Saturday brings the true start of summer when the 61st Mountain Laurel Festival comes to Clarkesville.
The festival kicks off with the annual Mountain Laurel parade at 10 a.m., proceeding down Washington Street from the new courthouse through the square ending at the old courthouse parking lot. The parade is hosted by the Clarkesville Lions Club. The Band of Blue, first responders, local utilities, floats, Boy Scouts and Mountain Laurel pageant contestants will be among those to participate in the parade.
The festival swings into full force immediately after the parade. There are many different vendors who blanket the downtown square, harboring a variety of handmade baskets, pottery, jewelry, candles, personalized gifts and so much more.
“What sets the Mountain Laurel Festival a part from others in the area is its history and size. It is the longest-running and largest arts and crafts festival in Habersham County,” said Colby Moore, Clarkesville’s Main Street Director. “This year we will have over 100 arts, crafts and food vendors scattered throughout Downtown Clarkesville. Since this year is also Clarkesville’s Bicentennial, we will have free guided tours at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery and an open house at the historic Daes Chapel. Another historic event will make its return this year too; Music Through the Ages, an old fashioned street dance on the square following the festival.”
On Jefferson Street, close to the Mauldin House, there will be a new food court this year. There will be everything from fresh squeezed lemonade to snow cones, chicken fingers, and even Brazilian and Thai cuisine available.
There will also be local musicians and singing groups to perform on the stage, located on the square.
This year, the city will be providing a shuttle from the square down to Pitts Park, where the Volunteers for Literacy duck race will kick off. The ducks launch at 2 p.m. and folks can adopt one at the festival leading up to the final drop.
“The Mountain Laurel Festival is important to the city because it draws visitors to our downtown, surrounding city areas, and the region,” Moore said. “With thousands of people in town, it is a great opportunity to showcase our retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The revenue generated from the festival also goes towards public beautification projects. Funds from last year’s festival are helping to pay for the design and installation of a new mural in town.”
Cornelia Music Fest
Kicking off the summer and celebrating the warm weather, Cornelia is hosting Music Fest on Saturday, May 20, from 4 to 10 p.m.
“This Saturday is going to be an awesome time,” said Noah Hamil, Cornelia Main Street Manager. “Every band is amazing, some are No. 1 in the world of cover bands in the U.S. Feel free to bring your own seating and enjoy the songs that paved the way for rock. You can also drink ice cold beer and eat from some incredible food trucks! It’s a night that Cornelia will be talking about for years, don’t miss it.”
This event will feature four tribute bands, Carpool, Chi-Town, Mad Hatters and Departure.
The bands will be paying tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, CARS, Chicago and Journey, respectively. Carpool will take the stage at 4 p.m., Chi-Town at 5:30 p.m., Mad Hatters at 7 p.m. and Departure at 8:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and that no outside food or drinks are allowed.
The event will be at 301 S. Main Street, Cornelia, Ga. Admission is free to the public.
The Northeast Georgian editor Matthew Osborne and staff writer Emma Marti contributed to this report.