Community
The Peachtree Corners Festival Gears Up for Another Great Year
The Peachtree Corners Festival is no doubt one of the greatest traditions in the city of Peachtree Corners because of its continual improvement and growth year after year. Filled with music, food, arts and crafts — and much more — the family-friendly festival continues to be a symbol and trademark of our community’s excellence.
Located in and around the Town Center, the Peachtree Corners Festival will be hosted on September 22 through 24, with times on Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 5:00 p.m.
As the festival celebrates its 12th year of continuation, Peachtree Corners Festival brings something new to the table this year. With the recent passing of long-time Peachtree Corners resident, First Lady of Peachtree Corners and Peachtree Corners Festival Vice President Debbie Mason, the festival plans to commemorate Mason this year and the legacy she not only left with the festival but with the community.
Dave Huffman, Peachtree Corners Festival President, has been heavily involved in the festival for over a decade and worked closely with Mason for many years. To bring light to the lasting impact Mason left on the city of Peachtree Corners, the organizing committee of the festival has many plans in store for the upcoming weekend.
Celebrating Debbie Mason
Huffman shared that the professed theme of this year’s festival is “Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Debbie Mason.”
“Normally we don’t have a theme to our festival, but this year is special,” said Huffman. “In addition to all of her many activities and contributions to our community, Debbie was a co-founder of the festival and its Vice-President until her death from cancer earlier this year.”
Within the festival, to celebrate Mason’s legacy during the festival kickoff, there will be a tribute to Mason in the opening speech, the festival t-shirts will have Mason mentioned on them, and on the festival booths, there will be mention of Mason, too.
Even before the festival, Peachtree Corners Festival worked to install the Debbie Mason Drama Scholarship at Norcross High School (NHS) to celebrate Mason’s love for the NHS drama department.
Aside from these meaningful attributions, the Peachtree Corners Festival has many other plans in store to make this year special.
Foremost, with the festival set to take place in the middle of September rather than mid-summer, the cooled weather will surely create an enjoyable setting for the festival. Huffman and his team also have worked to improve the festival and its dynamics for this year’s event.
“Each year we try to improve a little bit on the previous year,” said Huffman. “I know people — organizers like myself — will always say, ‘Oh this is going to be the greatest festival we’ve ever had.’ But when we do a process like that, that’s actually true because each festival, we try to improve on it a little bit, take our lessons learned.”
“We’ve got more arts and crafts booths than we’ve ever had, and the music is always a plus,” Huffman continued. “We’re one of the few festivals in this area that pays our bands. So, we do get, I think, a higher quality of band. Our car show is always fun, and I think that’s something that makes our festival stand out, I believe, from some of the other ones in the area.”
Music
Becky Lyon, Entertainment Coordinator, and Huffman have worked to create three nights full of unforgettable entertainment.
On Friday night, two show-stopping bands will take the stage. At 7:30 p.m., a Peter Frampton tribute band, Tommy Lee Thompson and the Network will get the evening off to a rocking start.
Following the opening, headliner Back N Black, an AC/DC tribute band, will start around 8:30 p.m. Performing top AC/DC hits such as “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck” and “You Shook Me All Night,” the band will keep the energy high on the Town Green all night.
The musical lineups for Saturday and Sunday are still being firmed up at press time, but Huffman did share some of the bands that are scheduled to appear. The list includes Bulletproof, Casual Cadenza, The New Bridge Band and Sonic Alley.
The Whiskey Angels will also hit the stage, making their first-time appearance at the Peachtree Corners Festival.
Automobiles and more
Got a hot rod to show off? On both Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, Peachtree Corners Festival will be hosting both a Classic Car Show and an exhibition by Georgia’s Concours d’Elegance.
During the Classic Car Show, Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., anyone who wishes to participate can enter their car or bike with a $15 registration fee. Make sure to bring your vehicles and cameras as this is surely an event all car show lovers will not want to miss.
Judges will scope out the fierce competition during the show and two top-class trophies will be given out to the top car and top bike entered.
And the fun doesn’t end on Saturday.
On Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m., Georgia’s Concours d’Elegance will host an exhibition with cars on display. Admission is free to view many rare and luxurious vehicles. This invitation-only event will showcase luxury cars, ensuring an impressive line-up of classic cars.
