The Cherokee Indians called North Georgia the Enchanted Land, and it's a name the region proudly lives up to. Wildlife, waterfalls and quaint towns, along with close proximity to Atlanta, the Appalachian Trail and award-winning wineries, create an area that is rich in natural beauty, history and traditions. Much of it is celebrated annually at festivals and fairs, inviting visitors to cherish the region as much as its homegrown residents do.
Three of North Georgia's most popular festivals are held in October, tucked amongst the explosive fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While they all combine crafts, music and food specialized to the region, each offers its own highlights. The Georgia Mountains Fall Festival in Hiawassee is home to Georgia's Official State Fiddler's Convention, while the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay includes a parade and antique car show to honor the fruit that saved its county from boll weevil destruction in the early 1900s. The town of Blairsville hosts the Georgia Sorghum Festival, which pays tribute the sorghum grain, a staple of early Georgia farmers, with square dancing, biscuit eating contests and syrup making.
A festive, Bavarian atmosphere turns the quiet town of Helen into the likeness of Munich, Germany, during Oktoberfest. Running from the second Thursday in September until the first Sunday of November, this event combines cold beer, hot sausages and polka dancing along the banks of the Chattahoochie River. Also in October is Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, where wheelbarrow racing, wrist wrestling, gold panning, buck dancing and hog calling unite to recognize the town's1828 discovery of gold.
From late April until early June, the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn steps back into the days of Lancelot, with jesters and jugglers, Shakespearian plays, a king and queen coronation and jousting competitions. It also has an impressive demonstration that features the talents of the eagle, owl and hawk. June is also time for the Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Blairsville, which observes Georgia's Scottish heritage with bagpipe and drum bands and a Kilted Golf Tournament Classic.
Some festivals focus primarily on arts and crafts, such as the Yellow Daisy Festival in Stone Mountain. Held the Thursday through Sunday after Labor Day, it is a premier craft fair attracting vendors throughout the southeast and beyond, displaying pottery, map-making, basket weaving, photography and woodworking. Also in September is the Roselawn Arts Festival in Cartersville, a fine arts exhibition that includes painting, quilting, weaving and photography displayed on the spacious grounds of the historical mansion owned by famous Methodist evangelist Samuel Porter Jones.
The North Georgia State Fair in Marietta attracts over 400,000 visitors every September and October, and includes blue ribbon competitions and one of the biggest carnival midways in America. Also in September and October is the Cumming Country Fair and Festival in the town of Cumming, offering concerts, human cannonball exhibits and a Heritage and Indian Village that demonstrates Native American traditions. The Old Milton Country Fair in Alpharetta is in September and includes bluegrass and barbeque, horse rides, pie eating contests and candle making. The Rockdale Country Fair in Conyers is a September event showcasing the Georgia International Horse Park and the Flying Frisbee Freestyle Dog Show.
These are just a sampling of the many festivals and fairs held in North Georgia. Those visiting the area during the fall and spring will likely find that their trip coincides with a festival or fair that captures the sights, sounds and tastes of the region.
