Prater's Mill Country Fair canceled
Apr. 15—For the second time since it began in 1971, there will be no Prater's Mill Country Fair this year because of fair grounds renovations.
The Prater's Mill Foundation, which sponsors the annual fair at the historic grist mill near Varnell, has canceled the 2024 edition, which had been scheduled for October.
Organizers say concerns about work on the fair grounds, which are owned by Whitfield County, made the decision necessary. The next fair is currently scheduled for Oct. 11-12, 2025.
The fair celebrates the music, food and culture of North Georgia and the Appalachian region. It attracts about 8,000 visitors each year.
"It was disappointing to have to make this decision," said Prater's Mill Foundation President Lynne Cabe. "But we are trying to look on the positive side. The county is making some much-needed repairs and improvements that will benefit us and benefit everyone who uses the site."
Whitfield County received a $2.1 million grant in 2023 from Georgia's Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionately Impacted Communities program to renovate portions of the Prater's Mill Historic Site south of Highway 2.
"That renovation is presently occurring and will continue throughout 2024," said Whitfield County Administrator Robert Sivick. "Needless to say, that work substantially reduced the site footprint available for the fair."
That work includes installing restrooms and a walking trail as well as expanding parking.
"Compounding the situation was flooding taking place several weeks ago resulting in a shift in the location of Coahulla Creek," said Sivick. "That shift in the creek's water flow completely exposed the dam adjacent to the mill building. This created the need for the county to fence off a large portion of the creek bank on the north side of Highway 2 preventing access to the dam."
Sivick said the county plans to remove the dam "with technical and financial assistance from our state and federal partners."
"The dam has not served as part of a water-powered grist mill on the site since the 1960s," said Sivick. "Given the dam is now exposed, it is tempting for people to walk upon it and possibly fall due to its slippery surface. The nature of the dam's construction and location creates great turbulence in the water lying below it, creating risk of drowning of persons wading or falling into that area."
Sivick said removing the dam will allow the county to more easily and effectively address the erosion that is degrading the mill's foundation.
He added that the dam's "continued existence prevents Coahulla Creek from flowing naturally, adversely impacting the surrounding environment, fish habitat and access to kayakers and canoeists."
Since 2010 Whitfield County has been the owner of the site with the foundation occupying it through an at-will, rent-free lease.
