Big Shanty Festival

Downtown Kennesaw is host to the 38th annual Big Shanty Festival on April 20 and 21, 2013.  The festival combines the best of the rich heritage of Kennesaw and the Civil War era with today’s fun filled activities. Over 70,000 attendees will enjoy the more than 250 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 20, 2013 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 20, 2013 from 10am to 6pm
Parade is on Saturday at 9:30am
Sunday, April 21, 2013 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.

Kennesaw Farmers Market

Kennesaw Farmers Market

The 2013 Kennesaw Farmers Market is back starting on May 7 of 2013 and bigger than ever. Now in it’s ninth season, the farmers market takes place every Tuesday morning from May through October.

On Tuesdays from 7am to 1pm, an average of over 30 local farmers and merchants offer fresh tomatoes, flowers, seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, plants, herbs, and a variety of local food and products. Be sure to get there early for the best selection.

Dates:
Every Tuesday morning from May through October

Address:
Adams Park Soccer Field Parking Lot
2753 Watts Drive
Kennesaw GA

For more information, call (770) 499-0874 or (770) 794-7075.

If you would like to become a vendor, please call (770) 499-0874 or (770) 794-7075. The Kennesaw Farmers Market is sponsored by the Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority (KDDA).

Lyle Ashton Harris: Accra My Love Artist Talk and Opening Reception

Join the KSU Zuckerman Museum for the artist talk and opening of Lyle Ashton Harris: Accra My Love, March 13 & 14, 2013. In his work, Harris explores identity, desire, and masculinity of modern-day Ghana through photography, installation, and video. Presented by the KSU Zuckerman Museum in conjunction with the KSU Year of Ghana program. The exhibition runs March 14 – April 24, 2013.

Date:
Artist Talk: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 7pm at the Clayton Gallery in the Bailey Performance Center. To reserve free tickets, please call (770) 423-6650 or email boxoffice@kennesaw.edu.
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 14, 2013 from 5-8pm at the Fine Arts Gallery in the Wilson Building. Meet artist Lyle Ashton Harris.

Admission:
Free

Address:
1000 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591

Parking:
Free parking in Lot E after 6:30pm or follow signs to Visitor Parking.

For more information, please call (770) 499-3223.

Touch-A-Truck

Get ready to put your imagination in gear and get into the driver’s seat as Touch-A-Truck rolls into Kennesaw on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The event is sponsored by the Kennesaw Parks and Recreation Department and takes place from 10am to 2pm.

The event allows kids of all ages to get up close and personal with over 40 cars, trucks, and construction vehicles. Some of the vehicles include a heavy construction, public safety, cool cars, specialty vehicles, and even a flying machine. Kids will learn about the functions they serve and even meet the drivers. Be sure to bring your camera and enjoy the great photo opportunities as your kids explore the vehicles, climb into the driver’s seat, honk the horn and pretend to steer.

Date:
March 16, 2013

Time:
10am – 2pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Near the Depot
2828 Cherokee Street
Kennesaw, GA 30144

For more information, call (770) 422-9714.

Kennesaw Easter Egg Hunt

Kennesaw Easter Egg Hunt

Hop on over to Kennesaw’s Easter Egg Scramble on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Adams Park in Kennesaw.

The Kennesaw Easter egg hunt begins promptly at 11am so bring the kids to hunt for thousands of colorful wrapped candy treats and goody-filled eggs (including a few “lucky” eggs that can be redeemed for larger prizes).

The scramble will be divided into three age groups on three ball fields:
0-3 years
4-5 years
Ages 6-12
A fourth field will be designated for children with special needs, or those who require assistance.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to bring a basket or bag to collect treats, and don’t forget your camera. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for pictures, hugs and handshakes. Note: Pets are not permitted on the ball fields.

Admission:
Free

New Date:
Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 10am to 12pm

Address:
Adams Park Softball Complex
2600 Park Drive
Kennesaw, GA 30144

For more information, please call (770) 422-9714.

Inclement Weather Information

“Due to inclement weather and wet ground conditions, the City of Kennesaw’s Easter Egg Scramble has been postponed to next Saturday, March 30 (same time and location).”

Kennesaw Parks and Rec Website:
kennesaw-ga.gov/city-services/recreation-a-culture/parks

City of Kennesaw Website:
kennesaw-ga.gov

Kennesaw Parks and Rec on Facebook:
facebook.com/KennesawParksRecreation

City of Kennesaw on Facebook:
facebook.com/pages/Kennesaw-City-Hall/55721081962

City of Kennesaw on Twitter:
twitter.com/citykennesaw

Phone Number:
(770) 528-8875

Outdoor Movie Series

This year, the 2013 Kennesaw Outdoor Movie Series continues with a trio of family friendly flicks at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw. The inflatable screen lights up at dark, so arrive early (around 6pm) for games, activities, inflatable fun, and more.

