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THE GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIR

The Georgia Mountain Fair is the highlight of the entire summer for the thousands who visit each year.  Located in Hiawassee on the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge, it is the perfect place to go for some good old-fashioned fun for the entire family.  It runs from July 20th to July 30th.  Tickets are $10 for those 10 years and older.  The under 10 set get in for free!  The daily music shows are included in your admission fee (except for Mel Tillis’ show on the 29th.  It costs $7 extra-- but well worth it.)  Parking is $2. The hours for the crafts and exhibits vary, but the Midway is open daily from 2 PM until 11PM.

The Fairgrounds host many special events all year round.  From Blue Ridge, it’s an easy very scenic drive east through Blairsville and Young Harris on Hwy 76 to Hiawassee.  The grounds are huge, so be sure to get a map when you enter.  Scattered throughout are 65 rustic craft booths.  They are completely covered shelters for artists to display their work as fair guests walk around on shady, paved pathways.  You will see authentic mountain demonstrations of the oft forgotten “arts” of Moonshine Stillin’, Board Splittin’, Black Smithin’, Quiltin’, Pickin’ & a- Singin’, Soap and Hominy Makin’ and so

much more.

The Pioneer Village features an authentically recreated mountain town of yesteryear with a Mercantile, one-room school, log cabin, barn, corn crib and smokehouse.  This is an opportunity to learn about life as it once was and to preserve the area’s rich history.  It’s fun watching and listening to the old crafters.  There aren’t many of these wise gentle folks around much anymore.

The major music shows will take place at the Anderson Music Hall.  Countless legends have performed here since it was constructed in 1979.  The 2,900 seat theater has AC and heat and is an ideal spot for performances.  Our family has attended several concerts here and loved the ambience.  The Outdoor Amphitheater seats about 100 people and is used for additional music and dancing shows.

Be sure to check out the Exhibit Hall.  There’s a lot going on in there that you wouldn’t want to miss.  The Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are open year round.  They are especially gorgeous in April and May when over 3,000 rhododendrons are blooming.  But, I’m sure they’ve got many other beautiful summer blooming plants in July.  It’s heavenly just to break free from the crowds and stroll along the shady trails beside Lake Chatuge.  The Hiawassee Garden Club Building hosts the Flower Shows and the Photography Exhibit.

The Giant Midway will be the chief attraction for the kids-- lots of chilling and thrilling rides for the daredevils, kiddie rides for the toddlers, carnival games and all the wonderful Fair food!  On Opening Day, Wednesday, July 20th, and on Tuesday, July 26th, the carnival rides are all FREE from 2-5 PM.  Sunday through Thursday, armbands for unlimited rides can be purchased for $15.  On Fridays and Saturdays, tickets for individual rides will be sold.

 

 

Don’t miss the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show, new to the GA Mountain Fair this year.  There will be two shows each day on July 29th and 30th.  The twenty-five minute shows will be performed on Lake Chatuge.  Come view the grace, skills and tricks of these talented skiers.

The Bengal Tiger Encounter has 2 shows on weekdays and 3 shows on weekends.  The beautiful big cats are at the Fair to give inspirational and educational presentations to help bring awareness to the plight of the tigers in Africa and India.

The Georgia Mountain Fair wins awards each year for having the best lineup of talent in all areas.  Check out the following schedule of events and choose the days you want to come!

Wed. 7/20       Opening Day!
                        10 AM-8 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        2 PM               Flower show opens & runs thru Sunday
                        2PM & 8PM  Musical performances by Power Play & Neal McCoy
                        2 PM-5 PM    FREE CARNIVAL RIDES!

Thu. 7/21        10 AM-8 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        Recipe Showcase & Cooking Contest
                        2PM & 8PM  The Oconee River Boys & Ronnie McDowell

Fri. 7/22          10 AM-9 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        2PM & 8PM  Country River Band & Roy Clark (of Hee Haw fame)

Sat. 7/23          Americana Roots & Music Festival
                        A musical blend of country, bluegrass, folk, blues and swing
                        10AM-11PM  90 min. shows thruout the day featuring various groups
                        9 AM-9 PM    Crafts & Exhibits
                        11 AM                        Georgia Mountain Fair Parade
                                    Starts at the Bank of Hiawassee & ends at the Fairgrounds

Sun. 7/24        10 AM-6 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        11 AM                        Interfaith Worship with Jerry Goff
2 PM               Gospel Music Show with the McKameys, the Inspirations and the Primitives

Mon. 7/25       Lions Club Day—free admission to all Lions!
                        10 AM-8 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        Recipe Showcase—using Georgia products
                        1PM & 7PM  The Atlanta Rhythm Section
                        8 PM   Miss Georgia Mountain Fair Beauty Pageant

Tue. 7/26        10 AM-8 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        10 AM                        Photography Exhibit opens in Garden Club Building
                        2PM & 8PM  The Sock Hops & The Swinging Medallions
                        2PM-5PM      FREE CARNIVAL RIDES

 

Wed. 7/27       Customer Appreciation Day-- $9 Admission
                        10 AM-8 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        Recipe Showcase—Savory Family Favorites
                        2PM & 8PM  Bill Brooks as Elvis & Joe Diffie

Thu. 7/28        Bluegrass Day
                        10 AM-8 PM  Crafts & Exhibits
                        2PM & 8PM  Balsam Range, Little Roy Lewis & Lizzy Long, and
                        Dailey & Vincent

Fri. 7/29          10 AM-9 PM  Crafts & Exhibits     
                        2 PM               Annual Country Music Show featuring Jim Wood &
                        The Georgia Mountain Fair Band
                        3PM & 6:30PM         Mel Tillis
                        8 PM               The GA Mt Fair Band

Sat. 7/30          Closing Day
                        9 AM-9 PM    Crafts & Exhibits
                        2 PM               The GA Mt Fair Band
                        3PM & 7PM  Pam Tillis
                        8 PM               Jim Wood & the GA Mt Fair Band plus others
                        10 PM             Jim’s Jam—After hours dance to southern rock, 50’s,
                                    Beach & Blues