KINGSLAND — Kingsland Mayor-Elect Samantha Johnson has announced plans to revive “Kickstart Kingsland,” a community-focused initiative aimed at bringing residents together through events, beautification efforts, and local engagement.
In a public Facebook post shared April 8, Johnson said the program has existed for roughly a decade as part of Kickstart Cleveland County but has seen limited activity in recent years. She noted that she was only recently made aware of the initiative but quickly recognized its potential to strengthen community connections.
Johnson said leadership of the program has officially been passed to her by Sharon Crosby, who previously oversaw the effort. According to Johnson, participation declined over time due to challenges in recruiting volunteers and maintaining consistent event turnout.
Looking ahead, Johnson outlined an ambitious vision for the program’s future, emphasizing events designed to bring residents together and create lasting memories. Proposed activities include seasonal celebrations such as Easter egg hunts, Halloween events for children, Fourth of July fireworks, Christmas gatherings, and community Thanksgiving meals, as well as ongoing town clean-up efforts.
Johnson also confirmed the return of the Kickstart Kingsland music festival, which had been held annually for the past five years. Plans for this year’s festival include live music, vendors, food trucks, games, face painting, rides, a photo booth, train rides for children, a car show, and various contests, with additional details expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
As part of the relaunch, Johnson is inviting community members to help name the festival. She noted that while she favored the name “Cash Days of Kingsland,” it cannot be used due to restrictions related to the Johnny Cash name. Residents are encouraged to submit ideas, with a $25 Sonic gift card offered for the winning entry.
Johnson emphasized that the success of Kickstart Kingsland will depend on community involvement, including volunteers, fundraising support, and participation in events. She also indicated that additional opportunities to get involved will be announced soon.
The initiative is expected to expand its presence in the near future with the launch of dedicated social media pages and a website.
