Country singer Neal McCoy, whose hits include "No Doubt About It," "Wink" and "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On," will kick off the daily concert series when the Georgia Mountain Fair opens Friday in Hiawassee, Ga.SCHEDULEThursday, July 18• 5 p.m. Carnival opensFriday, July 19• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 2 and 8 p.m. Music by Neal McCoy and Briana Tyson• 4 p.m. Carnival opensSaturday, July 20• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 11 a.m. Parade from Park Sterling Bank to fairgrounds• Noon. Carnival opens• 2 and 8 p.m. Music by Mel Tillis and Kayla Leigh ArmstrongSunday, July 21• 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Arts and crafts• 11 a.m. Interfaith worship service featuring Jerry Goff• 1 p.m. Carnival opens• 2 p.m. Gospel music show featuring The McKameys, The Primitives and Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion (former Inspirations)Monday, July 22• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 2 and 7 p.m. The Bellamy Brothers• 4 p.m. Carnival opens• 6 p.m. Dance show by Paris Dancers (amateur and professional senior citizens offering singing, dancing and comedy)• 8 p.m. Miss Georgia Mountain FairTuesday, July 23• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 10 a.m. Photo exhibit• 2 and 8 p.m. Music by Marty Stuart and Gold Wing Express• 3-5 p.m. Fourth annual cooking contest• 4 p.m. Carnival opensWednesday, July 24• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 2 and 8 p.m. Music by Dustin Lynch and Brent Cobb• 4 p.m. Carnival opensThursday, July 25• 10 am.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 2 and 8 p.m. Bluegrass Day with Claire Lynch Band, Ronnie Reno and the Reno Traditions and Balsam Range• 4 p.m. Carnival opensFriday, July 26• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• 2 and 8 p.m. Music by Jim Wood and the Georgia Mountain Fair Band• 3 and 6:30 p.m. Music by John Anderson• 4 p.m. Carnival opens• 8 p.m. Music by Jim Wood and the Georgia Mountain Fair BandSaturday, July 27• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Arts and crafts• Noon. Carnival opens• 2 and 8 p.m. Music by Jim Wood and the Georgia Mountain Fair Band• 3 and 7 p.m. Music by Gene Watson
The 63rd annual Georgia Mountain Fair gets underway Friday, July 19, at the fairgrounds at 1311 Music Hall Road in Hiawassee, Ga.
The nine-day event continues through Saturday, July 27, with concerts by country icons among the daily highlights. Among those scheduled to perform are Neal McCoy, Mel Tillis, The Bellamy Brothers, Marty Stuart, John Anderson and Gene Watson. The Claire Lynch Band will headline Bluegrass Day on Thursday, July 25.
Some 60 artisans will display original handmade works in the juried arts and crafts show. Media include pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, furniture, paintings and leather. Michael Felk will offer demonstrations of the 18th- and 19th-century art form of tinsmithing.
Other attractions include an outdoor nature exhibit with daily seminars on fly-fishing and fly-tying, and four shows daily featuring Robinson's Racing Pigs and the Paddling Porkers. Also set to entertain the kids are carnival rides, the trackless Little Pete's Railroad and the Interactive Game Experience, offering video games for fun or tournament play.
The fourth annual GMF Cooking Contest will be held Tuesday, July 23. Each competitor will be admitted free to the fairgrounds with a dish in hand. Entries will be received from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and awards presented at 5 p.m. The contest has two age divisions (adults 18 and up and youth ages 9-17) and two "family favorite" taste divisions (savory and sweet).
Admission to the daily arts and crafts show is $11, which includes concerts; children 9 and younger get in free. Parking is free, and a trolley service is available for transport. Mobility scooters can be rented.
Wristbands for the midway are $15. They must be purchased before 8 p.m., and they are not available on Fridays or Saturdays.
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are located along the shores of Lake Chatuge in Towns County, about two hours from Chattanooga.
For more information, call 706-896-4191 or visit www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.