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Sorghum in the Mountains

Board of Directors

Sorghum in the Mountains, Inc. was created to keep true to our area's heritage by celebrating Sorghum in the North Georgia Mountains. The board was created by local community leaders that truly understand the positive economic impact that the Sorghum in the Mountains Festival has on Union County. Most of these individuals grew up attending the festival and want to continue to pave the way for families to build cherished memories, together, while also taking a sense of pride in their community. 

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Meet The Board

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ABBY BRILEY, Chair

When asked about her favorite memory from the festival, Abby can't pick just one. She says that it has always been a family tradition to attend. Ever since she was a little girl, she has enjoyed everything that the festival has to offer. 

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KIM BRIDGES, Vice-Chair & Parade Coordinator

Kim has loved the Sorghum Festival from the time she was a child in school. As an adult, she loves what it stands for...from the agricultural heritage to the all the civic clubs and charities it has contributed to and helped all these years. She has spent 19 years of her life helping and trying to keep the festival successful and fun. Giving back to her community is just one little thing in life that she can do for this place she calls home.

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SCOTTY JARRARD, Secretary & Festival Games

Scotty has a heart for Union County and everyone in it. He is always looking for an opportunity to pour back into our area. The festival games have always been a time to make people laugh and enjoy each other's company, so he was excited to work to ensure the games continue to run as they always have.

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BEN TURNER, Treasurer

Ben's favorite Sorghum Festival memories consist of watching his children discover the process of making sorghum syrup each year. 

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JENNIFER MAHAN, Vendor Coordinator

Jennifer remembers at some point in the mid-90's, there was a vendor that used to sell flamingo puppets. It's one of those memories that replays in her head because that was her favorite purchase to date. ALL of the kids had them!

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DAVID DYER, Public Safety 

As a native to Union County, David Dyer has always appreciated the nod to our Appalachian culture that the Sorghum in the Mountains festival brings. He enjoys serving his community and watching traditions continue year-after-year.

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ZACHARY EDMONDS, Concessions

 Zachary joined the Sorghum in the Mountains board because the festival represents the historical significance of Sorghum in Blairsville. Festivals like sorghum drive economic vitality throughout the community- jobs, occupied storefronts, and reasons for the next generation to build a life here. Serving on this board is his way of helping continue a tradition that draws people to the mountains while keeping the benefit in the community that created it.

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STEPHANIE HOLGATE, Entertainment

Stephanie appreciates the rich heritage that Sorghum in the Mountains highlights. The music has always been a piece that she has enjoyed while attending the festival, so she is happy to have a hand in creating the entertainment schedule as a board member.

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ART MILLER, Gates & Entry

Art is proud to serve his community in any way that he can. He is excited to see the logistics of Sorghum in the Mountains from a new perspective.

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MEGAN KIMSEY, Ex-Officio 

Megan's favorite Sorghum memory is when her grandfather, Roy Townsend (known as the "Mayor of Owltown"), was selected to be the grand marshal of the parade in 2022. He had been sick and that experience was the perfect pick-me-up! He smiled from ear to ear the entire time. Megan has planned the Sorghum parade before and knows the effort that goes in behind the scenes to make sure community members and visitors can wear the same smile her grandfather did. That is her "why" and drive to serve for the festival.

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RALSTON DRAKE, Ex-Officio

Ralston's favorite Sorghum memory was when he was in elementary school. On the Friday before the festival began, he got to walk down the hill and walk around the fort. Some of the vendors and demonstrations would be already in full swing and he got to watch them make sorghum and see all the cool things he could buy later that weekend. He also always loved the parade the next day. Many times, he would just show up and jump on a float or ride in the back of his uncle's 1957 Chevy. 

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BEAR BAXTER, Ex-Officio

Bear serves his community daily, but knew that being a Sorghum in the Mountains board member would mean serving in a different capacity. Bear is excited to watch the festival continue to grow and be a place people from all over look forward to. 

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