The Yellow Daisy Festival...one of the TOP craft/folk events in the USA!
Atlanta, GA -September draws throngs (and throngs) of craft-show aficionados to Stone Mountain Park's annual Yellow Daisy Festival, named in honor of the famed Confederate Yellow Daisy. The Confederate Yellow Daisy was first discovered in 1846 on an outcrop of granite on Stone Mountain, by Rev. Thomas Porter, according to the National Garden Club. A couple of years after the start of the festival, the club got into the swing of things, adding their own flower show which runs concurrently with the festival...and it's all free once you pay your entrance fee to the park.
The true "craft professionals" consider this one of the top craft/folk art events in the United States and you are bound to see a mass of people assembled there. Go on Thursday or Friday to avoid the swarm.it's still crowded but it sure beats the weekend! Remember, timing is everything. Each year attendance increases, and on the weekend the festival area nears gridlock.
Crafts, of course, are the main attraction at this award-winning festival... dolls, paintings, pottery, fabrics and more with most of the artists hailing from the Southeast. The festival is also a great way to get some significant exercise... the craft/folk art vendors that make this event so unique are placed along paths that require about a mile and a half hike to visit all of them. There is no discernable rhyme or reason to the location of the vendors throughout the massive festival area, although the setup does seem to work. A supposedly one-way path is often walked the wrong way by neophytes, but nobody really cares because power shoppers are really only interested in the next booth and the next purchase. Maps are provided at the entrance to the festival, which are key if you are looking for specific vendors. They are cross-referenced by name to the booth numbers...and don't forget to bring a bag or something to carry all your goodies in-you won't find shopping bags at an event like this!
Throughout the festival, information is available from assistants in high chairs with yellow umbrellas. There is definitely something for everyone at the Yellow Daisy Festival, whether you are young or old, man or woman, rich or poor. Start your day with a taste of the food located at the entrance and in the Dogwood loop (in the vendor area) and listen to a local DJ or put your feet up in a special lounge chair area (this is really for dads waiting for wives to finish shopping). Then take in the entertainment on the main stage for polished regional bands playing country, bluegrass and rock and roll. Then it's time to "hit" the vendors. Throughout the festival area, you'll find plenty of "watering holes" where you can purchase soft drinks...you're in Atlanta so Coca Cola products are a sure bet!
This is the 36th installment of the festival and you can always count on a strolling banjo player to add that special "mountain" feeling. Word has it that there will be a new ride this year, the Ducks Adventure. Some of the skilled crafters will be demonstrating what life was like back in 1870 as you travel back in time at "Crossroads" and Kids always enjoy the ultimate Tree House Challenge as the Skylift whisks them to the top of Stone Mountain. Count on some surprise live entertainment, too, and as always, the Scenic Railway will make loop after loop through the scenic park. There will be lots of antique cars and plenty of yummy Southern treats to eat.
Those in the know, however, will arrive before 8AM...timing is everything! Early morning shoppers avoid the crowded paths while later shoppers have to contend with a very slow-moving mass. It's also a good idea to park just outside the gate for a good head start. Dress in 'comfy chic,' wear comfy shoes and comfy socks and bring along plenty of sunscreen and a good hat...remember, it's still summer in Southeast Georgia!
The easiest way to get to the festival
is to get on I-285 east to exit 239b (U. S. 78 or the Stone Mountain
Freeway). Follow this east to exit 8, Stone Mountain Park entrance.
Oh...bring plenty of money, too, and enjoy the Yellow Daisy Festival!
It's one of a kind and it's the very best there is! 
