Local toddler, Maple Jean, peered at the pink dinosaur from behind the safety gate. Decked out in a pink dress and a bow nearly as large as her smile, she surveyed the midway, peering up at the Ferris wheel, studying the carousel animals, and testing the hay bales near the livestock pens. She even filed an “application” to judge the baking contest.
Her verdict on the fair’s preparations: “Approved.”
Maple is the latest in a long line of generations of young children left beaming with delight at the sights and soon, sounds of a country fair.
This week, the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair returns to Clarkesville, Georgia—the place it has called home for half a century. The theme is “Fairbulous at 50,” and if Maple’s reaction is any indicator, there will be plenty to smile about and enjoy at this year’s event.
The fair opens at the Habersham County Fairgrounds in Clarkesville on Friday, September 5, and runs through Saturday, September 13.
A festival with roots
Shelley Tullis is in her third year as the fair’s general manager. She’s involved in every aspect of the event, from year-long planning to week-of setup. She speaks with humility about the scale of the task, emphasizing the festival’s deep roots and meaning.
“This festival, it’s rooted; [it] started in 1975,” she said, busily working at the fairgrounds on Wednesday. “It’s a handful, but the maintenance department and county are great to work with.”
As Tullis orchestrates Habersham’s largest annual event, her job extends well beyond logistics. She steers a tradition that unites neighbors year after year, supported by volunteers, county staff, and vendors. Together, they transform an empty lot into a small city of tents, rides, and food stalls —a place where lifelong memories are made.
“I do it because I love our community,” she told Now Habersham.
Another big motivator for Tullis arrives next Tuesday. That’s when she hosts special needs students from throughout Habersham County during their annual fairground field trip. Each year, the students are treated to a visit outside regular fair hours, allowing them to experience the same thrills and excitement as their peers, but in a quieter, more controlled environment.
Tullis is enthusiastic about hosting the students. For her, it’s one of the best parts of her job.
The rides & midway
“We travel a lot, but we’re always excited,” said Roy, one of the carnival workers. He and his co-workers have been at the fairgrounds for days, setting up rides and the midway.
To Maple Jean, they are the fair’s unseen heroes—the ones who make the magic happen.
And what would any good country fair be without food?
This year’s offerings range from savory tacos to sweet funnel cakes. Tacos Antojitos, a family-run favorite, offers asada, al pastor, barbacoa, and more, with burritos, churros, and elotes starting at just $3.
While setting up, the owner of Tacos Antojitos proudly shared, “Llevo tres años trabajando en la feria. Me encanta” (I’ve been working at the fair for three years. I love it”).
Nearby, starting Friday, food vendors will be deep-frying Oreos, corn dogs, and cooking sizzling meats. Self-appointed sugar expert and baking judge hopeful, Maple, voted on her favorite fair food, churros.
Habersham’s heritage
The Chattahoochee Mountain Fair is more than carnival rides and favorite foods. For fifty years, it’s been a celebration of Habersham County’s heritage and Northeast Georgia’s traditions. From hog calling and canning to livestock shows and cakewalks, the fair speaks to the region’s agricultural roots.
Inside the 31,000 square-foot Dewey H. Tench Pavilion, vendors will showcase and sell their crafts, goods, and specialty items.
Contests, a pageant, a rodeo, live music, and other entertainment shows will fill the 57 hours of open gate fair time between September 5 and September 13.
This year, even a Color Run 5K joins the lineup.
Hours of operation
Starting Friday, the fairgrounds at 4235 Toccoa Highway will again hum with the mingled sounds of music, laughter, and machinery. The hours of operation are:
● Monday–Thursday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
● Friday: 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
● Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
● Sunday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Prices
Gate admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children between 37 and 48 inches tall, and free for children under 37 inches. Rodeo Nights (Sept. 12-13) $15
Rides open one hour after the gates open. Unlimited ride wristbands cost $25, with discounts available on Family Nights.
For more information, including entertainment and contest schedules, as well as ticket details, visit chattahoocheemountainfair.org or call 706-969-1866.
