It’s the oldest festival in Georgia and the City of Clarkesville’s biggest event. The 53rd Annual Mountain Laurel Festival kicks off tonight, Friday, May 15th! This year’s festival will be spread over two days at locations throughout the city.
Tonight’s highlights include a downtown streetdance with live DJ, concert in Pitts Park and fireworks.
Saturday’s events include a 5K run, parade, vendors on the Clarkesville Square, a kid friendly fun zone, music and activities at Mauldin House Gardens, live entertainment on the Downtown Square and the VFL Duck Race on the Soque.
Here’s a complete guide to festival events, times and locations.
2015 Mountain Laurel Festival Guide
Schedule of events and locations
Friday, May 15th
Friday Night Live STREETDANCE with a live DJ @ Clarkesville Square Gazebo 5-7 pm
The American Flyers Band @ Pitts Park Amphitheater 7-9 pm
South State Bank Fireworks Show @ Pitts Park 9 pm
Saturday, May 16th
53rd Annual Mountain Laurel Festival 5K Race starting @ Clarkesville Elementary School 8:30am
Parade down Washington Street starting at 10am
Food, Music, Arts & Crafts, KidsZone @ Clarkesville Square & Mauldin Gardens 10am-3pm
4th Annual VFLDuck Race @ Pitts Park on the Soque River 3:30pm
Entertainment line-up
May 16th from 11am-3pm
The following acts will perform throughout the day Saturday, May 16th:
Bluegrass Pickin’ on the Porch at the Big Holly Cabin in the Mauldin House Gardens from 10am until 3pm.
A full line-up of performances is scheduled on the main festival stage near the gazebo downtown. The North Habersham Middle School Band performs Saturday at 11am; “14 Roots” at 11:30am; Shady Grove Baptist Church Choir at noon; “Etched in Blue” at 1pm; Anne Greene at 1:30pm; a magic show by Daniel Purcell of Crazy Ace Magic at 2pm; and Matt Fried at 2:30pm.
All entertainment is free!
FINALE: 4th Annual VFL Duck Race
May 16th @ 3:30 pm in Pitts Park
This popular, annual event raises money to support Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County (VFL). VFL is a non-profit United Way agency that develops and supports local literacy programs for people of all ages, pre-k through adulthood.
You can enter the race by adopting a duck for just $5! Tickets will be sold Friday, May 15th at the Volunteers for Literacy booth on the square near the Clarkesville gazebo. Just look for the big yellow duck!
Parking
The old courthouse parking lot will be closed at 4pm today to prepare for the streetdance. All downtown square parking lots will close at midnight tonight to prepare for the festival. Parking along Washington Street will not be allowed until after the parade Saturday (see notice below). Free parking and shuttle buses will be available from various locations around town (see festival map).
See you at the 53rd Annual Mountain Laurel Festival!
