Community
10th Annual Peachtree Corners Festival Returns
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Published
4 years agoon
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Kelsey AsherMark your calendars for September 18 and 19 for the 10th Annual Peachtree Corners Festival, featuring food, fun, art, music and everything in between. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday. The festival has relocated to Peachtree Corners Town Green to allow for adequate spacing and free parking. The festival is free to attend as well.
According to the team’s mission statement at peachtreecornersfestival.com, the Peachtree Corners Festival is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to bringing a safe, family-friendly festival to the city of Peachtree Corners. To the extent that the festival experiences positive cash flow, the funds will be dedicated to supporting the areas of education and beautification. The festival brings together community leaders and civic-minded individuals with the simple goal to show pride in our fair city.
Debbie Mason, “The First Lady of Peachtree Corners” (through her marriage to Mayor Mike Mason), currently serves as the festival’s Vice President. She expressed hope that even though the date and location of the festival has changed, things will be able to progress as normally as possible and should be able to do so unless anything changes with health regulations.
“We are just thrilled to be able to start it up again and people are recovered and out and about, chomping at the bit to get out,” Mason said. “And we want to help them do that and do it safely.”
“The aspect that I enjoy the most about being a part of the festival organization is walking around the grounds while the event is going on and seeing the thousands of people out enjoying themselves with the food, music, and arts and crafts that we offer,” said Peachtree Corners Festival President Dave Huffman. “Working with the vendors is enjoyable too. They have such great attitudes and are easy to get along with.”
The atmosphere of this year’s festival might differ slightly, partly due to its shifting into early fall and partly due to its move from The Corners Office Park to the Town Green at Peachtree Corners Town Center. The central location and popularity of the Town Green make it “a no brainer.” Though the Town Green is approximately 20% smaller in area than the previous festival site, Huffman shared that the team is excited about the change and that they “all feel that this may very well be the best and most attended festival in our 10 years.”
That said, Huffman has had to play a bit of table Tetris, with the unenviable task of fitting square booths into a largely oval space. That basically boils down to a more selective group of vendors and exhibitors. On the positive side, almost all activity will be concentrated in one contained space, as opposed to being stretched out over a quarter-mile of road, as in years past.
Music
The entertainment lineup will be extensive and offers something for every taste. Music lovers can look forward to returning favorites as well as new talent.
On tap for the weekend (in no particular order):
Banks and Shane — Hard-kicking, blow-the-roof off band that has had capacity crowds around the world dancing in the aisles to party favorites and reminiscing with memorable ballads. 7 p.m. Saturday at the Main Stage.
Double Take — High-energy rock ’n’ roll group playing the biggest and best rock, dance and party tunes from the ’80s…music’s greatest decade.
Stone Mountain Chorus — Vocal A Capella, a member chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. They are a show chorus and a competition chorus.
Casual Cadenza — Jam band playing feel good music.
Greg Drews and the Truth —Atlanta-based songwriter Greg Drews crafts vocal-driven American Roots music with an abundance of warmth and space. His songs blend the recline of California Roots Rock, harmonies of Southern Appalachian Soul and the gentle swagger of the Texas Troubadours…all echoes of time spent living in those locales.
The Dial Up — High-energy covers transport listeners back to a decade where their CD collections defined them. Join in on a musical journey of rock, grunge, pop-punk and Brit-pop.
Separate Checks — An Atlanta based Alt Rock/Indie Rock band.
Schools in the area will also have a dedicated block of time to allow their band, chorus or dance teams the opportunity to perform on stage. Most, if not all, music and other performances can be viewed from the main music stage and surrounding areas. Check the festival website for updates on times and performances.
Cars, Bikes, and All that Shines
Saturday, September 18 will feature a Car & Bike Show full of hot rods and sleek interiors, taking place at the Hexagon parking lot near the roundabout. It’s no charge for spectators, but on-site participants will need to pay a $15 registration fee. The most impressive choppers and roadsters will receive Top Car & Bike awards and Top Class trophies. The festivities will include featured guests and trained judges, as well as a deejay, food and door prizes.
And on Sunday, September 19, a new must-see event comes to the festival as the Georgia Concours d’Elegance exhibits a number of high-end classic vehicles. Concours d’Elegance will be highlighting a very special ‘Sneak Peek’ of what’s to come in 2022 here in the Atlanta area — with a selection of Highline classic and regional collectibles, including local resident Ivan Ruiz’s gorgeous 1952 Jaguar XK120.
Whether you consider yourself a ‘car person’ or not, there is no denying that the beauty and elegance of a rare collection of vintage or classic motor vehicles just might stop you in your tracks! They can inspire feelings of nostalgia and awe when viewing firsthand the exquisite craftsmanship that has resulted from decades of care and often exact restoration. Those are the types of automobiles found on display in famous Concours d’Elegance events worldwide, from Goodwood and Hampton Court in the UK to Pebble Beach and Amelia Island in the US.
