Georgia Mountain Fair Parade

Hiawassee, GA – In spite of the harsh morning heat, spectators gathered along Highway 76 on Saturday, July 22, for the Annual Georgia Mountain Fair Parade. Onlookers of all ages began arriving an hour in advance to stake coveted viewing spots in the shade. This year, 2017, marks the 67th Anniversary of the Georgia Mountain Fair’s inception which runs through Saturday, July 29, of this year.

The parade began promptly at 11:00 a.m. and traveled west through town from Park Sterling Bank to its final destination, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Grand Marshal Billy Clark and his wife, Ann, lead the way. Georgia Mountain Fair’s General Manager, Hilda Thomason, provided details on Grand Marshal Clark saying, “Billy is 71-years-old, has worked at carnivals since he was 15-years-old, and got his start at the Georgia Mountain Fair in the 1950s. He owned a carnival which he sold last year. We thought it would be nice to have him as our Grand Marshal in this year’s parade.”

Floats created by the Towns County Lions Club and Brasstown Manor followed closely behind the black convertible which carried Mr. Clark. Vintage cars from different eras and a variety of jeeps also partook in the event. Many of the participants tossed candy to the children eagerly waiting along the sidewalks. The small town parade commenced with a group of horseback riders, waving to the crowds as they passed by.

The Georgia Mountain Fair is located on Highway 76, between the towns of Hiawassee and Young Harris. Admission is $12. Children 12 and under are free.