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Maysville Autumn Leaf Festival History |
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Man's Dream for a North Georgia "Ghost Town" With buildings standing empty, the North Georgia town of Maysville gave the appearance of a "ghost town" in the mid-1960s. The Rev. Bryan Edwards, pastor of the Maysville Baptist Church and president of the Community Improvement Club, saw the need to capitalize on this "ghost-town image." Thus in the fall of 1966, the Autumn Leaf Arts and Crafts Festival was born. To bring the ghost town to life, all the vacant buildings were opened to house artists from the Piedmont Park Arts and Crafts Show. Also, the performing arts were represented by the Atlanta Ballet. Now, years later, Edwards' dream is alive and doing well. The first full weekend in October has been set aside annually to take advantage of the splendor of the North Georgia mountains during the fall season. Exhibitors from throughout the southeast share their arts and crafts as local talent performs for the annual three-day event. In 1992, due to unforeseen circumstances, the festival was not held, the only year it has not been presented since its beginning in 1966. Today, the festival continues as a show of the finest arts and crafts from the southeast. Photo right: In 1986 the Coca Cola Company designed a commemorative bottle in honor of the 20th annual festival. The bottle featured a caricature of Rev. Bryan Edwards, founder of the Autumn Leaf Festival. Russell Cash, of Commerce, drew the design. Page last updated 10/07/2007 |
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This website is (c) 2001-2006 by W. Todd Dorsey. Limited license is granted to you for personal use. No part of this site may be reproduced or reprinted, either electronically or by other means, without the express written permission of the owner. All rights reserved. |
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