Outdoor activity calendar

By Jane Harrison

Spring festivals are back, breaking the chill from the pandemic’s isolation and warming the soul with music, food and fun. After a two-year hibernation, a North Georgia favorite, the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival returns April 23-24 with a line-up of musicians, storytellers and artists sure to bring the mountain folks out of the hills and metro dwellers up to Dahlonega.

In its 24th year, the celebration of mountain culture has evolved from local pickers jamming around the square to a two-day festival complete with music workshops, food trucks, and a Bear’s Den serving beer, wine and mead. “After two years away, we feel like a baby bear emerging from hibernation,” said Glenda Pender, founder and festival chair. “We are so excited to be back. We have top notch blue grass and old time music,” she said, plus folk art and Appalachian storytelling. But, it’s still really all about old time mountain music, which remains relevant to today’s music scene and loved by generations.

“Old time is still very influential in modern music, especially among the alternative rock bands like Mumford and Sons and the Dave Matthews Band,” said Renee Conaway, long time member of the festival executive board. She posited that people still want to hear it “because it’s not the manufactured pre-packaged pop that’s generated by machines.” She mentioned that popular southern rock/country star Zac Brown grew up in the Dahlonega area playing old time and bluegrass in jam sessions around the square.

One of Brown’s early bandmates, Radford Windham, a fixture at hometown concerts, is excited about performing with his five-piece string band, Step Back Cadillac, in the main stage tent on Saturday. “I have traveled to 48 states and seen beautiful scenery, but I can honestly say that Dahlonega is my favorite place to live and play music. Dahlonega has always had a music scene that is slowly being recognized by the world, and I am always honored to play in this little piece of heaven,” he said.

Expect lots of head bobbing and foot stomping to rollicking fiddle and banjo pickin’. Then be moved nearly to tears by high and lonely heart-rending ballads. “Old time and bluegrass are played by real musicians with feelings that come through in the music and connect on a deeper level,” Conaway said. “This music can bring people to tears or get them on their feet and dancing, and everything in between,” she added. Windham said he’s not sure why people like his homespun tunes, but he thinks it’s the storytelling. “I write from the heart, I like to tell stories in my songs and I guess people love a good story,” he said.

On Saturday and Sunday, the MainStage tent next to Hancock Park features an extensive line-up of free concerts. But fingers get warmed up a day earlier at the historic source of it all. Beginning Friday afternoon, musicians start gathering throughout the Historic Downtown Square, ready to jam in groups that range from two to 10 or more. Folks gather up with their guitars, fiddles, mandolins, banjos, bass, dulcimers, autoharps, harmonicas, whatever else they can play and join in with others. The jam goes on through Sunday, as does an Artist Market with juried crafts including fiber and textiles, folk arts, furniture/woodworking, glass and metal, jewelry, mixed media, drawing and painting, photography, pottery, and more.

The Southern Appalachian oral art of storytelling always has a significant presence at the festival. Professional storytellers will let fly the tall tales, moral lessons, riddles and history that shape mountain communities and build backbones today. Attendees also get a chance to learn how to sing, dance, blow a penny whistle or pick in free workshops. “Several of the workshops are very popular – harmony singing with The Solstice Sisters is a great one. A chance to learn old time fiddle from John Grimm is a can’t-miss,” Conaway said.

The Bear’s Den is back with a venue for festivalgoers to relax and enjoy a brew or a glass of wine or cider. Located across the street from the Mainstage Tent, adjacent to the Food Court and Hancock Park, this venue is open to all ages, although anyone wishing to partake of alcoholic beverages must be carded before ordering.

The Bear festival traditionally brings in a slew of out-of-towners, but the homegrown tone resounds strong. “Bear on the Square is definitely a locals’ festival,” Conaway said. “So many Dahlonega residents play bluegrass and old time, so you’ll see them jamming around the square or performing at the Gospel Jam, as well as just enjoying the festival. We also have regular attendees from all over the Southeast as well as from South America and Germany.”

See www.bearonthesquare.org for schedule. See Lakeside’s Outdoor Calendar for information about other festivals this month.

Bear on Square jamming and the artist marketplace.

