Clayton News Daily

Photo by Jason A. Smith Karen Beneigh straightens a decorative wreath, Friday, on the McDonough Square in anticipation of Saturday’s Geranium Festival. Beneigh’s daughter, Kendra, is one of numerous vendors who will make their wares available during the festival.

Karen Beneigh assembled decorative, custom, floral-design items Friday for her daughter, Kendra. She is one of hundreds of vendors who will be at Saturday’s Geranium Festival, in McDonough.

The Fayetteville mother said the festival has been good to her family’s business for the last 20 years.

Vendors began gathering early Friday afternoon, on, and around, the McDonough Square, to set up their booths.

“It’s one of our best shows,” said Beneigh. “The crowds are good. The people are good, and the volunteers are good.”

The Beneighs realized roughly $2,500 in sales during the 2011 Geranium Festival. The family is hoping to make that much, or more, on Saturday.

“The weather plays a big factor,” Beneigh added.

The 35th Annual Geranium Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m., to 5 p.m. It is sponsored by the McDonough Lions Club.

Ed Galbreath, a member of the Lions Club who is chairman of the event, said he expects more than 350 vendors to be on hand, with offerings for the 25,000 expected visitors. Vendors will offer arts and crafts, food and entertainment.

“It’s one of the largest gatherings of events in Henry County,” said Galbreath. “They come from all over the Southeastern United States.”

Admission and parking are free for the event.

The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced the temporary closure of all lanes of the roadways leading to the McDonough Courthouse Square, because of the festival.

Included in the temporary lane closures — from 4:30 a.m., until 9 p.m. — are State Routes 20, 42, 155, 81 and US 23, according to Kimberly Larson, Georgia DOT, D3 communications officer.

For more information, visit www.geraniumfestival.com.