Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock and her husband “First Dude” Bobby greet visitors during the Mountain Laurel Parade on May 18. (photo by Carson Sprinkle)
Clarkesville hosted its biggest event of the year Saturday. The Mountain Laurel Festival attracted 110 vendors and over 2,000 visitors to the downtown Clarkesville square on May 18.
“…this year saw first time visitors to the festival which we hope will become a tradition for them and their families.”
“The weather was perfect and the crowds were treated to new local talent in the entertainment lineup as well as the returning crowd favorites,” says Clarkesville Main Street Director Trudy Crunkelton. “The variety of vendors had something for everyone and the food court was a huge hit as always.”
This was the festival’s 57th year. It began in 1962 and takes its inspiration from the mountain laurel flower which grows wild in the northeast Georgia Mountains.
The Mountain Laurel Festival is the oldest running festival of its type. Each year it attracts art and food vendors, live entertainment, and the time-honored Mountain Laurel Festival parade sponsored by the Clarkesville Lions Club.
“It is always nice to see our residents enjoying this festival with family and friends,” Crunkelton says, “but this year saw first time visitors to the festival which we hope will become a tradition for them and their families.”
photos by Carson Sprinkle
