Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Cherokee County gets international attention
Chamber director to participate in national conference

By DWIGHT OTWELL
dotwell@cherokeescout.com

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:07 PM CDT

Murphy – Cherokee County will be promoted as a beautiful place to visit and live to representatives of 135 countries and all 50 states.

A new coalition to promote tourism and economic development of five counties in Georgia and North Carolina has been formed, and its first big endeavor will be to have a strong presence at the National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 7-10.

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sande Kimball has been approved by the chamber board to participate and attend the conference and expo to help open up new markets to the region. The new coalition of business and professionals includes Cherokee and Clay counties in western North Carolina and Fannin, Towns and Union counties in north Georgia.

“This is an opportunity that we can’t afford to pass up,” Kimball said. “I am working on a souvenir DVD to take along with me, along with our visitor’s guide.”

Kimball is upgrading the chamber’s Web site and looking for sponsors.

Hiawassee, Ga., Realtor Faron King said the general consensus is the region has not been receiving the recognition it deserves as one of the most beautiful places to visit and live in the country.

“Meetings [of the coalition] started in May and have taken shape quickly,” King said. “This is our first big event. I think it will lead to other events for our region.”

King said they have found that people who aren’t from the Southeast often don’t know that this region has mountains, lakes and wonderful, natural beauty.

“So we need to create awareness,” he said. “I don’t know that we can measure the impact that the [Orlando conference and expo] will have. Not only is it international exposure, but it is being hosted in Florida, which has been a strong region for us in the past. We want to re-establish with them for when the market there turns around.

“This could be huge for our entire region. It comes at a very necessary time. This could be beneficial for all of us. This would be the perfect venue for our region to educate between 35,000 to 40,000 attendees as to who we are and what we have to offer.”

King said the coalition is looking for partners in the endeavor. Commitments are needed in time, materials and money. Anyone wishing to become a partner will be given the opportunity to be represented at the event and be prominently included on the coalition’s Web site – which will be established soon – via a live link.

For details, call Kimball at 837-2242 or King at 706-781-7199.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Union-Towns Home Builders Association’s Second Annual
Mountain Living Showcase Home Show and Parade of Homes
will take place this weekend on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23.

The Home Show is being held at the Ridges Resort in Hiawassee, with both local vendors and those from other areas and even from other states
showing products and services like: builders, building designers; interior designers; kitchens and baths; home theatres; lighting; floor coverings; outdoor furniture; as well as banks, mortgage lenders; realtors; developers, and MANY MORE!

Hours for the Show are:
Friday, August 22, 2 pm –8 pm
Saturday, August 23, 10am – 6pm

The Parade of Homes is a scattered-site parade of homes in Towns and Union Counties and In Hayesville, NC
There will be four 13-passenger vans – 2 running the Union County route and 2 running
the Towns County and Hayesville route.
They will pick up and drop off passengers for the Parade at The Ridges.

Hours for the Parade of Homes are:
Friday, August 22, Noon – 8 pm
Saturday, August 23, 10am – 6pm

Both events are free to the public.

Free guidebooks for the Parade of Homes will be available at the Ridges Resort, the Union-Towns Home Builders Association (located downstairs in the Towns County Chamber of Commerce Building) as well as The Ridges Resort, the Bank of Hiawassee; and United Community Bank as well as other locations.

Monday, July 28, 2008

The fair may have ended on Sunday but we have no shortage of upcoming activities. Check out the events for the month of August:

8/2/2008

Summer Concert Series Featuring Barrel House Mamas

916 Crane Creek Road
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: cranecreekvineyards@yahoo.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Cost: Tickets sold at door
Description: Join us at the vineyard for live music by Barrel House Mamas. Catered picnics by reservation.





8/2/2008

OTM Summer Music Concerts

Main Street
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: On the Square in Hiawassee
Hours: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Phone: 706-896-4966
Email: info@mountaintopga.com
Website: www.otmga.com
Cost: Donation
Description: Concerts each Saturday night in August weather permitting.





8/7/2008 - 8/10/2008

North Georgia Mountain Fly-In

Hwy 76
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: The Ridges Resort and Club
Contact: Cliff Woodman
Phone: 912-258-0432
Email: 3carrots@bellsouth.net
Website: www.gamountainflyin.com
Description: Hydrofoil Water Ski Event on Lake Chatuge.





