Memorial Day has traditionally signaled the start of summer across the country.  Graduations, warmer weather, swimming pools, and of course cook outs, are all part of what we have come to expect as May comes to a close.

For the past twenty years, Dahlonega's annual "Bear on the Square" Mountain Music Festival has continued to attract more featured events and visitors every year.  As the town prepares to celebrate its 21st Bear on the Square weekend, here's the story behind its origins.

The traditional image of a gold miner that comes to mind is that of a grizzled old man in shabby clothes, squatting on the side of a creek with dirt swirling in his pan searching for that elusive nugget. And that wouldn't be entirely untrue. However, gold mania has been known to affect people from all walks of life as evidenced by the numerous gold rushes of the 19th century.

On the Northwest corner of the Dahlonega Public Square are three of the oldest buildings in the city.  Built in the 1880's for Frank W. Hall, these three buildings were constructed to be the showpieces of the new Dahlonega, in anticipation of a railroad which never happened.

One block north of the Dahlonega Public Square lies Hancock Park.  Known for the seasonal farmers market, free concerts, and First Friday movie events in the summer, Hancock Park also is home to one of Dahlonega's strangest gold mining attractions. Made of riveted boiler plate iron, this three ton submersible is something which definitely catches the eye and draws you in for a closer look.