The Insider | Q3 - 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Courtney Message from our Chamber PresidentIf you’re like me, you are already thinkingabout and preparing for the upcoming holidayseason. Preparing gift lists, thinking throughtravel plans, creating menus - preparation iskey to a successful and less hectic holidayseason. Now is not the time to procrastinate,at least that’s what I am telling myself.Although, I haven’t created the first list orplanned the first menu, but do as I say, not as Ido, right? In all seriousness, it is so important to take inthe JOY of the holiday season, truly enjoy themoments - every home cooked meal, everygathering with family and friends, eachfireside smores session, every twinkle light - itall matters. Soak it all in. Don’t skip out of the traditions, or better yet,take time now to plan new traditions.Something simple like jumping in the car inyour jammies, blaring the sounds of theholiday season and heading out to Joe andSam’s for a hot chocolate and sweet treat toenjoy while viewing lights - simple, but oh sofun! Sometimes it’s the simplest things thatmean the most.As you begin to focus on the months ahead,don’t forget to breathe, give thanks and findjoy in even the smallest of things. And whenyou’re buying gifts for those you love, pleaseremember to shop local. It matters.

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JUSTKICKINITOCONEE CHAMBER KICKBALL EXHIBITIONKICK ITLET’S CHECK OUT THEPLAYERSGet Excited!!!! We are launching a NEW event!! YOU will not want to miss out onthis one! Get ready to KICK IT, NETWORK and have FUN with the Oconee Chamberduring our first ever Oconee Chamber Kickball Tournament! Mark your calendars, get your sweatbands ready and plan to play! If you are moreof the supporting type, come with your pom poms and mega phones - there will be food, beverages and excitement for all! PORTION OF PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TONOVEMBER 15NOVEMBER 15 THTH

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athensseedlawnandgarden@gmail.comAthens Seed Lawn and Garden, locally owned and operated since 1929, is a retail store devoted to servicing the needs of allhomeowners, gardeners, farmers, pet owners, hunters, landscapers, and contractors, far and wide. Come on by and see us!http://www.athensseed.com/Serving Oconee Countyfor 95 YearsStore HoursMonday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm54 Greensboro Hwy, Watkinsville, GA 30677Our NEW Retail WebsiteCheck Out Place Your Order Online Now

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Local partnerships can be a powerful way for businesses to grow and succeed: Increased visibilityPartnering with local businesses can help your business gain exposure to new audiencesand increase visibility in the community. Access to new marketsCollaborating with other businesses can help you reach new customer segments and tapinto new markets. Shared resourcesSharing resources with partners can help reduce costs and increase efficiency. Community supportPartnering with local businesses can help you build relationships with community membersand strengthen your local ties. Improved brand imageCollaborating with local businesses can help you create a positive brand image anddemonstrate your commitment to the community. Cost-effective marketingLocal businesses often have a deep understanding of the local market and customerpreferences. Cross-promotionYou can partner with local businesses to cross-promote each other's products or services. Improved credibilityPartnering with a business that vetted your company can help build your credibility withtheir customers. The Benefits of Partnering withLocal Businesses in Your CommunityThe Benefits of Partnering withLocal Businesses in Your Community

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For many, fall doesn’t officially start until there arepumpkins dressing their door steps. And if you are like somany, a pumpkin from the grocery store won’t do. Findingthe perfect patch in Georgia is sometimes as simple ascontinuing a family tradition that you and your family's havedone for years. But sometimes its more than that. Sometimesif feel like a dare from the fall gods, that as Summer fadesinto fall, and the trees begin to turn and the crisp fall airbreathes new life into everyone, Fall Lovin families take thechallenge of finding that perfect fun family fall getaway orday out. Is the perfect patch an intimate u-pick in NorthGeorgia on a weekend? Or an adventure-packed occasionwith pumpkins, rides, games and more located near the city?Georgia has them all and Explore Georgia's Sue Rodmandid an excellent job of compiling a list of some of the mostperfect and best best pumpkin patches in Georgia. Explore Georgia'sExplore Georgia'sPumpkin PatchesPumpkin Patches

