Two-day event features festivals at three locations
-
An annual arts experience including three sites in White County returns this weekend.
An annual arts experience including three sites in White County returns this weekend.
The two-day WinterFest Arts Tour will include festivals at Unicoi State Park & Lodge, the Helen Arts & Heritage Center and the Sautee Nacoochee Center and will feature 145 artists.
WinterFest is set for Saturday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing visitors to take their time while checking out exhibitors and browsing items to purchase.
WinterFest is an interactive, move at your own pace event. At all three locations, local and regional artists will display and demonstrate their skills and bring to life new and exciting pieces. Food vendors and live music are present at some sites.
There is no charge for the festival at each venue, but a multi-part ticket may be purchased to enter to win one of three Grand Prizes valued at $250 and above. The ticket is $10 per person or a book of five tickets for $40. To be eligible for one of grand prizes, the ticket must be stamped at all three locations.
While a fundraiser designed to support the educational efforts of the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, WinterFest is an economic driver for White County during an otherwise quiet time of year. The event is coordinated by the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association and funded in part by the White County Commission, a Vibrant Communities Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Sautee Nacoochee Corporate Partners Program.
The Fireside Arts and Craft Show at Unicoi State Park & Lodge is in its 46th year and has artisans that have attended the show since its inception 45 years ago. Fireside will host more than 50 artisans and crafters in 2021.
Experience a mixture of heritage, art and fine craft at the Alpine Winter Festival at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center. The Center’s heritage museum presents the “Story of Helen.” Over 50 artists are represented in the galleries.
The artists at the Sautee Nacoochee Art Festival come from Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. All of the 40-plus artists who participate are juried, ensuring the best original local and regional artwork.
Because of COVID-19, and the concern about social distancing, the Hop-On – Hop-Off coach service will not be available for the 2021 WinterFest. Free parking is available at Unicoi State Park & Lodge and at the Sautee Nacoochee Center.
The timing of WinterFest could not be better for visitors. It occurs over President’s Day Weekend, which in 2021, is also Valentine’s Day Weekend.
Information about and tickets for WinterFest Arts Tour are available at www.WinterFestArtsTour.com or by calling 706-878-3300.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be practiced at all three locations. Festival-goers will check-in at their first venue and have their temperature taken. Contact tracing information will be taken, then a wristband will be given to indicate that the person has checked-in. Masks and social distancing are encouraged at each venue.