Laurel Summer Fest returns

GAINESVILLE—Music, barbecue and a fireworks celebration will return to Hall County's Laurel Park at the end of the month.

 

2015 is the second year for the Laurel Summer Fest, an event organizers hope will become an annual tradition. This year the event is planned for Saturday, Aug. 29.

 

"Last year we did it on Labor Day Weekend. It also happened to be the same weekend as the big Georgia-Clemson game. We're moving it back a week and hopefully that'll get more people out there," Hall County Public Information Officer Katie Crumley said.

 

The county and the Gainesville Jaycees have partnered for the event which will benefit Hall County Parks & Leisure's scholarship programs and the Gainesville Jaycees' Gut Check program and Empty Stocking Fund.

 

Crumley said the annual event will feature a number of local musical acts, including Fly Betty Band. Craft and food vendors as well as games and activities for children are also planned.

 

As far as the fireworks display, the county has a big dress rehearsal earlier in the summer.

 

"We do a fireworks show every year, the big July 4th fireworks show at Laurel Park, and that draws a huge, huge crowd, and I think that really speaks to the demand for this type of fun, safe wholesome family activity," Crumley added.

 

A big part of the Jaycees contribution, the Hawgin' on Lanier KCBS BBQ Competition, will be going on all weekend. Steven Ellis is the director of the competition and said it's shaping up to be a big field.

 

"We're closing in on our 25th pro team. We are shooting to have about 40 pro teams, and then we're already on par to have 20 on the backyard side of the competition," Ellis said.

 

The barbecue offerings will also include a number of local public safety departments in their own public safety cook-off.

 

For the festival goer, Ellis said there will be an opportunity to eat. A people's choice category has organizers supplying participating teams each with two boston butts. The teams will cook the meat, and organizers will set it up under a pavilion.

 

To weigh in on the product, attendees can pay five dollars for a ticket.

 

"You could really gorge yourself if you wanted to on barbecue for five dollars," Ellis said.

 

Admission for the Laurel Summer Fest is ten dollars. Children 12 and under get in free.