Tickets are on sale for the 2016 Bird Supper, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, at the historic Georgia Railroad Depot, in Atlanta, beginning at 5 p.m. The traditional event, sponsored by the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and the City of Valdosta, brings together hundreds of state officials and local business, professional and government personnel for a dinner of quail and important conversations.
 
“Professionals from all areas affected by legislative decisions should participate in this event, such as those from the business, education, development and construction, health care, industry, agriculture, and government, to name a few,” said Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter. “It is important to have events such as the Bird Supper that allow local leaders to meet with and become familiar with their legislators and state officials, as both sides benefit from understanding the needs and philosophies of the other and from listening, which ultimately leads to better informed decision making.”
 
Since the 1950s, the Bird Supper has been providing a venue for local professionals to be a catalyst for impacting legislative issues by keeping Valdosta and Lowndes County in the minds of the state officials during a half-way point of the legislative session.
 
“The Bird Supper continues to serve the same purpose as it did when first organized,” said Valdosta Mayor John Gayle.  “The event provides the opportunity that participants may not have at other times of the year, and particularly during the time of year when legislation is in session with critical bills before them. As a businessman, I encourage our local community stakeholders to be the voice for our community at this event in Atlanta.”
 
Tickets may be purchased for $50 each at the Lowndes County Judicial-Administrative Complex, located at 327 North Ashley Street, First Floor-Utility Payment Window. Tickets are also available for purchase from the City Clerk at Valdosta City Hall, located at 216 E. Central Avenue.