Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

Schedule
Dusk April 4-11, 18, and 25; 9:30 p.m. May 2, 9, 16, 23-31, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug. 1-9, 15, 22, and 29; dusk Sept. 5-7, 12, 19, and 26; 8 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 3-24.

Atlanta tradition is digitally remastered with new displays of laser lights, graphics, characters and fireworks choreographed to popular music favorites.

Labels: Georgia Stone Mountain Park, Laser Show

With winter just around the corner, Stone Mountain Park prepares to celebrate the holidays with more than 2 million lights and lots of snow. The Atlanta attraction, commemorating its 50th anniversary, unveils its popular holiday event, Stone Mountain Christmas Nov. 7 to Dec. 30 and opens Atlanta’s first snow park, Snow Mountain Dec. 31. Featuring three football fields of deep snow including a 400 foot tubing hill and a 30,000 square foot play area, Snow Mountain opens New Year’s Eve and continues weekends through March 1.

“For the past seven years, Stone Mountain Christmas has offered Atlantans a spectacle of lights, parades, entertainment, shopping and foods where families delight in the holiday spirit,” said Gerald Rakestraw, vice president and general manager of Stone Mountain Park. “With the addition of Snow Mountain, a first-of-its-kind snow park in Atlanta and the Southeast, Stone Mountain Park stays true to its mission of bringing families together in the great outdoors.”

Stone Mountain Christmas light display illuminates Crossroads® village at the base of Stone Mountain. Guests can board The Polar Express 4D Experience, where the scent of hot chocolate fills the Theatre. Enjoy the many sounds of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols during two musical reviews: A Hometown Holiday and Kickin’ Up Christmas. Each evening, parents and kids can gather to welcome Santa Claus during the nightly parade featuring five lighted floats and favorite holiday characters. End the night with Stone Mountain Christmas’s own Snow Angel. New for 2008, the Snow Angel flies high in the sky over Crossroads waving her magic wand creating snow and fireworks. Additional entertainment includes the holiday favorites, A Crossroads Christmas Carol and the Christmas Story performed during the five-mile train ride around the base of the mountain. An array of unique shopping is also available for guests looking to purchase the perfect gift.

Beginning New Year’s Eve, Atlantans will be able to play in guaranteed, real snow. Snow Mountain is Atlanta’s first snow park and allows the young and young at heart to connect with their inner child. Situated on what is commonly known as the “laser lawn,” the family snow park includes 11 tubing runs, special places to make the ultimate snow men and snow angels, a snowball making zone and a play area for younger kids. In addition, the snow park has various sites from which to view the activities including an observation area, a group of warming chalets and bonfires for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

To create the attraction, Stone Mountain Park will use a closed loop system that borrows water from Stone Mountain Lake and will not tap into city water.

“Research indicated our guests enthusiastically welcomed Snow Mountain particularly if it’s created in an environmentally friendly way,” Rakestraw said. “Nearly 40 percent of Atlantans have never experienced snow as a family unit, and nearly 70 percent of Atlanta kids have never seen significant snow. This is a great way for families to take a winter vacation without driving far from home.”

The two winter attractions will round out the holiday season at Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain Christmas is open weekends Nov. 8-Dec. 14 and nightly Dec. 19-Dec. 30 and will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. The holiday attraction will also be open Thanksgiving week beginning Nov. 25. Tickets for Stone Mountain Christmas are $20 (plus tax) for adults and $17 (plus tax) for kids 3-11. For more information on Stone Mountain Christmas, visit stonemountainpark.com.

Snow Mountain tickets go on sale Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. but advanced ticket offers are available by registering at snowmountainpark.com. Tickets are $25 for adults and kids 3 through 11 and are for timed entry. The snow park is open to all ages. To tube, guests must be 42 inches or taller. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. Snow Mountain opens New Year’s Eve and weekends through March 1. For information on the new attraction, visit snowmoutainpark.com.

Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See…,” Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. To get to the park, take I-285 to Exit 39B, Hwy 78 East. Stone Mountain Park is Exit 8 on Hwy. 78.
www.stonemountainpark.com

Labels: Georgia Stone Mountain Park, snow mountain

From Brian and Jen's Real Estate Blog

Dates: October 3 - 26 (Fridays - Sundays)

Times:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Fridays & Sundays
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM with Lasershow at 8:00 PM on Saturdays

Come out and enjoy some cooler weather at Atlanta's favorite place to celebrate the fall season. Now in it's 6th year, Stone Mountain Park's annual Pumpkin Festival has become a family favorite with kids and parents alike.

Throughout weekends in October enjoy attractions, entertainment, activities and fall decorations that are fun for all ages.

Labels: Atlanta, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, pumpkin festival

Sat, 9/27 10:30 am - 7:00 pm

Stone Mountain Park
U.S. 78 East
Stone Mountain GA 30087

More than 300 teams competing for "Best Of," "People's Choice" and "Showmanship" awards in competition categories such as chili, Brunswick stew and cornbread. More than $10,000 in prize money is awarded. Guests can sample the food and participate in contests. Benefits Camp Twin Lakes.

Labels: chili cook off, Georgia Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park
Dates: September 4-7, 2008
Location: Special Events Meadow
Thursday & Friday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

FREE WITH PARK ENTRY! Voted the Nation's #1 Arts & Crafts Show FIVE YEARS IN A ROW by Sunshine Artist Magazine, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and winner of multiple awards by the Georgia Festival and Events Association.

More than 500 artists and crafters from 38 States and two countries display their works for your appreciation and purchase. Daily live entertainment, Children's Corner activities, clogging and crafter demonstrations throughout the event as well as fabulous festival foods.

Vehicle entry to Stone Mountain Park is $10.00 (cash only) for a one-day permit during the festival or $35.00 for an annual parking pass. No coolers or pets can be brought inside the festival.

Labels: arts and crafts, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, yellow daisy festival

Like most Americans, many Atlantans will be grilling burgers, watching fireworks and finding other ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer this Memorial Day weekend. But as our troops continue to fight in the Middle East and elsewhere, some may choose a more solemn and respectful way to observe this patriotic holiday.

Regardless of the approach you choose, there are plenty of ways to observe the holiday around town this year. Here's a look at some options, both ceremonial and celebratory, for spending this holiday weekend.

Roswell Remembers
Billed as the largest Memorial Day ceremony in Georgia, this respectful tribute to those who have died in battle attracts more than 6,000 attendees each year. Centered around the Faces of War bronze memorial, the event includes a presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and a speech by highly decorated war veteran Lt. Col. Robert Ledee. It concludes with a 21-gun salute and "Taps." Following the ceremony, there will be a picnic featuring Slope's BBQ with a performance by Banks & Shane.

• THE 411: Free. 10 a.m. May 26. Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Roswell. 770-640-3253, www.roswellmemorialday.com.

City of Smyrna Memorial Day Ceremony
Taking place at the 20th Century Veterans Memorial in the heart of Smyrna, this service begins with a flyover by a C130 jet, a presentation of colors and the national anthem. There will be remarks by World War II veteran Col. Gene Sidwell, a pilot for the U.S. Army and Air Force; Capt. Maurice Middleton, a Marine and graduate of nearby Campbell High School; Sgt. Michael Hardy, who has done three tours in Iraq with the Marines; and Sgt. Valerie Jelley, a Marine who has served in helicopter squadrons in both Iraq and Afghanistan. American Legion Post 160 will play host to a barbecue following the ceremony.

• THE 411: Free. Seating starts at 9 a.m.; program starts at 10 a.m. May 26. 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St., Smyrna. 770-434-6600, www.smyrnacity.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Salute to the Troops
Offering three days of patriotic activities, this annual tribute honors those who have fought for our freedom with celebratory concerts and displays. A performance by the Gainesville State College Brass Ensemble will be featured May 24, and the Atlanta Concert Band performs May 26 (both shows at 7 p.m.). The main attraction is May 25 as Loose Cannon, Ft. McPherson's U.S. Army Forces Rock Band, performs at 5:30 p.m.followed by country star Lee Greenwood. Concerts will be followed by fireworks and the 25th Anniversary Laser Show Spectacular. The SkyHike, a treetop rope course, also makes its debut on May 24.