The beauty of a true Concours unites the local community with enthusiasts nationwide through the unique level of emotion and nostalgia that touches everyone’s life in some way. Enjoy this small collection exemplifying the history and artistry that is shared through these preserved and restored cars, and hopefully the Concours can share more in 2022.
Exhibitors
Get your shop on and support local business owners and artisans at the same time. The Peachtree Corners Festival has an incredible list of vendors with just about anything you might want, from aromatic offerings to unique gifts. The full vendor list can be found on the festival website but take a look at a curated sampling.
■ A Bar W Enterprises — Handmade leather purses, keychains, jewelry and more. Founded by Angela Corbin and Wesley Burt in 2017, A Bar W Enterprises has continued to grow and expand its offerings. Angela and Wesley seek to bring attractive, practical works of art that provide a solution to our everyday, and sometimes not so everyday, needs.
■ Geometals/Metro Décor — Creative ceramic decorative light switches. These switch plates are more like textured tile works of art that just happen to turn the lights on! Each light switch or cabinet knob is carved and textured by hand and then gilded with metal oxides to achieve a vibrant result.
■ Glass Stone Creations — Glass Stone Creations repurposed vintage jewelry and uses a mosaic-style pattern to decorate crosses, clocks, picture frames and jewelry boxes. One of their signature creations is using old jewelry and religious medals to create unique designs on different size crosses. They also use small glass stones and other materials to decorate old windows and create faux-stained glass, making original designs of art. Clients have hung their windows above fireplaces, on porches and even on backyard fences to give their garden a bit of color and whimsy.
■ Little Tree Apothecary — A natural, plant-based company that crafts all natural, face, body and personal care products handcrafted in small batches with limited ingredients. Little Tree Apothecary offers a simple yet luxurious line of personal and skincare products.
■ Morgan Farm Books — A children’s book series in which each book is written and illustrated by local author Katie Morgan Lester, based on childhood memories of her family’s farm and the animals she grew up loving.
■ Morr_is Wood ‘N Things — Gary Morris’ small business offers more than 600 different scroll sawn creations that are available for purchase as gifts. All of the items are handmade in the US using a scroll saw.
■ Nectar of the Vine — Co-founder Dennis Hart first became involved in the food business back in 1992, when he created European Gourmet Almonds and sold maple sugar and gourmet roasted nuts with his three sons. After many years in the food industry, he and partner (now wife), Carol Nastasi, started Nectar of the Vine in 2006, because of their entrepreneurial spirits, energy and their tastes for fine foods. They wanted to provide a fun, new way for people to enjoy wine. Nectar of the Vine offers an assortment of gourmet food products, including a line of delicious wine frappés, gift kits and specialty gift baskets.
■ Organix by Tay — Plant-based moisturizers, bath and foot products, which are made from clean sourced, organic and cruelty-free ingredients using their “Simple.Natural.Effective.” method.
■ Radiant Gazelle Creations — Decorated stainless steel cups with paint, vinyl, and other materials. Radiant Gazelle Creations has handmade epoxy tumblers, crafted one at a time. Customization is available upon request.
■ The Toonheadz — One of the best teams of caricature artists! Founded by the top caricature artists in Atlanta, Bobby Morris and AJ Jensen. They started their adventure at some of Georgia’s biggest festivals and have moved on to preforming live caricatures for parties and events.
■ Tilly + Reggie — Their candles are non-toxic and pet-safe with intended use. They are hand-poured in small batches to ensure quality and fragrant scent, created with natural soy wax, natural cotton wicks and high-quality fragrance oil. No dyes, paraffin additives or harmful phthalates are used.
■ Smack Yo Mama — Smack Yo Mama Gourmet BBQ Sauce has been in business since 1998 and offers a variety of gourmet BBQ sauces and a savory all-around dry seasoning.
Sponsors
The Peachtree Corners Festival team is thankful to its many sponsors for making this spectacular event possible. The full list of 2021 festival sponsors can be found at the sponsor page of the festival site, peachtreecornersfestival.com. Thanks to the City of Peachtree Corners for serving as Title Sponsor. And don’t forget to swing by the Peachtree Corners Magazine table because we would love to see everyone!
Calling all volunteers!
A major event of this scale cannot take place without careful planning and support from local volunteers. There are many ways to get involved, from assistance with the fan-favorite car show, to vendor setup and booth support. Please visit the volunteer page on the festival site, peachtreecornersfestival.com, for more information.
Typically, volunteers need to be 18 years of age or older, though with a parent’s permission, younger teens can join in in certain cases. All volunteers receive an official Peachtree Corners Festival t-shirt, and of course, get to take part in a now decade-long tradition.
Let’s Eat!
Food for every set of tastebuds makes up this year’s vendor list. Are you in the mood for a sweet frozen treat to cool down the heat? Al a Carte Foods has you covered with ice cream and novelties — or try Tropical Smashers pineapple drinks in real pineapples, as well as 32-ounce chillers.
Is seafood your jam? Then Atlanta Seafood Company is a must-stop. They’re cooking up catfish, shrimp and crab cakes that won’t leave you crabby.
Moe’s Original BBQ recently set up shop in town and will make a scrumptious showing at this year’s festival. Expect a little bit of everything that makes Moe’s memorable, from award-winning Bama-style pulled pork and ribs to wings and chicken smoked over hardwood and served with two unique sauces. Homemade Southern sides from recipes passed down for generations will also be available.
Don’t forget to grab some Roasted Corn from the booth that keeps it simple, with a name that shows you the bright fresh yellow goodness that will stick to your ribs and maybe even in your teeth.
And it is a festival, right? It wouldn’t be fair not to give you that fair fare. Bae Bae’s Place is the place to be for Philly steaks, Georgia boy sausage dogs, funnel cakes, corn dogs, French fries and an ever-expanding menu.
Cinnaholic, a new bakery in Peachtree Corners, will tempt you with Gourmet cinnamon rolls featuring multiple frosting and topping choices. All of their products are fresh baked and 100% vegan and Kosher, as well as dairy and lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free.
For a taste a little farther away from home, The Mad Greek brings all the flavors of the Mediterranean to our backyard. The company is a family-owned and operated food truck group that hit the streets in 2017. They currently have three food trucks rolling around Atlanta year-round. With recipes passed down for generations, and a modern twist on traditional favorites, they will have you saying “Opa!”
Similarly, Salvay Bistro Station is an Argentinian restaurant new to Lawrenceville and the Peachtree Corners Festival this year. Their menu is focused on empanadas with many kinds of fillings. For meat lovers, dig into ground beef, bacon, egg and cheese, bacon, chorizo or chicken. For those who prefer meatless selections, there is fried mozzarella, vegan tofu scramble and even Dulce de Leche.
And let’s not leave out Peachy Corners Café, our local purveyor of boba tea (aka bubble tea) and coffee. For those not familiar with the Asian taste sensation that is bubble tea, stop by the café’s booth and try something new and exciting. In layman’s terms, bubble tea is a tea-based drink that originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s. It commonly consists of tea accompanied by chewy tapioca balls; however, it can be made with other toppings as well. But trying to explain what bubble tea is will pale in comparison to the experience of sipping it from an oversize straw.
In Peachtree Corners, we are proud to say diversity and fun, bold flavors are on the menu. So pick up a cup and a plate from whatever sounds good to you and chow down!
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Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.
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Savannah State University’s inaugural 40 Under 40 list recognizes the achievements of young alumni
Cassidy Bass Jones, owner of LOL Burger Bar, was recently recognized as one of Savannah State University’s (SSU) inaugural 40 Under 40 award recipients.
The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields before the age of 40. This year’s recipients work in a wide array of environments from municipalities and universities to federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
The list includes company founders, executives, state representatives, doctors and lawyers.
“We’re overjoyed to share with the world what these young alumni have accomplished in just a few short years since graduating from this beloved institution,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Alexander. “These alumni are the best and brightest and truly reflect the values we hope to instill in all SSU graduates.”
By highlighting the achievements of these alumni, SSU aims to inspire its current and future students to aspire to greatness and to emphasize the university’s role in shaping future leaders across various fields.
Each of this year’s honorees attended SSU and seeks to uphold their core values of collaboration, academic excellence, discovery and innovation, integrity, openness and inclusion and sustainability.
“As we honor these remarkable alumni, we celebrate not only their achievements but also reaffirm the value of an SSU education,” Alexander continued.
About Cassidy Jones and LOL Burger Bar
Originally from Newnan, Georgia, Cassidy Jones opened her first burger bar location in West Midtown in early 2023 and quickly gained public recognition and accolades. In 2024, LOL Burger Bar’s Patty Melt was named a Top 10 burger in Creative Loafing’s Burger Week competition.
Jones recently opened a second LOL location at the new Politan Row food hall at The Forum where her team is serving up signature burgers, fries, wings and shakes to the Peachtree Corners community.
For more information about LOL Burger Bar, visit lolburgerbar.com.
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Community
PCBA Accepting Scholarship Applications for Class of 2025 Seniors
Published
1 week agoon
February 14, 2025The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) continues their philanthropic work with an annual scholarship opportunity for local high school seniors who demonstrate community spirit and initiative and meet the requirements. The scholarship program was established to raise awareness among high school students of the need to give back to the local community and their school.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 Student Scholarship Program. The PCBA will award one $1,000 scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior.
Students are invited to apply now by completing the scholarship application. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025.
Application details
Applications should be emailed to scholarship@peachtreecornersba.com.
Sealed transcripts may be sent to the PCBA office at
4989 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 200
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Click here for the current scholarship application for eligible graduating seniors.
Qualifications include:
Must be a graduating senior & meet at least one of the following to qualify:
– Resident of Peachtree Corners
– Senior at Norcross HS, Wesleyan HS, Paul Duke HS, or Duluth HS
– Child of PCBA member
Applications must include the application form, a copy of the student’s sealed or official transcript showing cumulative GPA and an essay of 500 words or less describing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship, including three (3) things you’ve learned that you believe will help you in the future.
A separate page listing any of the following the student has been associated with, along with a brief description of your involvement is also required:
- School organization affiliation
- Sports affiliation and extra-curricular activities
- Areas of community involvement
- Personal time donated to charitable/humanitarian causes
- Activities completed or participated in to support the community, healthcare workers, first responders and others.
“The PCBA is proud to continue this scholarship opportunity, which recognizes local students who have positively impacted the community,” says Donna Linden, PCBA board member. “In previous years, we were impressed at the dedication to community service we saw from applicants. We look forward to honoring the deserving student who receives this scholarship.”
Funds for the scholarships are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and the organization’s annual charity event.
For questions regarding the scholarship program, please email scholarship@peachtreecornersba.com.
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If you drive a ‘Little Deuce Coup,’ a ‘Little Red Corvette’ or nothing at all, the Ride Lounge in Peachtree Corners may be the club for you.
If you’re someone who’s so fascinated with automobiles that casual conversations often turn into treatises about torque, transmission overdrive, throttle linkage and tread squirm, the Ride Lounge, set to open this year in Peachtree Corners, might be your utopia.
Founders Dave Codrea and Josh Friedensohn have envisioned the spot as a unique car storage facility and social club designed for car enthusiasts and their families.
Once complete, the 18,000-square-foot building will have indoor storage for about 65 cars as well as lounge areas, a conference room/presentation area for members to do group events, a car detailing area and a bar.
“There will be plenty of room for social events and stuff,” said Codrea.
Pre-opening fundraiser
Even though the establishment’s interior wasn’t completed at the time, the guys kicked off the first weekend in February with the first charity fundraiser of many to come. Pedal Fest took place on Saturday, February 1, with proceeds going to the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation.
Teams of three competed in pedal-powered drift trike races around a track set up in the parking lot.
“This is the kind of family-friendly stuff we like to do,” said Codrea. “We’ll probably have about one event a week — mostly related to different car events.”
The concept behind the Ride Lounge is more than just your old man’s garage. According to design firm Archie Bolden, the club will have “strategically integrated focal lighting throughout to enhance specific areas and create captivating visual focal points that invite visitors to explore highlighted zones or admire showcased feature cars.”
The look is described as masculine luxe with industrial accents.
Just a couple of gearheads
Codrea and Friedensohn don’t have anything to do with autos in their day jobs. They are partners in Greenleaf, a real estate company that buys, rehabilitates and manages long-term low-income residential properties and small business commercial properties to provide advancement opportunities for its residents, tenants, investors and communities.
“I started getting into cars when I was about 13 or 14 years old and as a little boy growing up with Hot Wheels,” Codrea said. “I got my first car, and I always enjoyed working on it. I took the whole engine apart and put in a turbo system. I’ve always loved cars.”
And he’s come across other “gearheads” who like to talk about cars, hang out around cars and work on cars as well.
So why a car club?
“You can do whatever you want to do with cars and it doesn’t matter what kind of car you have as long as it’s something you’re passionate about and like talking about it with other car people,” he said. “It’s a really good way to bring people together.”
Why here?
“That’s easy. I live in Peachtree Corners and I like it,” he said.
Building community
Codrea added that there’s so much diversity and growth that it’s kind of a no-brainer that there are many people who’d gravitate to the concept.
“Atlanta is a big city, but that also means there’s all sorts of interest in a lot of little segments,” he said. “You know what’s out there in cars and there’s definitely interest. As the area grows, we’re trying to bring people that like cars and their kids and families together.”
The storage spaces will allow owners to keep their prize possessions out of the elements or out the home garage in an environmentally-controlled area. But owning a car is not a requirement for membership in the club. There’s a level for just communing with like-minded individuals.
With so many “reality” shows based on restoration and enhancement, there’s no doubt that the interest is there. There’s a big screen ready for 24 hours of Le Mans, F1 races and anything else with a motor.
It looks like those with a passion for automotive performance have found their tribe.
To learn more about Ride Lounge or for early member access, visit ride-lounge.com.
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