Jaycees asking to move part of Mule Camp

GAINESVILLE - For the first time in a number of years, part of Gainesville's Mule Camp Market will be held outside the downtown area - if city officials approve a request from the organizers.

The Gainesville Jaycees are asking for a "special use" permit that would allow them to move the carnival rides included in the annual fall festival to the corner of Bulter Parkway and Monroe Drive.

The reason: the recent reconstruction of the parking lot across from the Georgia Mountains Center where the rides usualy set up.

"...due to recent improvements to the parking lot, the site is no longer available because of the potential damages that could occur to the lot during the set up and removal of the carnival rides," says a report to the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board from city Planning Director Kip Padgett.

The board is scheduled to consider the request next Tuesday and the planning staff is recommending that it be approved.

This year's Mule Camp Market is scheduled October 6-10.