Sweet City Chat

Behind The Onion Festival Scenes | Billy Ragan & Heather Mean

It’s one of the busiest times of the year in Vidalia — and it doesn’t happen by accident. In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Heather Mead, Chair of the Onion Festival Committee, and Billy Reagan, Chair of the Airshow Committee, to talk about what it really takes to pull these events off. If you’re planning to be there — or just curious how it all comes together — this one gives you a better appreciation for the people making it happen. Get your tickets here ---> https://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com/tickets [https://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com/tickets]

Onion Festival Feature: A Conversation with Chef Skye Estroff

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with chef and media personality Skye Estroff, this year’s featured guest for the Onion Festival cooking demo. With family roots in Vidalia and a growing presence in the food and media world. Skye shares her journey, her connection to this community, and what she’s looking forward to as part of this year’s festival. If you’re planning to be at Onion Festival, this is a great way to get to know the chef you’ll see on stage. Skye's Nini on Bobby Flay [https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sweet-potato-souffle-recipe-1937365] Skye’s Website <— [HTTPS://www.skye-estroff.com] Buy Tickets <— [HTTPS://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com]

Showcasing the Sweet Onion City: Tourism, Tradition & Onion Festival Season

What brings people to Vidalia — and what keeps them coming back? In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Alexa Britton, Director of the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, to talk about how our city tells its story to the world. From the role of Visit Vidalia to the experience of the Vidalia Onion Museum, Alexa gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how tourism works in a community like ours. We also dive into what this time of year really looks like as Onion Festival season ramps up — one of the busiest and most exciting times in Vidalia. From planning and promotion to the energy it brings into town, this episode highlights why tourism is such an important part of our local identity and economy. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or seeing Vidalia through fresh eyes, this episode is all about what makes our city worth visiting — and worth celebrating. IN THIS EPISODE: * What the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau actually does * How Visit Vidalia helps promote the city * The story and experience behind the Vidalia Onion Museum * Why tourism matters to Vidalia’s growth and identity * What's coming for the 2026 Vidalia Onion Festival season LEARN MORE: Visit Vidalia: www.visitvidalia.com [www.visitvidalia.com] City of Vidalia: www.vidaliaga.gov [www.vidaliaga.gov] ABOUT SWEET CITY CHAT: Sweet City Chat is the official podcast of the City of Vidalia, highlighting the people, projects, and progress shaping our community. CREDITS: Produced by Jaden banks & Hosted by Zac Moore

Driving Growth: Industry, Investment & Opportunity in Vidalia

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Michele Johnson, Executive Director of the Toombs County Development Authority and President of the Greater Vidalia Chamber of Commerce. We talk about the growth happening across our region — from activity in the industrial park to the role of the Tax Allocation District in attracting new investment. We also explore how the Chamber and local partners are supporting entrepreneurs and building a stronger business community from the ground up. If you’ve ever wondered how projects get off the ground and what’s shaping the future of Vidalia, this is the conversation behind it all.

Public Safety | Part 2: Inside the Vidalia Fire Department

In Part 2 of our Public Safety series, we sit down with Fire Chief Brian Sikes to talk about what’s happening at the Vidalia Fire Department. From a new fire station tied to recent annexation to updated trucks and equipment, we take a look at how the department is growing to better serve the community. We also highlight the people behind the department and the role they play in keeping Vidalia safe every day — and what’s ahead for fire service in 2026.