Celebrating 75 years, the North Georgia Mountain Fair Has Grown to a Respected Celebration of Appalachian culture
There are few things more American than a mountain fair, second maybe only to an apple pie, I suppose. There is the iconic setting, to be sure, nestled in the foothills of the mountains that seem to harken back to simpler time, when friends needed to congregate to stay in touch and weren’t plugged into their phones and other distracting devices. Or is it the shopping from local crafters and artists, the welcoming smell of fresh baked goods, or just the opportunity to reconnect with our community with a celebration that has some fun for all? Whatever magic it holds, the Georgia Mountain Fair has reigned supreme in North Georgia for 75 years, proving there is something truly special about this fair, set to return on Aug. 14 — 23 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, just a stone’s throw from the North Carolina border.
This beloved mountain fair will fill two exciting weekends with top-notch music, arts and crafts, as well as a variety of food and carnival rides. And if you’ve never been before, well, this is the year to make the trek and see what all the hullabaloo is about.
Humble Beginnings
In 1950, who would have guessed that the first annual Georgia Mountain Fair held at the local high school recreation field would grow for upwards of a century to what it is today? Back then it was just a three-day agricultural exposition with roughly 2,000 attendees. By the 1970s, the fair had become a bit too big for its britches, as its attendees swelled to nearly 100,000 people. Thanks to local support from the Towns County Lions Club, organizers purchased a large swath of land right next to beautiful Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee and hosted its first fair at the current location in 1978.
“Today, visitors attend from all over the Southeast,” said Hilda Thomason, general manager of Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, which hosts a wide variety of events year-round. “We have grown our attendance to approximately 250,000 people annually.” The fair has consistently won awards as a Top 20 event in Georgia, and families have turned the annual fair into a treasured family tradition.
“The Georgia Mountain Fair has had guests coming for many years. They have brought their children and now their grandchildren and great grandchildren are attending,” said Thomason. “Many years of family fun and special memories are made for families. It used to be the only place in North Georgia for entertainment.”
But it’s clear that the Georgia Mountain Fair offers something truly special — location, location, location. “We are unique by being located in the mountains with all the beauty and surrounded by Lake Chatuge,” exclaimed Thomason. “We are a destination. Our guests continue to tell us the Anderson Music Hall is the greatest venue to see concerts and they keep returning.”
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds offers guests a smorgasbord of fun activities, from 271 campsites and RV sites for overnight guests to rent (located right on the fairgrounds and surrounding the lake) to pickleball courts, ball parks, playgrounds, a museum, Anderson Music Hall, lush gardens and even Towns County Recreation Beach on Lake Chatuge. To truly enjoy the festivities to the fullest, book a campsite or check out some local accommodations to turn a fair day into a vacay.
Celebrating 75 Years
As for what’s on the itinerary for this fair extravaganza, well, it would be shorter to say what isn’t. This is way more than just carnival rides and funnel cakes! In the Village, there will be nearly 70 local crafters and artists selling their handmade gifts, jewelry, home décor and more as well as food vendors galore. Yes, funnel cakes for sure, but also barbecue and other Southern delicacies. The Pioneer Village and “Old Ways” demonstrations will take visitors back to the early American days where they will learn all about soap making, quilting, blacksmithing and even how to make moonshine. In the exhibit hall, guests will traverse the 75-year history of the Georgia Mountain Fairground and be able to purchase a new book about the history of the fair.
On opening night, August 14, the 75th Anniversary Party will be a hootenanny to remember with clogging, live music, refreshments and a fireworks display. “We have our 75th Anniversary Party planned the night before the fair opens,” confirmed Thomason. “We will have a live band, clogging, speakers, refreshments and special 75th anniversary t-shirts for sale.” But the fair will really be launched in style with an impressive firework show.
“We will be on the barge shooting fireworks on the lake, so everyone will walk out of the Music Hall and see the amazing firework show,” said Thomason.
