Summer is such a wonderful time in Clay County. Of course there is the lake and the mountains to enjoy, but there is always something else happening in the community.

June starts out with the Business Expo at the Hayesville Middle School. Everyone has the opportunity to see a sampling of the local businesses. You can usually buy things for yourself, pet, or home, and put your name in each booth to win some great door prizes. This makes it a perfect opportunity to do everything from planning a new home, to making you look and feel beautiful or handsome whichever the case may be.

The Mountain Valley Farmer’s Market starts up each June and will continue through October. Every Saturday from 8:00am-12:00 noon, enjoy a true framers market where local farmers display their products grown on their land, and other great handmade products. A great way to get back to the way things use to be!

July is probably our busiest month throughout the year. First we have the annual Fireworks at Lake Chatuge. The Clay County Fireworks Committee makes sure that all have a wonderful celebration of our Nation’s holiday. Starting at 6:00 pm enjoy live entertainment, concessions and dancing, and of course fireworks about 9:00pm. Any proceeds are reinvested in the cost of this event.

The 2nd weekend of July is the annual Festival on the Square sponsored by the Clay County Historical & Arts Council. Each year festivities are kicked off by a street dance on the Town Square on Friday night. Then on Saturday and Sunday everyone enjoys the handcrafted items on display from artists throughout our community and beyond. Refreshments are served by local community organizations.

To make the weekend perfect enjoy the Annual Clay County Rodeo on Saturday night. PCA sanctioned, this rodeo is a thrill to watch, laugh and enjoy with your family and friends. Cowboys and Cowgirls from the region and across the country compete in bareback riding, bull riding, and barrel racing, just to name a few. Of course there is great food, so come hungry and enjoy the evening, another old time tradition of American fun.

Just over the State border approximately 10 miles is the Annual Georgia Mountain Fair that is held in late July and early August. Crafters demonstrate their crafts, kids of all ages enjoy the carnival rides and games, and entertainers perform at the Anderson Music Hall. Enjoy well-known musicians, cloggers, a fiddler’s contest, and gospel singing throughout the 10-day event.

In August many of us enjoy the “Lies & Pies Jamboree” on the town square sponsored by the CCCRA. Just like it says, there are a few lies (although some may be true) stories of days gone by, and a friendly competition from the local communities on who makes the “best pie”. The morning is started out with the annual “Run for the Pie” 5K Run/Walk, along with a pet costume contest. So no matter if you like to exercise, eat or tell stories, there is a lot of fun to be had by all at this event.

Be sure to include a visit to the Clay County Jail Museum while planning your summer. Relics from Clay County’s history are on exhibit throughout the old jail building. Included in these memories is Dr. Killian’s Pioneer Doctor’s office in its entirety. You can vision the Doctor using the antique instruments that at one time treated the ancestors of this community. Also on display are artifacts from Spike Buck Indian Mound, clothing from late 1800’s and early 1900’s, and many more historical items depicting the life of the pioneer settlers in Clay County.

Throughout September and all summer long everyone enjoys the concerts at the Folk School, plays at the Peacock Playhouse, and Hot Summer Nights at Goldhagen Studio. You can also enjoy the live Auctions, and many outdoor adventures to choose from like hiking, biking, gem mining, camping, boating and fishing just to name a few. For a complete list of Things to see & do select that option on our home page.