Christmas in Dawson 2019

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

What’s inside: Have breakfast with Santa, make gingerbread houses at the library, see the parade in downtown, experience a live nativity & more!

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CHRISTMAS in Dawsonville

Inside: Letter from the Editor ...............................................................................................6 Breakfast with Santa............................................................................................... 10 Annual Christmas Parade..................................................................................... 11 Jingle Market and Tree Lighting ...................................................................... 11 Live Nativity at Bethel Baptist Church .........................................................14 Gingerbread House Making ...............................................................................15 Dawson Feed the Hungry.....................................................................................15 Local organizations to remember this holiday season..................... 22 Rotary Club Celebrates Christmas at Senior Center.......................... 24 Shop with a Cop spreads Christmas cheer.............................................. 25 Why you should shop local this year...........................................................26 Christmas fun around north Georgia............................................................28

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Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

The Bowen Center for the Arts a non-profit organization

The

best time of year Joshua Demarest Editor Dawson County News

Don’t get me wrong, Dawson County is the best place to be all year round.

But when the turkey coma wears off and the Christmas tunes start playing, Dawsonville takes awesome to a new level.

Whatever your Christmas traditions are, you couldn’t be in a better place for holiday cheer. And we are so happy you’re here!

If you’re looking to meet Santa Claus, we’ve got you covered! He always makes an appearance at our annual Christmas parade. Want to share a meal with Old Saint Nick himself? Stop by Rock Creek Park to have Breakfast with Santa and to partake in holiday shopping and free activities for the kids to enjoy.

While we’re talking about holiday shopping, why not get all your Christmas presents at our worldfamous shopping district? From the North Georgia Premium Outlets to the hometown boutiques, we’ve got plenty of options for all your shopping needs.

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While you’re shopping, stop by and see Santa at the outlet mall. Get photos and drop off your Christmas list for a direct line to the North Pole. We’ve heard from our inside sources at the North Pole that Santa Claus will be meeting children at the outlet mall up until Christmas Eve before he prepares his reindeer for a night of delivering presents.

If you’re looking for more family fun, the kids will love making gingerbread houses at the Dawson County Library and counting down as Dawsonville lights its giant Christmas tree at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

And if you want to remember the reason for the season, the Live Nativity at Bethel Baptist Church is a must see adventure through the north Georgia woods.

Whatever your traditions, you can find them here in Dawson County. You can find all the information on our many holiday activities within this Christmas in Dawsonville guide so that you can get a jump on the holiday spirit! I encourage you all to get out and see what the town has in store!

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

For unto us a Child is born.

Unto us a Son is given.

- Isaiah 9:6

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas 383 Highway 53 West Dawsonville, GA 706-344-1GAS

We are proud and honored to serve the Dawson County community.

It is the mission of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office to protect the lives and property of our people through professional, progressive, and proactive service. We shall serve with compassion and respect while seeking solutions to improve quality of life, liberty, and safety for all.

We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve you!

Visit us on Facebook @ Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Dawsonville, Ga www.dawsoncountysheriff.org Non-Emergency 706-344-3636 Sheriff Jeff Johnson

Tip Line- 706-265-4744

From our family to yours, Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New year!

Where pets are treated as family.

706-216-1356

375 Auraria Rd, Dawsonville (Located just past Ga 400 and Hwy 136 Intersection)

Come Have

Breakfast with Santa

at Rock Creek Park Inside the Rec Center. 4450 Martin Road, Dawsonville

Dec. 7 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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Every year, Santa Claus makes a special trip to Dawsonville so he can eat breakfast with children at Rock Creek Park before he sets off to deliver presents all over the world.

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The annual Breakfast with Santa is Dawsonville’s one-stop-shop for your Christmas fun, with vendors and festivities for the whole family.

Kids can enjoy free activities like ornament making, cookie decorating and face painting as well as goodie bags, candy, toys and prizes and an inflatable bounce house.

Parents can enjoy stopping by local vendors to find unique and handmade treasures that make the perfect additions to their Christmas decorations or the perfect Christmas gifts.

Santa photo packages will be available for purchase as well as tickets for the horsedrawn carriage rides and breakfast provided

by Chick-fil-A. Organizers ask that guests bring cash only.

