The 63rd Annual Mountain Laurel Festival wrapped up Saturday under blue skies in Clarkesville. The festival—one of the oldest in Georgia—drew a vibrant crowd to celebrate spring in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, despite the early morning threat of rain.
For Keeley Holland of Turnerville, it was a family event. She attended the festival with her 4-year-old daughter, 8-year-old niece, and her parents from Demorest. Holland says she’s attended the festival for the past 15 years.
“There’s something for all ages,” she said. “We love the food and all the crafts and local vendors, and it’s just fun.”
The festival, one of the oldest in Georgia, is also a family tradition for Maredith Anderson. “Oh, we love it. We come every year.”
Parade highlights
The day began with a spirited parade at 10 a.m., featuring over 60 entries, including floats, the Habersham Central High School marching band, and local organizations. This year’s theme, “Legacy of Lions,” honored the Clarkesville Lions Club’s longstanding community service.
Grand Marshal Will Lockwood, a longtime community advocate, led the parade with his contagious smile and joyful spirit.
Now Habersham livestreamed the parade for those unable to attend and shared the recording on YouTube for those wanting to see it again! WCHM’s Cole and Darryl from the Mountain Morning Show were on stage as parade emcees.
Festival fun
The festival featured live music and vendors on the downtown square throughout the day. At nearby Pitts Park, Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County hosted a Family Fun Zone and rubber duck race.
Nearly 3,000 ‘adopted’ rubber ducks were dropped into the Soque River for a half-mile swim to the park’s edge. The first three to cross the finish line won cash prizes for their ticket holders.
Keeping with tradition, the Clarkesville-Habersham Lions Club coordinated the day’s events. The festival was a fun reminder of what community in the hills of Habersham looks like.