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Uncle Shuck's Pumpkin Patch125 Bannister Road | Dawsonville | 770-772-6223Uncle Shuck’s is best known for their corn maze, but they also have pumpkin picking options, ajumping pillow, tire mountain, kids maze, and gem mining. Pick out your pumpkin, take a wagon ride,and then try your luck with the corn cannon. If you're looking for lots of fall fun on the farm, and apumpkin too, Uncle Shuck's is a great choice.Mitcham Farm797 W Macedonia Church Rd | Oxford | 770-855-1530Pick your own pumpkin at Mitcham Farm's in Oxford, and then stay toparticipate in the activities on the farm. Take a hayride to their pumpkin patchand pick the pumpkin that is just right for you.Afterwards, take a pony ride, ride a mechanical bull, or take a helicopterride. There's also a corn maze, hayrides and plenty more.A visit to the pumpkin patch is free, but you’ll need a ticket for their otherfall fun activities.The Perfect and Best PumpkinPatches in Georgia Jaemor Farms5340 Cornelia Highway | Alto | 770-869-0999Looking for that perfect Georgia pumpkin? Jaemor Farms probably has it.Starting in October, they open their pumpkin patch extravaganza so you andyour family can find the perfect pumpkin.A visit to their pumpkin patch is included in the price of one of theirwristbands. The $15 All-Access pass includes their corn maze, farmgames, hayrides and access to our pumpkin patch. The $20 All-Access +Flowers includes everything from the All-Access Pass, plus a souvenir cupthat you can fill full of wildflowers. Their U-pick pumpkin patch is opendaily during their October corn maze hours.

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Pettit Creek Farms337 Cassville Rd | Cartersville| 770-386-8688Farm admission to Pettit Creek Farmsincludes corn maze, hay ride, petting zooand moonwalks and more. Pony andcamel rides, as well as the Euro-Bungyare available on weekends for anadditional fee. Don’t miss the PumpkinFestival on opening day. Wheelchairaccessible!Kinsey Family Farm7170 Jot-em Down Rd | Gainesville | 770-887-6028Kinsey Family Farm is known as one of Georgia's bestChristmas tree farms, but in the fall, they also offertraditional pumpkins, as well as several decorativevarieties. In addition to your typical orange pumpkins, theyalso provide decorative red, white, and even greenpumpkins. They also carry pie pumpkins. The farm hostspumpkins ranging in size from the one-pound “Jack-Be-Little,” to the one-hundred-pound “Prize Winner,” andeverything in between.There is a concession stand with drinks and snacks, anda picnic area if you’d like to bring a picnic. Feed theanimals while you're there!Berry Patch Farms786 Arnold Mill Road | Woodstock | 770-926-0561Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, get someapple cider, homemade pie and other fall treats atBerry Patch Farms in Woodstock. There is a playgroundand baby farm animals, too.Take note of the $5 parking fee on the weekends.Burt's Pumpkin Farm 44 Boardtown Road | Blue Ridge | 706-258-6220Come take a scenic hayride in the beautiful ApplachianMountains thru Burt's Farm. Choose from thousands ofpumpkins, Indian corn, gourds and fall decorations. Availablealso are jams, jellies, relishes, fresh baked pumpkin breads,pumpkin pies, made fresh in Burt's kitchen. Burt's farm is openfrom Sept. 1st to Nov. 15th. Call them for more information!(No Pets Allowed)A visit to the pumpkin patch is free, but you’ll need a ticketfor their other fall fun activities.Burt's Pumpkin Farm

