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Moonshine festival celebrating town's racing roots enters 41st year
Events proceeds will help underprivileged children
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Darrell Garrison gets a close look at one of the vintage race cars on display at the festival. - photo by Tom Reed

Families and NASCAR fans from across North Georgia traveled to Dawsonville on Saturday for the 41st annual Mountain Moonshine Festival.

The festival kicked off at 8 a.m. Saturday in downtown Dawsonville and will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today as well.

The free festival is sponsored by KARE for Kids Inc. in celebration of the county’s heritage, and its roots in NASCAR.

KARE for Kids Inc. is a Dawson County organization that provides support for the underprivileged children in the community. The proceeds from the Mountain Moonshine festival will benefit the organization.

Featured at the festival were vintage cars, a parade, live entertainment, lots of different kinds of food and lots of vendors’ booths.

Pam Eason, one of the vendors, sold purses, tote bags, duffle bags, collegiate scarfs, coaster sets and sunglasses. "This is my third year selling here," said Eason. "It was a great festival last year, and we enjoy it."

She and her husband go out to festivals every weekend as vendors.

Lorena Alexander was at the festival selling her assortments of jam, fried apple pies, fried peach pies and other home-baked goods that she makes herself.

"I’ve been here every year," Alexander said. "I like seeing my old customers and friends. They come back every year and see me."

Alexander also has sold her goods at the Turnin’ and Burnin’ Festival in Gillsville for the past two years.

Lots of people came out to enjoy the Mountain Moonshine Festival this year. "I came to see all of the cars and booths," said ReBecca Mann of Flowery Branch. "My favorite part is the cars. I really like seeing the Fords. It’s history."

Kathryn Sand of Gainesville said her favorite part of the festival was the food. "I haven’t tried it yet, but I already know it’s going to be good."

In addition to enjoying the festival, attendees also participated in tours of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.