06/05/2026
As the Kaolin Festival celebrates its 70th anniversary, we proudly honor seven decades of community spirit, tradition, and shared pride. This year's theme pays tribute to the very first festival in 1956, The Kaolin Center of the World with guest speaker, Carl Vinson and chaired by, Howard Sheppard. The idea came about from Mrs. Hazel Bedgood Metts class at Sandersville High School, what was a typical homecoming festivity was reimaged as the Kaolin Festival.
Washington County is known around the globe as the Kaolin Capital of the World. But beyond its economic significance, kaolin has shaped something even more meaningful—our community. For generations, the kaolin industry has provided opportunity, supported families, and helped build the foundation of the place we call home.
As we look back over seventy years of festival memories, one thing remains clear: community and kaolin have always gone hand in hand. The story of kaolin is woven into the story of Washington County itself—its growth, its resilience, and its people. The Kaolin Festival has long served as a celebration of that bond, bringing classmates together, fostering hometown pride, and creating traditions that connect us across generations.
This year's celebration is both a tribute to our past and a recognition of the enduring partnership between our community and the industry that helped shape it. As we honor where we began in 1956, we also celebrate the spirit of togetherness, pride, and progress that continues to define the Kaolin Festival today.
We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone! -
Washington County Chamber of Commerce Sandersville Georgia
