A list of the top ten events you can’t afford to miss for the upcoming week. Click event for details.

May 15
Savannah Fashion Week Trunk Show @ Custard Boutique

May 17
Georgia Historical Society Garden Party

May 17
3rd Annual Savannah Fashion Week Runway Show

May 18
Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade 2012

May 18 & 19
SEAM: Savannah Emerging Artists Movement (Preview and Pop-Up Shop)

May 18
Preservation Festival – Preservation Wine Tour

May 18
Alzheimer’s Association Dancing Stars of Coastal Georgia

May 18
Exposed Fashion Show

May 19
SCAD Fashion Show 2012

May 19
Savannah Philharmonic Season Finale: Schubert & Bruckner

Savannah’s inaugural month-long Preservation Festival is in full swing. Last Thursday Historic Savannah Foundation celebrated outstanding rehabilitation, craftsmanship and new design during its Awards Luncheon at Ships of the Sea Museum Garden. A jury of local experts in architecture, planning, design and related fields scrutinized nominations, and awarded projects that have made a difference and represented a variety of interests throughout Savannah and Chatham County. Award-winning projects ranged from the restoration of the Houston Praise House in Port Wentworth which once served slaves on Rice Hope Plantation to a 1920s-style Tybee Cottage. Project winners Steve and Louisa Buckner shared their story of how the restoration of their home at 611 Whitaker Street brought them together in a joint endeavor after the death of their spouses. The two were married in front of the mantelpiece amid construction debris and unfinished walls.

Next Friday, May 18th, 24e presents Exposed, sponsored by South Magazine. The event aims to expose the raw, lucid beauty of Savannah’s underground fashion scene. It features Project Runway’s Peach Carr, Mangled Courtesan by April Johnston and The Exquisite Corpse by Michael Drummond.

With Mother’s Day fast approaching this Sunday, you may still be scrambling to find that special gift for Mom. Luckily, South has you covered with some great gift ideas and special sales going on here in Savannah.

Savannah’s sartorial superstars will be on full display during Savannah Fashion Week 2012. The event kicks off on Monday, May 14, with evening events on Broughton Street, the Downtown Design District, and midtown leading up to the finale fashion show and exclusive after party at the Lucas Theatre on Thursday, May 17th. Doors open at 6:30 P.M., and the show starts at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are available online at Savannah Box Office or by calling 912-525-5050. See our events calendar for more information.

Just last month, the 4-mile obstacle run affectionately known as the Big Nasty Mud Run was held in Bloomingdale, GA. The course, which requires contestants to climb walls, run uphill (carrying a tire), and fall into mud pits, proved to be a messy good time. SouthTV’s Heather Myrick was on the scene for the “Big Nasty” fun.

This week promises to be a carnival of flavors for food lovers. Beginning on Thursday at 11:30 A.M., Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) will host the Preservation Festival Awards Luncheon at the Ships of the Sea Museum. The Foundation will recognize builders, homeowners, architects, craftsmen and more who have completed exemplary preservation projects. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance either online at www.myhsf.org or by calling 912-233-7787.

The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) hosted its third annual Night of Champions Thursday night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The ballroom was packed as the community recognized area businesses that employ differently abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrated the contributions made by these employees. Both laughter and tears filled the ballroom as employers shared moving stories of their remarkable and unique employees, and as the honorees stood at the podium to express their gratitude for being given the opportunity to be productive and contributing members of society.

This Sunday, May 6th, Forsyth Park will be filled from 12:00 – 4:00 P.M. with canine lovers and their pets during the 2012 Doggie Carnival, a fundraising event to benefit the Humane Society for Greater Savannah. The day will be filled with great food, carnival games, contests, raffles, prizes and the best dog-watching Savannah has to offer. Don’t miss out on interacting with Chatham County Sherriff’s Office K9 Unit demonstration offering a Q & A session with the officer, as well as an amazing canine agility & frisbee show featuring 10 aerobatic dynamo dogs.

This evening, try a sampling of A.lure, a new restaurant specializing in contemporary Lowcountry cuisine for $15 at the door. All proceeds from the tasting will go to help Second Harvest, a volunteer-driven nonprofit food bank.

Owner Daniel Berman brings his love of the Lowcountry and his appreciation of produce straight from the farm to every table. With a unique blend of locally grown organic produce, seafood and meat, A.lure is a new approach to traditional Southern favorites from shrimp and grits, to a Lowcountry boil.