8/16/2008

Benefit Auction, John C. Campbell Folk School

One Folk School Rd.
Brasstown, NC28902
Location: John C. Campbell Folk School
Hours: See Hours below
Contact: John C. Campbell Folk School
Phone: 800-FOLK-SCH
Email: keather@folkschool.org
Website: www.folkschool.org
Description: One of a Kind Handcrafted Items - 1PM - 2PM, Silent Auction - 1PM-2PM, Live Auction Preview 1PM-2PM, Live Auction 2PM - 5PM





8/16/2008

Farmer's Pasta Dinner

916 Crane Creek Road
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: cranecreekvineyards@yahoo.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Description: Join us for a delicious meal overlooking the vineyards. Reservations required.





8/22/2008 - 8/23/2008

Mountain Living Showcase - Home Expo & Parade of Homes

3499 Hwy 76 West
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: The Ridges Resort & Club
Contact: Union-Towns Home Builders Association
Phone: 706-896-5994
Email: info@uthba.net
Website: www.mountainhomeshowcase.org
Description: Home Expo at The Ridges Resort & Club includes viewing a Parade of Homes in Towns County, GA.





8/23/2008

2008 Annual Tomato Festival

916 Crane Creek Rd.
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Contact: Crane Creek Vineyards
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: info@cranecreekvineyards.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Cost: Tickets to be sold at door
Description: Join us for wine tasting, food and live music as we celebrate the "other vine". Call for details





8/23/2008

High Country Harmonizers - Barbershop Chorus' 7th Annual Show

360 Rebel Circle
Blue Ridge, GA30513
Location: Performing Arts Center - Fannin County High School
Hours: 7:00 PM
Contact: Cy Gray
Phone: 706-896-5284
Email: info@mountaintopga.com
Cost: $15 ($12 if purchased in advance) $10 for groups of 20
Description: An evening filled with Music and Comedy. High Country Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus plus hilarious "Lunchbreak" and spicey "Spice". Includes prize winning guest Quartets.





8/30/2008 - 9/1/2008

Labor Day Weekend Holiday Events

6321 US Highway 76
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Brasstown Valley Resort
Phone: 706-379-9900 or 800-201-3205
Email: info@brasstownvalley.com
Website: www.brasstownvalley.com
Description: Join us this Labor Day Weekend for special holiday events, arts and crafts, seasonal movies, and lots of fun family activities.

Monday, July 7, 2008

What a great 4th of July weekend! The annual boat parade was a blast and The Ridges Resort and Club were gracious hosts as always with their cookout! If you didn't make it for this weekend the Georgia Mountain Fair is just around the corner and we always have something fun going on or just come up for some R & R! Check out the July events below:

7/11/2008

Union Towns Homebuilders Assoc. - Golf Tournament

1665 Mountain Harbour Dr.
Hayesville, NC828-389-4111
Location: The Ridges Country Club
Contact: Don Schneider - United Community Bank
Phone: 706-896-59994
Email: janeholland@brmemc.net
Website: www.uniontownshba.org
Description: One Day Tournament at the Ridges Golf & Country Club, Hayesville, NC. Details to follow





7/12/2008

16th Annual Christian Harmony Shape Note Singing

One Folk School Rd.
Brasstown, NC28902`
Location: John C. Campbell Folk School
Hours: Details to be announced
Contact: John C. Campbell Folk School
Phone: 800-FOLK-SCH
Website: www.folkschool.org
Description: Over 70 singers from 4 states.





7/16/2008 - 7/27/2008

Georgia Mountain Fair

1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Phone: 706-896-4191
Email: gamtfair@alltel.net
Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Cost: $9.00 per person, Children under 10 free
Description: With first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family.Tickets are $9 & Parking Fee $2.00





7/19/2008

Farmer's Pasta Dinner

916 Crane Creek Road
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: cranecreekvineyards@yahoo.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Description: Join us for a delicious meal overlooking the vineyards. Reservations required.





