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Annual craft market benefits the Gainesville Jaycees
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Visitors peruse the vendor aisles at last year's Mule Camp Market, an annual fundraiser for the Gainesville Jaycees.

The weather has begun to cool, Halloween is just a couple of weeks away and that can only mean one thing - time for the annual Mule Camp Market.

Each year, the Gainesville Jaycees host the event, which typically draws around 75,000 visitors to downtown Gainesville.

"This year, we have around 190 vendor booths," said Brett Fowler, a member of the Jaycees.

"It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest, mule camps that we've
ever had."

Vendors will be offering everything from crafts to jewelry and face-painting. Participants in the event aren't just limited to Hall County, or even Georgia for that matter. According to Fowler, there will be vendors from five or six different states.

With nearly 200 vendors - nearly 40 will be selling food - there's guaranteed to be something for everyone - even the kids. Organizers have dedicated the area near the intersection of Main and Washington streets as the children's zone.

The festival will open at 10 a.m. Friday and will run through Sunday.

Friday night will feature a concert showcasing artists on Zac Brown's musical label, Fowler says. Gainesville-based artist Allen Nivens will also be performing that night.

Other live performances will be sprinkled throughout the weekend.

Saturday morning will include a flurry of activities like a 5K run, corn-hole tournament and a hot wing-eating contest.

"Participants can sign up for all the activities on our website (www.gainesvillejaycees.org) in advance," Fowler said.

"Or they can sign up in-person the day of the event."