• THE 411: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. (U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8), Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Marietta National Cemetery
This formal and dignified ceremony begins at 8 a.m. May 24 when local Boy and Girl Scouts place flags at each of the 15,000-plus graves of veterans for the Avenue of Flags event. On May 26, park off-site and walk or pick up a shuttle into the main Greek Revival dais for an address by David Titus, former Commander in Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars, introduction of VIPs, which includes state and local politicians and generals from Fort McPherson, and wreath presentations by 60 historical and military organizations assisted by JROTC cadets. The programs also features patriotic music by the Roswell New Horizons Band and the Marietta Men's Chorale.

• THE 411: Free. Noon. May 26. 500 Washington Ave., Marietta. 770-587-2051, www.nmdaga.org.


Blues, Brews & BBQs
For those who'd rather forgo the solemn patriotism and just kick off the summer season in fun fashion, this inaugural event features all the traditional fixins. And the name pretty much says it all as there will be live blues played by Danny "Mudcat" Dudek, Francine Reed with Java Monkey and headliner Delta Moon. The festivities also will include southern barbecue and locally brewed SweetWater beer.

•THE 411: $15; $10 advance. 2 p.m. May 25. Park Tavern, 500 Tenth St. N.E., Midtown. 404-249-0001, www.rockbbbfest.com.

Atlanta Jazz Festival
Relocating from Piedmont Park to Woodruff Park, this Memorial Day weekend tradition continues with food vendors, art and, of course, performances by some of the top names in jazz. The opening day features performances by Rua 6 and Serenata Band, May 25 features Joe Jennings and Howard Nicholson's Lifeforce and the Ojedda Penn Experience, and it wraps up May 26 with Ron James and the Truth, Jaspects and Mike Phillips. Local contest winners open the festivities each day.

• THE 411: Free. 2 p.m. May 24-26. Woodruff Park, 84 Peachtree St., Fairlie-Poplar District. 404-817-6820, www.atlantafestivals.com.


Brew at the Zoo
Beer is a big part of many Memorial Day celebrations, but Zoo Atlanta puts a different twist on enjoying a cold one. Once you obtain your tasting mug, you'll get to sample brews around the park, including SweetWater's summer brew Road Trip. Aside from viewing the zoo's assortment of wildlife, you'll also be treated to cover bands and acoustic performers. To wrap things up, you can watch the gorillas receive a bedtime snack, say good night to the pandas and have close encounters with other critters at the end of the day.

• THE 411: $45; $40 in advance; $35 for members. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. May 24. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Grant Park. 404-624-5600, www.zooatlanta.org.


Decatur Arts Festival
This 20th annual event kicks off with an ArtWalk around Decatur on May 23. The Festival itself takes place May 24-25 with an art market, musical performances throughout each day, a film festival, literary art performances and other attractions. There's also a Children's Arts Festival featuring a parade, storytelling, balloon artists and hands-on activities.

• THE 411: Free. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. May 23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 24-25. Downtown Decatur Square. 404-371-9583, www.decaturartsfestival.com.


Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament
For the 49th year, this Memorial Day weekend tournament brings some of the top male and female names in water sports to Callaway Gardens to compete for a portion of the $160,000 in prize money. Aside from the intense competition on Robin Lake, spectators can also enjoy a beachside merchandise plaza and other festivities.

• THE 411: $15 per day; $10 per day for children ages 6-12; free for children ages 5 and younger; $35 per day for pavilion pass each day; $95 for three-day pavilion pass. 9 a.m. May 23; 8 a.m. May 24-25. Callaway Gardens, 17800 U.S. Highway 27, Pine Mountain. 706-663-2281, www.callawaygardens.com.

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
Also celebrating its 20th anniversary, this annual cultural experience offers all the colorful flavors of island culture. A parade beginning at the Civic Center and featuring Caribbean bands and elaborate costumes kicks things off. But the festival actually takes place on Auburn Avenue with food vendors, arts and crafts, children's activities and live music.