7/24/2008 - 8/10/2008

Camelot

301 Church Street
Hayesville, NC28904
Location: Licklog Players - The Peacock Playhouse
Hours: Thurs./Fri./Sat.: 8:00PM, Sun. 2:30PM
Contact: Box Office
Phone: 828-389-8632 or 877-691-9906
Email: licklog@verizon.net
Website: www.licklogplayers.org
Cost: $15.00
Description: Camelot is a musical and is directed by Nancy Davis. Rated PG13. For more information, call the Box Office or visit the website. Dates are July 24-27 and August 1-3, 8-10, 2008. Students & Children $8.00.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

With a picture perfect Memorial Day Weekend behind us, summer has officially arrived in the mountains and on the lake! Check out the June events in our area to make your visit complete!

5/30/2008 - 6/8/2008

Over the River and Through the Woods

301 Church Street
Hayesville, NC28904
Location: Licklog Players - The Peacock Playhouse
Hours: Thurs./Fri./Sat.: 8:00PM, Sun. 2:30PM
Contact: Box Office
Phone: 828-389-8632 or 877-691-9906
Email: licklog@verizon.net
Website: www.licklogplayers.org
Cost: $13.00
Description: Over the River and Through the Woods is directed by Vianne Payne and is a comedy Rated PG. For more information, call the Box Office or visit the website. Dates: May 30, 31, June 1, 6-8, 2008. Students and Children $8.00





6/1/2008 - 8/15/2008

Hot Summer Nights

7 Goldhagen Studio Drive
Hayesville, NC28904
Location: Goldhagen Art Glass Studio
Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Contact: David Goldhagen
Phone: 828-389-8847
Email: goldhagen@webworkz.com
Website: www.goldhagenartglass.com
Cost: $5.00
Description: Ten weeks of glass blowing, regional music and refreshments. Check website for dates and times.





6/3/2008

2008 Lunch & Learn For Chamber Members

College Street
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Young Harris College
Hours: 11:30AM
Contact: Jane Holland
Phone: 706-896-4966
Fax: 706-896-5441
Email: janeholland@brmemc.net
Website: www.mountaintopga.com
Cost: $12.00
Description: Union/Towns Employer Committee invites chamber members from Union & Towns County to 2008 Spring Lunch & Learn at Young Harris College. Cathy Cox, President of YHC, will speak on the "Four Year Transition Plan for Young Harris College" and the economic impact on Towns and Union County. Must RSVP by May 30th. Tickets can be paid at the door by cash or check.





6/6/2008 - 6/8/2008

MountainTop Georgia Yard Sale

Highway 76
Young Harris-Hiawassee, GA30582
Location: Hiawassee & Young Harris
Contact: Visitor Center Coordinator
Phone: 706-896-4966
Email: townscoc@brmemc.net
Website: www.mountaintopga.com
Description: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Throughout Hiawassee and Young Harris, GA (Towns County) along Highway 76, a delightful way to find that special collectible or item. Sponsored by the Towns County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Association.





6/7/2008 - 6/28/2008

OTM Summer Music Concerts

Main Street
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: On the Square
Hours: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Phone: 706-896-0598
Email: bmw031@cs.com
Website: www.otmga.org
Cost: Free
Description: Music on the square every Saturday, weather permitting. Dates are June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2008.





6/7/2008

Summer Concert Series at Crane Creek Vineyards

916 Crane Creek Rd.
Young Harris, GA, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Contact: Crane Creek Vineyards
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: cranecreekvineyards@yahoo.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Cost: Tickets sold at door
Description: Featured band "Big Swig". Tickets sold at the door. Catered picnics by reservation.





6/13/2008 - 6/14/2008

Georgia Mountain Roots and Music Festival

1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Phone: 706-896-4191
Email: gamtfair@alltel.net
Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Cost: Friday - $18 per person, Sat. - $26 per person or 2 day pass $39 per person
Description: Music, Arts & Crafts, Gospel Show, Pickin Pavilion, and Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. Call or visit the website for dates, times, costs, and entertainers.





6/13/2008

Journey to the Edge of Space and Time

College Street
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Rollins Planetarium - Young Harris College
Hours: 8:00 PM
Contact: Information
Phone: 706-379-3111
Email: info@yhc.edu
Website: www.yhc.edu
Cost: Free
Description: Journey through black holes, giant galaxies, clusters and parallel universes. Shows also on May 16th and 30th and June 20th and July 11th and 18th.





