall Festival (September), and Veteran’s Day Ceremony (November). We also join the City of Lula for Railroad Day in May and Christmas in Lula in December. Our active involvement helps preserve and share local history.
Up Coming Events
The Historical Society of Lula Bellton, GA actively participates in the Lula community. Here are our upcoming events:
Community Game Night
Various Thursdays and Saturdays throughout 2026
This year as part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration, 150 years of Lula, the community has chosen to get together to play games, socialize and just have a good time.
Each one of the Community groups in town will be rotating who hosts each month: Lula Ladies, Lula Development Authority and the Historical Society of Lula Bellton.
January might have been colder than all get out but those that showed up had a wonderful time playing board games, card and even coloring. The Historical Society also brought snacks for everyone to enjoy.
February’s Game Night has talked about being even bigger!
Hope to see you there!
Sesquicentennial Lula Chili Cook-off
CANCELLED
Unfortunately, due to a lack of Contestant Participation, the Host of this event have Cancelled it this year.
Memorial Day Celebration
Monday, May 25, 2026
The Memorial Day Celebration is scheduled for Monday, May 25th, 2026, at the Lula Depot. The ceremony will commence at 10:00 a.m. This event provides an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance of those who served and did not return home.
A commemorative display honoring the service men and women of Lula throughout the years will be featured. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be a dedicated time to express gratitude to Veterans present at the event.
Keep your eyes open for additional details
Throughout 2026
As Lula approaches its Sesquicentennial (150) year in 2026, the City of Lula’s City Council, Historical Society of Lula Bellton, Lula Development Authority, Lula Ladies, and Lula Masons are collaboratively planning several events to commemorate this significant milestone.
Lula’s Annual Car Show
Saturday,June 6, 2026
New for the 2026 Lula Car Show is the BBQ Competition, held as part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration marking Lula’s 150th anniversary. As always, we encourage car enthusiasts of all ages to showcase their vehicles for the community. Our judges look forward to welcoming returning participants and new competitors alike.
This event is designed to be enjoyable for the entire family, not just a “guys’ day out.” Crafters will display their goods and additional kid-friendly activities are planned for this year.
We are also pleased to announce that proceeds from the event will benefit two non-profit organizations, including the returning Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 15 from Cornelia.
Sign up to be a Vendor or BBQ Contestant Click on one of the links below:
2026 Lula Car Show& BBQ Competition – BBQ Competition Entry – Fill out form
2026 Lula Car Show & BBQ Competition – Vendor Application – Fill out form
Lula Fall Festival
September 26 & 27, 2026
The Lula Fall Festival is quickly gaining popularity as a must-visit event for fall enthusiasts. Our crafters, food vendors, and kids’ vendors are looking forward to the announcement of when vendor applications will open. They’re excited for attendees to explore their offerings—whether it’s home décor, family entertainment, delicious food, or unique gifts for loved ones.
This year, the festival will be featured as part of the city’s Sesquicentennial celebration and will introduce a new Scarecrow competition to the lineup, with more details coming soon.
Held over two days in September, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to our small community, and we can’t wait to showcase everything Lula has in store!
To sign up to be a vendor click on the link below:
PAST EVENTS:
As a Historical Society, we keep records of past events because we believe history is made every day.
2025 Lula Fall Festival
Recap
The 11th annual Lula Fall Festival was a resounding success. Now in its fourth year at Rafe Banks Baseball Park in Lula, GA, the festival continues to grow significantly beyond the capacity of its previous venue at the Lula Depot. While the accompanying photographs were taken at the conclusion of the event, they do not fully capture its scale and energy. This year’s festival welcomed an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 attendees over two days, surpassing last year’s turnout. The event featured 110 registered vendors occupying 140 booths. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the 2025 Lula Fall Festival. This achievement is a direct result of the commitment and diligence of our Fall Festival Committee staff, whose efforts ensured a memorable experience for all involved.
The 2025 sponsors include: City of Lula, GA; Lula Mercantile & Vintage Shop; Truck Guys Inc.; North Atlanta Golf Carts; Elise Deli Provisions – BoarsHead; Hog Slat Inc.; M&R Equipment Rental; McGuire Logistics; Chaser Transport; Three Oaks Contracting; Hudson River Rolloffs Inc.; and Spirit & Truth Ministries.
Planning for the 2026 event is already underway.
Meet the Candidates Q&A
October 9th 2025 6:30pm
In partnership with Lula News, the Historical Society of Lula Bellton GA held its first Meet the Candidates Q&A event. Moderators Cole Cleiman and Nora Almazan from WCHM Radio posed identical questions to each candidate and managed the proceedings. Board Member Bobby Shockley served as timekeeper, while President Juliette Talley Roberts acted as MC. Jim Grier, a Board Member and Lula News reporter, coordinated the broadcast of the event via Facebook and YouTube for remote viewers.
Some of the questions were familiar, such as those about property taxes, visions for our future, and hopes for Lula’s development.
The event was anticipated to provide meaningful insights and represented an important milestone in the advancement of civic engagement within our city. Mayoral candidates Amanda Browning and Bruce Lane shared their perspectives on Lula’s future. District #2 candidate Andrew Carlyle provided insights and introduced himself to the community. District #3 candidate Chris Lewallen, the only incumbent running for re-election, responded thoroughly. Felton Wood, also from District #3, declined to participate.