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Southern Belle Farms1658 Turner Church Rd | McDonough | 770-288-2582Southern Belle is a 200-acre working farm just outside Atlanta with 2 acres of pumpkins, 4 acres ofcorn maze, and more than 20 outdoor attractions!From pumpkin painting for the kids to decorative pumpkins for the house, they’ve got them all. Theyalso have a wide selection of pumpkins for carving, so your family can take some fun back home withyou. After picking your pumpkin, stay for the fall festival activities. Poppell Farms1765 Hyma Poppell Loop | Odum | 912-586-2215At Poppell Farms, you can take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to find that perfect pumpkinbefore participating in one of the 25+ farm activities. Visit the petting zoo, get lost in their 10-acrecorn maze, do some catch-and-release fishing, try your hand at pumpkin bowling, let the kids gettheir energy out on the jumping pillow or playground, take a ride on the cow train, or ride a pony.There’s so much to see and do here, you may be too exhausted to carve your jack-o-lantern when youget home!Admission includes the Ballzone,Belle’s Bubble Farm, Belle’sBarnstormer, Corn Maze, CowTrain ride, Corn Cannon – 3 shots,Jumping Pillow, Hay Rides, RacingPedal Carts, Giant Tunnel Slide,Kids’ Play Area, Rubber DuckRaces, meeting the BarnyardAnimals, Seesaws, Spookley theSquare Pumpkin and Pig Races.Southern Belle FarmsThere is no admission fee to visit thepumpkin patch at Southern BelleFarms. There is an admission fee toparticipate in their fun, fall activities,and if you have kids…you’re going towant to check it out!

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Washington Farms 5671 Hog Mountain Rd. (Hwy 53) | Watkinsville 706-769-0627Pick out your pumpkin from the patch at Washington Farms, and then stay to enjoy all the fun, fall activities they offer.Activities at Washington Farms include a cow train ride, pig races, hayride, wagon rides, corn cannon, tunnel slide,playscape, petting farm, low ropes course, PVC slide, corn box and sand box, duck races, tricycle track, corn maze, zipline, vortex tunnel and a jumping pillow.There's a lot to do here and different times for different things, so check out the website for all the activities and timesbefore heading out.They have a wide variety of pumpkins available, including orange and white carving pumpkins, mini pumpkins, piepumpkins gourdes and more! FAN FAVORITE They also have a sunflower field where you can pick your own sunflowers!*Tickets sold ONLINE ONLY*FALL IS PUMPKIN SEASON!You DO NOT need an admissions ticket for JUST the pumpkin patch. Admissions Tickets are for the activities onlyLast entry time into the corn maze is always 45 minutes before closing.Last entry time slot into the farm is always 2 hours before closing.No pets allowed anywhere on the property at any time.Weekend PricesGeneral Admission (Ages 2 & Up): $22.21Mega Admission Ticket General Admission PLUS $4 unlimited all day pass for the Mega Slide. You MUST be 42″ or taller to ride Mega Slide)*: $26.66Senior (65+) Admission: $21.09 Weekend Dates & Hours Dates: September 23rd – November 5thFridays: 4:00pm – 8:00pm* | Saturdays: 10:00am – 8:00pm |Sundays: 1:00pm – 6:00pm**Extended Nighttime Hours on:Friday, October 13th: 4:00pm – 10:30pm| Friday, October 20th: 4:00pm – 10:30pmFriday, October 27th: 4:00pm- 10:30pm*Early Opening Hours on:Sunday, October 15th: 10:00am – 6:00pm|Sunday, October 22nd: 10:00am – 6:00pmSunday, October 29th: 10:00am – 6:00pm

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Sleepy Hollow Farm (Powder Springs) Tractor rides, pumpkin patch, cornmaze, playground, and farm animals.Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge) U-pick apples, farm activities, and pumpkins inthe market.Yahoo Farm (Jasper) Pumpkin patch, pumpkin hunt on Sundays, and picnictables.Oakhurst Farm’s Fall Daze (West Point) Pumpkin patch, corn maze, tons ofactivities, petting zoo, hayrides, and more.Ole McDermitt’s Farm (Carrollton) Pumpkin patch, hayride, gem mining,petting zoo, corn maze, slides and more. Cash only.Bradley's Pumpkin Patch (Dawsonville). Pumpkin patch and gift shop.Hillside Orchard Farms (Lakemont) Hayride, corn maze, and more.Mark’s Melon Patch (Sasser) Pumpkin patch, corn maze, inflatables, facepainting, and hayrides.Hamlin Hills (Forsyth) Pumpkin patch, corn maze, gift shop, and more.Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch (Luthersville) Pumpkin patch, corn maze, and facepainting.Copper Creek Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (Calhoun) Pumpkin patch,corn maze, plenty of fall activities, pumpkin smash, and more.Steed’s Dairy (Grovetown) Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, activities,petting zoo, pony cart rides, jumping pillows, and a kiddie zipline.Hillcrest Orchards (Ellijay) Pumpkin patch, apple picking, and sunflowerfields.B.J. Reece Orchards (Ellijay) Farm fun activities on weekends.R & A Orchards (Ellijay) Pumpkins and apples.Lazy Creek Farms (Rome) Closed on Sundays.Rutland Farms (Tifton) Pumpkin patch, corn maze and fall festivals.Red Brick Farm (Douglas)Extended List