Proceeds from Breakfast with Santa benefit K.A.R.E. for Kids, a local nonprofit organization that provides Christmas to underprivileged children in the community as well as provides other assistance throughout the year.

Admission to Breakfast with Santa is free.

For more information call the Dawson County Parks and Recreation at (706) 344-3646.

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Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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DAWSONVILLE’S

Christmas Parade Dec. 7, 5 p.m. • Downtown Dawsonville Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and set up camp around downtown Dawsonville for the seventh annual Christmas Parade.

Colorful floats will be making their way through town, starting at Academy Avenue, turning onto Hwy. 53 and ending at the Dawsonville Municipal Complex.

Many spectators choose to line the sidewalks by Dairy Queen and the Dawsonville Municipal Complex for the best views.

The parade includes floats from various local organizations, churches and businesses – and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Call the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce at (706) 265-6278 for more information.

DAWSONVILLE CHRISTMAS

Tree Lighting & Jingle Market Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dawsonville Municipal Complex and Georgia Racing Hall of Fame • 415 Hwy. 53 in Dawsonville If you’re looking to ring in the Christmas season with friends and family, look no further than the annual tree lighting at city hall.

Each year the city of Dawsonville unveils its massive Christmas tree and hosts a lighting ceremony at dusk for the community to enjoy. Gather outside city hall and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and help your neighbors count down to the grand moment when the tree is lit.

There will be fun activities for the whole family, including music and dancing, free pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, hot cocoa and coffee.

While you’re waiting for dusk to arrive, pop into the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame to peruse local vendors selling their handcrafted items at the Jingle Market. The market will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. so you’re sure to have plenty of time to shop ‘til you drop.

Take time to stop by the food trucks in downtown for a bite to eat while you enjoy the Christmas fun Dawsonville has to offer.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Experience a live nativity in the north Georgia woods

The Story of Christ, A LIVE NATIVITY Dec. 13 and 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bethel Baptist Church 2659 Hwy. 136 W, Dawsonville

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Bethel Baptist Church’s live nativity will celebrate its 32nd year of showcasing the true meaning of Christmas when the elaborate outdoor play commences Dec. 13 and 14.

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Throughout the 40-acre woods where the nativity is staged, church volunteers will act out scenes that range from the birth of Jesus to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection as visitors view the spectacle from tractordriven wagons.

More than 2,000 people visit the nativity each year, which takes the entire 150-member congregation to pull off. After the play, visitors are invited inside for hot soups and chili, sandwiches, drinks and other refreshments.

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Wagons begin departing the church parking lot at 6 p.m. and stop at 9 p.m.

Dress warmly and plan for a 45-minute ride.

Admission is free.

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Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Gingerbread House Decorating Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Dawson County Library 342 Allen Street in Dawsonville The Dawson County Library is offering kids ages 3-17 three chances to decorate delicious gingerbread houses for free this December.

With gallons of frosting, graham crackers and candies, kids will have everything they need to construct their own unique gingerbread creations.

There will be three time slots for this year’s festivities on Dec. 14, with sessions beginning at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Space is limited, so registration is required. It opens Monday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. To register, call the library at (706) 344-9690.

Dawson Feed the Hungry Dec. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Gordon Pirkle Banquet Hall inside the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame • 415 Hwy. 53 in Dawsonville The fifth annual Dawson Feed the Hungry is set for Christmas Day in the Gordon Pirkle Banquet Room inside the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

For the past five years, Dawsonville resident Scotty Seay has organized Dawson Feed the Hungry to help provide warm meals for those in need as well as for military personnel, veterans, emergency services and first responders.

Volunteers will be on site serving meals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until everyone has been served or they run out of food.

The menu includes ham, chicken, pulled pork, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, corn, mac and cheese, green beans, rice and assorted desserts as well as tea, soda and water.

Food donations are accepted and appreciated. Hot food items can be dropped off the day-of, and other food items like desserts can be brought a few days early.

Plates can be pre-ordered as well as delivered. For more information or to volunteer, call Scotty Seay at (770) 866-2005.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Merry Christmas

5TH UAL ANN

ALL G UNDIN SURRO IES COUNT !

ME O C WEL

Dawson Feed the Hungry Christmas Day

Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at Georgia Racing Hall of Fame (Downtown Dawsonville next to City Hall)

Gordon Pirkle Banquet Room If you or someone you know is in need of a hot meal, we encourage you to come out and join us inside the banquet room on Christmas Day. MILITARY PERSONNEL/VETERANS EMERGENCY SERVICES & 1ST RESPONDERS WELCOME!!!