2025 Lula Election Results
from November 4th, 2025
The 2025 City of Lula Elections garnered significant attention within the community. With Mayor Joe Thomas and Councilwoman Denise Shockley stepping down from their positions, there was considerable anticipation regarding who would fill these seats. Amanda Browning and Bruce Lane both entered the mayoral race, while Andrew Carlyle ran unopposed for the District 2 Council seat, succeeding Mrs. Shockley. Notably, the District 3 Council seat attracted considerable interest, as Chris Lewallen, who had won a special election against Felton Wood in May 2024, faced Mr. Wood once more.
On November 4th, numerous community members—including citizens, current officials, candidates, and their families—gathered at the Lula Depot to await the official election results. A Community Meal was shared by those who attended the Results Party, and attendees experienced several hours of anticipation as both election day and early votes were tallied.
In the mayoral contest, Amanda Browning received 125 votes, while Bruce Lane secured 276 votes, winning 68.83% of the total. Both candidates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and concluded the evening on amicable terms. For Council Seat #2, Andrew Carlyle was elected unopposed with 382 votes. In District 3, prior to the announcement of results, Mr. Wood conceded to Mr. Lewallen. Chris Lewallen ultimately retained Council Seat #3 with 84.1% of the vote (328 votes), compared to Felton Wood’s 62 votes.
Even though this was not a HSLB sanctioned event, we feel like it is important to record as a part of our history. There are many pictures of this event on our HSLB Facebook page.
Veterans Community Meal
November 8, 2025
On November 8, 2025, the Lula Ladies organized the Veteran’s Day Meal, bringing together veterans and members of the community to share food and camaraderie. Guests enjoyed hotdogs with a variety of toppings, a selection of desserts, and various beverages. As a tribute, the East Hall ROTC performed a presentation of the Colors to honor veterans.
The art program from Lula Elementary School contributed an art project that both decorated the Lula Depot and expressed gratitude towards veterans for their service. Many attendees had the opportunity to personally thank veterans from the community, enjoy a meal with them, and acknowledge their dedication to the county. One attendee highlighted the importance of recognizing veterans’ families for their sacrifices as well.
Ms. Grier, who founded the Lula Ladies, generously shared WWII photographs from her family’s personal collection with the community for the event. The HSLB displayed its collection featuring community members who have served in uniform and set up a “Fallen Soldier Table” to pay respect to those who are no longer with us.
Photographs from the event are available on HSLB’s Facebook page. The HSLB extends heartfelt thanks to all veterans and their families for their commitment and sacrifices.
Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 2025
On November 11, 2025, the Historical Society organized the Veterans’ Day Ceremony at the Lula Depot, despite cold weather conditions. Board Member Bobby Shockley served as Master of Ceremonies, while Mayor Elect Bruce Lane delivered the invocation. Jerry Neace, the City of Lula’s Assistant Manager, presented a speech reflecting on Veterans Day, his military service, and expressing appreciation to service members and their families. Whitney Johnson from Airline Baptist Church performed the National Anthem, accompanied by attendees.
Following the ceremony, community members expressed their gratitude to the attending Veterans for their service and sacrifice. Refreshments, prepared by the HSLB and Lula Ladies, were shared in the Kitchenette. The event also featured displays of uniformed Veteran photographs belonging to the HSLB and Mrs. Grier’s family collection of WWII photographs. The Fallen Soldier Table was exhibited as well.
Photographs from the entire event are available on the HSLB’s Facebook page.
Grainchmas in Lula
December 6th, 2025
On December 6th, 2025 the City of Lula hosted their annual Christmas Festival and Parade in lights. This year’s theme was “Grinchmas”.
Families from all over the area showed up to this family friendly free event. The kids love it because of all the free activities, free goodies, the candy tossed during the parade and the cool Christmas themed vehicles/floats. Parent’s love the fact that it helps kick off the holiday season for their families.
This year the City of Lula, LIVE streamed the whole parade with commentary by Jerry Neace (Assistant City Manager) and Nora Almazan (Radio personality with WCHM).
Many of the Community leaders all had float or vehicles in the parade, including several council members, the current mayor and the mayor elect, Bruce Lane. Several of the local Churches and business also participated. The local Car club and many in the community also decked out their Foat/vehicle to the 9’s.
Grand Marshall, Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause brought the parade to a close, showing the Holiday season had really begun. The local children and parents alike followed that float back to the Lula Depot to get their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause. There was even a special photo op with a Mini Grinch!
Our & Purpose & Mission
A GEORGIA Non-profit Corporation
PURPOSE
The Historical Society of Lula Bellton GA is dedicated to finding, preserving, and sharing documents, artifacts and stories to help people become aware of and to enjoy our local history in the cities of Lula and Bellton and the surrounding area.
MISSION
We are dedicated to becoming our community’s pathway to history education and preserving elements of historical significance in our community such as the historical Bellton Cemetery, the red caboose at the Lula Depot and other elements throughout our city. Through our educational programs, community events, exhibits, and historic structures, we strive to be a leading resource for promoting a greater understanding of local history as it relates to Georgia and national history.
Members:
Our members include some individuals who have four generations of family history in Lula and newcomers who simply want to know more about the community where they now live and its people. Curiosity is a common thread among our members as well as gratitude for the people who made our community what it is today.
Member Meetings:
Meetings are held at the Lula Depot at 6:30pm
5911 Wall St., Lula, GA 30554
Meeting dates for 2026:
January 26th, February 23rd, March 23rd, April 27th,
June 1st, June 29th, July 27th, August 24th,
September 28nd, October 26th, and November 30th, 2026.