Cotton Blossom Festival

Every fall, as cotton fields stretch across Emanuel County like blankets of “southern snow,” the Cotton Blossom Festival transforms Twin City into a vibrant celebration of community and culture. Established in 2021 as the grand finale to Twin City’s bicentennial year, the festival has since blossomed (pun intended!) into one of Emanuel County’s most anticipated events. Unique in its focus, it’s the only festival in Georgia dedicated solely to cotton*.

Rooted in Cotton’s Legacy

The Cotton Blossom Festival was aptly named through a community competition, with the winning name submitted by Helen Logue, a Twin City resident. Her choice reflects the fields of white cotton blooms that surround Twin City and the crop’s integral role in Emanuel County’s economy. Cotton has long been the region’s primary agricultural driver, and the festival honors its past, present, and future significance.

Twin City Mayor Matt Donaldson explained, “Without agriculture, Summit and Graymont—and eventually Twin City—would not exist. The Cotton Blossom Festival ties our history to the season, held every year during cotton harvest in early November.”

A Day of Family-Friendly Fun

From live music to delicious eats, the Cotton Blossom Festival offers something for everyone. The festival showcases:

• Food Trucks: Sizzling BBQ, mouthwatering tacos, sweet treats, and more.
• Artisans and Vendors: Unique crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts, and local artistry perfect for holiday shopping.
• Vintage Tractors: A nostalgic nod to agriculture’s history, displayed in front of the Twin City Welcome Center.
• Live Music: Performances by talented local musicians and rising stars, including acts like Will Moseley and the Emanuel County Institute Bulldog Band.
• Interactive Exhibits: Kids can explore wildlife at the Georgia Southern Wildlife Center booth or find their next favorite read at the Franklin Memorial Library booth.

A Growing Festival with a Purpose

As the festival’s popularity has grown, so has its demand for vendor spots. To ensure the highest quality and to support the community, vendor fees were introduced ahead of the 2024 festival. All proceeds from these fees are directed to the Twin City Mayor’s Christmas Toy Drive, ensuring the festival gives back in meaningful ways.

The festival and the persons it benefits have a 10-person committee comprised of Twin City residents and stakeholders to thank for its success. The county government does not directly organize or manage the Cotton Blossom, although county government affiliates such as commissioners, department heads, and employees may participate or attend.

Mark Your Calendar

The Cotton Blossom Festival takes place annually on the first Saturday in November at and around the Twin City Welcome Center. With its rich mix of activities, this festival has quickly become a hallmark of Emanuel County's agricultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit.

*A Note on Similar Events

While other events in Georgia may celebrate aspects of cotton such as the Cotton Fair in Gay and the Cotton Gin Festival in Bostwick, the Cotton Blossom Festival stands apart as the only festival solely dedicated to cotton itself.