10 AM - 4 PM or until all are served or we’re out of food!

Volunteers needed to help serve and deliver!

FOOD DONATIONS ACCEPTED & APPRECIATED Drop off hot food day-of or can bring desserts a few days earlier.

PRE-ORDER PLATES

BY CALLING 770-866-2005 DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

Menu will include: • Ham • Chicken • Pulled Pork • Broccoli Casserole • Mashed Potatoes

• Corn • Mac & Cheese • Green Beans • Rolls • Assorted Desserts

Tea, Soda, Water

For info or to volunteer contact Scotty Seay 770-866-2005 Follow me on Facebook for updates

We have ornaments galore & so much more!!!

Handmade gifts for Grandma, Grandpa & teacher too.

Stop and see what we can create with you!

*Paint-Your-Own-Pottery* NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

*Canvas Painting *Board Art* DIY Art *Birthday Parties *Summer Camps *Classes *Team Building *Date Night *Ladies’ Night

31 Jack Heard Rd. Dawsonville, GA 706-265-2738 www.claycanvascreate.com At Outside the Lines! Art Studio, everyone’s an artist!

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In This Holy Season...

May your faith be renewed and your spirits lifted, by the true meaning of Christmas.

We thank you for your friendship and for the privilege of serving you this past year.

“For all LP Gas Services�

Celebrating 55 Years

www.millsfuel.com

Dawsonville 706-265-3394 Cumming 770-887-5235 Dahlonega 706-864-5037

Local organizations to remember this holiday season Bowen Center for the Arts P.O. Box 849, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 216-2787 Dawson County Family Connection 96 Academy Avenue, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-1981 Dawson County Historical & Genealogical Society P.O. Box 1074, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-3985 Dawson County Humane Society 633 Martin Road, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org (706) 265-9160 Dawson County Library 342 Allen Street, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 344-3690 Dawson County Senior Center 201 Recreation Road, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 344-3700 Dawson County Woman’s Club P.O. Box 1401, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 dawsoncountywomansclub.org (706) 216-1360 Dawsonville Civitan Club 28 Main Street, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 contact@dawsonvillecivitan.org www.dawsonvillecivitan.org Dawsonville Lions Charities, Inc. P.O. Box 408, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (404) 323-9683 Friends of Amicalola Falls 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd., Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-4703 Friends of the Hike Inn 280 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd., Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 staff@hike-inn.com Georgia Racing Hall of Fame 415 Hwy. 53 E, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 216-7223 www.georgiaracinghof.com Good Shepherd Clinic of Dawson County 45 Medical Center Drive, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 429-9914 K.A.R.E. for Kids, Inc. P.O. Box 211, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 216-5273 Keep Dawson County Beautiful 25 Justice Way STE 2322, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 344-3501

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Meals by Grace Fill Ministries & MbG Pantry 432 A Canton Road, Cumming, Ga. 30534 (404) 268-8924 Next Generation Clubhouse 462 Memory Lane STE 160, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 429-0110 www.nxtgenerationga.org Ninth District Opportunity P.O. Box 453, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-3744 No One Alone (NOA) P.O. Box 685, Dahlonega, Ga. 30533 (706) 344-3853 Reading Education Association of Dawson County, Inc. (READ) 388 Hwy. 9 N, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.readdawson.com (678) 513-5202 Relay for Life of Dawson County 2565 Thompson Bridge Road STE 114, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 (770) 297-1220 RIC Rack Food Bank and Thrift Store P.O. Box 891, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 (706) 265-1371 / (706) 265-1045 Rotary Club of Dawson County P.O. Box 1495, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.dawsoncountyrotary.org Sleep in Heavenly Peace- Dawsonville (404) 543-0615 skip.sevier@shpbeds.org United Way for Dawson County P.O. Box 1350, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.unitedwayforsyth.com/dawsoncounty (770) 781-4110 Veterans 3 Gun, Inc. P.O. Box 282, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 veterans3gun.org (706) 973-1787 Veterans Affairs of Dawson County P.O. Box 1313, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 Vietnam Veterans of America, Dawson County Chapter #970 P.O. Box 1205, Dawsonville, Ga. (706) 809-2573 Wee Books P.O. Box 1883, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 www.dawsonweebooks.org

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Rotary Club brings

Christmas Cheer to senior center

For the past 14 years, the Rotary Club of Dawson County has funded an annual Christmas party at the Dawson County Senior Center.

