Chattooga County Public Works, under the direction of Commissioner Andy Allen, has announced a temporary change to traffic patterns on Rena Street in the Pennville community for the highly anticipated Finster Festival on September 20th and 21st, 2025. The street will be converted to one-way traffic for the duration of the event weekend to improve vehicular flow, reduce congestion, and enhance pedestrian safety for festival visitors and residents.

The temporary measure is a proactive step to manage the increased traffic expected for the annual celebration of visionary artist Howard Finster at his Paradise Garden.

Key Changes and Details:

Location: Rena Street within the Pennville community.
Traffic Pattern: Rena Street will become one-way eastbound for the entire Finster Festival weekend, specifically Saturday, September 20th, and Sunday, September 21st, 2025.
Purpose: The primary goal is to improve the flow of vehicles, significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks, and create a safer environment for pedestrians attending and leaving the festival.

Implementation and Guidance:

Chattooga County Public Works will install temporary signage and barricades to clearly mark the one-way direction and guide drivers effectively.

Festival attendees and local drivers are advised to:

Follow all posted signs and directions from any traffic officers on duty.
Allow extra travel time when planning to arrive at or depart from the festival area.
Utilize alternate routes if you are not attending the festival to help alleviate local congestion around the Pennville community.

“Converting Rena Street to one-way for the Finster Festival is a temporary step to keep our attendees and neighbors safe while allowing the event to run smoothly. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience,” said Andy Allen, Chattooga County Commissioner.

These traffic adjustments are put in place to ensure a positive, safe, and enjoyable experience for all who come to celebrate the unique legacy of Howard Finster.

Contact: Commissioner of Chattooga County P.O. Box 211 Summerville, Georgia 30747 Telephone: (706) 857-0700 Fax: (706) 857-0742