Join us for a special book launch celebration with acclaimed Georgia author Lauretta Hannon as she introduces her newest release, “A Priest Walks into a Waffle House: Stories from a Gritty, Grace-Filled Life. “ The author will provide a short presentation and reading from her book. She will offer a special gift to the first 20 people who purchase the book at this event; she will be available for book signings.

The book is on sale at both Georgia’s Rome Welcome Center and Gift Shop locations.

This event will be held in Downtown Rome at the Broadview Event Venue, located above the Rome Area History Center and the Downtown Welcome Center and Gift Shop. Map

Waffle House Attire Encouraged! Wear something that represents Waffle House to you—funny, nostalgic, or creative. Costume props are welcome, but no real weapons, please.

About the Book

There’s more to Lauretta Hannon’s life and work than just laughs. A lot more,” says Paul Moses of V3 Magazine. “There’s a sort of therapeutic magic in the things she does. It’s medicinal merriment. Her words and style were forged in the crucible of a common human experience: pain. The exuberance rises from—and is tempered by—suffering. That is the bonding factor between herself and her followers. With a pithy economy of words, often hilarious, always poignant, Hannon invites her readers to identify with her as she encourages them to keep on trying.”

In this era of unprecedented division and distraction, we’ve lost the ability to recognize the goodness all around us. But it doesn’t have to be that way. From the acclaimed author of The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joy-Filled Life comes a cheeky spiritual memoir with an audacious message of hope.

In this collection of stories, Hannon shows that joy can arise from the deepest abyss; that everyone is designed with purpose and hardwired for restoration; and that love and peace are entirely warranted and possible. This is because grace abounds where we often miss it: in the grittiness of life.

Consider this book as a bit of story medicine for fraught times. A tonic that will actually make you feel better. And though it openly rebels against our collective despair, it never sugarcoats reality. The humor and the heartbreak flow in equal measure. The book ends with an instruction manual on how to become a “Real Radical” in a groaning world. This guide aims to point you to a place of personal peace, good cheer, and loving perspective—no matter what.

Born from a supernatural encounter in a Waffle House, this is ostensibly a story of the author’s eventual, fitful, and comical conversion to Catholicism. But it is more than that. It is part tender meditation, part war cry, and a rollicking good time for readers of any faith or no faith.

“Lauretta Hannon has a rare gift for finding grace exactly where life feels most human: messy, funny, tender, and true. Her stories are offered with wit, compassion, and an unflinching eye for the holy hiding in plain sight.” —Lisa C. Williams, author and philanthropist

Lauretta Hannon is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and writing teacher. Crowned “The Funniest Woman in Georgia” by Southern Living, she’s been a commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered, and her work has been featured in many national media outlets. Learn more about her at laurettahannon.com.

Lauretta Loves Rome, GA
Lauretta loves her adopted hometown of Rome! Truly. She currently serves as executive director of institutional advancement and the GNTG Foundation. Working with President Popham and the Foundation Board, she works to raise funds that are used to support students through scholarships and emergency assistance. It’s her joy to do this work!

With hits like “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” “Too Cold at Home,” “Brother Jukebox” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” three-time platinum-selling Mark Chesnutt is considered one of the most successful voices of the ‘90s country music scene. In 1989, he signed a record deal with MCA Nashville and was notching chart-toppers within one year. By the decade’s end, he earned 14 No. 1 hits and 23 Top 10 songs, sold more than 12 million albums and was a CMA Horizon Award Winner. He won a second CMA Award (Vocal Event of the Year) in 1993 for his participation on the legendary George Jones’ “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.”Billboard named him one of the most-played country artists of the decade. Chesnutt is known for his neotraditionalist country and honky-tonk influences with frequent stylistic comparisons to George Jones. He has recorded several cover songs as both singles and album cuts including covers of Hank Williams Jr., John Anderson, Don Gibson, Conway Twitty and Charlie Rich.

Tickets On Sale Now: ForumRiverCenter.com

Fiddlin’ Fest will return to downtown Rome this year and feature artist vendors, car show,  live music performances and plein air painting showcase. This year’s festival will include the River District!
Downtown Rome will transform into one large street festival!

Festival Hours: 10 am – 4pm (Broad Street & River District)
After Party Concert: 7 pm (River District)
Location: 100, 200, 300, 400 blocks of Broad Street, River District – 5th Avenue

• Live performances throughout the event
• 2 event stages
• Armuchee Ruritan Car show – the largest car show in Rome of the year!
• Arts & Crafts (Artist Application)
• Food vendors (Vendor Application)
• Sidewalk sales
• Plein air art show case (Artist Entry)
• Free admission!

Georgia’s Rome Plein Air Showcase (Happening during Fiddlin’ Fest!)

Calling all artists—beginner to professional! This one-day plein air painting event invites you to capture the charm, color, and life of Downtown Rome as it comes alive during Fiddlin’ Fest. Artists will paint en plein air (outdoors) between 8:00 AM and noon, choosing from scenic streets, parks, bridges, and historical landmarks – open to beginner artist – compete to win cash prizes! Learn More

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