Thousands of visitors will pour into Dawsonville this weekend to participate in one of the most popular festivals in north Georgia.

The Mountain Moonshine Festival often attracts as many as 75,000 people a day, or more, and parking all of these cars is quite a task.

This year local authorities have asked everyone to pre-plan their routes into and through town.

Because of certain street closures and necessary rerouting to accommodate parades, booths and foot traffic, portions of roads in the downtown area will be closed off.

Parking will be available throughout the downtown area, at a minimum charge, typically $5 per car, as well as at Dawson County High School on Perimeter Road, where shuttles will transport visitors to and from the festivities.

All proceeds raised through parking fees go directly to KARE for Kids, according to KARE for Kids President Calvin Byrd.

To help alleviate some of the traffic, the following suggestions should be considered.

Those coming from areas north of Dawsonville, such as Lumpkin or White counties, should consider using Ga. 400 and exiting at Hwy. 136. Turn right onto Hwy. 136 and follow it to Hwy. 9, turn left and then follow it into Dawsonville.

Those coming from Atlanta, or any location south of Dawsonville, should head north on Ga. 400 and turn left at Dawson Forest Road. Follow Dawson Forest to the intersection of Hwy. 9 and turn right. Follow Hwy. 9 into Dawsonville.

More than anything, local authorities are asking everyone to minimize travel on Hwy. 53 from the intersection of Ga. 400 north. The road often fills to capacity and creates long lines.