The Bear on the Square Mountain Festival

The 2012 Bear on the Square Mountain Festival was a tremendous success. The blend of music, food and unique arts and crafts was the best ever!

If you weren’t there, take a look at what you missed … then plan to be there next year.

Dahlonega is home to an outstanding university, mountain roads cherished by motorcyclists, acclaimed theatre, wineries, eateries, the Appalachian Trail, mountain music and a dandy place to buy fudge.

A couple of times a year, Dahlonega gives it all up and throws a party. Such was the weekend of April 21, 2012, when Dahlonega hosted the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival.

The previous 15 Mountain Festivals were great. This year, the music — free for all for the first time — and the calibre of the artwork on display were stellar. Thanks to the smiling, gracious participants, we are able to share a few photographs with you.

Mark your calendars now for Bear on the Square for 2013, scheduled for the weekend of April 20th!

Click Here for the Bear on the Square Website

Tim Chambers of TKCHighlands.com.

Tim Chambers -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

The artwork of Tim Chambers. -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

Skip Staab of Pinetree Pottery is a master of his craft. Pinetree Pottery is on Facebook.

Skip Staab -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

Fine art and folk art by Skip Staab. -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

TheCrimsonMoon.com -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

I know what you’re thinking: “Hey, I wonder if that broken basket is on sale?” Nope. They’re made that way by Jan Stansell to fit on steps. (Don’t ask me how I know, please.)

BlackMountainCrafts.com -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

The John C. Campbell Folk School (FolkSchool.org) transforms dreamers into artists. Yes, even people like you.

John C. Campbell's Marketing Manager Keather Weideman. -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

The lovely and talented Emolyn Liden [EmolynKnits.blogspot.com] is an accomplished spinster.

EmolynKnits.blogspot.com -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

The lovely and talented Michael A. Lalone threw pots for the crowd at Bear on the Square.

Michael A. Lalone from FolkSchool.org. -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

Please. Don’t just stand there. Save a starving artist. Buy something!

What kind of work would you do for free? Bear on the Square relies on cheerful, helpful volunteers.

Volunteers Judy Ciccarone, Ron Ciccarone and Chris Hartwell (L-R) -- (Photo: Robert Sutherland)

Grasshopper, the humble ninja, was voted Best Motorcycle at this year’s Mountain Festival!

Grasshopper, the humble ninja.