The Geranium Festival began in 1977 as the Henry County Chamber Arts and Crafts Festival before the McDonough Lions Club took over and renamed it in 1982 to honor Lois and Kirk Carney, plant growers who donated red geraniums each year. Now nearing its 49th annual edition, it fills McDonough's historic square with vendors and red geraniums.
Its long-running identity and town-square setting make it a useful metro/small-city row.
The festival's name traces to a specific act of local generosity rather than a general flower theme: Lois and Kirk Carney relocated their plant business, Oglevee Products, from Pennsylvania to McDonough and began growing red geraniums on a five-acre plant farm, donating them to the festival starting with 250 plants and eventually growing that gift to more than 800
In 1982, organizers renamed the event in the Carneys' honor, permanently tying the festival's identity to two specific people rather than an abstract civic theme
The McDonough Lions Club has run the festival since around 1980, directing proceeds toward Haven House, scholarships, free eye exams and glasses, student vision screenings, and guide-dog programs
Red geraniums donated by the Carney family's plant business remain the festival's defining visual and namesake tradition
growing from an initial gift of 250 plants to more than 800 over the years
Proceeds funding Lions Club community services
including Haven House
scholarships
and vision care programs
have remained consistent since the club took over organizing the event
Dates TBA · Usually May
Driving is typical.
Casual festival wear suited to a day walking a historic town square, with comfortable shoes and layers appropriate to the specific season of the current edition.
Geranium Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.
McDonough
Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.
USD
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Geranium Festival is listed for Past edition: 16 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in McDonough, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
McDonough, GA
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