Join our fellow watercolorists of all ages and skill levels, as we learn to paint some of the beautiful landscapes found in Smithgall Woods. This class will focus on painting water and stones. Our teacher, Sheron Sherman, is a self taught artist living here in the area and is a member of the Sautee Nacoochee Watercolorists. Sheron also volunteers for Friends of Smithgall and has donated her work for its Cabin Fever campaign to raise money for a historic education cabin to be built at the park. Her work has been shown in several juried shows, both here and in Ft Myers, FL. There will be a step by step demo for those of you who are beginners and we will reserve 30 minutes time at the end of class for everyone to get feedback on their piece. This is through Reservation only, and there are limited openings. Please call the visitor's center at 706-878-3087 to reserve your spot. This class has a $15/person fee plus $5 parking pass.

The evening begins with a Color Guard presentation to honor our men and women in the military. Then, experience a bit of Bavaria while you and your family enjoy the Memorial Day weekend celebration at the Festhalle! A live Oompa band, dancing and a festive Bavarian atmosphere help honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The following will be available for sale: Import and Domestic Beer Wines Wursts on a Bun Sauerkraut Hot Dogs Pretzels Snacks Desserts All active, retired and veterans and a guest get in free with Military ID for this event.

The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long distance hot air balloon race will begin (weather permitting) with a mass ascension of around 20 bright and colorful hot air balloons, in North Georgia’s Alpine Village – Helen. Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7:00 am, Thursday, June 4th, 2026. If the weather conditions are too windy or storms are forecast, the take off will be postponed until conditions are acceptable. The people of Helen believe that Helen, Georgia is the center of their world and in Columbus’ day the Atlantic Ocean was the “edge of the Earth”. Thus, Pete Hodkinson came up with the concept for the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race. The race begins in Helen and the finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami). The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race usually takes two days. It has been done in one day, while some races have taken as many as four days. Several balloons will be competing in the cross country race. It is a race where both the pilot’s and crew’s skills are challenged. A balloon can only go the same speed and direction as the wind. The pilot must find the altitude which gives him/her the best speed as well as direction towards the finish line. The race becomes a crew event as well, since the balloons are limited to 40 gallons of fuel (propane). Forty gallons is approximately enough fuel to last 4 hours, so the balloons have to land for refueling. If the crew is not there immediately with fresh tanks, valuable time is lost while the pilot and crew try to find each other. The winner is the first person to cross I-95, or whoever is ahead at sunset on Friday, June 5th, 2026. While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonist compete in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6:00 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30 am and 6:00 pm each day (weather permitting). The balloons will only fly for around 1 to 2 hours. There will be many opportunities available to the public; assisting with the inflations, being a part of a chase crew or taking a tethered ride in a balloon. There will be approximately 20 balloons flying locally

It’s time for the Shriner’s from Yaarab Temple to assemble in Helen for the initiation of new members into their parade tradition. On Saturday at 10AM the Shriner’s will entertain spectators with the fun and frolic of the Shriner’s parade through downtown Helen. Be sure and support this most worthy organization with your patronage and cheers as they perform their very best. The parade will begin at the Helen Festhalle adjacent to the Helendorf, then cross over the lower bridge turning left onto Chattahoochee Street then turning right onto Main Street and ending at Betty’s Country Store. So please join the Yaarab Shriner’s and enjoy the excitement of a parade for all ages.

Join us for our annual display of beautiful fireworks. The fireworks will be held at dusk (between 9PM & 9:30PM) behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center.