Dawsonville, Ga., has a colorful history, to say the least.
During the 19th century, the city was an outpost for settlers and gold miners. But the city earned its true reputation during Prohibition when the area became a focal point for moonshine production.
The so-called “trippers,” who transported moonshine, earned quite a reputation for their driving skills, and they eventually rose to the rank of folk heroes. They served as the precursor to modern-day NASCAR drivers (the city is also home to Bill Elliott aka “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville”).
To celebrate its one-of-a-kind history, the city hosts the annual Mountain Moonshine Festival is held every year on the fourth weekend in October. This year’s festival — the 41st annual, which runs Oct. 25-26 — centers around the downtown square and Dawsonville Municipal Complex. Festival highlights include vintage cars, historical displays and a parade.
For more information, call (877) 302-9271or visit www.dawson.org.