6/13/2008 - 6/15/2008

5th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Highway 76
Blairsville, GA30512
Location: Meeks Park
Contact: Blairsville Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 706-745-5789
Email: info@blairsvillechamber.com
Website: www.blairsvillechamber.com
Description: Clan Gatherings, Scottish Vendors, Pipe and Drum Bands-Parade of Tartans, Amateur Athletics,Border Collie Demonstrations, Children's Games & Activities,Scottish Dancing & Music, Scottish Village Exhibit,Scottish Fiddle Workshop, Scottish Harp Workshop,Genealogy Tent-Kilted Golf Tournament Classic, and a Special Concert.





6/16/2008 - 6/23/2008

Peacock Pride

301 Church Street
Hayesville, NC28904
Location: Licklog Players - The Peacock Playhouse
Hours: 9:00AM-3:00PM
Contact: Licklog Players
Phone: 828-389-8632 or 877-691-9906
Email: licklog@verizon.net
Website: www.licklogplayers.org
Description: Our very successful classes where students experience various aspects of theater arts through drama, behind the scenes activities, performance & much more. This year's program has much to offer. For youth ages 8-18. More information will become available in the coming months. Dates: June 16-20 and June 23-27, 2008.





6/17/2008

Taste of the Southern Highlands - "A Mountain Tasting Experience"

1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Hours: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Contact: Amy Gibby-Rosser
Phone: 706-896-4131 - Ext. 1233
Email: argibby@towns.k12.ga.us
Website: www.gafcp.org/fcnetwork/towns





6/21/2008

Farmer's Pasta Dinner

916 Crane Creek Rd.
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Hours: 7:00 PM
Contact: Reservations
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: info@cranecreekvineyards.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Description: Join us for a wonderful pasta dinner. Reservations required.





6/21/2008 - 6/22/2008

Lake Chatuge Scholarship Golf Classic

1665 Mountain Harbour Dr.
Hayesville, NC & Young Harris, GA, NC28904
Location: The Ridges Resort and Club & Brasstown Valley Resort
Contact: Russ Collins or Jane Holland
Phone: 706-896-1294 or 706-896-4966
Email: janeholland@brmemc.net
Website: www.mountaintopga.com





6/26/2008

HRWC 5th Annual Trout Dinner Fundraiser

Poteete Creek Park on Lake Nottely
Blairsville, GA30512
Location: 7686 Poteete Creek Rd.
Hours: 6:00 PM
Contact: Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition
Phone: 828-837-5414 or 877-863-7388
Email: info@hrwc.net
Website: www.hrwc.net
Cost: $10.00 per plate - children under 6 free
Description: The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition invites the public to its 5th Annual Trout Dinner! We are in partnership with staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to bring you the best smoked trout dinner in the watershed. Live music will be provided by special guests, Butternut Creek & Friends.





6/28/2008 - 6/29/2008

Mountain Fling Arts & Crafts Show

434 Meeks Avenue
Blairsville, GA30582
Location: North Georgia Technical College - Conf. Center
Hours: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact: Carolyn Barton
Phone: 706-896-0932
Email: mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.com
Website: www.mtnregartscraftsguild.org
Cost: Free
Description: This event is free to the public. Show is at the Conference Center with both indoor and outdoor booths, weather permitting. Food is available.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008




Wow! We are enjoying one of the most beautiful springs in the last several years! With last springs late freeze causing a shortage of blooms, it seems like everything is blooming more beautifully than ever! Our lake is at full pool and along with our lush spring makes everything amazingly inviting! Below are a few additional things to enjoy while you're here during May!

5/9/2008

Journey to the Edge of Space and Time

College Street
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Rollins Planetarium - Young Harris College
Hours: 8:00 PM
Phone: 706-379-3111
Email: info@yhc.edu
Website: www.yhc.edu
Cost: Free
Description: Journey through black holes, giant galaxies, clusters and parallel universes. Shows also on May 16th and 30th and June 13th, 20th and July 11th and 18th.





5/9/2008 - 5/10/2008

Relay for Life

1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Hours: 4:30 PM - Dusk, May 9 & May 10
Phone: 706-896-4191
Email: gamtfair@alltel.net
Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Description: Survivor's Dinner begins at 4:30PM with the Opening Ceremony at 6:00PM and Luminary Services at Dusk. Activities continue through May 10.





