Marietta National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 25 at 12:00 p.m. (Guests are advised to arrive early because parking will not be available on the cemetery grounds).
Seventh Annual DeKalb Memorial Day Service, Liane Levetan Park – Monday, May 25 at 9:00 a.m.
Roswell Remembers, Roswell City Hall – Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Unveiling, Woodstock City Park – Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
City of Milton Memorial Day Service, Milton City Hall – Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Sixteenth Annual Dacula Memorial Day Parade, starts on Dacula Road at Hebron Baptist Church – Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
City of Smyrna Memorial Day Ceremony, Smyrna Village Green – Monday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Peachtree City Memorial Day Celebration, the Gathering Place on McIntosh Trail – Monday, May 25 at 8:30 a.m.
Labels: Atlanta, Events, Memorial Day Weekend
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:43 AM
As Georgians pack-up their cars for the first big vacation trip of the summer, they face a set of sobering crash predictions for the Memorial Day holiday ahead. The Georgia State Patrol estimates as many as 2,725 traffic crashes resulting in 875 injuries and 18 traffic deaths could occur within just a 78-hour travel period on Georgia roadways this weekend.
“It’s a fact, there are more crashes during the summer travel months, due in part to the increased vacation traffic volume,” says Director Bob Dallas of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). “But most of these crashes aren’t just random events caused by too many cars navigating through too much congestion. The Georgia State Patrol reports alcohol and the lack of safety belt use were the primary contributing factors in a majority of the fatal crashes they investigated during the Memorial Day Holiday last year.”
During the 2008 Memorial Day period, there were 2,480 traffic crashes, 721 injuries and 12 fatal crashes resulting in 14 traffic deaths in Georgia. The Georgia State Patrol investigated eight of those 12 fatal crashes, finding alcohol was a factor in five of the traffic deaths and a drug-impaired driver was noted in another fatal crash. Investigating Troopers found four of the victims were not restrained by safety belts! (Other fatal crashes reported during Memorial Day 2008 involved a motorcycle, a four-wheeler, and a pedestrian).
Labels: accidents, Georgia, georgia office of highway safety, Memorial Day Weekend
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 8:42 AM
The City of Suwanee will commemorate Memorial Day Weekend with patriotic music, song, and a parachute demonstration by members of the Silver Wings. The Gwinnett Community Band and the Sugar Hill LDS Choir will perform in a free concert, sponsored by the Gwinnett Daily Post, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Town Center Park. Members of the Silver Wings, the Command Exhibition Parachute Team that is part of the U.S. Army Infantry based at Fort Benning, will drop in – literally – around 7:30 p.m, weather permitting.
The concert is free, but attendees are asked to bring a canned good to be donated a local food bank. Also bring picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs, but no alcohol please.
Labels: Events, Georgia, holiday weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, suwanee
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 8:22 AM
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
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 5:55 PM
20 YEARS OF ARTS FESTIVAL
Memorial Day Weekend • May 24-25
Decatur's biggest arts event kicks off with the unveiling of the official arts festival poster and culminates with the main events on Memorial Day Weekend. Get started Friday evening, May 23, with our ArtWalk all around Decatur. Then join us for the film festival, new dance, literary arts performances, musicians all day long on Decaur's downtown bandstand, a juried artists market, the fine arts exhibition, a separate Children's Arts Festival and more. Be a part of it!
EVENTS
• ArtWalk
• New Dance Festival
• Film Festival
• Literary Arts Festival
• Children’s Arts Festival
• Artists Market
• Silent Auction
• Fine Arts Exhibition
• Performing Arts Stage
• Mapping DeKalb County
• Decatur Civic Chorus
• Doors of Decatur
• Sponsors
http://www.decaturartsfestival.com/
Labels: ArtWalk, Decatur Arts Festival, Memorial Day Weekend
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:00 AM