If you miss the opening party, there is still a way to celebrate on opening day of the fair, as the carnival will offer 75 cent rides in honor of the 75-year celebration. Families will not want to miss the parade on August 16 that will start at the downtown Hiawassee and travel through the fairgrounds and around Anderson Music Hall. The parade theme is Mountains, Music and Memories, which will have cars, A models, hot rods, classic cars, horses and buggies, floats and marching bands, all sponsored by local businesses, clubs, schools and individuals for a chance at the $10,000 prize money for best of show.
This year’s theme for the annual Flower Show on August 15 – 17 is “Here’s Your Ticket to be Entertained,” where visitors will see amazing floral designs by the Hiawassee Garden Club. And flower lovers will especially not want to miss a visit to Hamilton Gardens, a botanical paradise off the shores of Lake Chatuge, located on the fairgrounds as well. This beautiful garden is bursting with dogwoods, azaleas, rare forest perennials, ferns and rhododendrons, as well as 40 acres of secluded woodlands offering easy one- and two-mile hiking trails to enjoy. The fair will also host a Photography Show on August 21 – 23 that combines amateur and professional photographers who will showcase their work featuring North Georgia scenes, wildlife, waterfalls, sunsets and other natural beauties to compete for cash prizes.
Looking for little excitement? Follow the squeals of delight from the audience when Chase’s Racing and Swimming Pigs compete with hilarious and adorable results. Families particularly enjoy cheering their favorite piggy to victory. And last but certainly not least, Amusements of America, the largest traveling amusement park in the world, is back with its hair-raising rides and attractions. Check their web site for pre-sale family four-packs for just $60. There will be nearly 25 rides to entertain young and old alike, including the new ride Freak Out, which is not for the faint of heart.
Play Me that Mountain Music
But what truly makes the Georgia Mountain Fair sing is its devotion to music, which has a strong connection to Appalachia’s rich history. From bluegrass and country to gospel and good ole’ rock ‘n’ roll, it’s clear music sets the tone for the entire festivities. Legendary performers like Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette and George Jones have proudly played at the Georgia Mountain Fair in its storied history. So, you know the music will be swinging during the weeklong festivities.
Music reverberates throughout the festival with daily live music performances included with the price of your ticket during the day and for an additional cost for headliners at 7 p.m. on select evenings. This year’s headliners are Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone of “Mrs. Brown, you have a Lovely Daughter” fame ($35) on Aug. 15, Crowder ($45) on Aug. 16, Gospel Day Carolina the Band, Triumphant Quartet and The Inspirations ($20) on Aug. 17, Gene Watson and The Bellamy Brothers, who incidentally are celebrating making 50 years of country music together ($30) on Aug. 21, Molly Tuttle and the Grascals with her two Grammy wins and nomination for Best New Artist ($35) on Aug. 22 and Lorrie Morgan and T. Graham Brown, two country legends collaborating on a nationwide tour this year ($40) on Aug. 23. And as a bonus, if you buy tickets to any of these music headliners, your ticket includes a reserved concert seat plus access to the grounds including carnival area, special daily entertainment and acts, arts and crafts, and food on the day your ticket was purchased for. Through the years, world class bluegrass, country gospel and rock ‘n’ roll performances echo through the North Georgia region, thanks to the draw of the Georgia Mountain Fair. Even if you don’t buy a ticket for an evening show, there are many delightful musical performances that take place during the fair that everyone can enjoy.
“I would recommend coming for a long weekend or even the entire time!” exclaimed Thomason. “Enjoy the music each night with a variety of artists and music. There are several stages on the grounds with live music.”
Well that’s music to all our ears. We’ll be there with boots on.
For more information
Georgia Mountain Fair
georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee
Dates: Aug. 14 – 23
Admission: $7 includes access to the grounds, entertainment, arts and crafts, ground entertainment and food vendors. Kids 12 and under are free. Carnival rides additional; $20 unlimited ride tickets available; see additional discounts online. Free parking available. Note: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has a clear bag policy for the safety of all guests.