Last year, Rotarians donned their favorite holiday ensembles and grabbed their jingle bells to spread holiday cheer.

As the piano hummed with Christmas classics, the spirit of Christmas filled the halls at the Margie Weaver Senior Center as Rotarians led a session of caroling before Santa Claus made his grand appearance.

“I was never Santa before Rotary. It’s amazing what you’ll do for Rotary,” said Rotarian Pepper Pettit, who donned the red suit in 2018.

After singing along to holiday classics, Rotarians handed out gift bags full of goodies specially picked out for each senior by Director Dawn Pruett.

“Rotary graciously funds our Christmas party gifts for our clients here,” Pruett said.

In 2018, the Rotary Club was able to donate 50 gifts to seniors as a way to give back to the community and put smiles on friendly faces.

“For some of these seniors, this will be the only Christmas they have,” Pettit said.

It’s an especially heartwarming time in the senior center according to Helen Cowart, who reflected on her past four years at the Christmas party.

“I’m enjoying every minute of it,” Cowart said after receiving a gift of gloves, lotions and a warm hat. “This place is special.”

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Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Officers spread Christmas magic with

Shop with a Cop

If you happen to see the aisles of Walmart teeming with law enforcement officers this December, don’t be alarmed. It’s just the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office participating in Shop with a Cop. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office began participating in Shop with a Cop, an event that pairs underprivileged children in the community with local officers to shop for Christmas presents, in 2006. Each child is given $100 to spend on whatever their hearts desire, and thanks to the generosity of the community, more than 80 children were able to experience Christmas in the Shop with a Cop program in 2018.

“This is one of the best years we’ve had for donations,” said Sheriff Jeff Johnson at last year’s event. “We’ve had some very generous gifts this year.”

Shop with a Cop is funded by donations given throughout the year as well as contributions from local schools that have been finding creative ways to turn raising money into a fun contest.

The Christmas cheer continued throughout the 2018 event as children selflessly spent part of their allotted money on their siblings and parents “What really amazes me… kids want to shop for others. It’s just not all about them.

They want to give for others and that’s what’s amazing to watch. It’s just something

special,” Johnson said. “That’s always reassuring, knowing our next generation are at least thinking of others already.

There’s hope.”

At the end of the evening, the spirit of Christmas was alive and well for Tina Wilson as she expressed her thankfulness for the event that is giving her granddaughter Jacelyn a special Christmas. “(Shop with a Cop is) one of the most fantastic things that we ever had happen to us,” Wilson said. “We can’t hardly afford Christmas this year. As a matter of fact I can’t afford it, but all this is making my granddaughter have a wonderful Christmas.”

It has been difficult year for Jacelyn, who is battling Neurofibromatosis Type 1. She went to Disney World as a VIP guest for a week thanks to Burt’s Big Adventure on 99.7, and Make-A-Wish has also contacted the family to help make her dreams come true.

“This is a wonderful Christmas due to this topping it off,” Wilson said.

It was a rewarding experience, not just for the children, but for all who were touched by the generosity and compassion of the community who donated to make Shop with a Cop a reality once again this year.

Capt. Chad White said it best: “I don’t think there’s no greater gift than to see a smile on a kid’s face.”

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Why you should

Shop Local this Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, that usually means it’s time to hit the stores or internet in search of the perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones. But what if that perfect gift can’t be found on the vast reaches of the online world or national chain stores? What if that unique gift came right from your very own town? Maybe shopping locally is just what you need this Christmas, and here’s why.

1. You strengthen your local economy.

Money that’s spent in local stores and boutiques stays within the county.

According to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, if you spend $100 in a locally owned store, $68 stays in the community where as only $43 would stay in the community if you buy from a national chain. Studies by private research firm Civic Economics also show that for every dollar you spend at an independent business, three times more money is put back in to your local economy than dollars spent at a chain. The money that stays in the community goes towards supporting local schools, police and emergency services and maintaining the roads you travel every day.

