Sopping Sorghum in Blairsville
As sure as the leaves begin changing, you can count on sorghum syrup being drizzled on fluffy cat head biscuits.
I remember when daddy would make a trip every October across the mountain from Clarkesville to Blairsville for sorghum syrup. Inevitably, folks learned about daddy’s trek and orders would come piling in. He’d return from his day-long trip with at least two cases of the dark brown liquid. That night, mama would make homemade biscuits for supper. Daddy would sit in his regular place at the table, a plate full of opened biscuits, and in front of him, a quart of sorghum syrup that would be a quarter empty by the time supper was over.
It didn’t take me long to understand that you either liked sorghum or you didn’t. I didn’t, but I took great pleasure in watching daddy enjoy every drip. It hit a little strong on the taste buds, sharp and lasting. But if I’m going to eat it, there will always be biscuits involved.
The Blairsville Sorghum Festival has been going strong for more than 50 years (54 in 2023). Always the second and third weekends in October at Meeks Park, hundreds gather under the autumn leaves to learn what it takes to make syrup, try their hand at eating biscuits (faster than their neighbor), purchase the perfect homemade gift for the holidays, or try to climb a pole or saw a log.
Enotah CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Inc., a community based non-profit organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in local foster care. Also a sponsor of the festival, CASA uses the festival platform to educate all attendees about their work in the community. Proceeds from the festival supports CASA as it serves children and families in Lumpkin, Towns, White and Union counties.
If You Go
The Sawmill Place | Serving breakfast and lunch featuring local farm-to-table foods | 1150 Pat Haralson Drive, Blairsville | Go early!
Hole in the Wall | Union County’s oldest diner, located on the square, serving breakfast all day | 12 B Town Square, Blairsville
Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillling Co. | Handcrafted spirits and fun | 112 Wellborn St., Blairsville
John C. Campbell Folk School | Classes, events, and local artisans | One Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC
Alexander’s | Everything Under the Sun | 4482 Town Creek School Road, Blairsville