Derek Easterling

A Word from Mayor Derek Easterling

Hello, Kennesaw! First, a big shout out and welcome to Around Kennesaw magazine as a new arrival and opportunity in our community. Thank you, Around Kennesaw, for the opportunity to include some of the events and happenings in and around Kennesaw over the next couple of months.

Anyone who knows anything about Kennesaw knows we love our festivals and music events downtown. Our “world famous” Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival will be Aug. 20-21 at Adams Park. Festival fans and music lovers are invited to join Kennesaw Parks and Recreation for two days of barbecue bliss. From its humble beginnings, Pigs and Peaches has grown into one of the region’s most beloved festivals, attracting an estimated 65,000 attendees annually. Now in its 20th year, the festival features two days of nonstop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family fun. Attendees will find more than 100 vendors, exhibitors and contestant booths, a kids zone full of inflatables, tons of tasty treats, and an incredible lineup of live entertainment and street performers.

Our Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series, the premier 5K race series in North Georgia, has three races remaining this season: • Aug. 14 – Law Enforcement Torch Run • Sept. 18 – Great Locomotive Chase • Oct. 30 – Garden Gallop

Our 5K race series is run on a mostly flat, asphalt course through historic downtown Kennesaw, professionally timed and USA Track & Field-certified. The course is perfect for competitive runners seeking a qualifying time for the Peachtree Road Race, but the festival-like atmosphere and plentiful food and drink make these races perfect for beginner runners/walkers, as well as families. Each race program includes a 1-mile fun run at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and a Tot Trot at 8:55 a.m. Visit www.kennesawgrandprix.com for complete details.

The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association are excited to host the inaugural First Friday Concert Series in historic downtown Kennesaw, with events planned through October. From 6 to 9 p.m., the community is invited to stroll through the historic downtown area, and enjoy an evening of shopping, dining and live music. The concerts take place at the Pedestrian Underpass off Main Street. Six-person tables are available for reservation at $50. The First Friday Concert Series is free and open to the public.

We also love our best friends in Kennesaw, and we are delighted to present Bark in the Park. Sorry, humans, but it’s time for your pups to splash around in paradise. Dogs will help end the Splash Pad season at Swift-Cantrell Park this year on Sept. 7.

For more information about our events, visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

Between downtown, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, the Southern Museum, Parks and Recreation, Swift-Cantrell or Depot Park, there always is something fun and unique to do in Kennesaw. The best way to stay connected is to follow us on our social media platforms and download our free City of Kennesaw mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices.

I look forward to meeting you at one of our events!

Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.

Kennesaw’s Salute to America

PHOTOS BY CHRIS NOWAK, PRESTO/PHOTOGRAPHY

The city continued its 50-plus year tradition of celebrating Independence Day with fireworks on July 3. The day-long event featured two stages of live music, street entertainment, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Local favorites School of Rock East Cobb, House Band and Band X performed on the Depot Park stage, while Woody Earwood and the Paul Hand Band performed on the Main Street stage.