A Word From
Mayor Derek Easterling
W
here did summer go? The heat might still be with us, but our kids are back in school, and our favorite festival is just around the corner! Festival fans and music lovers are invited to join Kennesaw Parks & Recreation for two days of barbecue bliss at the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival 6-10 p.m. Aug. 19 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 20 at Adams Park. From its humble beginnings, Pigs & Peaches has grown into one of the region’s most beloved festivals, attracting an estimated 65,000 attendees annually. Now, in its 21st year, the festival features two days of nonstop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family fun. Attendees will find more than 100 vendors, exhibitor and contestant booths, a kids zone full of inflatables, amusements and attractions, tons of tasty treats to satisfy every whim, and an incredible lineup of live entertainment and street performers. At the heart of the festival is a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition, which also is recognized as an official Georgia BBQ Championship event. Additional cooking events include the Backyard contest for amateurs, Anything Butt and Peach Dessert contests and — new this year — the Kid’s ‘Que contest. More than $16,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to contest winners. Music headliners on the main stage include the rock and pop group, the Paul Hand Band, starting at 8 p.m. Aug. 19. Supporting acts include The Relics, Leah Belle Faser, Run Katie Run, School of Rock East Cobb, School of Rock West Cobb and Courtney Dickinson. Musicians on the local stage include Bettin’ on the Mule, The Shetlands, The Steven Brooks Band, Tastebud, Trevor Startt, Bach to Rock’s 30 Watts, Stephanie Berlanga and the Dusty Roads Duo.
The parks and receation staff is committed to producing a quality event with a unique assortment of exhibitors for attendees. The event will be held rain or shine, and admission is free. The Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival would not be possible without the support of businesses and organizations. For those interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, visit www.pigsandpeaches.com for more information.
Gratitude
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Downtown Merchants Association in carrying out the inaugural Downtown Dash last month. The rain held off, and more than 400 runners dashed their way through the third of the six-series Grand Prix race events. Shout out to the David family for nicknaming our city “Kennesauna” as a result of the extremely high heat and humidity for the race. There is no doubt we all love Kennesaw, or we would not choose this place to raise our families or to operate our businesses. Based on our recent conversations, I know each of us — residents, business owners, city staff and employees — is committed to making the effort to build and include bigger and better amenities, businesses and relationships. To be successful as a community, we must keep working through challenges in a positive and hopeful manner. Collectively, we will be victorious in our efforts, and we will be defined by how we respond to our challenges, both personally and as a community. I ask you to continue praying for each other and for our community.
Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.
AROUND KENNESAW | August 2022
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