Side bar: Georgia Mountain Fair Schedule of Events
Thursday, Aug. 14
4 p.m. 75 cent Carnival Rides
Friday, Aug. 15
11 a.m. Pioneer Village, Arts and Crafts, & Exhibit Hall
Noon Carnival Rides Open
2 p.m. Flower Show
7 p.m. Musical Guest Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Saturday, Aug. 16
10 a.m. Pioneer Village, Arts and Crafts, & Exhibit Hall, Flower Show
11 a.m. 75th Annual Parade
Noon Carnival Rides Open
7 p.m. Musical Guest Crowder performs
Sunday, Aug. 17
10 a.m. Pioneer Village, Arts and Crafts, Flower Show & Exhibit Hall
11 a.m. Interfaith Worship Service at Anderson Music Hall
1 p.m. Carnival Rides Open
2 p.m. Gospel Music Show Featuring: Carolina The Band, Triumphant Quartet & The Inspirations
Monday, Aug. 18
4 p.m. Carnival Rides Open – $2 Day!
Tuesday, Aug. 19
4 p.m. Carnival Rides Open – BOGO – $25 Unlimited Ride Special for Two People
Wednesday, Aug. 20
4 p.m. Carnival Rides Open – BOGO – $25 Unlimited Ride Special for Two People
Thursday, Aug. 21
Military Active/Retired & 1st Responders Are Admitted Free Day!
11 a.m. Pioneer Village, Arts and Crafts, & Exhibit Hall
11 a.m. Photography Show
4 p.m. Carnival Rides Open
7 p.m. Gene Watson & The Bellamy Brothers
Friday, Aug. 22
11 a.m. Pioneer Village, Arts and Crafts, & Exhibit Hall
11 a.m. Photography Show
4 p.m. Carnival Rides Open
7 p.m. Molly Tuttle
Saturday, Aug. 23
10 a.m. Pioneer Village, Arts and Crafts, & Exhibit Hall
10 a.m. Photography Show
Noon Carnival Rides Open
7 p.m. Lorrie Morgan & T. Graham Brown
Side Bar: Make it a Vacay
Looking to turn your “fair day” into a vacay? Check out nearby towns full of Southern charm and all the fixins’. Options include the college town of Young Harris (10 minutes from the fairgrounds) and beautiful Blairsville (30 minutes), or stay right in the heart of Hiawassee a hop, skip and a jump from the fairgrounds. Or pitch a tent of one of many campsites on the property.
The Ridges Resort, Hiawassee
For convenience and comfort, the Ridges Resort is the optimal choice. Just five minutes from the fairgrounds, you will have an amazing stay right on Lake Chatuge. Choose from rooms, suites or villas during your stay as well as added comforts like community fire pits, nightly smores by the fire, a saltwater pool and lawn games and activities, such as a Top Golf Swing Suite. Also, a marina is available for boat rentals to explore the lake at your leisure. theridgesresort.com
Brasstown Valley Resort in Spa
Brasstown Valley Resort in the college town of Young Harris offers a truly pampering experience you will long remember. Here you can enjoy a championship golf course offering 18 holes of Scottish-link style golf. The Denis Griffiths-designed course sits within wildlife preserves, ponds and streams framed by its majestic hills. And ooh, la, la, their spa! The Equani Spa offers spa treatments that are inspired by the rituals of the Cherokee people and would be a perfect retreat after a day at the fair. You can choose to stay in the lodge rooms or suites, the family style cottages or the pampering Equani Spa Suite. brasstownvalley.com
Copperhead Lodge and Resort
In a stunning fall setting, the Copperhead Lodge and Resort sits surrounded by lush trees with the Appalachian Mountains in the distance for a truly relaxing retreat. Guests can stay in the lodge in eight deluxe Creek View Queen Rooms, three additional Deluxe Queen Rooms or one Family Room that sleeps four with two queen beds. They have also reopened their popular By-the-Bunk Room to accommodate those just needing a bunk for the night. There are also private 1–2-bedroom cabins you can book that come complete with kitchens stocked with cook and dinnerware and comfortable bedrooms with full linens and hot tubs. Seasonal swimming can be enjoyed in the Lodge’s swimming pool. www.thecopperheadlodge.com
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Camp and RV Sites
There are 217 campsites to rent, located right on the fairgrounds and surrounded by Lake Chatuge. Please contact Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds office for camping reservations at 706-896-4191.
georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/pageserver/campgrounds
