Spring Flowers arrive early at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

With this year's mild winter, spring flowers have arrived early for most of the state, including the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Currently the dogwoods, cherry trees and azaleas are in full bloom and Fairgrounds representatives expect that the colorful rhododendrons are not too far behind, making this the perfect time to explore the gardens. For more information about the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, v i s i t www.GeorgiaMountainFairgro unds.com.

"Our region experienced an extremely temperate winter season and now warmer temperatures arriving early, presenting perfect conditions for an early bloom," said Doug Freeland, Georgia Mountain

Fairgrounds Gardener. "I encourage visitors to come out soon to the Gardens so that they can see our many beautiful plants in their full glory."

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds also invites large groups to tour the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens together. On May 5 - 7 and May 12 - 14, Fairgrounds Gardener Doug Freeland will be available to provide guided tours of the Gardens for groups of 20 or more for $20 per person. Groups will be escorted through the Gardens on golf carts. Following the tour, lunch will be provided by the Fairgrounds in one of its scenic pavilions. For reservations, call (706) 896-4191.

The Gardens have nearly 3,000 plants in full bloom from mid April through late May. Visitors are invited to stroll through the pine-bark pathways

along the shores of Lake Chatuge as they take in the beautiful sights and fragrant smells of the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. These impressive gardens were donated to the Fairgrounds by former Sears Roebuck Company executive Fred Hamilton in 1982, and are home to one of the largest collections of hybrid rhododendrons in the state of Georgia.

The Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and admission to the Gardens is a requested $3 donation. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds will also host its annual Rhododendron Festival on May 5 - 7 and May 12 - 14. The Georgia Mountain Bluegrass Festival will also be held on May 12 - 13. Visit the Web site for more information about these events.

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are the home to several popular events throughout the year including the Georgia Mountain Fair, the Georgia Mountain Bluegrass Festival, the Rhododendron Festival, the Hiawassee Festival of Arts, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival and Georgia's Official State Fiddler's Convention. The Fairgrounds are located along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge in the north Georgia mountain community of Hiawassee and offer 189 beautiful camp and RV sites, most with lake views. Sites are equipped with modern conveniences and are available year round. For more information on the property and campsites as well as a complete listing of events, visit www.GeorgiaMountainFairgro unds.com.