5/11/2008

Mother's Day Sumptuous Buffet

6321 US Highway 76
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Brasstown Valley Resort
Phone: 706-379-9900 or 800-201-3205
Email: info@brasstownvalley.com
Website: www.brasstownvalley.com
Description: Call or visit our website for times and costs.





5/12/2008

Hike for Discovery Team in Training

US Hwy 76 West
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Towns County Recreation Center
Hours: 4:30 PM
Contact: Rose Mary Spellman
Phone: 706-896-9768
Website: www.hikefordiscovery.org/ga





5/16/2008

Hiwassee River Watershed - Lake Chatuge Fundraiser

916 Crane Creek Rd.
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Hours: 5:30 PM
Contact: Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition
Phone: 828-837-5414 or 877-863-7388
Email: info@hrwc.net
Website: www.hrwc.net
Cost: $15.00
Description: The Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition invites the public to its wine tasting fundraiser. This event will feature free tastings of local wines offered by Crane Creek, as well as locally grown and organic hors d'oeuvres, freshly prepared by HRWC volunteers. Live music will be provided by special guest, Gnarly Fingers! Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.





5/23/2008 - 5/25/2008

1st Annual Horsin' Around Barbeque Showdown

6321 Highway 76
Young Harris, GA30582
Location: Brasstown Valley Resort
Hours: Friday 3:00 PM to Sun. 6:00 PM Closing
Phone: 706-379-9900 or 800-210-3205
Email: info@brasstownvalley.com
Website: www.brasstownvalley.com
Registration: Click here to register with the event sponsor
Description: BBQ Cook-off Contest under the sanction of the Kansas City Barbeque Society, Arts & Crafts Fair, Bike Show, Kid's Fun Zone, Horse Shoes, Cloggers, Live Music and Entertainment. For more detailed information about times and events visit the website. Event benefits S.A.F.E.





5/24/2008

OTM Summer Music Concerts

Main Street
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: On the Square
Hours: 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Phone: 706-896-4966
Email: info@mountaintopga.com
Website: www.mountaintopga.com
Cost: Donation
Description: Concert on the square will be held weather permitting.





5/24/2008

Spring Art & Wine Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards

916 Crane Creek Rd.
Young Harris, GA, GA30582
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Contact: Crane Creek Vineyards
Phone: 706-379-1236
Email: cranecreekvineyards@yahoo.com
Website: www.cranecreekvineyards.com
Cost: Tickets to be sold at door
Description: Join us at the vineyard for wine tasting, food, live music and art as we celebrate the new season.





5/30/2008 - 5/31/2008

Mountain Gospel Convention & Arts Festival

Downtown
Blairsville, GA30512
Location: On the Square
Phone: 706-781-7377
Email: seasonsinn@windstream.net
Website: www.unioncountyhistory.org





5/30/2008 - 6/8/2008

Over the River and Through the Woods

301 Church Street
Hayesville, NC28904
Location: Licklog Players - The Peacock Playhouse
Hours: Thurs./Fri./Sat.: 8:00PM, Sun. 2:30PM
Contact: Box Office
Phone: 828-389-8632 or 877-691-9906
Email: licklog@verizon.net
Website: www.licklogplayers.org
Cost: $13.00
Description: Over the River and Through the Woods is directed by Vianne Payne and is a comedy Rated PG. For more information, call the Box Office or visit the website. Dates: May 30, 31, June 1, 6-8, 2008. Students and Children $8.00





5/31/2008

The Oak Ridge Boys - Anderson Music Hall

1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Hours: 7:00 PM
Phone: 706-896-4191
Email: gamtfair@alltel.net
Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Cost: $30.00
Description: The Oak Ridge Boys perform in the 2008 Superstar Concert Series at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Visit the website for more information.





5/31/2008

OTM Summer Music Concerts

Main Street
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: On the Square
Hours: 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Phone: 706-896-4966
Email: info@mountaintopga.com
Website: www.mountaintopga.com
Cost: Donation
Description: Concert on the square weather permitting.

Thursday, April 17, 2008


It's almost here! One week from Saturday is the epic Stage 6 leg of the Tour de Georgia and the finish atop Towns County's beautiful Brasstown Bald! Make sure to arrive early as the lines for shuttle service from Jack's Gap to the expo area will get longer as the day goes on! The riders are expected to finish around 2:30- 3:00 in the afternoon. Come join us for a fun-filled day atop Georgia's highest point!