One of Clarkesville’s biggest tourist attractions, the annual Mountain Laurel Festival, kicks off Saturday, May 18th.
The time-honored festival began in 1962 and takes its inspiration from the mountain laurel flower which grows wild here in the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
The Mountain Laurel Festival has evolved and grown tremendously throughout the years, bringing in multiple art vendors, food vendors and musical performers as well as thousands of tourists and locals.
According to Julie Poole, Vendor Coordinator, vendor participation is right on schedule this year with current totals near 100. “The festival grows each year and we have more interest every year in people not only wanting to come to the festival, but more people wanting to be a part of the festival,” Poole says.
“This year is shaping up to be one of the best years ever with the wide variety of vendors, entertainment and attractions for the children, there is something for everyone.” added Trudy Crunkleton, Clarkesville Main Street Director.
“Everyone loves a parade and we are excited to celebrate with the Lions Club on their 50thAnniversary. There is a full slate of local talent performing all day and don’t forget the crowd favorite Bass Kissin contest sponsored by the Soque River Watershed Association,” says Crunkleton. “Although the Festival is in its 57thyear, it is still fresh and not to be missed.”
The Mountain Laurel Festival- the oldest running festival of its type in Georgia- will commence Saturday morning, May 18th at 10 am and conclude at 5pm.
Schedule of events:
- 10 a.m. – Mountain Laurel Festival Parade organized by Clarkesville Lions Club. This year’s theme is “Partnering with Lions”
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Fine art and craft vendors and live entertainment on the Square, outdoor food court, Kids Zone, Mauldin House guided tours
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Plant sale at The Mauldin House Gardens
- 1 p.m. Bass-Kissing Contest on the stage
For more information on the festival, contact 706-754-4216 or visit www.clarkesvillega.com.
