Georgia's Blue Ridge Almanac: Special Events for August 2011

Daily Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Rail excursions from the Depot in downtown Blue Ridge.  Early evening trains on some Saturdays.  Call 877-413-8724 or book online at www.brscenic.com

Mercier Orchards - U-pick events in season, wagon rides and bakery classes for the kids, call for updated schedule.  Fresh fruit in season, fabulous bakery and more. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, 706-632-3411.  www.mercier-orchards.com

The Art Center – The Art of Zoe Schumaker  in the Artist in Residence Gallery, along with a 3D Exhibit, Off The Wall by the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild in the Main Gallery.  Located in the historic Fannin County Courthouse, downtown Blue Ridge. Open Tues – Sat.  www.blueridgearts.net
The Swan Drive-In – 9 p.m. featuring first-run movies daily plus double features weekends.  $6 adults and $3 children, cash only.  www.swan-drive-in.com

Thursday Evenings

Pickin’ in the Park – Bluegrass jam sessions on the Toccoa River in McCaysville Horseshoe Bend Park beginning at 6 p.m.  Bring a picnic and some lawn chairs and enjoy the music.
Weekends
Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market – Fresh local veggies, local crafts and more. Saturday mornings in front of The Art Center, downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
Ghost Tours – Two-hour tours Fri & Sat at 7 p.m. in Downtown Blue Ridge. Call 706-455-9866.
Calendar of Events

August 6 - Smokey the Bear’s Birthday Party – Ocoee Whitewater Center, TN.  Family fun day with games, goody bags, fire prevention programs and plenty of cake and ice cream.  Bring your camera for pictures with Smokey.  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  $3 parking fee.  Call for schedule of events: 423-496-0104.

August 6-7 - Family Farm Pond Fishing – Mercier Orchards, Sat 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fly fishing demonstrations & family fishing, with Trout Unlimited.  The event is free.
August 12 - Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In - Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee.  Live music, hundreds of hot rods, Moonshine still demonstrations, crafts and more.  $10 admission includes parking.   www.gammoonshinecruizin.com or call, 706-896-4191.
August 19-20 - Kiwanis Rodeo – Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Blue Ridge. Western rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and more.  Gates open at 6 p.m. and starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate.  Children 8 and under are free with a paying adult.  For details call 706-632-6644.
August 20 - Copper Basin River Fest – Horseshoe Bend Park and downtown McCaysville, 8 a.m. til?  Fun for all ages, Park to Park and State to State, bike, tube and kayak races.  See local merchants to enter the Rubber duck race at 6 p.m.  For more info; www.ocoeeinfo.com .
August 26 - Classic Cars Cruise In – Dairy Queen, (by Home Depot on Hwy 5)  6 p.m. to dark.

 Much More!

Hiking ● Rafting ● Tubing ● Kayaking ● Putt-Putt ● Gem-Mining ● Zip-Lining ● Waterfalls

Download a free brochure and check out our Calendar of Events @ www.blueridgemountains.com
Visit the Fannin County Chamber Welcome Center!
Open M-F 8:30 to 5:00 p.m.; Sat 9 to 5 & Sun 1 to 5

 152 Orvin Lance Drive– Blue Ridge - 706-632-5680