#HowardFinster | AM 1180 Radio

September 20, 2026

Finster Fest Continues Today At Paradise Garden

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Finster Fest continues today at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville, giving visitors one more opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s signature annual events.

September 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia

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Saturday will be a busy day across Chattooga County and the surrounding area, with Finster Fest, a community food distribution, activities at Sloppy Floyd State Park, a special Trion High School event, and several events just a short drive away.

September 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Finster Fest Returns To Paradise Garden This Weekend

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Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville will welcome visitors from across the region this weekend for Finster Fest 2026, a two-day celebration of art, music, food and the legacy of renowned folk artist Howard Finster.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Traffic Change Planned On Rena Street During Finster Fest

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Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.

According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.

The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.

County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.

Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.

Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.

August 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

September Brings A Full Calendar Of Events To Chattooga County

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With the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair wrapping up this past weekend, residents won’t have to wait long for the next round of community activities. September is shaping up to be a busy month in Chattooga County, with festivals, outdoor activities, art, agriculture, emergency preparedness and school events scheduled throughout the month.

August 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Official Poster Unveiled For Finster Fest 2026 In Summerville

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The official poster for Finster Fest 2026 has been unveiled as preparations continue for the annual celebration of art and the legacy of Howard Finster at Paradise Garden in Summerville.

July 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Finster Fest Returns To Summerville September 19-20

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Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will once again host Finster Fest 2026 on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, bringing artists, music, food and family activities to Summerville.

The annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Paradise Garden, 200 North Lewis Street.

Festival organizers say this year’s event will feature more than 60 folk artists and craftsmen from across Georgia and around the country, showcasing paintings, pottery, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork and other handmade creations. Several artists will be exhibiting at Finster Fest for the first time, while others are returning after previous appearances.

In addition to the artist market, Finster Fest will include live music, Southern food, children’s art activities, guest speakers and special exhibits throughout the weekend. A list of performing musicians will be announced closer to the festival.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, one of Northwest Georgia’s best-known folk art attractions, draws visitors from across the nation each year to celebrate the legacy of the internationally recognized artist and minister.

Additional information and updates are available through the Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden Facebook page.

July 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants

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The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.

Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.

State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.

April 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Paradise Garden Celebrates Preservation Honor And Parade Tradition

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It was a milestone this past weekend for Paradise Garden, as the nonprofit behind Howard Finster’s famous folk art environment received statewide recognition for historic preservation.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Paradise Garden to Host Summer Art Camp for Rising 3rd Through 8th Graders

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Families with creative children can begin making summer plans now as Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville prepares to host its annual Art Camp in June.

According to Davia Weatherill, executive director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, this year’s camp will be held June 23 through June 26 and will be open to rising third through eighth graders.

Weatherill said it is not too early for families to begin thinking about summer camp opportunities.

For more information about Art Camp, the Paradise Garden Foundation can be reached by phone at (706) 808-0800 or by email at info@paradisegardenfoundation.org.

In addition to the children’s camp, adults are also invited to take part in a Plein Air Class scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class will feature an outdoor guided painting session.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, located at 200 North Lewis Street in the Pennville Community, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.