Greater Rome Times

http://www.greaterrometimes.com/living/kidscorner/hemlockfest-2006-set-for-.shtml

Hemlockfest 2006 Set for Nov. 3-4

Many fun family and children's activities will take place, arts and craft vendors will be present and food, drink, and t-shirts will be available for purchase...

The Lumpkin Coalition (a non-profit 501c3 charitable organization) announced today the second annual Hemlockfest in North Georgia. Hemlockfest 2006 will be held at Starbridge (just one hour north of Atlanta near the historic town of Dahlonega) on November 3 and 4, 2006.

The survival of hemlocks is being threatened by the woolly adelgid, an aphid like insect introduced from Asia and now spreading through the north Georgia forests. This benefit will raise funds and awareness to help save these magnificent trees that arguably define southern Appalachia and keep our rivers cool enough to sustain such temperature-sensitive species as trout and crayfish. 100% of donations/proceeds from the festival will go toward advancing the hemlocks defense against the woolly adelgid. Our efforts last year contributed significantly to the establishment of a beetle (which prey on the adelgids) rearing lab at the University of Georgia.

FireDance (by Unifire) as well as Music from such genres as singer songwriter, folk, bluegrass, classic oldies, Celtic rock and jam band will be performed. Experts on the hemlock issue will be speaking on the subject and available to answer questions. Many fun family and children's activities will take place, arts and craft vendors will be present and food, drink, and t-shirts will be available for purchase. “The Crimson Moon” from Dahlonega, Ga. will be offering a wonderful selection of food and non- alcoholic beverages. Participants are welcome to BYOB but are asked to please have ID available.

Tickets for the two day two night (primitive camping option available) festival range in price from free (for those ages 15 and under) to $15 for Friday, $20 for Sat, or $30 for both days. Special student rates (with ID) are $10 for Friday, $15 for Saturday, or $20 for both days. All participants add $5 to ticket price for each night of camping.

Donations and/or ticket purchase (100% tax deductible) may be made in the forms of check or money order and made out to -Lumpkin Coalition- and mailed to 3865 Dawsonville Hwy, Dahlonega Ga. 30533, or by credit card through a pay-pal service at the following website: www.lumpkincoalition.org. Tickets are also available (cash, check, or money order only) in town, on or near the Dahlonega square, at The Crimson Moon, The Dessertery, and Wholesome Earth.

For directions or further information (on the hemlock/woolly adelgid issue, the bands, ticketing, where to make donations, how you can help, etc.) please visit our website at www.lumpkincoalition.org or e-mail us at: info@lumpkincoalition.org. You may also call: Forest Hilyer at 706-265-5282 or Murray Lamb at 706-973-9067.

The Lumpkin Coalition is a 100% volunteer nonprofit 501c3 charitable organization that formed in 2005 to address issues concerning North Georgia, Lumpkin County, and its residents. We are dedicated to preserving quality of life for all those who share it. To this end we support the preservation of a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth.