A Word from
Mayor Derek Easterling
F
all is an amazing time of year to live, work and play in Kennesaw. Here are several events that will allow you to be engaged in our community, and have some fun, too. There are two unique opportunities for you to learn more about our wonderful Smith-Gilbert Gardens. First, on Sept. 11, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with Julia Elliott, the Hummingbird Whisperer, from Kennesaw’s own Bird Watcher Supply Co. Elliott will be banding hummingbirds from 8 to 11 a.m., to gain vital information about bird history, especially migratory details, and the relative abundance of a given bird species from year to year. Elliott received her federal master permit to band hummingbirds in 2010, and she is one of approximately 150 people in the U.S. and Canada authorized to band these tiny birds. Second, on Sept. 19, you are invited to attend a garden party from 2 to 4 p.m., with cocktails, wines, brews, a live auction, entertainment and more. Tickets are on sale. Proceeds benefit the Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ education programs, growing plant collection and preservation of outdoor sculptures. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. On Sept. 17, the Southern Museum and the Kennesaw Museum Foundation will host Southern Spirits, an adults-only event, featuring live music, a light food tasting and drinks. Starting at 6 p.m., visitors will have a chance to explore the Smithsonian Institute-affiliated museum after hours. Tickets are available for purchase. The Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Series, the premier 5K race series in North Georgia, is run through downtown Kennesaw on a mostly flat asphalt course, professionally timed and U.S. Track and Field-certified. This year’s remaining races are the Great Locomotive Race on Sept. 18 and the Garden Gallup Oct. 30.
Join Kennesaw Parks and Recreation for Art in the Park: Candle Making by signing up for a session at 5 or 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. Attendees will make their own candles, using high-quality wax, wicks and natural essential oils. Each session will last an hour and a half, and will include lessons on wax melting, pouring and wick placing. Attendees also will be able to decorate their candle canisters with charms and magnets. All supplies will be included in the price, and no experience is necessary. The First Friday Concert series continues through October. The Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and the Kennesaw Downtown Merchants Association are excited to announce the inaugural First Friday Concert Series in historic downtown Kennesaw. From 6 to 9 p.m., you are invited to stroll through the 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 can be reserved for $50. The First Friday Concerts are free and open to the public. Open Mic Nights will close out its inaugural season on Sept. 17. Presented by the Kennesaw Art and Culture Commission, this event showcases local artists from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pedestrian Underpass in downtown Kennesaw. For artists interested in participating, walk-up spots will be available starting at 5:30 p.m., or book your performance by emailing Elevated Events of Atlanta at booking@cmcmusic.net. Open Mic Nights are free and open to the public. For more information, tickets and reservations for upcoming events, visit the events calendar at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/ events-calendar.
Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.
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AROUND KENNESAW | September 2021
