Nomadic African

by April Gipson 

 Fall festivals are popular weekend events in the Atlanta area.  It’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy the cooler weather with family and friends, while browsing for arts and crafts and listening to great entertainment.  Shoppers can get a head start on their holiday gift lists with unique and unusual items.  The northern suburbs of Duluth, Norcross, and Johns Creek have festivals scheduled in September and October.  Here are the highlights of each event.

The Duluth Fall Festival will take place September 28-29, 2013 on the Village Green in historic downtown Duluth.  This is the 30th year of the festival, which continues to get better each year.  More than 250 vendors from around the Southeast will offer paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, baskets, clothing, accessories, toys, candles, soap, home décor, and holiday items.  Entertainment is scheduled on two stages all weekend.  A carnival with rides and games will run Thursday-Sunday.  The popular festival parade will take place Saturday morning at 10am, and there will be a 5K road race on Sunday morning at 8am.  The race is certified by USA Track & Field as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier.  Festival hours are 9am-10pm on Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sunday.  Admission is free.  Offsite parking is available at three lots with a free shuttle to downtown Duluth.

The award winning Norcross Art Fest is scheduled for October 5-6 in downtown Norcross.  The Artists Market will feature artists from across the country displaying their fine arts and crafts.  Shoppers will find paintings, photography, jewelry, mixed media, fiber, glass, clay, metalwork, woodwork, and folk art. A Kidz Zone will have inflatables, rides, face painting, and arts and crafts.  Continuous musical entertainment will take place on the Thrasher Park stage.  The Norcross Arts Alliance will auction ‘Chairs for Charity’, which have been decorated by local school art departments.  Festival hours are 10am-6pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday.  Admission is free.  Parking is available in two offsite lots with a free shuttle to the festival venue.

The Johns Creek Arts Festival is an annual celebration of the arts.  It is scheduled for October 19-20 in the meadow directly across from Atlanta Athletic Club on Hwy 141.  Festival hours are 10am-6pm Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday.  Over 100 artisans will display their work, and there will be continuous live entertainment.  Food will be available including barbeque prepared by the Atlanta Athletic Club chef.  Enjoy the pet parade on Sunday at 1pm, and children’s activities all weekend.  A special concert on Saturday night will feature “von Grey,” a sister act from Johns Creek who recently appeared on David Letterman and Conan.  The concert will be followed by a fireworks extravaganza.  Festival admission is free.  Onsite parking is available with a donation to local Boy Scout troops. 

April Gipson is the Director of Sales for the Comfort Inn & Conference Center Northeast. This north Atlanta hotel is located just off I-285 at exit 32 near Doraville. The hotel was built with amenities to ensure you’ll truly have a great stay with us including free hot breakfast buffet, complimentary Wi-Fi, meeting spaces, outdoor pool and pet-friendly lodging. For more information visit: www.ComfortInn-Atlanta.com