With the promise of better weather, more than 100 vendors, Clarkesville City work crews and scores of volunteers are getting ready for one of Habersham County’s biggest events of the year – the annual Mountain Laurel Festival.
Despite an early morning scheduling conflict with the county’s high school graduation, organizers are looking forward to a great turnout. In fact, Clarkesville Main Street Director Mary Beth Horton says graduation could play in the festival’s favor. “Having graduation in the morning could serve as an advantage to the festival because there will be additional visitors in town!,” she says. “Maybe all the families of graduates will come to downtown to enjoy the afternoon festivities!”
This is the 54th year for the Mountain Laurel Festival. It’s the oldest festival in Georgia. With a record breaking 150 vendors signed up to participate, this year’s festival promises to be one of Clarkesville’s biggest and best, despite the early disappointment of having to cancel Friday night’s activities – fireworks and a live concert – due to the weather (those events have been rescheduled for July 15th).
Shuttles will be available at various locations throughout the city and the events will be centered on the town square. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the annual Mountain Laurel Parade and end at 4 p.m. with the conclusion of the 5th Annual VFL Duck Race on the Soque River at Pitts Park just off the Clarkesville Square.
Event line up:
8am: 3rd Annual 5K & Fun Run starting at HEMC at 6135 Hwy. 115
10am: Mountain Laurel Parade down Washington Street with Grand Marshal Beatrice Chitwood York
10am-3pm: Arts & Crafts booths on the Clarkesville Square; Outdoor Eatery; Kids’ Zone (near gazebo); Historic Photo Exhibit; Mauldin Garden Quilt Show; Children’s Sketches in the Garden (at Mauldin Garden located at 458 Jefferson Street).
11am-3pm: Live music near the Clarkesville gazebo
3:30pm: 5th Annual VFL Duck Race on the Soque River at Pitts Park
