The annual festival boasts a variety of plants for sale (bedding, shrubs, vegetables and more), yard art and outdoor furniture. Presentations about topics like pollination gardens, native plants, and general gardening tips also will be conducted throughout the weekend for the garden and lawn enthusiast.
In addition, artisan crafted jewelry, metalwork, glass, pottery, hats, purses, specialty items and much more can be found at the festival. And, as always, the Bowen Center will showcase selections from local artists.
A highlight of the festival will be live demonstrations from a blacksmith creating an iron work of art as well as a woodworker performing his craft. And, of course, the many food vendors as well as live music from Lanier Jazz; the 60-member Sawnee Band; rock group The Industry; musicians Kristin Tinsley and Parker Smith; and a couple of bluegrass pickers will be on hand.
"This will undoubtedly be the biggest and best Art in the Garden-Spring Fling Festival in its nearly 10-year history," says Marcia Chelf, executive director of the Bowen Center for the Arts. "We have a wonderful collection of plant, craft and food vendors who are eager to showcase their goods. We look forward to the community coming out to enjoy the season and creativity."
Just in time for Mother's Day, youngsters can pot a plant for mom free of charge. Horseback rides, a petting zoo and toss games also will be available for children.
Though the festival officially kicks off Saturday, the community is invited to a street dance featuring Dahlonega's Remember When Band on Friday evening, May 4. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner and listen to some of their favorite songs from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
Early Saturday, prior to the festival, a multi-stage bicycle ride through the mountains of Dawsonville will begin (and end) at the Bowen Center.
The Art in the Garden-Spring Fling Festival is hosted by the Dawson County Arts Council, a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Dawson and surrounding counties.
For more information about the festival, or to become a vendor or sponsor, call 706-216-2787 (ARTS) or visit dawsonarts.org.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/4/247322