• THE 411: $15; $10 in advance (parade is free). Noon-10 p.m. May 24. Auburn Avenue (between Jesse Hill Jr. Drive and Hilliard Street), Sweet Auburn District. 404-587-5195, www.atlantacarnival.org.

Labels: Atlanta Jazz festival, brew at the zoo, City of Roswell, Decatur Arts Festival, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, Memorial Day Weekend, smryna

Don't touch the Elvis "Trilogy." Or "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Or the Confederate figures riding off the mountain carving. Heck, for that matter, don't mess with anything.

When it came time to revamp the Stone Mountain Laser Show — the most popular attraction at the state's most popular park — there was much that could not be revamped, lest the public outcry reverberate louder than the 65,000-watt sound system. "We were very conscious of the sacred cows," said Stan Morrell, the show's creative director.

Change is tricky for the Laser Show, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year (the park itself has its 50th anniversary). Saturday night marks the debut of a new — and yes, changed — show, the first of about 100 that will run through October.

The show's custodians want to keep it fresh and give audiences new surprises, but they know they run the risk of alienating regulars if they depart too far from familiarity — plenty of patriotism, Southern pride, Ray Charles singing "Georgia on My Mind" and a big finale of fireworks.

"We're very cautious of what we put on the rock," said Gerald Rakestraw, the park's general manager and an Atlanta native who saw his first Laser Show when he was in high school.

Park officials estimate 20 million people have seen the Laser Show in its 25 years, and it's more closely identified with the state park than anything else it does.

"It's appealing to a certain audience, and they're sticking with that audience," said Cliff Kuhn, a history professor at Georgia State University. "I can understand why they wouldn't want to try something a little edgy."

On summer nights, anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 people gather on the huge grassy lawn that slopes toward the Confederate carving on the mountain. Towers of speakers — new this year, with better sound — play pre-show pop and country tunes while families spread out blankets and set up folding chairs, oil up with insect repellent and wait for dusk to edge into dark.

The Laser Show is best-known for its "American Trilogy" section: Elvis Presley singing a medley of "Dixie," the African-American spiritual "All My Trials" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic" while the lasers and image projectors show aspects of the Civil War on the mountain's side. The lasers trace the outlines of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, animating them and making them appear to ride their horses.

"Trilogy" has been in the show every year since it debuted in 1983. The park briefly considered dropping it during the mid-'90s run-up to the Atlanta Olympics because of controversy over the use of "Dixie" and an image of the Confederate battle flag. But hundreds of outraged phone calls swept that notion off the table quickly.

"It's never gonna be 100 percent popular across all the races," said creative director Morrell. "But it is what it is."

"I can understand that no matter what kind of changing political sensibilities there might be, why they would be loathe to change too much," Kuhn said.

"Trilogy" is staying, but the show's biggest switch is dropping its long-standing finale, Lee Greenwood's version of "God Bless the U.S.A.," which has been the finale since the '80s.

"I expect some e-mails — 'oh, it was so good, put it back in the show,'" Morrell said. "I don't want to offend anyone, but how can you argue? I replaced it with the National Anthem," which had not previously been part of the show. The new finale, sung by gospel star Sandi Patty, becomes an extravaganza of patriotism and pyrotechnics.

Other changes that will be officially debuted Saturday night:

• A new overture starts the show — the pounding tympanis and dramatic horn fanfare of "Also Sprach Zarathustra," better known as the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey."

• The regional section has several new country songs like "Loud" by Big & Rich, which means "Georgia On My Mind" has been shortened.

• Songs from Disney's "High School Musical" have been added for kid appeal.

• The show is a little shorter: 36 minutes, down from 40 last year. It has expanded and contracted slightly through the years as songs were added and eliminated.

• "We've tripled the pyro," said Morrell, referring to the fireworks and the flame cannons at the base of the mountain.

Labels: 25th Anniversary, Georgia Stone Mountain Park, Laser Show