The Mountain Laurel Festival in Clarkesville is a favorite annual event to celebrate the beauty and spirit of the North Georgia mountains. This year marks the festival’s 63rd year.
This beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike is the longest-running festival in the area. It presents an exceptionally wide selection of arts and crafts, including ceramics, jams and jellies, jewelry, leather, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography. This year, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises all the familiar events and more.
The festival’s history began in 1962. It was a way to honor the stunning mountain laurel flowers that bloom in the area each spring, creating a vibrant display of color in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The event quickly grew from a small local gathering into a major community celebration, bringing people together to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, arts, culture, and rich heritage.
Over the years, the Mountain Laurel Festival has expanded to include various activities. It features live music, local arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, parades, and fun activities for all ages. The festival’s atmosphere is one of camaraderie and pride as residents and visitors from all over the region gather to celebrate the season’s arrival and the cultural richness of Clarkesville and the surrounding area.
Traditions
Before the festival, the Miss Mountain Laurel Pageant will be held on April 26 at 8 a.m. at the Piedmont College Swanson Center. The Clarkesville Lions Club sponsors the event every year, and this will be the 62nd year of the pageant. Miss Mountain Laurel will oversee the festival’s festivities.
The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., a favorite of many over the years. The food court will be located on Jefferson Street near the Historic Mauldin House and Gardens.
The Mauldin House will be open for tours of the 1880s farm house and the pioneer Appalachian cabin.
Pitts Park comes alive from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for a Family Fun Zone sponsored by the Volunteers for Literacy. Then, VFL’s popular rubber duck race takes place in the Soque River at Pitts Park starting at 2 p.m.
As always, the festival is rain or shine!
Interested in being a vendor?
A highlight of spring, the event draws thousands of people who come to appreciate the festival’s sights and sounds while also enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountain laurel in full bloom.
This year’s 63rd Mountain Laurel Festival promises to continue the tradition of bringing people together to celebrate North Georgia’s natural beauty and the community that has kept this event alive for over six decades. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a festival regular, organizers say the Mountain Laurel Festival offers something special for everyone.
If you’re interested in being a vendor for the event, contact Julie Poole, City of Clarkesville 706-754-4216 or [email protected]