2. You help create jobs and opportunities.

Not only does shopping local stimulate the economy, it helps bring jobs to your community. Local businesses bring local jobs.

By stopping by an independent business for your Christmas shopping needs, you’re directly helping people in your own community. You’re also helping to give back to the many nonprofit organizations in your community when you shop locally. Independent businesses give more to charitable organizations in your community than chain retailers. In fact, the Seattle Good Business Network reports that small businesses donate 250 percent more to nonprofits and community causes than chain stores.

3. You enhance and build your community.

Going to a locally run business in your town means you might just run in to some familiar faces. The woman behind the counter might be someone who goes to the same church as you. The teenager stocking the shelves could be your son’s high school friend. That gentleman welcoming you to his store could be your neighbor. When you stop by your

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local stores, you’re meeting people who live in the same town as you and you’re supporting the talented entrepreneurs in your community when you choose to spend your dollars there.

When you hand your cash to the smiling woman behind the counter, you see exactly who you are supporting. Your choice to shop locally helps your community members provide for their families.

4. You’ll find unique and high quality gifts you won’t find anywhere else. With all the local talent and unique passions that fill the community, you’re sure to find those special Christmas gifts you just couldn’t find at big box stores. Maybe you’re looking for some custom made jewelry to surprise your wife this Christmas. Maybe your mother has been hunting for a one-of-a-kind wind chime and the Mom and Pop shop a mile from your house has just the one. You’ll never know what treasures you’ll find when you stop by your local businesses, but you’ll know whatever you do find has been crafted with love.

When you by local, you often buy handmade products made with passion for a more personal touch than anything you find in a chain store.

5. You’ll get great customer service. Locally owned businesses are run by passionate people who care about their customers. They have invested in your community the same way you have invested in them. Passionate business owners know the ins and outs of their products and are always ready to help you make the right decision for all your needs.

With a friendly smile they offer up their best advice and treat you as their Number One Customer. When you choose to do your spending locally, you are supporting you community’s dreamers and their passions – and who knows, you might make some new friends this holiday season.

Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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Looking for more Christmas fun?

North Georgia has you covered!

Gainesville Travel down to Gainesville to see historic Green Street lit up in its holiday best this Christmas season.

This year, Main Street Gainesville alone with the Hall County Historical Society are presenting Historic Christmas on Green Street from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 8.

The event begins with a parade of antique cars and holiday floats. Green Street will be closed during the free event.

historic square all December long.

Visit the Christmas Market on Candy Cane Lane in the Dahlonega Square Dec. 13-14 to peruse artists and craftsmen offering unique gifts as well as delicious baked goods. The best part of the market? All proceeds and donations support Lumpkin County children in need this holiday season.

The market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside The Community House at 111 North Park Street in Dahlonega.

There will be food trucks, miniature train and carriage rides, 20 different musical groups set to perform on front porches, as well as strolling magicians, face painters, balloon artists, jugglers and storytellers. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance.

The night will end with the lighting of the Rotary Tree at 7 p.m.

Cumming

Dahlonega

For the past 20 years, Christmas in Cumming at the Cumming Fairgrounds has been a north Georgia staple. To keep visitors nice and toasty, the event is held inside the Cumming Livestock Barn on Dec. 13-14. The event will have 100 booths at the arts and crafts show, with numerous Christmas activities being held around the fairgrounds.

Downtown Dahlonega is your one-stop shop for all your Christmas fun, with holiday festivities happening along the

Admission is $1 with children 12 and under entering for free. The show will be open from 4-10 p.m. Friday, Dec.

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Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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13 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

The Cumming Country Fairgrounds is located at 235 Castleberry Road in Cumming.

Tate Throughout the month of December, the Tate House is opening its doors for special Christmas tours of the pink marble mansion.

as well as luncheons and dinners. Tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dec. 1-21. Tickets for the mansion tour are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-10 and free for children under five.

Luncheon tours are $40 and dinner tours with live music are $50.

For more information visit www.TateHouse.com or call (770) 735-3122.

The 19,000 square foot mansion was built in 1926 as a private estate for Colonel Sam Tate, a land baron, philanthropist and business tycoon. It is now listed as the Pink Palace in the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular wedding venue for Georgia brides.

Every Christmas, the mansion is decorated for the holidays and opens its doors to the public for mansion tours Christmas in Dawsonville 2019

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