Make memories this summer and plan now to visit the 63d annual Georgia Mountain Fair, July 19-27 in nearby Hiawassee, situated along the banks of beautiful Lake Chatuge. Leave in the morning after enjoying breakfast at Lucille’s and plan to spend a fun-filled day at the Fair. Just a short drive north from the Inn, we’ll make sure you know the scenic route so that you can enjoy the local beauty on your trip over to Georgia’s premier year round gathering spot, The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Let your inner child come out and play! This is one of the largest and most diverse events in the Georgia mountains, offering all the fun a country fair promises and more. Enjoy your favorite midway rides, tasty local food, including local barbecue and smoked trout.
The Pioneer Village is always a must see. Step back in time to see how early Georgia mountaineers lived through demonstrations of daily chores and story-telling by local folks. The Pioneer village features actual log cabins and other out buildings that were moved to the fairgrounds to provide an authentic setting to preserve the daily traditions of mountain life. A highlight this year will be tinsmith demonstrations from nationally renowned Tinsmith, Michael Felk.
Another “can’t miss” at the Georgia Mountain Fair is the famous flower show in the Hiawassee Garden Club building. Put on by local gardeners to show off the variety of beautiful mountain flowers and foliage, the flower show is spectacular and rich in color and form. If you are a nostalgia fan, we suggest you stroll through the Exhibit Hall and catch all the highlights of earlier Georgia Mountain Fairs, featuring photos of musical performers and memorabilia from bygone fairs dating back to opening day in 1950. The Exhibit Hall is also home to a sizable collection of Ertl die cast toys, antique farm equipment and an array of local made jams, jellies plus other homemade goodies for purchase.
Be sure to leave plenty of time to take in the highly regarded juried arts and crafts show, featuring artisans from around the country. This is the toast of the Georgia Mountain Fair for many folks who appreciate the fine art of folk art. Over 60 craftsmen will demonstrate their art and display their wares for sale along shaded pathways throughout the outdoor craft area. The arts and crafts area is open from 10AM to 8PM daily. Be sure to keep your eye out for that one-of-a kind painting, piece of stained glass or colorful hooked rug to take home.
Finally, no country fair would be complete without daily performances from some of the best names in country, rock and gospel. Hiawassee is considered the country music capital of Georgia and with good reason. This year’s Georgia Mountain Fair musical lineup features headliners like Mel Tillis, Neal McCoy, The Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, Gene Watson and Marty Stuart and more. It’s a perfect way to relax and end your day at the fair with performances scheduled at 2PM and 8PM. All music shows and other scheduled events are included in the daily admission price of $11.00 per ticket for adults. Parking is free and trolley service to and from your car is provided. For a full schedule of daily events at the Georgia Mountain Fair, be sure to visit http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.
Are you ready for some country fun? Can’t do it all in one day? Save the dates and let Lucille’s Mountain top Inn and Spa be your base camp. Call us for room reservations today at 706-878-5055.