Hall Co. Commission approves Laurel Park funds

GAINESVILLE - Hall County's Parks and Leisure Services Director has the go-ahead from county commissioners to get ready for major events at Laurel Park off Cleveland Highway.

Mark Little this week asked for and got $80,000 in impact fee revenue for construction of a Special Events area at the park.

"Our vision is for possibly large festivals that would draw numbers of people from out of town, Little said.

Little said the money would pay for lighting, water, landscaping and parking for the new area. Little said it should be ready in time for the first annual 'Hawgin on Lanier", a state championship BBQ competition hosted by the Gainesville Jaycees in November to benefit the Hall County Animal Shelter and their Empty Stocking Fund Project.

"This one event we've got coming up in conjunction with the Gainesville Jaycees is going to be a big event and we're looking forward to it," Little added.

One hundred professional and 50 backyard cook teams from all over the U.S. are expected to participate according to a news release issued by the county. The event is expected to draw 2,000 people from the surrounding area. The Jaycees are putting up over $20,000 in prize money to make the event the biggest of its kind in the state.

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