It’s no secret that summer is HOT in rural Georgia. Beat the heat at these super cool events this June!
Kick back in your lawn chair and kick off summer Saturday, June 1 in Toccoa at the first concert of the Ida Cox Music Series. Honoring the “Uncrowned Queen of Blues,” Toccoa native Ida Cox, the series includes a free concert every Saturday night in June, July and August and is held on Doyle St. in downtown Toccoa.
Speaking of ways to beat the heat, water is always a good option! Happening Saturday, June 8 in Summerville, Chattooga River Fest, commences with a kayak paddle and kayak fishing tournament before moving to downtown Summerville for arts, crafts, local foods and beverages and an evening concert to round out a fun-filled day.
Head north to the highlands—the Georgia highlands, that is—for the annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games June 8-9. Boasting all the best of genuine Scottish tradition, Blairsville’s festival features bagpipes, drums, shepherding dogs, falconry demonstrations, Scottish athletic competitions, tartan displays, and exhibitors representing dozens of authentic Scottish clans. This two-day trip across the “pond” and back in time does come with an admission fee but children 12 and younger enjoy all activities for free.
As Midsummer creeps closer, what better way to enjoy the longest days of the year than at the 9th Annual Rome Shakespeare Festival in Rome June 13-16 and 20-23? Presenting two admission-free plays on multiple nights in the open air of Rome’s town green, Georgia’s only Shakespeare Festival makes the Bard’s timeless works (and others) accessible to all. Pack a picnic prepare to take in this year’s shows, The Merry Wives of Windsor and A Streetcar Named Desire.
Since 1977, Hartwell, Georgia’s Pre-4th Arts and Crafts Festival has been a highlight of summer. This year’s event takes place June 29, kicking off with a patriotic children’s parade and continuing throughout the day with arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, and more.
Meanwhile, up the road in Young Harris, the last weekend of June means the Made in Georgia Festival. More than 90 vendors will descend on the Towns County Recreation and Conference Center June 29-30, offering all things “grown, sewn, crafted, stitched, harvested,” and so on in the state of Georgia. In addition to vendors, live music will entertain on the lawn.
Even during the “dog days” of summer, there is plenty of fun to be had in rural Georgia. So, think “small” this June, and spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying beautiful, genuine, rural Georgia!
Have a favorite rural Georgia summertime event? Let us know you’d like to see it featured here. We would love to help spread the word!
Photo credit: Chattooga Chamber of Commerce
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