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Information Sourced from Article by Sue Rodman Explore Georgia, August 2023Don't for get about the Pumpkin Festivals, Theseare worth a visit! Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival (Stone MountainPark) Play by day as you enjoy family-friendly parkattractions and special fall entertainment featuringsome of your favorite classic storybook characters!Then, after the sun goes down, you’ll glow bynight in a whole new light with our nighttimeparade and plenty of other not-so-spooky glowingexperiences.Boo at the Zoo(Atlanta) and North GeorgiaZoo & Farm (Cleveland) Held on the lastweekend of October. Come dressed up andyou’ll receive a free feed cup. A greatalternative to a spooky Halloween.Great Pumpkin Luminights featuring ThePumpkin Spice Festival – Valdosta, GAStone Mountain Pumpkin Festival

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DISCOVER THE FORMULAFor Better HearingTOP QUALITY CAREWe are dedicated to providing exceptional care through a comprehensiveapproach tailored to each individual’s unique needs, aiming to improvetheir hearing capabilities and overall quality of life!We offer the latest advancements in hearing aid technology with the! The Deep Neural Network chip in the new PhonakInfinio Sphere prescriptive hearing aids offer:Phonak Infinio SpheresImproved speech intelligibility in noiseImproved sound qualityEnhanced bluetooth connectivityTop Tier Hearing!PUT THE FORMULA TO THE TEST! CALL 706-310-71151360 Caduceus Way | Building 200, Suite 101 | Watkinsville, Ga 30677www.athensoconeeaudiology.comRobin B. Hardin, M.A.,LIC-A, FAAAEmily “Emma” LoBianco,Au.D., CCC-AHaiden Nunn, Au.D.,CCC-A, FAAATOP OF THE LINE TECHNOLOGYTOP NOTCH AUDIOLOGISTS Our qualified and highly trained audiologists have over 60 years of combinedexperience and clinical knowledge to address all your hearing healthcare needs!

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The Oconee Chamber offers many remarkable networking and business building opportunities availableexclusively to our partnership. Check out a little more about our Chamber programs below!* If you are interested in hosting/sponsoring an event in 2025, email Caroline Middlebrooks atcmiddlebrooks@oconeechamber.org to be added to the first come first serve list before it opens to theentire partnership! * 2025LOOKINGAHEAD TO As we dutifully begin to prep & plan for2025, we look forward to all of theexcitement in the year ahead!We'll release the much anticipated 2025Oconee Chamber calendar in December,a calendar filled with awesomenetworking and sponsorship opportunities,new events, beneficial educationalopportunities and so much more.2025 is going to be an amazing year forthe Oconee Chamber and we are so gladyou will be part of it all! Events and Networking OpportunitiesThe Chamber's newest mid-day networking opportunitycreated to support the local restaurant community. Eachmonth a new location is announced!Chamber partners have the ability to host the 8:00coffee event at their location which is a greatopportunity to network with other partners. The Business After Hours event is held at the locationof a Chamber partner and provides a greatopportunity to network after business hours.Previously known as our A.M. Exchange, Power Hour isa morning networking session with a facilitator andheld downstairs at the Chamber. Each session isdifferent and an awesome way to kick start your day. Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses/Groundbreakings: If you areopening a new business, renovating a business, or expanding abusiness, we can help you host your ribbon cutting, openhouse, or groundbreaking event.Network Lunches are held Bi - Annually and held atthe location of the Lunch Host. These lunches aregreat way to meet new partners and have a greatlunch!

