PRATER’S MILL County Fair

What’s so wonderful about Prater’s Mill Fair?

A step back in time!

The fair is held during the 2nd weekend in October.

This fair is centered on the history of the original 1855 gristmill that still operates and is sponsored by the Prater’s Mill Foundation. You can actually buy wheat flour and corn meal ground by this mill.

The fair has grown over the years where now it has 39 civic clubs, churches, and schools participating in this regional event along with over 1,800 artists and artisans.

I enjoyed exploring the fair with all of its educational exhibits and live demonstrations. I saw the Civil War encampment, Shugart Cotton Gin, antique engines, blacksmiths, quilters, woodcarvers and rug makers. Experiencing these helps me appreciate how easy my life is in this modern age we live.

Besides the above, there is plenty of music, arts, crafts, and food. The children especially enjoy the canoe rides on Coahulla Creek, the pony rides, and viewing the farm animals at the Westbrook Barn.

For the $5 admission, I felt that I got more than my money’s worth with all of the entertainment. I saw cloggers, gospel singers and a band or two. In addition, the wandering musicians and storytellers pleasantly entertained me.

One of the highlights of the fair is the authentic 1800s dishes prepared by the Pike Church of God near the 1898 Prater’s Store. I also enjoyed shopping for a few items to take home from the country store.

Prater’s Mill is located about 2.6 miles east of Varnell, Georgia about 10 miles north of Dalton, Georgia. It is open Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 9-5.

For more information, you can call 706-694-6455 or here to visit Prater’s Mill website.

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