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For Immediate Release: Contact: Helen Fincher Hardman

June 22, 2010 706-864-5619

Country and Western Entertainer Headlines Fund-Raiser

Everyone is invited to attend a July 31^st fund-raiser at the Cottrell Circle C Ranch Barn to raise money for the design and construction of a permanent display for the Chestatee River Diving Bell. Heading the night’s entertainment is country and western entertainer Freddie Way. A native of Northeast Georgia, Freddie, a songwriter, also plays the guitar and fiddle; He has a powerful voice and has opened for various major acts including Sammy Kershaw, Little Big Town and Ricky Skaggs. He has recorded his original music in Nashville at the Dark Horse Recording Studio and Omni Sound Studio, and recently signed with Nashville’s LowRider Entertainment for artist management and public relations representation. After hearing Freddie perform, Atlanta’s well-known DJ, Moby in the Morning, predicted him to be a platinum selling artist in the future. Freddie will perform at the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee on July 23^rd. Hilda Thomason, General Manager of the Georgia Mountain Fair, stated, “We are looking forward to Freddie Way entertaining our audience with his great music. Not only is he performing in July, but he will also perform at one of our concerts in Anderson Music Hall later in the season”. Freddie has volunteered his talent at this exciting historical event in support of the Diving Bell Project and to give a little back to the North Georgia community he will always consider his home.

The Chestatee River Diving Bell, an extremely important Civil War Era maritime artifact, was built in the 1870’s. Research has shown that the Diving Bell was most likely constructed in New Orleans, Louisiana by engineers McClintock and Watson to carry out salvaging operations in the Mississippi River following the end of the War Between the States. The Diving Bell was equipped with newly developed submarine technology such as a twin-hatch air lock system and reinforced bronze portholes which made it quite unique. Considered “state of the art” in its day, the bell is considered the sole survivor of its class and type making it a gold mine for historians and scientists and an exciting addition to Dahlonega’s array of attractions. When removed from the river in1983, the fleeting years and constant exposure to the elements began to take their toll on the integrity of Diving Bell making conservation and stabilization a top priority. Seeing the urgency of the situation, Mike and Lynn Cottrell stepped forward to donate the restoration and relocated the diving bell to their facility in Gainesville to begin restoration efforts. Thanks to the continued support of our friends at the Reynolds Community of Achasta who donated the Bell to the City, the Chestatee River Diving Bell Committee and the countless others who have been involved with this project, the history, heritage, and technological significance of the Diving Bell will be preserved to stir the imagination of countless generations for years to come.

Fund-raising attendees will be the first to see the renovated diving bell, which will be displayed at the July 31^st event. Maritime Archaeologist, Chip Wright, Chestatee River Diving Bell Project Manager, will be on hand to discuss the Diving Bell, the associated shipwreck Chestatee, as well as the development and display plans for the Bell in Hancock Park in downtown Dahlonega. The fund-raising event begins at 6:00pm on July 31^st; doors open at 5:00pm. The Barn will furnish tables, chairs, tablecloth, centerpiece and water for concert-goers, and everyone is asked to bring his own meal and drink. Tickets are $40 each and tables can be reserved for $320 for a party of eight or $400 for a party of ten. Everyone is encouraged to invite your friends to this historic occasion. Fund-Raising Committee Co-Chairs are Mike and Lynn Cottrell and Bill and Helen Hardman. For additional information on ticket sales, contact Lynn Cottrell at 404-519-4011 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact Helen Hardman at 706-864-5619 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .