SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN BY CONNIE RAY, ALAN BAILEY, MIKE CRAVER, AND MARK HARDWICK MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE DIRECTED BY HEATH BURNETT Smoke on the Mountain is a joyous, toe-tapping musical comedy set in a small North Carolina Baptist church in 1938. The Sanders Family has come to Mount Pleasant Baptist to share their music and their stories, bringing gospel classics, bluegrass charm, and heartfelt humor to the congregation. As they sing and testify, secrets slip out, laughter mingles with faith, and the family’s imperfections shine as brightly as their love and devotion. Packed with over two dozen bluegrass and gospel favorites like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Rock of Ages,” the show is equal parts revival meeting and heartfelt family comedy, creating an unforgettable evening of laughter, music, and inspiration. Since its premiere, Smoke on the Mountain has become one of the most frequently produced musicals in the United States, delighting audiences nationwide. It was originally staged at the McCarter Theatre in 1988 before transferring Off-Broadway, where it won critical acclaim and earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue. SHOWTIMES: FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 22 THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY - 7:00 P.M. SUNDAY - 2:00 P.M.

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. Go Green! Dress Festive! You can watch the parade or join the parade! Wild hats & Accessories, crazy outfits, the more green the better. Anywhere in downtown Blue Ridge is a great place to watch. After the parade head to the Boro Inn for more Irish Festivities. Check out all the other events and festivities happening all weekend!

LIKE RUNNING OR WALKING? LOVE CIDER? THIS RACE IS FOR YOU! Join us on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:30am for an exciting annual event that features the amazing scenery and landscape of Mercier Orchards! Located in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and founded by Bill and Adele Mercier in 1943, they are now a fourth-generation family-owned and veteran-operated farm. Starting out as a humble roadside stand selling only apples, they are now one of the most popular agrotourism destinations in the south. . So, whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the cider and camaraderie this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS BY ROBERT HARLING MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE DIRECTED BY SONIA SMITH Steel Magnolias is a funny, heartwarming, and deeply moving portrait of friendship, resilience, and Southern charm. Set in a small-town Louisiana beauty salon, the play follows six women whose lives interweave through laughter, gossip, love, and loss. From weddings to heartbreaks, their bond carries them through life’s joys and sorrows, proving that with strength, humor, and a touch of hairspray, anything is possible. Full of sharp wit and emotional depth, Steel Magnolias captures the power of friendship and the enduring spirit of women who support each other through thick and thin. Written by Robert Harling and first staged Off-Broadway in 1987, Steel Magnolias quickly became a beloved favorite, later inspiring the acclaimed 1989 film. While the stage play itself did not receive major awards, the film adaptation earned multiple nominations, and the story remains celebrated worldwide for its humor, heart, and lasting cultural impact. SHOWTIMES: APRIL 9 - APRIL 22 THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY - 7:00 P.M. SUNDAY - 2:00 P.M.

2026 Annual Blue Ridge Trout AND Outdoor Adventures Festival in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Pt on by the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter. Cast - Paddle - Hike - Climb - Ride - Axe Throwing - Outdoor Art- Live Music - Craft Beer and Food and much more. This is not just a fishing event, learn about kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and more. Many local outfitters will be onsite to help you. Local outfitters and guides help you learn why trout fishing - especially fly-fishing - is a growing sport among men and women in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Georgia...where, when and how to catch rainbow, brown and brook trout inn the Trout Capital of Georgia. Trout Fest Program Tents present expanded programs including mountain biking and kayaking. Professional fishing guides and outfitters share their fishing programs that tell our visitors what they need to know for a successful day of trout fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia. Trout Fest Activity Zone, opens up outdoor fun for our visitors with fish-bike-kayak demos and programs, a climbing wall, a trout-fishing pond, long-saw crosscutting, axe throwing, gem mining and more! Browse, admire and shop a large selection of fine outdoor art produced by local and traveling artists who feature the resources of the Appalachian Mountains in both their materials and their visions. Trout Fest Food Court features new and returning food vendors, and our Beer/Wine Garden will include local craft beer from Grumpy Old Men Brewing a local favorite as well as hard cider from Mercier Orchards. Browse, admire and shop a large selection of great outdoor gear, clothing, footwear, fishing tackle, fl rods/reels, personal/property services, and fine outdoor art produced by local and traveling artists who feature the resources of the Appalachian Mountains in both their materials and their visions. Be sure to be there from 3 pm to 6 pm for live music from the Blue Ridge Trout Fest Sound Stage. Check out blueridgetroutfest.com for more details.

Are you ready to take on the ultimate challenge in the great outdoors? Then the Blue Ridge Adventure Race is for you! This thrilling event takes participants on a multi-discipline journey through the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and is America's longest-running adventure race. Teams of two to four members, or solos, will navigate the rugged terrain using only a map and compass, trekking through mountains, biking through winding forest trails, and paddling through scenic rivers and lakes. Along the way, participants will face a series of mental and physical challenges designed to push them to their limits. The Blue Ridge Adventure Race is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are ready to embrace the thrill of adventure and the beauty of nature. You'll experience the rush of adrenaline as you push yourself to the limit, and the tranquility of the mountains as you paddle through pristine lakes and rivers. The race is open to participants of all skill levels, from seasoned adventure racers to first-time competitors. However, all participants should be prepared for a challenging and demanding event that will test their endurance, navigation skills, and teamwork. If you're ready to take on the ultimate outdoor adventure, then sign up for the Blue Ridge Adventure Race today. You'll create memories that will last a lifetime and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains like never before. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to challenge yourself and explore the great outdoors because this race sells out yearly.

WHO'S READY TO RACE AGAIN?! IT'S TIME TO PULL YOUR CARS OUT AND GET THEM READY FOR OUR RACE ON SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, MAY 2ND, 2026 AT THE FANNIN COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL. Follow their Face Book page for more information and updates, as they come along. Fannin County Family Connections Presents: The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby A little history: • The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby (SBD) was created in 2018 and held its inaugural race in April 2019 • It was created to give our local community, especially our youth, an exciting activity that they can do as a family. • It teaches the next generation all the aspects of the "S.T.E.A.M." program, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. • Thus far, the SBD has given back over $14,000 to our Fannin County Schools while also paying out over $1,000 every year in prize money. • Admission is always free to watch and affordable food, snacks, and beverages are available.