Organizers say 150 vendors have signed up to participate in this year’s festival on May 20th and 21st
(CLARKESVILLE) – One of Clarkesville’s biggest tourist attractions, the annual Mountain Laurel Festival, kicks off on Friday, May 20th-Saturday, May 21st. 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 Glenda Smith, Festival Coordinator, this year’s event has seen a record number of vendor participation with current totals capping 150, a nearly 30% increase from last year. “The festival grows bigger 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,” Smith said.
“With the growth in vendors and attractions, we anticipate our attendance to skyrocket as regulars and newcomers come out to experience the festival,” added Mary Beth Horton, Clarkesville Main Street Manager.
“It is a festival that is unique to Clarkesville and a very family friendly event at that,” Horton said. “It’s a weekend when family comes to town and everyone gets together on the Square to enjoy good food, great art, lots of music and just a fun weekend for everybody.”
Friday Night festivities start at 6 PM with a Classic Cruise-In at the lower lot of the old courthouse. Activities in the park include a bouncy house, water sprinklers, games, and concessions. At 7:30 PM, the band Haywire takes the stage promising a high-energy performance guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet. The South State Bank/City of Clarkesville spectacular fireworks show will begin at 9:30pm.
VIDEO: Click here to watch the 2015 Mountain Laurel Festival Parade
The Mountain Laurel Festival- the oldest running festival of its type in Georgia- will commence Saturday morning, May 21st at 10 am and conclude at 5pm.
Plans for the 2016 daytime event include:
- Clarkesville Lions Club always-popular parade; Theme: “Volunteerism”; Grand Marshal, Beatrice York
- Fine art and craft vendors located in and around the Square;
- An outdoor food court
- Expanded children’s activities; including live shows and children’s sketches in the Mauldin Gardens
- Quilt Show at the Mauldin House
- The Millinery Shop and Big Holly Cabin will be open for guided tours;
- Clarkesville “History in Photographs” Photo Exhibit; Mauldin House
- Live entertainment acts throughout the day on the square
- Afternoon Duck Race in Soque River (sponsored by Volunteers for Literacy)
Adding to the weekend festivities, Clarkesville Main Street is hosting a “Capture Clarkesville Photography Contest” open to photographers of all types, regardless of skill level. Cash prizes will be awarded in five categories. Details and registration for the photo contest can be found at www.captureclarkesville.eventbrite.com.
For more information on the festival, contact 706-754-4216 or visit www.clarkesvillega.com.