Admission is free, but concessions and some activities have an extra charge. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and a picnic (no alcohol or glass containers) and relax “on the green” for an outdoor movie night the whole family will enjoy. All movies are rated PG, and titles are subject to change. Cancellations may occur due to weather conditions.

Schedule:
Saturday, May 4, 2013 – Brave (postponed due to rain)
Saturday, June 1, 2013 – The Pirates!  Band of Misfits
Saturday, September 14, 2013 – Brave
Saturday, October 12, 2013 – Hotel Transylvania
* Cancellations may occur due to weather conditions.

Location:
Swift Cantrell Park
3140 Old US Highway 41
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Parking is also available at:
Kennesaw Elementary School
3155 Jiles Rd NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

For more information, please call (770) 422-9714.

(Pre-Scramble) Bunny Breakfast

Before Kennesaw’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, enjoy a hot, delicious breakfast and personal visits with the Easter Bunny as he makes his way from table to table to say hello to all the boys and girls. The all-you-can-eat buffet will consist of pancakes, sausage, bacon, juice, coffee and a few other “scrumtrulescent” surprises. Don’t forget your camera! Two seatings are available at 8am and 9:30am.

Advance tickets are just $5 per person, and can be purchased online at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec or at the Ben Robertson Community Center beginning January 2. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $8 per person (based on availability, space is limited). Children two (2) years of age and under do not need a ticket; however they must sit on an adult’s lap.

Date:
Saturday, March 23, 2013

Times:
Two seatings – 8am and 9:30am

Address:
Ben Robertson Community Center
2753 Watts Drive
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144

For more information, please contact Laurel Fleming, City of Kennesaw Special Events Coordinator, at lfleming@kennesaw-ga.gov

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

A program celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2012 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Kennesaw Mountain High School Auditorium. The program, titled United We Stand, Divided We Fall, is an initiative of Reverend John W. and Evangelist Deborah J. Harris, local churches and the City of Kennesaw.

The celebration focuses around youth, with the reading of essays about unity, interpretive dance, and singing. A Community Choir made up of members of local churches will perform, as well as many special guests.

“The agenda for this year’s celebration is to continue establishing a great MLK Day tradition in Kennesaw,” said Reverend Harris. “We will also be presenting the MLK, Jr Trailblazer Awards, named for a man we honor as a trailblazer for racial equality and unity among all men through non-violent means. These awards are given to high school seniors that will be matriculating into college for fall semester.”

Date:
Saturday, January 12, 2012

Time:
5pm to 7:30pm

Address:
Kennesaw Mountain High School Auditorium
1898 Kennesaw Due West Road Northwest
Kennesaw, GA 30152

Valentines Dance

The City of Kennesaw parks and recreation department is hosting a Valentines Dance on Saturday, Feb 9, 2013 from 6-9 pm. The Ben Robertson Community Center will be transformed into the Kennesaw rabbit hole, as the classic story of Alice in Wonderland comes alive for a very special Valentine’s Dance party and dinner — where up is down and everything is off-kilter.

Enjoy all your favorite tunes spun by a “Mad Hatter” DJ, plenty of dancing, family-friendly entertainment, tea-party decorations, “eat me” cookie treats, and fanciful fun. Say “Tweedledum and Tweedledee” and you just might get a photo opportunity with the White Rabbit, or Alice herself! All adults must be accompanied by a child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Seating will be open for a buffet-style Italian dinner that will be served; however, tables will be reserved for parties purchasing six or more tickets.

Cost:
Tickets are $10 per person and children 2 and under are free.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Ben Robertson Community Center.

Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15 per person (space is limited).

Location:
Ben Robertson Community Center in Adams Park
2753 Watts Drive
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Time:
6pm – 9pm

Date:
Saturday, February 9, 2013

For more information, call the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department at (770) 422-9714.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

The City of Kennesaw is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 2-7pm at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive.

Your donation is important in helping to ensure that the blood supply in our community remains at an adequate level. Blood donors must be at least 17 years of age (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. If you previously donated blood, a 56 day gap since your last donation is required.

Hours:
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 2-7pm

Address:
Ben Robertson Community Center
2753 Watts Drive
Kennesaw Ga

For more information call the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department at (770) 422-9714.