PHOTOS BY BARD WRISLEY

o Whitewater Watch Hike, Tallulah Falls. Strenuous hike down steep embankments to Bridal Veil Falls to watch boaters paddle down waterfalls, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 1, 2, 9 & 10, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Pkwy. No children younger than 10. Register in advance. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981. o USAT College Club Triathlon Championships, Buford. Swim/bike/run championships for college club teams, various times April 1-2, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy. www.teamusa.org. o The Crusher Vineyard & Trail Race 10K/5K/1-Mile, Cleveland. Run through grapevines on wooded course, 7/7:15/7:30 a.m. April 2, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, 1717 Hwy, 255 S. $40-$50. www.active.com. o Road to the Final Four Miler, Dawsonville. Chose 4K, 4-miles or both, plus shoot the hoop challenge, 8/8:30 a.m. April 2, Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. $30-$60. www.fivestarntp.com. o Driven 10K Trail Race, Winder. Trail race in Driver Games 3-race series, wave starts beginning at 9 a.m. April 2, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $65. www.driven2perform.com. o Container Gardening, Gainesville. Explore container gardening basics, 10-11:30 a.m. April 2, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, members $29. Register in advance. www.atlantabg.org. 404-888-4760. o Art in the Park, Dahlonega. Chestatee artists’ exhibit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 2, Hancock Park, Hawkins St. www.chestateeartists.org. o Hall County Master Gardeners Spring Expo, Gainesville. Vendors from local nurseries sell bulbs, native plants and more, April 12, Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Rd. $2 adults, free to children. www.hallmastergardeners.com. o Lanier Lantern Festival, Gainesville. Lantern lighting event to remember lost loved ones and celebrate the future, 2-10 p.m. April 2, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $8-$20, free to children younger than 4. www.gainesville.org. o Virtual Science Night/New Urban Forestry. Free online program on tree ecology presented by New Urban Forestry, 7-8 p.m. April 5. Offered through Elachee Nature Science Center. www.elachee.org. o Virtual Spring Plant Sale, Gainesville. Annual native and non-native plants available from Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden April 5-14; details www.atlantabg.org, o Black Rock Mountain State Park Family Camp, Mountain City. Family camping with activities in wilderness survival, fire building, kayaking, hiking and field trips, April 8-10, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. $45 per adult, $25 children 3-17, free to children younger than 3, plus

$5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-746-2441. o Food Truck Friday, Gainesville. Food trucks, live music 5-9 p.m. April 8, Lake Lanier Olympic Park Plaza/Grandstands, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. www.lakelanierolympicvenue.org, 855-536-1996. o Meadowscaping, Gainesville. Learn how to create pocket meadows and convert lawns into bird and pollinator-friendly spaces, 10 a.m.noon April 9, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $29 members, $34 non-members. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760. o Trillium Hike, Gainesville. Botanist Tom Govus leads hike on Dodd Loop in Chicopee Woods, 1-3 p.m. April 9, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Register in advance. For ages 16 and older. $10. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976. o Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Gainesville. Egg hunts for ages 10 and younger begin at 2 p.m. April 9, Midland Greenway, 682 Grove St. Free. www.gainesville.org. o Stars Over Elachee, Gainesville. Learn how to use a telescope, view the first quarter moon, stars and constellations 7:45-9:45 p.m. April 9, Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake, 2100 Calvary Church Rd. For adults and children age 8 and older. Bring flashlight and pencil. Telescope fee $30 for up to 5 family members or friend group. Free to Elachee members. Register in advance. 770535-1976, www.elachee.org. o Sunset Easter Egg Hunt, Tallulah Falls. Egg hunt in interpretive center with popcorn and crafts for ages 12 and younger, 7:15-8:15 p.m. April 15, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Pkwy. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981. o GHSA Fishing Tournament, Gainesville. Qualifier #4 for Georgia High School Association bass fishing tournament, April 16, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. www.ghsa.net. o Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Helen. Beginner to elite road bicycle races, 89-, 67-, and 25-mile loops for teams and individuals, 6 a.m. April 16, 807 Edelweiss Strasse. $130-$205. www.bikereg.com/tour-of-georgia-gfns. o Don’s Backyard BBQ 20K Trail Run Challenge, Winder. 20K trail race with barbecue afterwards, 8 a.m. April 16, Gate B, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $75. No race day registration. www.dirtyspokes.com. o Natural Egg Dying Program, Sautee Nacoochee. Dye eggs the old fashioned way with natural materials, eggs provided, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 16, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. Standard admission $7-$12, free to children 5 and younger. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077. o Touch a Truck, Gainesville. Kids get up close look at big trucks and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 16, City Park, 549 Glenwood Ave. NE. www.gainesville.org. See Outdoor Calendar, page 35

