Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Around Town Georgia Mountain Fair & Fairgrounds

It’s Happening Here!

By Tracy McCoy

Situated next to beautiful Lake Chatuge you’ll find The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, site of the annual Georgia Mountain Fair, Hamilton Gardens, a campground and Anderson Music Hall. First opened in its current location in 1978, the first Georgia Mountain Fair took place as a three day agricultural expo on the Towns County High School campus in 1950. Growing from 2,000 guests at the first event to 100,000 in the 70s, organizers knew it was time for a larger venue, so with the support of the Lions Club they purchased the land where they currently reside. Today, the fairgrounds is open year-round and has become the place for entertainment and events in northeast Georgia. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is host to art festivals, concerts, dance shows, wine festivals, visiting conventions and car shows. Their 189 camping and RV sites are perfect for overnight guests, offering spectacular views of Lake Chatuge. The fairgrounds, or sections of it are available for rent for private events. It is a wonderful resource for family fun in the mountains. Hamilton Gardens was established on 20 acres of the fairgrounds. Lush with native plants such as trillium, shooting stars, trout lilies, native azalea and 1,500 rhododendrons, it attracts birds, butterflies and guests from all over the southeast. Boasting the largest collection of native plants in the Southeast, the gardens are a draw for visitors throughout the growing season. They are open year round from 8am – dusk. Admission and parking for Hamilton Gardens is free, but donations are appreciated. No pets are allowed for obvious reasons. The 2023 Rhododendron Festival runs for five weekends during peak bloom time, see the website listed below for those dates. This year saw the addition of Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens beginning at 6pm on Thursday evenings. Art vendors and food trucks are onsite so bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the concert and the sun setting on the lake. It is a rain or shine event and admission is free (donations are appreciated). Adult beverages will be available. The final concert of the year is October 6th. The event is hosted at the Pavilion at the Gardens at 96 Pavilion Way, Hiawassee, Georgia. The concert series is sponsored by local businesses. The annual Georgia Mountain Fair, the event that started it all is hosted the last week in August each year. The 72nd Annual Georgia Mountain Fair will be held August 18-26, 2023. The fair includes carnival rides, arts and craft vendors, demonstrations, unique attractions, concerts and entertainment of all sorts. This event offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the mountains and has been loved and enjoyed for going on 72 years! There is an admission fee and hours are different for each event, there are family packs and all day passes which make it easier for families to enjoy the fair. This information is available on their website. We are including a list of upcoming events for you. Plan to visit the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this fall and in the years to come. You’ll find so much more about all they offer and how to buy your tickets at www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIRGROUNDS

OCTOBER EVENTS Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens Alicia Stockman - Final Concert of the Year Thursday Oct 6th 6pm – 9pm Georgia Mountain Fall Festival Music, Arts & Crafts, Unique Attractions Friday, Oct 7th, 2022 10am – Oct 15th 10pm The Oak Ridge Boys Front Porch Singin’ Tour Saturday, Oct 8th 7 am - 11pm Ashley McBryde One of Country Music’s Finest Saturday, October 15th, 2022 From 7:00pm to 10:00pm Appalachian Brew, Stew, & Que Festival Delicious Food and Craft Beer from GA, SC, NC, & AL Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 From 11:00am to 5:00pm 38 Special Southern Rock! Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 Starting at 7:00pm Halloween at the Fairgrounds “Fangtastic” Halloween at the Fairgrounds Monday, October 31st, 2022 From 5:00pm to 9:00pm

NOVEMBER EVENTS ZZ TOP That Little Ol’ Band from Texas is coming to Hiawassee Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 From 7:00pm to 11:00pm

DECEMBER EVENTS Mountain Country Christmas in Lights A Holiday Treat for the Entire Family Thursday, November 24th, 2022 - 6:00pm Closes Friday, December 23rd, 2022 - 9:00pm

Dailey & Vincent Christmasfest Bluegrass, Country & Gospel Christmas music Friday, December 2nd, 2022 - 2:00pm Closes Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 – 7:00pm