Bear on the Square this weekend
Dahlonega’s Bear on the Square has been a local legend, going back to the time when a bear cub took refuge in a sycamore tree on Dahlonega’s Historic Square.
The story began on a spring morning in 1996, when a mama bear with two cubs made her way into the town’s historic square, causing a “big commotion.” The mama bear and one cub apparently escaped from town after being seen on North Grove Street later that afternoon. The other cub, however, decided to climb the sycamore tree, where it remained for several hours. The cub was eventually coaxed down from the tree by Forest Service rangers and was delivered unharmed back into the mountain woodlands.
After the bears’ Dahlonega adventure, several local residents began kicking around the idea of throwing a “party” to give a boost to local businesses; this ultimately led to what is now the annual Bear on the Square Festival.
Kelly was able to witness the bear before its removal on that spring afternoon. As she recalls a momma bear and two cubs had been noted hanging about the downtown area a few days prior. At this time she was working on the square at Mountain Christmas. Picnic Cafe is now in the place that Mountain Christmas used to be located.
No-one know what actually happened to the bear cub although a few local rumors have circulated.
You can find additional information about this weekends festival including the schedule of events at the link below.
