Not to be confused with the Georgia State Fair -- a fall event that moved to Atlanta Motor Speedway after more than 160 years in Macon -- the Georgia Mountain Fair is held each summer along the banks of Lake Chatuge in the quaint town of Hiawassee. A north Georgia institution for more than six decades, the Georgia Mountain Fair includes a variety of entertainment.
Fair Facts
- Founded in 1950 as a simple, three-day agricultural showcase, the Georgia Mountain Fair has grown into a nine-day celebration with carnival rides, entertainment and demonstrations of mountain life that typically attract 100,000 or more attendees each July. The fair has been held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Towns County since 1978. A daily admission fee is charged for the craft show and concerts, with children ages 9 and under admitted free. Carnival rides cost extra, with one-price midway wristbands available weekdays. Parking is free, and trolleys are available to take you from the parking lot to the fairgrounds.
That Good Old Mountain Music
- One of the highlights of the Georgia Mountain Fair is its musical concerts, most of which are bluegrass and country acts. In the past, the lineup has included heralded performers such as Mel Tillis, John Anderson, Neal McCoy and the Bellamy Brothers. The fair also has a Sunday-afternoon gospel music show that follows an interfaith worship service that morning. Most performances are held in the 2,900-seat Anderson Music Hall or the fair's outdoor amphitheater.
Food and Fun
- During your visit to the Georgia Mountain Fair, be sure to browse through the 60 or so arts and craft booths. Don't miss the Pioneer Village, home to a one-room schoolhouse, old-fashioned general store, blacksmith shop and a moonshine still. Living-history demonstrations are given for activities such as cooking hominy, wood carving and soap making. Other attractions include fly-fishing demonstrations, a children's train, pig races, a cooking contest and the Miss Georgia Mountain Fair pageant. After working up your appetite, you'll no doubt want to partake of the offerings from the fair's numerous food stands, including smoked trout, beef jerky, cider and fried apple pies.
Overnight Options
- If you'd like to stay on site during your visit to the fair, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has nearly 190 year-round campsites for tents and RVs, including many that provide scenic views of Lake Chatuge. Campsites include water and electric hookups, cable service and access to amenities such as Wi-Fi, a boat ramp, tennis courts, playgrounds and picnic tables. Other nearby accommodations include hotels, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts and rental cabins.
