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Hazzard Comes to Byron

Clinton Bourgeois

For the next three days, Peach County is Hazzard County. All living cast members of the hit TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard" will be in Byron.

"To get them all back together is almost unheard of," said Chris Jennings, the Festival Producer. "But especially to get them all back together for three days, that's really unheard of."

But it's happening this weekend as the Dukes of Hazzard Georgia Reunion comes to Byron and so are 70 thousand expected fans.

"It's a little more than I was expecting, but the Dukes of Hazzards have a huge following," said Jennings.

Jennings says location and the history of the Middle Georgia Motor Speedway makes it the perfect venue.

"Most people know the history of the moonshine still that was found under turn three when they shut the track down in the late 70's," said Jennings. "Moonshine, racing, Dukes of Hazzard being in Georgia where the first 5 episodes were filmed in Covington, Ga."

With fans from all 50 states and 9 countries coming to town, Jenning predicts the economic impact will be huge.

"All the hotels are booked, the restaurants will have plenty of business, the economics to Byron will be astronomical."

Historically it's been a one day event called DukeFest, held at various motor speedways across the south, but Jennings is taking it to another level.

"We've taken it to three days added a music festival with 11 concerts."

With headliners like The Lacs, car shows, and over 200 vendors.

"The best cooking in town," shouted the grandson of Deborah Hogan as he pointed to the family's business logo.

Hogan is from Cochran, and owns of Granny's Mobile Kitchen, she's a huge Duke's of Hazzard fan.

"Probably one of their biggest fans,'' she said.

She's looking forward to maybe the Duke's stopping by for a bite to eat.

"Excited about meeting all of the Dukes, because I haven't met some of them," she said.

And the exposure her small business can get from such a big crowd.

"I hope all 70 thousand comes to Granny's Mobile Kitchen."

Other entertainment include a rock wall and a 30 ft. high zip line. One day tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Mulit-day passes are also available for $35 in advance or $40 at the gate.
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