Make sure to come out and see the collection of vintage and collectible cars that be showcased on Sunday afternoon. The cars on display aren’t merely vehicles. Rather, they are pieces of art with eccentric history and aesthetic upkeep, making them quite a sight.
Arts, crafts and knick knacks
This year, the Arts & Crafts Row will be jam-packed with local artisans and businesses offering more unique products and crafts than ever before. Bring your family and friends to check out the one-of-a-kind goods for sale. There surely will be something for everyone.
Rock My Zen: Started back in 2013, these Reiki-infused bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings have been made with crystal combinations to help with stress, anxiety and depression relief, negative energy protection, love and abundance. Rock My Zen was born out of a love for crystals and their properties. Visit the website at rockmyzen.com.
Seatree Studio: These handcrafted ornaments are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Through Seatree Studio, what once was an ordinary can is turned into a vibrant and whimsical ornament. All ornaments are hand-painted to perfection and take on curious shapes of nature. View the collection at seatree.studio.
Akayati Craft: Founded over 20 years ago in Ghana by brothers Joseph and Kwesi Akayati, Akayati Craft brings Ghana tradition to the U.S. with their famous Bolga baskets and other authentic African crafts. Purchasing products from Akayati Craft helps pay for educational fees for children and keeps this cultural craft alive. Check out akayaticraft.com to see their crafts.
Alchemy Deodorant: Support a local Duluth-based natural deodorant small business this year by stopping by Alchemy Deodorant. This small business has an emphasis on being a plastic-free, vegan and budget-friendly business, while still having exclusive and powerful scents to offer. Visit the shop at alchemydeodorant.com.
Almash Pieces: If you are looking for fashionable yet life-enriching pieces of jewelry, Almash Pieces is surely a place to visit. Offering distinctive bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, this small business crafts its pieces with love and good energy. Check out the shop at almashpieces.com.
Emmerse: Want relaxation in a jar? Visit Emmerse’s stand this year to enjoy artisan-crafted products such as candles, bar soaps, body butters and lip balms. Any of Emmerse’s products are sure to create the perfect spa night. Find more at getemmersed.com.
Melty Way Studio: This local small business crafts exceptional and mystical candles which take on many different shapes. Melty Way Studio crafts candles in shapes such as succulents, teddy bears, desserts and so much more. Visit etsy.com/Shop/Firstbreathshop for more information.
My Little World: Based out of Duluth, My Little World Plant & Flowers is a family-owned business that sells live plants, colorful flowers and allows customers to create their own terrariums. Explore the shop at mylittleworldplantsflowers.com.
Peace Love Soul: Founder Joy turned puzzles into a gateway for peace in 2021 among turmoil. Peace Love Soul is a puzzle shop that strives to illustrate and convey diversity, culture and unity by celebrating women artists of color. To view more, visit piecelovesoul.com.
Rainy Day Studio: Allie Benoit is the artist who creates the pieces at Rainy Day Studio. Benoit crafts ceramic home décor, dinnerware, drinkware and sculptures, among other things. The art Benoit creates helps soothe her soul and bring light into darkness. Check out rainydaystudiollc.com for more details.
Rainy Day Studio art
Rhapsody Handcrafted: Based right around the corner in Norcross, Rhapsody Handcrafted is a small business that centers its crafts around music and travel. Rhapsody Handcrafted sells earrings, car fresheners, aromatic candles and much more. Visit rhapsodyhandcrafted.com for more information.
Food and beverage vendors
Looking for a little bit of everything to taste? This year, the Peachtree Corners Festival will have five food trucks and 12 food booths and carts, allowing visitors to enjoy many different cuisines and tastes all in one place.
Just among the food trucks, there is something for everyone, whether it be sweet, like Kona Ice, or savory, such as Chew on Chuan, a Latino-Asian fusion food truck. Visit their Facebook page at chewonchuan.
Additionally, among other options, PONKO Chicken will be present with their award-winning Japanese-American chicken. View their food selections at ponkochicken.com.
