For more than 50 years, Blairsville has hosted a festival to honor the production of their beloved sorghum syrup—a rich, sweet southern treat some compare to molasses. Two weekends, October 8th and 9th, and then the 15th and 16th, will overflow with live music, dancing, crafts, old-school lumberjack games and syrup production demonstrations, making for a cozy celebration in the mountains.
Setting it all into motion is the official parade. The parade is a festival favorite, with a lot of love going into each creative display on wheels – you don’t want to miss it.
From September to October, farmers harvest their prized sorghum, and Blairsville is notable for having the best. The sweet grassy stalk is making a comeback now that consumers are realizing how inferior table sugar is to natural, nutrient-rich sweetener sources. You’ll get to watch the syrup-making methods at the festival, which creates an even deeper appreciation for the dreamy drizzle.
Front and center is the syrup, which traditionally is paired with fluffy biscuits done southern style. In previous years, Hole in the Wall on the square provided the flakey, buttery goodness, which absolutely has to be dunked in sorghum before eating. Ultimate sweet lovers can compete in the biscuit eating contest, which allows 15 minutes to cram the mouthwatering treat–this seems more like fun than a challenge. Wash it down with some Sorghum Brew, an apple cider-ish, spiced beverage with citrus. Many food vendors come out both weekends, so expect to see burgers, pies, specialty corn dogs, boiled peanuts, cornbread, funnel cakes, and more.
Blairsville Sorghum Festival
Dates: October 8-9, 15-16, 2022
Address: Meeks Park, Hwy 515 W, Blairsville, GA 30512
Official Website
