The Bear on the Square Mountain Festival brings thousands of visitors to Dahlonega the third weekend in April each year. The event not only helps preserve and promote the traditional music, crafts and lifestyle of the North Georgia and Southern Appalachian mountain region, it also provides a tremendous boost to the local economy, giving added exposure to an area already known for being one of the region's leading tourism destinations, and it embellishes our area's reputation as a centerpiece for cultural activities.

To produce a festival of this scale every year requires a tremendous amount of time from local volunteers and, of course, money. In addition to our loyal contingent of volunteers, we're in need of financial support to help cover the costs of presenting the yearly festivities. Sponsorships are one of the most important sources of this funding and a critical part of accomplishing our mission of helping preserve the culture of the Southern Appalachians.

Those businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping present the 16th annual Bear on the Square through the purchase of a sponsorship are encouraged to contact Richard Davidow, who heads up the festival's Sponsor Opportunities effort, as soon as possible.

Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Inc., which stages the festival each year, is a  501©3 not-for-profit cultural arts organization whose mission is to preserve and celebrate the culture of the Southern Appalachians through the presentation of music, traditional craft, and folkways. Tax deductible donations are welcomed and can be sent to P. O. Box 338, Dahlonega, GA 30533.