Downtown Kennesaw is host to the 35rd annual Big Shanty Festival on April 16 and 17, 2011. The festival combines the best of the rich heritage of Kennesaw and the Civil War era with today’s fun filled activities. Over 60,000 attendees will enjoy the more than 200 booths with arts & crafts, food vendors, merchants, and live entertainment.
This year’s event offers great entertainment on two stages and a variety of foods to please everyone’s palate. The Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival kicks off with a parade on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 9:30am. The parade features floats, high school bands, marchers, and over 1,000 youngsters representing every sport association in the area. The Parade will start at Adams Park and continue down Main Street through downtown Kennesaw.
Admission:
Free
Hours:
Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 10am to 6pm
Parade is on Saturday at 9:30am
Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 12pm to 5pm
Location:
Downtown Kennesaw near the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Kennesaw, Ga 30144
This fun filled event is co-sponsored by the City of Kennesaw and the Kennesaw Business Association. For more information, call (770) 423-1330.
For more information, please call (770) 423-1330.
We would like to have a vendor booth. Could you let me know where to sign up and when the deadline is?
Thank you.
Hi Cindi,
For vendor information, please contact Tod Miller at (770) 423-1330.
Hello there, I read that the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team will be performing in the festival, where and what time will the performance start?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Beverly,
United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon will be performing in the parade on Saturday morning and also performing at Kennesaw Mountain High School at 7:30pm Saturday evening, April 17, 2010 as part of military appreciation night.
what needs to be done to perform on the stage in front of the police department, where the ETO demo team does their demonstration?
Hi Matt,
For information about performing on stage, please contact the festival organizers at (770) 423-1330.
IS there a battle reenactment??
@Jeannemarie
There is a Civil War encampment, but we are not aware of a battle reenactment.
I heard there was a Library Book Cart Drill Team performing in the parade. Is this true?
@librario,
Yes, there was a library book cart drill team in the parade. They were great.
If you like the USMC 8th&I Silent Drill Team. Take a look at their website along with the USMC D&B CORPS. Which performs at the Albany Georgia Marine Base each October.
drumcorps.mbw.usmc.mil/
1. Is the festival in the depot parking lot next to the playground?
2. How can we find out where to park and what is the best route to reach the festival?
@mike
The center of the festival is the area surrounding the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, however the event will likely spread out over the entire downtown area. This is one of the largest festivals in North Georgia and over 50,000 people are expected to attend.
How can I get a list of attendees?
I want to know who will have a booth at the Big Shanty
Are dogs allowed?
@Margot,
We just got back from the festival and there were quite a few dogs there.
@Andrew,
We have not seen a list of vendors online anywhere, but you could try calling the event organizers at (770) 423-1330.
@Dottie,
Thanks for your comment and glad to hear that you are making the trip. I am sure you will have a great time, and feel free to stop back by this page and leave your comments about this years festival.
I live in South Carolina and was there last year with my son and his family who live in Kennesaw. What a great festival. This year we are making it a big family weekend. My other two children and their families who also live in SC are making the trek to Kennesaw with me to join in the fun at the Big Shanty Festival. See you there!!
We went to the festival and saw a vendor selling fantastic glass windchimes. I want to get one for my mom for mothers day, but she was with me at the time!!! If anyone knows the name of the person or their website Id really appreciate it. Thanks!
Are there any food vending spots available?
Hi Mack,
For vendor information, please contact Tod Miller at (770) 423-1330.
We have been participants at the Big Shanty Festival since 1995. This is a wonderful event for the whole family. There is something for everyone. Shopping, demonstrations, eating, playing, there are several local businesses there to promote their place in the community, and entertainment. There is a HUGE parade on Saturday morning.
Parking can be a little crazy, there are some “paid” parking areas/lots … and there are places you might be able to park [free] for a short term. My advice on this is for you to come out early, especially on Saturday.
Bring your walking shoes, bring a stroller or wagon for the young kids, there is alot of ground to cover.
Pack a picnic (a little ice chest fits nicely in the stroller bottom.), or purchase lunch from the food vendors. There are some delicious choices
@Margot>>> I have seen many DOGS over the years there, don’t think there is any ordinance against them being there (even seen a few lizards, birds and one monkey, as I recall.)
Bring CASH. Some vendors will take credit/debit cards, but not all of them .. I do not remember seeing an ATM machine there in years past.
Hope you come out and have a good time, rain or shine!
Hi Celia,
Thanks for the great information and comments. We are looking forward to seeing you there and we will be sure to stop by to say hi and get a picture of your booth this year.
I’m looking to be a vendor this year (2012), who do I go through for that?
Thanks!