The Mountain Laurel Festival has been held for more than 50 years in Clarkesville, and 2015’s event should be a special one. The Festival will be held on two days this year, beginning on Friday, May 15th , at 5pm and on Saturday, May 16th from 10am until 3pm.
The festival kicks off Friday with a street dance and live DJ from 5-7pm at the gazebo in downtown Clarkesville. Afterward, from 7-9pm there will be live entertainment from the Pitts Park Amphitheater, featuring The American Flyers Show Band. At 9pm, fireworks begin in Pitts Park, sponsored by South State Bank.
Saturday, May 16th at 10am is the time for the Mountain Laurel Festival Parade, followed by music and entertainment at 11 from the North Habersham Middle School Band; at 11:30 from “14 Roots”; at noon from the Shady Grove Baptist Church Choir; at 1:00 by “Etched in Blue”; at 1:30 by Anne Greene; at 2:00 by magician Daniel Purcell of Crazy Ace Magic; and at 2:30 by Matt Fried.
Also on Saturday, there will be, from 10am-3pm, a Bluegrass Pickin’ on the Porch at the Big Holly Cabin in the Mauldin House Gardens.
A variety of nearly 100 vendors will host displays both days. Vendors with displays vary widely, ranging from arts and crafts to restaurants, businesses and churches.
Clarkesville’s Main Street Manager Mary Beth Horton says she is excited about the community’s response to the two-day festival. “We have something for all ages and interests,” including a special kids’ area and a broad spectrum of displays and entertainment. She adds, “We have something for the ‘foodies’ and those who are ‘artsy’,” and much more.
Downtown Square parking lots will be closed at midnight on Friday to prepare for the festival and parking along Washington Street will not be allowed until after the parade Saturday. Free parking and shuttle buses will be available from various locations around town.
Horton says she’s hoping for great weather and a great crowd. The Mountain Laurel Festival will go on, rain or shine.
