Butternut Creek Festival
Annual event to be held July 21-22

Last year's Butternut Creek Festival was a superb event and this year it should be even better. As it was said last year, "The finest local arts & crafts show of the summer will be the fourth week in July. This is a great family event with lots and lots to see and is growing every year. The admission is FREE and the parking is free as well", and after the show, "Once again Mike Smith and his dedicated crew pulled off another spectacular festival that was a joy for the public as well as the participants."

Sixty-seven of the finest artists, artisans and craftsmen from Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, plus a couple from Florida, will be assembled at Meeks Park at the Union County Recreation Department Complex in Blairsville for the 9th Annual Butternut Creek Festival.

The 9th Annual Butternut Creek Festival will be held Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22. The park is located on the south side of Highway 76/515 just 0.7 mile west of Blairsville. The Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. There will be good foods of your choice and wonderful live entertainment all day, both days. Plenty of free parking is readily available in the Park. Festival admission is also Free.

The festival is the result of the year long efforts of a small but dedicated group of local artists and craftsmen, the High Country Artisans, Inc. The annual Festival is the major project of this 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization of less than 20 members. This is a juried show, limited to no more than 70 of the finest artists and hand craftsmen from throughout the mountain area of north Georgia, western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. Through the jurying process, the show strives to feature a balanced presentation of unique and original art and hand crafted works. The Festival receives support from Blairsville/Union County Chamber of Commerce, The Union County Recreation Department, The United Community Banks, Busy Bee Printing & Signs, Appalachian Community Bank, Bank of Blairsville, Greg Brock ReMax Enotah Realty, Louise McTaggart Realty & Associates, Cosy Cove Realty, Marina & Cabin Rentals, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Seasons Inn, Cadence Bank and several other local businesses.

Local artists and craftsmen appearing in this year's festival include Marcia Stewart, photography; Linda Lefebvre, wood crafts; Tom & Susan Bartt, jewelry; Jean Ann Edwards, fine painting; Richard Saberton, jewelry; Gene Harrison, stained glass; Robert Snow, scrollsaw woodwork; Carol Demme, animal and wildlife painting; David Garcia, tin craft; Jane Garcia, jewelry; Mark Weingertsahn, pottery; Barbara Cone, fine painting; Jerry King, woodturning; and Jenny Stephens, soaps.

The exhibitor booths are located under the trees along the banks of the Butternut Creek, shortly before it flows into the Nottely River. The park setting includes playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic facilities. A fine variety of Festival foods will be available. Throughout both days, several special craft demonstrations are scheduled.

Five exceptionally talented musical performers have been selected to entertain you. On Saturday Blairsville's own Butternut Creek & Friends will bring you their style of bluegrass, Crista Lynn, "2007 Indie Entertainer of the Year" is returning from her home in Stockbridge, Ga., with her "Queen of Country Soul: musical style. Buck & Nelson will also take to the stage on Saturday to bring you their good time folk music, particularly their version of bluegrass, which they call Crabgrass.

Come Sunday the stage will be filled with the 10 members of The Weavers family from Sautee, Ga., with their Weaver Believer Survival Revival. You will marvel at the breadth and depth of this talented musical family. Returning Sunday will be last year's audience favorite, Ross Moore, from Nashville singing and performing a variety of musical styles on his 12 musical instruments. Each of these musical presentations will be in the new Entertainment Gazebo that was constructed 3 years ago with proceeds from the first 6 Butternut Creek Festivals. For additional information about the Festival Call 706-781-1221.