Gold was first discovered in Dahlonega in 1828, and the town since has been associated with the mineral. And it remains the theme for Dahlonega's Gold Rush Days fall festival, annual on the third weekend in October.

This year's event runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

With the fall foliage close to peaking, the festival is at a perfect time for people who will be traveling around north Georgia this weekend.

Gold Rush Days will gather more than 300 arts and craft vendors and exhibitors around the Dahlonega's public square and historic district. A crowd of more than 200,000 visitors is expected.

The festival is highlighted by a parade at 3 p.m. Saturday. Other activities will also include a fashion show, gold panning contest, live music and entertainment, wheelbarrow racing, kids' activities and more.

Gold Rush Days has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The town has made preparations to accommodate the visitors. Streets around the festival will close at 6 p.m. Friday and reopen at 6 p.m. Sunday.

Proceeds from the event help support scholarships for Lumpkin County Students, as well as the Empty Stocking Fund.

For more information, including a full list of events, visit the Dahlonega Jaycees' website.