Thousands of visitors will soon be descending on Dawsonville 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, the festival takes place on the weekend of Oct. 23-25, and local authorities have asked everyone to pre-plan their routes into and through town during these days.

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.

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 usage of Hwy. 53 from the intersection of Ga. 400 north on these days.

This road often fills to capacity and that creates long lines. With a little preplanning and common sense, everyone will arrive safely, and be ready to have a great time.

Plan to spend more time at the festival and less time sitting in your car.