Fri, Mar 27 2015 - Dahlonega TrailFest! A weekend of Camping, Hiking & Appalachian Trail Outreach (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Bobby Marie, Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Bobby Marie, Denise A, Scott T, lraymer, David Duffey, Nancy L, Rodney R, Linda S, Greg Walling, Nice Nancy, Debbie H, Michael Chandler, John Cox, Marina, Lowell C

  We had a blast all weekend at TrailFest!  This was a fine example of how people from all walks of life can unite to celebrate their love of the outdoors and make amazing things happen in the spirit of volunteerism.
  Thanks to all all you AOC volunteers who pitched in so enthusiastically at our "Outreach Tent" on the town square and who brought dozens of delicious "Trail Magic" treats and useful gear items, refreshments, etc. to share.  I think we all agree what a rewarding experience this was to warm the hearts of AT thru-hikers and other "friends" and potential new members of our fine Club. 
  Special thanks to my co-leaders Bobby Marie and Joyce Taaffe - also to AOCers John Cox and Alexa who represent our fine partner organization, "RootsRated.com" and helped greet everyone.  I'm sure you'll all enjoy Joyce's Facebook photo album - many taken there at our lively Outreach Tent.  Here's the link to her colorful shots and she has also added several nice ones taken by Adam Rolwes during the Woody Gap trail magic excursion: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153837476270260.1073742472.540275259&type=1&l=2cc6cba4e7 

 Our friendly hosts in Dahlonega did an incredible job with everything including helping us set up our Tent on the square and directing us to our convenient spacious Campsite just two blocks away.  Our friend Tom Lamb, the festival's main organizer went far beyond the "call of duty" to make us feel welcome and post our AOC link and logo on their website, http://dahlonegatrailfest.org/  It's remarkable that everything at this annual festival is FREE! - Including 150 square feet of booth space (for not-for-profit exhibitors such as AOC) + camping, parking, music, films, lectures - even free hot showers in the nearby Univ of North GA gym.
   Many of us enjoyed a midday Sat car caravan excursion to nearby "Woody Gap" on the Appalachian Trail which included a brisk 90-minute+ hike up to the gorgeous "Preacher's Rock" overlook and back.  The two dozen or more AT thru-hikers whom we befriended told us that they considered our "Trail Magic" treats to be "gifts from heaven!"
  - Submitted by Charlie, Mon March 31st

p.s.   Thanks also to Joyce for her post-trip archive writeup for our AOC Saturday day trip option linked here:  http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/archivedetails.asp?eventid=10146
Joyce is far too kind to me in that writeup since everyone in our two big groups did so much to make it a big success!