Easter Events

Easter Egg-spress Blue Ridge Scenic Railway March 22, 2008 Downtown Blue Ridge Depo Easter Egg-spress – Saturday 4:00pm. Ride the train with the Easter Bunny! This is a two hour trip, ticket price is $16.00 plus tax for all passengers. 706-632-9833 brscenic.com Easter Egg Hunt March 22, 2008 Copperhill West Tennessee Ave Ballfield Open to all children, infants to age 12. Free photos with the Easter Bunny. Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Business Association. For information, call Rick Scott 706-496-1862 ocoeeinfo.com Easter Egg Hunt St. Luke’s Episcopal Church March 22, 2008 7 Ewing Street (beside the Kiwanis fairgrounds) Annual Blue Ridge Community Easter Egg Hunt will be hosted at 1 p.m. The egg hunt will include more than 1,000 eggs filled with candy and other small prizes hidden throughout the church grounds. Refreshments will be served, free and open to everyone. (706) 632-8245 stlukesblueridge.org Picture with Easter Bunny March 21, 2008 Blairsville, GA United Community Bank will be offering Free pictures with the Easter Bunny on March 21, 2008 in the lobby of our main location on Highway 515 in Blairsville starting at 1pm. Come visit our Easter House and enjoy some delicious punch and cookies. We will also have a jellybean contest where we will be taking guesses to see who can correctly guess the number of jellybeans. ucbi.com

Backpacking Clinic & Appalachian Trail Celebration
Saturday & Sunday: March 1 & 2
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge: Dawsonville
This program is a must for backpackers or anyone who has ever dreamed of hiking the AT. Enjoy demonstrations and workshops by professionals and retailers on an assortment of backpacking gear, and take part in discussions on trip preparation. Hear about Appalachian Trail adventures from well-known authors and hikers. $3 parking. 706-265-1969.
website: gastateparks.org/info/amicalola

Thrills in the Hills Half-Marathon
Saturday: March 1
Fort Yargo State Park: Winder
This half marathon will be an off-road course following the park's scenic mountain bike trails. 8am to 12 noon. www.ditchthecity.com. Fee plus $3 parking. 770-867-3489.
website: gastateparks.org/info/ftyargo

The Mountain Music and Medicine Show
Saturday: March 1
Historic Holly Theater: Dahlonega
Originating in Dahlonega, Georgia, the Mountain Music and Medicine Show has won three GABBY awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters for the best locally produced radio program in the State of Georgia. Amazing--especially considering that the Mountain Music and Medicine Show is an all volunteer effort. 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
website: hollytheater.com

Philco Radio Players
Saturday: March 1
Glenn Auditorium at Young Harris College: Young Harris
Fun for the whole family. Live re-creations of radio shows like Fibber McGee and Molly, The Shadow, plus other surprises. Commercials, news and sound effects of old time raido shows take you back in time. A night to remember! Event starts at 7pm. Tickets $10.00 each. Reservations 706-379-5194, pick up tickets at the door.
website: iclyhc.org

Senior Ranger Wednesdays
Wednesday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 26
Unicoi State Park and Lodge: Helen
Older adults can attend four classes to learn about Unicoi State Park and local history (March 5), Unicoi Wildlife (March 12), Wilderness Survival (March 19), and Learning to Bird (March 26). After attending, participants will become Senior Rangers and learn ways to become active members of Unicoi State Park's Friends Chapter. 706-878-2201 ext. 305.
website: gastateparks.org/info/unicoi

First Friday for Families
Friday: March 7
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge: Helen
This monthly ranger-led series will cover topics of interest to children and adults. Each Friday will explore a new topic, from how animals survive in winter to wonders of the night. Times and dates will vary through the year. 6pm to 7pm. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.
website: gastateparks.org/info/smithgall

Celtic Music Festival
Saturday & Sunday: March 8 & 9
Historic Holly Theater: Dahlonega
The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce presents the first annual Celtic Music Festival! Highlights of the festival are concerts by the traditional Irish bands Altan, Highland Way, Emerald Rose and Shamrock at the historic Holly Theater. Celtic themed workshops will be held at various locations around downtown Dahlonega. Enjoy bagpipers and storytellers as you shop the art and craft exhibitors displaying and selling Celtic themed items.
website: hollytheater.com

Hills of Iron
Saturday: March 15
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge: Cartersville
Learn about the history of Red Top Mountain and Bartow County through lectures, tours of the 1800s iron mine and more. See a 1/12-scale model of the old furnaces in operation and to make a unique piece of iron artwork during an evening iron pour. 9am to 8pm. $3 parking. 770-975-4226.
website: gastateparks.org/info/redtop

Arts ‘Round the Square
Monday: March 17
Ellijay Elementary Auditorium: Ellijay
Get your Irish on! Lots to do on St. Patty's Day in Ellijay: At 10am the First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade trots out all the green-garbed characters and afterwards a corned beef and cabbage meal is served. From 10am to 5pm entertainment on Spotlight Stage will keep your toes tapping. At 7:30 pm The Lovell Sisters take the stage. For ticket information call GAHA. 706-635-5605
website: gilmerchamber.com

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Thursday & Friday, March 20 & 21
Tallulah Gorge State Park: Tallulah Falls
Enjoy the gorge in the magical, shimmering light of the full moon. The hike will begin at the Interpretive Center, following the North Rim Trail, with a descent of the Hurricane Falls Trail staircase of about 325 steps to the suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls. This is considered a strenuous hike, consisting of approximately 700 steps. 7pm to 9pm. Register in advance. $4 parking. 706-754-7981.
website: gastateparks.org/info/tallulah

Let's Get WET and WILD
Wednesday & Thursday, March 26 & 27
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge: Helen
Projects WET and WILD are nationally accredited K-12 curricula. Project WET focuses on activites that teach water conservation, the function of wetlands, and the water cycle. Project WILD is a conservation and environmental education program which emphasizes wildlife and habitat. Teachers can earn 1 PLU the fun way. $20 one day; $40 both days.9am to 4pm. Call 706-878-3087 for more info.
website: gastateparks.org/info/smithgall

Blue Ridge Writers Conference
Saturday & Sunday: March 28 & 29
North Georgia Technical College: Blairsville
Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association meeting in the mountains for writers and readers. Guest speakers, workshops and book signings. Conference begins at 9am to 5pm. For more information, call Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association at 706-632-2144 706-632-2144.
website: brmaa.net

Horse Lover's Field Day
March 29: Saturday
Gillsville: Grove River Ranch
Activities include Educational Speakers and Demonstrations, Trail Ride Sign up, Ranch Tour, 4H Drill Team Show, Vendors, Parade of Breeds and Raffles. Strickland's BBQ and 4H Baked Goods Available. A benefit for Banks County 4H Horsemanship Club. 9:30am to 3:30pm. Admission: $5/individual or $8/vehicle. Call 706-677-0072 for more information.
website: groveriverranch.com

Flies and Fly Water
Saturday: March 29
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge: Helen
In preparation for the upcoming spring fishing season, we will have a show and tell, helpful hints, and “how to” on fly tying, stream reading, casting and more. 10am to 12 noon. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.
website: gastateparks.org/info/smithgall