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A University of North Georgia (UNG) student designed the official 2022 Gold Rush Days Festival commemorative T-shirt. Gracie Weems, a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts with a ceramics and printmaking concentration, was excited to get the news.

"I really enjoyed designing the shirt and making something to represent this lovely town," Weems said. "I didn't really have a specific inspiration for the design aside from the mountains of Dahlonega. I looked at some designs that I liked and pulled inspiration from those, while changing and adding my own twists."

The shirt was offered in short-sleeved (green, gold and purple) and long-sleeved versions (gray). Both had Weems' depiction of mountains, trees and flowing river on the back.

"Our process is to give an idea for a design and let the artist create and bring it to life. Then, we work with them to finalize the design. I guess you could say this year is celebrating the mountains and the gold history," Melissa Walton, Gold Rush Days vendor chair, said of the selection process.

"I was really excited to hear that my design was chosen to win. I can't wait to see people around town wearing a shirt that I designed, and I love that I was able to help out with Gold Rush in a way," Weems said. "This festival is so iconic to Dahlonega and I'm glad to play a part in it."

Weems is originally from McDonough, Georgia, but moved to Dahlonega two years ago for school and loves it. She takes advantage of the area's natural beauty while she enjoys hiking and camping. 

Proceeds from the two-day festival provide college scholarships, direct family aid, and donations to nonprofits, the Empty Stocking Christmas program, and other local support initiatives.