The Butternut Creek Festival is:

  • A two day family-oriented fine craft and art show in Meeks Park. Featuring great musical entertainment,  live art demonstrations and plenty of good food.

  • An opportunity for local artists and craftsmen to sell and share their works with the general public in a pleasant and inviting setting.

  • An event where all applicants are juried, limiting participation to 80 - 85 of the best to ensure quality and diversity.

  • An opportunity to bring between 10,000 - 14,000 visitors to our community each year, resulting in increased business opportunities. Over 35% of festival visitors come from outside the local area.

  • A partnership between High Country Artisans, Inc. and the Union County Recreation Department, Union County Middle School Art Program, Union County Woody Gap School Art Program, the Union County Senior Center and the Union County Library.

  • An opportunity for local non-profit organizations, through reduced exhibitor space fees, to educate and gain support from their local community.

“The Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville, Georgia has been designated as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society ten years running. We are excited to get this designation. The best events across the Southeast compete to receive the prestigious Top 20 designation and it means huge exposure for the Butternut Creek Festival.”
— Gene Harrison, Former High Country Artisan

Recent Awards

  • Designated as a Top 20 Event for years 2009-2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society.

  • Union County Commissioner Lamar Paris signed a proclamation on July 17, 2008 which made the Butternut Creek Festival the county's official arts and crafts show. Congratulations to all the members of the High Country Artisans for this honor.

  • The Blairsville Chambers of Commerce announced that High Country Artisans Inc. has been selected as the Winner for the 2022 Best of Blairsville Awards in the category of Civic Clubs & Organizations. The Blairsville Award Program purpose is to support and offer public recognition of the contributions of businesses and organizations in and around Blairsville.