History, culture, excitement
Find it all at the 2007 Georgia Mountain Fair

Don't miss the "peak" family event of the year. From July 18 through July 29, the charming town of Hiawassee will be filled with excitement and nostalgia during the 57th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. With first-class musical performances, fun carnival rides and a glimpse into North Georgia's rich history and culture, there is truly something for every member of the family. For a complete list of scheduled activities and musical performance times, visit www.GeorgiaMountainFairgrou nds.com.

Event tickets for the Georgia Mountain Fair are $8 with $2 parking, and children under 10 are free (musical performances are included in ticket price). This year, a FunFair pass is available for $20 that is valid any three days of the Fair. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds' office or at the gate during the Fair.

From world-class country and gospel performances to good old rock 'n' roll shows, the Georgia Mountain Fair will host several free concerts in the 2,900-seat, air-conditioned Anderson Music Hall. Throughout the 12 days of festivities, performers include country legends Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and John Anderson, banjo musician Mike Snider, gospel groups The McKameys and The Inspirations as well as the Bellamy Brothers and the Georgia Mountain Fair Staff Band and many others. The venue will also serve as the site of the 2007 Miss Georgia Mountain Fair Pageant and the annual Clogger's Convention. A complete schedule of performance dates and times can be found at www.GeorgiaMountainFairgrou nds.com.

Also during the Fair, attendees can step back in time as they watch educational demonstrations such as blacksmithing, soap-making, moon shining and hominy-making in the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds' Pioneer Village. Visitors can tour restored authentic and antique buildings including a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a repair shop and an "old mountain home," moved to the Fairgrounds to preserve the area's rich history. While visitors experience North Georgia's past first-hand, they will also listen to tales of life as it once was from local experts. Art lovers will also enjoy strolling through the juried arts and crafts show, set up throughout the Pioneer Village each day of the Fair. The show features talented artisans from around the country.

For the kids and the innerchild in everyone, the Georgia Mountain Fair boasts exciting carnival rides. Fair visitors can also enjoy pony rides and carnival games. The annual Georgia Mountain Fair Parade with antique cars, horses and buggies, colorful floats and area marching bands is always a family favorite and features country radio DJ Rhubarb Jones as the Grand Marshal this year. Additional unique attractions that are sure to excite will be announced as the event draws closer.The Georgia Mountain Fair has been a landmark event for the North Georgia community for the past 56 years, and in the Exhibit Hall visitors are able to look back at this rich history. Visitors can see photographs of many musical legends who have performed at the Fair, including Conway Twitty, Patty Loveless and Alan Jackson, and interesting memorabilia from past events. Attendees can also purchase jams and other unique homemade goods in the Hall. The Exhibit Hall is also the home to a large selection of antique farm equipment, and during the Fair, locals share stories of how the equipment was once used and how vital it was to farm life. After touring the Exhibit Hall, Fair-goers can venture over to the Hiawassee Garden Club Building where they will see the acclaimed flower show.

No fair would be complete without the smells of hot funnel cakes, sweet cotton candy and hamburgers cooking on the grill. The Georgia Mountain Fair offers all of these food selections in addition to barbeque, smoked trout and many other festival favorites. The food booths are run by local civic organizations and serve as a fundraising tool for non-profit groups in Towns County.

For those who plan on staying in Hiawassee to enjoy the Fair for multiple days, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds camping and RV sites will be available for overnight accommodations. Camping reservations can be made by calling (706) 896-4191. Brasstown Valley Mountain Resort is also offering a FunFair package that includes overnight accommodations for two, two passes to the Georgia Mountain Fair, a Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds' parking pass and breakfast for two. For reservations call 1-800-201-3205 or visit www.BrasstownValley.com. For additional lodging accommodations throughout the area, please visit the Towns County Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.MountainTopGA.com. The 2007 Georgia Mountain Fair is sponsored by the Towns County Lion Club.

Fairgrounds is located along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge in the north Georgia mountain community of Hiawassee and offers 189 beautiful camp and RV sites, most with lake views. Sites are equipped with modern conveniences and are available year round.