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* If you are interested in hosting/sponsoring an event in 2025, email Caroline Middlebrooks atcmiddlebrooks@oconeechamber.org to be added to the first come first serve list before it opens to theentire partnership! * Special Event Committees: As our chamber continues to grow and change we add committees as needed to support special events that we add toour calendar throughout the year. If interested in joining a special event committee at any time, please contact thechamber. Committee meetings are open to all partners and are held at various times Monday-Thursday. Our committeemembers help make our partner resources valuable, but it takes work and commitment - some committees mayrequire and application to join! If you are interested in a particular committee, please call the Chamber at (706)769-7947 or contact Caroline at cmiddlebrooks@oconeechamber.org. The 2025 Oconee Chamber calendar will be released in December! Make sure you follow us onFacebook and Instagram so you don't miss out on all the latest calendar updates!Golf Committee: The Golf Committee meets to plan and execute the annual Chamber Golf Tournament held in April of each year.Join the Golf Committee for 2025 - Email Andrea Reese @ areese@oconeechamber.org (1 Year Term)Ambassadors: Chamber Ambassadors meet to discuss Chamber partnership opportunities, outreach efforts, partner retention, and upcomingChamber events. This committee is a hands on group and interacts with our partnership regularly. Be an Ambassador in 2025 - Email Caroline Middlebrooks @ cmiddlebrooks@oconeechamber.org (1 Year Term) Women in Business: The role of the Women in Business Committee is to plan and oversee the group's quarterly luncheons as well as award theChamber's Diamond Award and Diamond Award Grant.Join the WIB Committee for 2025 - Email Caroline MIddlebrooks @ oconeechamber.org (1 Year Term)Women in Business Summer Fundraiser:The role of the Women in Business summer fundraiser committee is to plan and oversee the summer fundraiser for the Womenin Business committee. Each year the committee will decide what type of summer fundraiser they will host and the committeewill help to plan and execute the event. Join the WIB Summer Fundraiser Committee for 2021 - Email Andrea Reese @ areese@oconeechamber.org (1 Year Term)Join a Committee! Get More Involved!

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Harvest SponsorsAthens FordAthens Ford is proud to be your hometown Ford dealer and even prouder to support events likethe Oconee Chamber Fall Festival! #SupportingAthensFordIsSupportingYourCommunityArch Legacy FirmBoutique estate planning firm in Athens, GA. Arch Legacy Firm is a team of momsprotecting your family now and after you're gone.T-Shirt SponsorOconee State BankOconee State Bank is a leading financial institution with a vision to be essential to the lives,businesses and communities we serve. With more than 60 years of service in the banking industry,we continuously strive to create remarkable experiences that significantly mark the lives of others.We are proud to provide an unparalleled commitment to personalized service, innovative productsand solutions, and to bringing exceptional value to our customers through local ownership,involvement and decision-making.Spice Booth SponsorsCertified Clean CareAs the best carpet cleaning company in Athens, GA, Certified Clean Care provides you withexceptional customer service, professional technicians, and the most thorough cleaning everguaranteed! Experience why we’re among the most trusted carpet cleaners in Athens, GA, and thesurrounding areas.Stanfield Air Systems Over 50 Years Serving You!At Stanfield, we're not just bringing our professionalism and expertise to your HVAC needs - we'rebringing a heritage of honesty, integrity, and dedication to our customers each and every day. That'sprobably why we've been voted the #1 Heating and Air Conditioning Contractor in the area yearafter year.