However, the flavor-filled fun does not stop with the food trucks. On the savory side, anyone can experience remarkable BBQ at the Moe’s Original BBQ food booth which will offer pork, chicken sandwiches and delicious bowls. View their website at moesoriginalbbq.com.
If BBQ isn’t your desire, check out some incredible Greek bites at Gyro Chef Mediterranean. This food booth will serve authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine along with their specialty gyros. Check out their selection on their Instagram @gyrochefatlanta.
However, if savory is not up your alley, there are plenty of sweet treats on offer at the Peachtree Corners Festival. Look out for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in its distinctive booth, where you can grab a tasty and authentic treat of Italian ice. Visit their website at jeremiahsice.com.
Last, but surely not least, for a nostalgic and sugary indulgence, stop by Yummi Kotton, a food booth with a rare take on cotton candy. Yummi Kotton serves distinctively flavored cotton candy, such as blue raspberry and birthday cake, among their selections. Make sure to learn more at yummikotton.com.
Request for volunteers
Want to lend a helping hand for this year’s festival? Volunteering to help run the Peachtree Corners Festival is a great way to get some service hours completed, give back to your local community or even spend an afternoon.
The Peachtree Corners Festival is always run by amazing volunteers and the festival needs volunteers this year. With so many different opportunities to volunteer at the event, there will be no problem finding a way to have a great time while also giving back.
Volunteers must either be aged 18 or older or have parental permission to serve. Additionally, all volunteers will receive t-shirts to celebrate the event. Sign up to volunteer at peachtreecornersfestival.com.
Sponsors
Sponsors continue to be the driving force behind making Peachtree Corners Festival happen year after year. There are not enough words to express the gratitude the festival and community feels toward those who continue to support the Peachtree Corners Festival.
This year’s sponsors can be found under the Sponsor tab of peachtreecornersfestival.com. Clicking a sponsor’s logo will redirect you to their website for more information.
The City of Peachtree Corners is the 2023 Title sponsor, and Peachtree Corners Magazine continues to be a silver sponsor.
Rooted Interiors, a new non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through design, has announced the completion of its largest transformation project to date.
With a commitment to providing complete interiors to individuals and families emerging from homelessness, Rooted Interiors continues to make a profound impact on communities, one home at a time.
The latest project marks a significant milestone for Rooted Interiors as it demonstrates the organization’s unwavering dedication to creating havens where families can plant roots and thrive.
Through meticulous planning, collaboration and the support of generous donors and volunteers, Rooted Interiors has successfully transformed a once hopeless space into a warm and welcoming home for a deserving family.
At the heart of this project is a single mother, accompanied by her two children and her father, who found themselves in dire circumstances after the mother fled from an abusive partner, forcing them to seek refuge at the Family Promise shelter in Athens, Ga.
Upon securing a new home, however, their relief was short-lived as they found themselves in a space devoid of warmth and lacking the essentials of a home.
With no furniture besides a dining room table, no washer and dryer and a malfunctioning fridge, their daily struggles persisted for three long months.
But Rooted Interiors didn’t just redesign the family’s space, they filled it with love and hope.
Through this project, the organization transformed the family’s house into a sanctuary, addressing not only their physical needs but also their emotional well-being. From carefully selected furniture to thoughtful décor choices, every detail was curated to create a space that felt like home.
“We are thrilled to unveil our latest project, which represents our continued commitment to serving those in need,” said Kristina McCalla, Founder and Executive Director of Rooted Interiors.
“Our Rooted in Renewal Program not only revitalizes physical spaces but also renews hope and stability for the family who calls this house their home,” she added.
Rooted Interiors offers a lifeline to families in need, empowering them to thrive and succeed in their journey towards independence.
“This journey is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing interiors; it’s about using the language of design to uplift and restore,” said Kristina McCalla, also Lead Interior Designer at Rooted Interiors.
“Rooted in faith and love, each project is a testament to the belief that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a place that reflects their humanity and worth. By providing a thoughtfully designed and fully furnished home, we aim to empower families to thrive and succeed in their journey towards independence,” she explained.
As Rooted Interiors continues its mission to fully furnish homes for those emerging from homelessness, this project serves as a testament to the organization’s impact and the generosity of its supporters.
