HISTORY

The Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club started July 1931 and was initially sponsored by the Copperhill Kiwanis, the largest club in the area. The meetings were originally held at the Blue Ridge Hotel (where Coldwell Banker is located today).  Then they were moved to Earl’s Steakhouse by the marina. The name later changed to Harry’s Steakhouse in the 1960’s, where the meals were all served “family-style”.  The club then moved to the Fannin Inn.  Our current home is now located at the Circle J Restaurant.

The property located on Jones Street, now known as the “Fairgrounds”, was donated to the Club around 1957 by Mr. Eaton.  He was the President of the Fannin County Bank and a loyal member of the Kiwanis Club.  The Fannin County Fair was held at this location for several decades.  The Fair usually consisted of judging of livestock, jellies and jams, quilts, and many other typical county fair activities.  Today, many old timers still call the back room of the Bingo hall the “Pig Barn”.