Georgia Magazine - October 2017 - 26

eagle's nest habitat.
Sandersville-based Washington
Electric Membership Corp. provided
materials, and a local Boy Scout constructed the nesting platform as part
of the requirements to earn his Eagle
Scout rank. The result was a home
for the eagle that visitors could view
without disturbing the bird.
"It is part of the vision of our

industry to be outstanding corporate
neighbors," says Eric Tillirson, president of Thiele Kaolin Co. "We are
dedicated and committed to restoring the land to a higher use."
Tillirson says companies consult
with owners about the future of land
being leased for mining.
"Some [owners] want a fish
pond; some want it planted in

timber," he says. "This is an industry
of dedicated folks. We want to give
back to the communities where we
work and live and be good stewards
of the environment. We make our
living here, but we also live here,
and it is important that the industry
is viable for years to come."
Alline Kent is a freelance writer
based in Warner Robins.

Some products containing kaolin
Newsprint
Packaging
Glossy magazines
Paints
Skin treatments/products
Plastics
Rubber
Adhesives, such as epoxy
Cleansers
Bakeware
Tableware
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic toilets and sinks

The kaolin belt includes mines in Twiggs, Wilkinson, Washington, Jefferson, Glascock,
Warren and Richmond counties.

Kaolin Festival celebrates,
educates about industry

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE

The annual Kaolin Festival in
Sandersville started in 1956, according
to Katie Moncus, festival director and
president of the Washington County
Chamber of Commerce. Over the
years, it has evolved into a tribute to
the kaolin industry and its impact on
Washington County.
This year's festival will be held Oct.
13-14 at Sandersville School at Linton
Park. Activities will include a parade,

Papermaking is one of the many activities
youngsters can enjoy at the Kaolin Festival.
26

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE

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arts and crafts, food
vendors, tethered
balloon rides, a car
show, a concert and
children's activities,
as well as tours of
Concerts during the Kaolin Festival showcase bands featuring
the kaolin mines.
local talent.
"The Kaolin Festival creates a unique opportunity to
to our local economy as well as to the
educate our local and regional commu- global economy," Hollie-Mock says.
nities about the mining industry and
"The Kaolin Festival [educates] visitors
the important role that mining plays in about working safely and about being
our everyday lives," says Laura Holliegood stewards of our valuable natural
Mock, the festival's educational chair.
resources."
Educational displays provided by
This year's entertainment includes
kaolin companies are a large part of
performances by Mallory and Adam
the festival's goal to raise awareness
Potter, Tyler Cullens and Band and Sunof kaolin's many uses. At the booths,
belt Revolution on Friday night; and by
visitors can participate in hands-on
Faren Rachels, of Nashville, Tenn., and
activities, such as papermaking and
Otis Redding III on Saturday night.
fossil-digging.
For a complete schedule of Kaolin
"Through these activities, festivalFestival events, visit washingtoncounty
goers learn about the kaolin industry
ga.com/kaolin-festival.html.
and the importance of kaolin mining
-Alline Kent
More online at www.georgiamagazine.org

GEORGIA MAGAZINE
http://washingtoncountyga.com/kaolin-festival.html http://washingtoncountyga.com/kaolin-festival.html http://www.georgiamagazine.org
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - October 2017