Through ongoing partnerships and community engagement, the organization remains committed to building brighter futures for individuals and families in need. For more information about Rooted Interiors and how you can support their mission, visit rootedinteriors.org.
For more than two decades, Dr. Sunit Singhal has been a member of the Peachtree Corners community. In February 2001, he opened Suburban Medical Center, making a significant contribution to community healthcare. Under his leadership, the medical center has expanded, notably by introducing Suburban Med Spa next door.
A 1988 graduate of the University College of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India, Dr. Singhal furthered his expertise in the United States, completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Harlem Hospital Center in New York.
An awakening at the Grand Canyon
A few years ago, the 60-year-old physician had an eye-opening moment about his own health. Most of his life was spent being overweight, which he accepted and managed the best he could.
“It’s not a secret that I was overweight. Anyone could see it; it’s how I was my whole life,” said Dr. Singhal.
The pivotal moment for Dr. Singhal was his attempt to join friends on a hike at the Grand Canyon a few years back. Despite his determination, Dr. Singhal was unprepared for the hike’s demands.
“I thought, okay, I will meet my friends one-third of the way down the canyon from the opposite end. That way, I can keep up with them towards the end of the hike,” he shared.
Even starting much later, Dr. Singhal struggled greatly with the hike. He experienced knee pain, breathlessness, and exhaustion. His struggle not only slowed him down but also his friends, who had been hiking for an additional 12 hours before he joined them.
The ordeal ended in the middle of a cold night, leading to a physically taxing recovery period that left Dr. Singhal sore for days.
Despite the arduous experience at the Grand Canyon, Dr. Singhal didn’t retire his hiking boots. Feeling motivated to conquer the obstacle, he began walking long miles with friends to get into shape.
A few months later, the call of the canyon echoed again, and friends proposed a new challenge: hiking from the South Rim to the river and back. While less daunting than their previous endeavor, the task was intimidating.
“This time, I was able to make the hike without holding anyone back,” he shared. Dr. Singhal already saw the difference his efforts were making.
His triumphs over physical and mental barriers were clear and exciting. Dr. Singhal’s return to the canyon increased his resilience and personal growth.
Conquering Kilimanjaro: a test of determination
Following a series of hikes through the Grand Canyon as his health improved, Dr. Singhal and his hiking group set their sights on Mount Kilimanjaro. They regularly engaged in 10-mile hikes each week to prepare for the trek.
“It was never on our minds to simply skip or cut the hike short because we didn’t feel like it that day,” Dr. Singhal said. Even family members occasionally joined, keeping pace with the senior group with varying success.
When the time arrived for their Kilimanjaro quest, they needed to identify the number of days their group would need to complete it.
“There are different levels you can choose for hikes. If you are very athletic, the 5-day hike is for you. It goes all the way up to 9 days if you need to go slowly,” Dr. Singhal explained.
The friends chose the six-day option. It seemed like a good balance of their confidence in their fitness coupled with a conservative approach. Yet, they completed the ascent in five days.
“We couldn’t believe we finished at such a quick pace. We weren’t straining ourselves to do it. It was the natural pace we wanted to go, and we finished with the group we viewed as the most fit and athletic.”
Mount Everest on the horizon
The hiking group isn’t resting on their laurels, though. The crew continues to meet and train for their next goal, climbing Mount Everest.
“There’s a lottery to be accepted to climb. We entered and are hoping to be selected for a hike this fall,” Dr. Singhal shared. When asked if he felt intimidated about this potential hike, he confidently replied, “No, not really.”
The team of friends will hear this summer if they are selected to climb.
Health and hope
Dr. Singhal’s health journey is the perfect example of the potential for change at any stage of life. It also highlights the importance of self-care, perseverance and pursuing one’s goals, regardless of the starting point.
His patients can rest easily. He isn’t walking away from his practice for the mountains full-time. Dr. Singhal is committed to his practice and patients. He firmly believes and displays that personal improvement and professional dedication can coexist harmoniously.
“I want my patients to know that I am equally dedicated to being here for them and their own health journeys.” When he’s not hitting the trails, Dr. Singhal can be found spending time with his family in Duluth or at his practice in Peachtree Corners.
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