Escaping the concrete and steel of landlocked Atlanta isn't strictly limited to b-lining to the beach. The Georgia mountains not only offer a serene setting, but an array of summertime festivals brimming with art, music and countrified culture. The following trio of events offer their own respective trademark experiences, each taking place in and around the mountains.
Georgia Mountain Fair
Arguably the mountaintop of the state's summer mountain festivals, the Georgia Mountain Fair sprawls across 10 days. The 62nd edition of this perennial favorite continues the tradition of featuring a host of live music performances, an arts and crafts show and a midway illuminated with scores of carnival rides. The artsy portion of the event focuses on handmade crafts. The participating craftspeople are handpicked by a special committee chaired by festival veteran Russ Collins. Approximately 65 original crafters will be showcasing their one-of-a-kind works in the covered craft booth area. Some demonstrate their skills for onlookers. Guests can peruse and purchase crafts from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The live music schedule is jammed like a jar of mountain preserves and show tickets run $10 each. It kicks off July 20 with Lee Greenwood, Tommy Townsend and Waymore's Outlaws, the latter featuring former members of Waylon Jennings' band. Marty Stuart and Americana bluegrass folk band Leipers Fork perform July 21. A special gospel show takes place July 22 featuring the McKameys, the Primitives and the Servers. Country vocalist Janie Fricke, best known for her string of '80s hits, takes the stage July 23. On July 24 classic country hit-makers Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius join forces. Banjo master Mike Snider will be infusing humor into his set on July 25, sharing the stage with the Barker Brothers. July 26 marks Bluegrass Day, featuring Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, the Farm Hands and the Cleverlys. Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and Jim Wood and the Georgia Mountain Fair Band performs on July 27. The latter returns on July 28 with headliner, classic country songstress Crystal Gayle. The final day of the festival, July 29, features gospel performances by the LeFevere Quartet, the Chuck Wagon Gang and the Crist Family. Carnival ride staples, ranging from thrills to more benign fare, will likely grab the attention of the younger set. The midway comes to life beginning at 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon on Saturdays and 1 p.m. on Fridays.
July 20-29. $5 gate fee; free ages 9 and younger; $2 parking. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee. 706-896-4191, www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.
Butternut Creek Festival
What began as a modest festival in 1998 returns for its 14th year. The weekend is centered around a juried arts and crafts show featuring 65 artists and craftspeople. Those who weave through the rows of artist booths can expect to find a wide range of work including basketry, metal, pottery, wood turning, glass creations, photography, scrimshaw and more. The long list of artists in attendance ranges from Patti Adams and her nature photos to Judy Zeigler's gourd art. Meeks Park has been the festival's site since its inception. Both Butternut Creek and Nottely River cut through the park amid looming oak trees. Guests can nosh on festival food while listening to live music from Morgan Taylor, Leipers Fork, Fast Gear and the Jam Session. Those looking for additional activities at the park can find a playground, skateboard park, basketball court, tennis courts, swimming pool, nature trails, dog park, disc golf course and more.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 21-22. Free. Meeks Park, 100 Pool Lane, Blairsville. 706-781-1221, www.butternutcreekfestival.com.
Dillard Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival
The wafting scent of barbecue permeates the air, a variety of smoked meats vying for attention, before the twang of bluegrass music provides the soundtrack. It's all set to happen at the 16th edition of this popular event. Competitors participating in the cook-off man elaborately decorated rigs and carve up ribs, pork, brisket, chicken and more. The event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and serves as the Georgia State championship. Yet, the food isn't confined to the competitors. Vendors set up shop and shill festival grub to the masses. Although the festival itself is food-centric, those who want to give their full bellies a rest can visit the artist's market featuring approximately 20 vendors selling oodles of crafts and artwork. The music is decidedly bluegrass and begins at 1 p.m. on August 3. Oliver Rice and the Blue Ridge Mountain Band, the Mississippi Sawyers and the Foxfire Boys are set to perform on the first day. The music wraps at 9 p.m. Lizzy Long and Little Roy Lewis, the Mississippi Sawyers, Shadow Ridge, the Suggins Brothers, Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys take turns in the spotlight from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on August 4. Blackwell holds some serious bluegrass credentials, having served as Peter Rowan's replacement in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. He also has the distinction of being honored by the International Bluegrass Music Museum as one of the legends of the genre. If you happen to miss a specific performer's set, don't fret. Each band plays two sets per day.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 3-4. $10; $15 two-day pass; free ages 12 and younger. Dillard City Hall, 892 Franklin St., Dillard. 706-746-5891, www.dillardbbq.org.
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