9/11 Memorial Service to be held on Hiawassee Square
News August 29, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – It has been nearly eighteen years since the infamous day that will eternally live in American minds – Sept. 11, 2001. Towns County, along with the City of Hiawassee, plans to honor the terrorist attack victims on Patriot Day. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, and Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland met Aug. 29 to finalize the details of a Wednesday, Sept. 11 public memorial. Hiawassee Town Square will be the site of the gathering, beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Mayor Ordiales will serve as the master of ceremonies, with Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby welcoming guests. Presentation of the Colors will be issued by North Georgia National Guard. Pastors Danny Byers, Wade Lott, and Donnie Jarrard will offer prayers and words of remembrance in honor of the lives lost. Chief Copeland is scheduled to speak on the meaning of 9/11, prior to ringing a bell to symbolize the fallen. Summer Rahn will sing the National Anthem. The program will end with “God Bless America.”
Commissioner Bradshaw said that the idea to hold the memorial ceremony was presented by part-time Towns County resident Bob Fair. “I wish it was something that we had thought to do sooner,” Bradshaw said. Bradshaw added plans to make the service an annual event.
A total of 2,996 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, including the 19 terrorist hijackers aboard the four airplanes. Citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. At the World Trade Center, 2,763 died after the two planes slammed into the twin towers. That figure includes 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers, and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the buildings and save the office workers trapped on higher floors.
At the Pentagon, 189 people were killed, including 64 on American Airlines Flight 77, the airliner that struck the building. On Flight 93, 44 people died when the plane crash-landed in Pennsylvania.
Plant Affair on the Square features Earth Day awareness advocates
News April 14, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Town Square was the site of the annual “Plant Affair on the Square” Saturday, April 13. The heart of Hiawassee was filled with vibrant blooms and vendors, including booths to support Earth Day awareness.
The Rotary Club of Lake Chatuge-Hiawassee offered complementary, reuseable totes to visitors, an act to encourge a reduction in plastic shopping bags that can be detremental to the environment. The Rotarians are connected to 1.2 million members worldwide, and the local chapter participates in a wide range of community service projects.
Vernon Dixon, a climate change activist, was on-hand to dispense information on the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. The mission of the lobbyists involves implementing a plan which will reduce national greenhouse emissions by 52 percent, add 2.8 million jobs to the economy, and improve overall air quality. The organization is working to impose a fee on fossil fuels at the mine, well, or port of entry source, distribute net revenues to US households to offset higher energy prices due to the fee, and encourge a border tariff adjustment to discourage businesses from relocating to areas where they can emit additional carbon dioxide. Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization.
Clean Sweep Week, which was extended to a two week period this year, begins April 15, and runs through April 27. Residents are encouraged to obtain specially-marked bags from the Towns County Courthouse, Hiawassee City Hall, Young Harris City Hall, or either county library branch to collect roadside debris. Gloves and safety vests are available to volunteers. Collected trash can be delivered to the Towns County Transfer Station at no charge. Cash awards will be extended to the individual, business, and organization which collects the greatest amounts. Clean Sweep will not be in effect on Good Friday or Passover, in observance of the holy days.
Feature Photo: Vernon Dixon of Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In revs up on Hiawassee Town Square
Community, News July 11, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Shortly before noon, a stream of vintage vehicles from different eras made their way to Hiawassee Town Square Thursday, July 11, to kick off the 11th annual Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In festival. Vendors were ready for visitors, serving barbeque, hot dogs, baked goods, Italian ice, and cold drinks. Hot rods enthusiasts mixed and mingled, admiring the shiny array of classic cars and trucks. Feel good tunes flowed from the square gazebo, complimenting the upbeat mood of the leisure event.
“This is our first year at the Cruiz-In, but it likely won’t be our last,” Trisha Woods from western Tennessee said. “The mountain views are enticing, and the roads are so fun to ride. We’re looking forward to enjoying the weekend.”
FYN spoke with Russ Borner, the operator of North Georgia Concessions, who moved to Hiawassee from New Jersey three years ago. Borner plans to rent his eye-catching hot dog and Italian ice stand, when not in use, to organizations interested in fundraising. “We’ll supply the food, condiments, ice, everything,” Borner explained. “We’ll deliver it and set it up. The rates will vary on how long the event runs…It’s a good opportunity for fundraisers to make a great profit.” Borner can be contacted at [email protected].
The Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In runs through Sunday, July 14, at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
A full listing of festival events is available.
Hiawassee to host several October events
News, Upcoming Events September 17, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Autumn is a magical time of year in the mountains of Appalachia, with hillsides hued in blazing glory, and seasonal activities and events for residents and visitors to enjoy. Towns County plans to host several events during the month of October.
Towns County Chamber of Commerce President Candace Lee tells FYN that each year, phone calls begin to pour in from widespread locales, excited to learn when the peak leaf colors are expected occur. “The last week in October, into the first week of November, is typically the peak time,” Lee said, “We welcome phone calls, and there is a website that updates the forecast that we use as a guide.”
Scarecrows are planning to “invade” Hiawassee Town Square throughout the month of October, a new addition of seasonal sights to see. Individuals and businesses can stake their creations in the heart of Hiawassee in exchange for a $25 entry fee, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Towns County Food Pantry.
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds will host its annual Fall Festival from October 12 – 20, featuring concerts, arts & craft vendors, and educational demonstrations – such as moonshine making, corn milling, cider squeezing, quilting, black smithing, soap crafting. In addition, the Fall Festival will include the famed Georgia Official State Fiddlers’ Convention, and “Wolves of the World”, the world’s only traveling wolf exhibit. Admission to the fairgrounds is $12.00, with children under 12 admitted free. Three-day passes will be available for purchase at the gate for $33.00. Parking is free. Pets are not permitted.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds will feature the Appalachian Brew, Stew, and Que Festival, with 21 breweries participating in the event. Tickets are $40.00 at the gate or $35.00 online.