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Coldwell Banker Upchurch RealtyColdwell Banker Upchurch Realty is NE Georgia’s Premier Real Estate company. Ranked numberone in sales volume, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty helps more buyers and sellers successfullyclose on their properties than any other real estate company in the market. When you needresults, put the most trusted name in real estate to work for you today.Plumber ProCome visit us at the Plumber Pro Booth for free merch, free kids coloring books, the chance to WIN4 UGA football tickets, a Yeti cooler and more! Also, meet Piper the Plumber Pro Panda! We arecelebrating 5 consecutive years of being the winner of Best Plumber Award! Serving Oconee and all surrounding Counties. Oconee Massage SchoolOur therapeutic massage programs are uniquely designed to help you become an excellent LicensedMassage Therapist. We focus on relevant conditions and skills to help you develop a deepunderstanding of the why’s and how’s of therapeutic massage so you can start your career withconfidence. 5 Points Acupuncture 5 Points Acupuncture primarily treats chronic, complex cases like: peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia,headaches including migraines, autoimmune diseases and chronic pain. Allergy sufferers (thank youGeorgia!) are especially grateful for relief. Nancy Sencil, our Licensed Acupuncturist, has decades ofsuccess in helping women become pregnant, stay pregnant and have a healthy baby. Primetime Pediatrics Conveniently located on Mars Hill Road in Watkinsville, Prime Time Pediatric Urgent Careremains the first and only pediatric urgent care in the Athens-Oconee area. Because childrenare not just little adults, we provide expert pediatric care for illnesses and other problemswhen you are unable to see your child’s primary care physician. We are thankful for theopportunity to serve the community in this way over the past 5 years and we look forward tocontinuing to do so in the years to come.

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Athens Upper CervicalAs Oconee's premier health and wellness center, Athens Upper Cervical Chiropractic/SerenityFloat Center will be offering complimentary Chiropractic consultations, localized cryotherapy, andchair massages. We will be having a drawing for 5 FREE 60 minute floatation therapy sessions.We will also be offering deeply discounted floatation therapy, cryotherapy sessions, massage, andchiropractic exams! Athens Oconee AudiologyWhen it comes to your hearing, your choice of a hearing healthcare professional is one of themost important decisions you’ll make. At Athens Oconee Audiology, our skilled andexperienced team will thoroughly test your hearing, and then select a treatment option bestsuited to your needs.Day Injury LawWe will solve your problems after you have been involved in an accident. We believe in the valueof excellent customer service. What we can do for you:Help facilitate getting your car fixed or receiving the total loss settlement.Get you the proper medical treatment to get better.Investigate all possible sources of coverage for a maximum recovery.Fight for lost income.Ensure you receive the highest value for your claim.Call or text us at (706) 425-4500 to discuss your claim. We would love to speak with you to seehow we can help.Lord and Stephens Funeral Home & Athens Pe t Cremation Since our founding in 1989, the guiding principle of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home has been thecommitment to treating each family who comes to us as our own. With sincerity, pride, anddedication, we are committed to this time-honored tradition. Visit our booth to learn about all themany ways we can serve your family and take home a free gift. Athens Pet Cremation knows your pet is an important member of the family. When the time comesto say goodbye, we are here to guide you through the cremation process and help you to honor thememory of your beloved pet. Visit our booth to learn more about our pet cremation services andgrab a treat for your pet.

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FESTIVALINFORMATION ANDSAFETY GUIDELINESFESTIVALINFORMATION ANDSAFETY GUIDELINESNo pets or vehicles areallowed on Rocket Field. NO ENTRY01NO RIDESThe Festival staff is not permitted totransport individuals on golf carts insidethe festival area for safety reasons. We are sorry for any inconvenience. 0203In Case of EmergencyV I S I T O U R I N F O R M A T I O N B O O T HL O C A T E D A T T H E C O R N E R O F 2 N D & 3 R D S T R E E T

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ARTISTARTISTARTISTMeet Kaitlin Bradshaw! The amazingly talented artist of our 202450th Oconee Chamber Fall Festival Commemorative T-shirt. BackFrontNow residing in Monroe, Georgia, Kaitlin, a native of Metro Atlanta moved to thesuburbs 7 years ago with her husband Matthew. Since Kaitlin was in elementary school she has had a love for art. Her love grewinto a passion, and after high school she attended the Savannah College of Art &Design, where she graduated with a degree in Illustration. While in school sheinterned at Disney in Orlando, FL. Contact Information KAITLIN BRADSHAW Graphic Designer/IllustratorCell: 770.500.4636 | Website: kbradshawdesigns.comwww.facebook.com/kbradshawartAfter graduating, she has worked for local businesses in her community as well as sold her artwork on Etsy, andcreated custom designs for customers in and around Northeast Georgia. Her favorite mediums to work with arewatercolor, color pencil, & digital art (Adobe Creative Suite & Procreate). In her free time she loves being with herhusband, two beautiful children and being involved in her church.

The Insider | Q3 - 2024

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