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o The Taste, Cumming. Sample food from 25 Forsyth County/Cumming area restaurants, plus live music, Easter egg hunts, children’s activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 16, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. Free admission, tastings $1-$4. www.cummingfair.squarespace.com/the-taste-1. o Moonlight Paddle, Gainesville. Guided paddle trip under the moonlight with Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, April 16, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Register in advance. $20. www.exploregainesville.org. o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 8:30-10 p.m. April 16, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981. o MotoAmerica Superbikes, Braselton. Motorbike fest and racing, camping allowed, April 22-24, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Hwy. Various admission prices. www.roadatlanta.com. o Lite Bites and Garden Insights, Gainesville. Presentation on bog plants, plus light refreshments, for contributing members only, 6-7:30 p.m. April 22, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760. o Skeeter Challenge Bass Tournament, Gainesville. Apr. 23-24, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. www.skeeterchallenge.com. o Trillium Trek, Gainesville. Trail halfmarathon & 5K, 8/9 a.m. April 23, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $60/$30. www.elachee.org., 770-535-1976. o Run Through the Decades 6K/7K/8K/Half-Marathon, Sugar Hill. 8 a.m. April 23, Sugar Hill City Hall, 5039 W. Broad St. $30-$125. www.fivestarntp.com. o Flowery Branch Spring Festival. Music, vendors, food in annual festival organized by Boy Scout Troop 228, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23, Downtown Flowery Branch. www.flowerybranchga.org. o Earth Day at Elachee, Gainesville. Special presentations by New Urban Forestry, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Blue Ridge Raptors including tree climbing, birds of prey, live animal showcase, crafts, food trucks, 12:30-4 p.m. April 23, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10, $5 Elachee members. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976. o Beginner Archery, Tallulah Falls. Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1-2:30 p.m. April 23, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Must be strong enough to pull 30 pound bow. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981. o Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Dahlonega. Acoustic music jamboree, music workshops, arts and craft vendors, food, storytelling and more, April 23 & 24, Downtown Dahlonega. www.bearonthequare.org. o Grounded Truck Gathering, Cumming. Truck exhibits, swap meet, camping and more, April 29 & 30, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. www.groundedtruckgathering.com. o Historic Sportscar Racing, Braselton. HSR Mitty historic and vintage car racing, plus off track activities and attractions; camping allowed, April 29-May 1, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, 5300 Winder Hwy. Various admission prices. www.roadatlanta.com o Lanier Christian Academy 5K, Flowery Branch. 4:15 p.m. April 29, Lanier Christian Academy, 5285 Strickland Rd. $31.50. www.runnersfit.com. o Athens Twilight. Bicycle festival with junior-pro bike races, 5K run, food court, expo, kids’ zone. music and more, various times April 29-30, Downtown Athens. www.athenstwilight.com. o Hall County Fit Families 5K, Gainesville. 9 a.m. April 30, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy. $25. www.runnersfit.com. o Outdoor Concert/Fund Raiser, Gainesville. Nashville Yacht Club Band performs at fundraiser including dinner, drinks, dancing and auction, 6 p.m. April 30, Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion at Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW. Sponsorship tables $10,000-$1,000. www.theartscouncil.net. o The Cookie Crusher HalfMarathon/5L/Fun Run, Cumming. 7:30/8/9 a.m. May 1, Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Rd. $20-$65. www.runnersfit.com. o Learn to Kayak, Gainesville. Three-hour session for kayak or SUP beginners led by American Canoe Association instructor/Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club member, May 1, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Register in advance. $65. www.exploregainesville.org. o Liquid Learning/Lake Lanier Ecology, Gainesville. Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Dale Caldwell discusses Lake Lanier’s ecology, 6-7 p.m. May 3, Tap It Pints & Growlers, 110 Maple St. Presented by Elachee Nature Science Center. Registration encouraged. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976. o Learn to Row, Gainesville. Learn to row with Lake Lanier Rowing Club, May 3-21, June 7-25, July 5-23 and August 2-20, Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m; Saturdays 8:3010:30 a.m. $180/session. office@lakelanierrowing.org.

On-Going o Eggstravagant Scavenger Hunt, Gainesville. Egg-themed scavenger hunt in garden, garden hours through April 17, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $14 adults, $12 children ages 312, free to children younger than 3 and garden members. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760. o Nature Connects, Gainesville. Whimsical Lego sculptures by artist Sean Kenney, March 4-May 30, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. Free to members. www.atlantabg.org. 404-888-4760. o Winter Farmers Market, Flowery Branch. 3:30-6:30 p.m. first and third Thursdays through April, City Hall Lawn, 5410 W. Pine St. www.flowerybranchfarmersmarket.com. o Monthly Farmers Market, Braselton. 4-6 p.m. March 18, patio next to Town Green on See Don Carter State Park Facebook page for park activities.

– compiled by Jane Harrison

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