October will close with Halloween on Hiawassee Town Square, an ever-popular annual event. The festival will be held on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 31, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Town Square swings to Big Band tunes
Community, Lifestyle August 26, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Town Square was in full swing on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 25, as Southern Journey Big Band performed for the crowd. The 20-piece ensemble, directed by Richard Petty of Gainesville, GA, entertained music lovers during an Enchanted Music on the Square presentation.
The band was previously known as Sentimental Journey Jazz and Swing Band.
The band struck up 35 memorable tunes from different eras, such as ‘Moon River,’ ‘Ain’t Misbehavin,’ and ‘Yesterday.’
Dancers took to the streets, including Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales who jived to the band’s rendition of ‘Route 66.’
The VFW Auxiliary provided grilled hot dogs and marinated chicken breasts for purchase.
Enchanted Music on the Square is a weekly event during the summer, drawing record-breaking attendance throughout the 2018 season.
The concerts are funded by audience donations, and support from Georgia Council for the Arts.
Saturday, Sept. 1, will mark the final show of the season, with Paradise 56 performing rhythm and blues.
Hiawassee hosts back-to-back Moonshine Cruiz-In events
Business July 15, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two pit stops occurred in the heart of Hiawassee during the 9th annual Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In.
The first took place on the evening of Wednesday, July 11, as a fresh event was introduced to the itinerary: A “drive-in” movie presentation of the 1978 classic hit, ‘Grease’, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Vehicles from different eras traveled from miles around to rest their engines on Hiawassee Square while their owners enjoyed a night on the town. Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales graciously welcomed newcomers to the event as they arrived, taking their seats among the ever-growing crowd. A senior couple danced to aptly-themed music, entertaining bystanders before the main event began. Towns County High School football players sold beverages to fund the purchase of needed equipment. Towns County Library Branch Manager Debbie Phillips operated an old-fashion popcorn machine, and the smell of a vendor’s hot boiled peanuts tempted guests to snack as they watched the film.
The following day, Thursday, July 12, the owners of antique vehicles, along with appreciative spectators, flocked to the town square to participate in Hiawassee’s second annual Moonshine Cruiz-In Block Party. A parade of classic cars arrived on the square at noon, greeted by upbeat music streamed by “Soundman” Tim Massey. A sudden downpour of rain began to fall in unison as the cars roared in. Attendees sought shelter under the tents provided by United Community Bank, Hiawassee Police Department, and beneath nearby store-front awnings while they waited for the summer storm to pass. The clouds soon cleared, and visitors circled the square, stopping to converse with car owners while ogling a variety of vehicles from days gone by.
“I think it’s great that Hiawassee added (these events) to the line-up,” Jerry Shook, a Habersham County resident and the proud owner of a pristine 1956 Ford Town Sedan, told FetchYourNews, “I attend every year, and it’s a nice to have even more to look forward to.”
Food vendors set up shop along Berrong Street, which was closed to traffic. Local restaurants Monte Alban, Sundance Grill, Asiano’s, and Hawgs & Dawgs BBQ offered a selection of festival-friendly fare. Cub Scouts Troop 407 supplied soft drinks to heat-parched guests. The event ran until 2:00 pm, and the classic cars and trucks proceeded to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds to regroup for a sixty mile caravan cruise to Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The crew returned to the fairgrounds that evening to celebrate the Sour Mask Kickoff Bash, overlooking sparking Lake Chatuge.
The rally continued into the weekend at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, featuring music, food, vendors, and of course, plenty of hot rods.
(Feature Photo: Jerry Shook checks under the hood of his 1956 Ford Town Sedan)
“Flicks on the Square” in store for Hiawassee
Community, News April 24, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Town Square, a focal point in the heart of the city, is in the process of transformation.
In addition to the newly installed Appalachian Trail kiosk, a platform stage has been constructed on the Square’s southern border in anticipation of plans in the making.
The annual season of “Enchanted Music on the Square” begins on May 26 at 6:30 p.m. and continues each Saturday evening throughout the summer months.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales announced the addition of a new event, “Flicks on the Square”, with movies projected on Friday nights after dark. While the bi-monthly occasion will be aimed at attracting families with children, the possibility of a classic movie or two for an older audience exists. The first showing is expected on May 25, on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.
“Our initial expense is going to be about $3000, but it’s going to be a 15-foot screen, a back projector, the audio, and a Blu-ray player,” Mayor Ordiales says, “The only other expense is the licensing which I’m working on right now, and depending on the movie, it’s anywhere between $250 and $350, so we’ll make the initial investment. I think we can get that from hotel-motel (tax) money.”
The mayor went onto say she hopes the cost of the movies themselves will be sponsored by local businesses or organizations.
Unfortunately, the progress on the Square also includes the removal of a maple tree which stands beside the trail kiosk, next to the newly-added picnic tables.
Mayor Ordiales says she spoke with an arbor expert who inspected the maple, deeming it demised.
Hollow areas throughout the limbs were said to have been discovered during the trimming process, and due to liability concerns noted by Hiawassee City Attorney Thomas Mitchell, the tree must go.
A sugar maple tree is expected to be planted in its place.
(Correction: Movie showings were originally listed as a weekly event. It has since been changed to twice monthly.)
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Fall Affair on Hiawassee Square this weekend
Community September 15, 2018HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Summer days still linger, but Autumn draws near, and Hiawassee Town Square is celebrating the change of season with a Fall Affair, brimming with artists displaying handcrafted wares and a vendor offering a selection of mouthwatering fare.
The event takes place today, Saturday, Sept. 15 until 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 16, until 4 p.m. in the heart of Hiawassee.