We are giving away two VIP tickets (a $250 value) to the third annual Hearts for Heroes event at The Strand. Hearts for Heroes celebrates, honors and remembers our local servicemen and wounded warriors for their selflessness and courageous efforts. The winner will get two VIP tickets to the event, and after the event they will get free transportation and free admission to the VIP reception hosted by former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes and his wife at their home.

For a chance to win, enter your first and last name, email address (email will not be published), and a comment below. Limit one entry per person. The contest winner will be randomly selected from entries received by Tuesday, May 8 at noon.

Attention all active and retired military – we have two more VIP tickets ($250 value) to give away to tomorrow night’s Hearts for Heroes. We were given these tickets because we are a sponsor of the event, and we would like to pass them on to one of our local heroes. If you are active or retired military, or if your spouse, child, parent, friend, etc. was or is in the military and you want to take them, visit http://www.Facebook.com/MariettaGeorgia and “like” our ticket giveaway post for a chance to win.

The third annual Hearts for Heroes takes place on the evening of Thursday, May 10th, 2012 beginning at 7pm at the Historic Earl Smith Strand Theater. Hearts for Heroes is an evening of song, testimonies and presentations while traveling through time highlighting the history that helped shape our prestigious city.

Presented by the Marietta Museum of History and Aviation Wing, Hearts for Heroes III is a night to celebrate, honor and remember our local servicemen and wounded warriors for their selflessness and courageous efforts. In addition, the City of Marietta and Cobb County will be recognized for their continuous contributions, cooperation and support of the armed forces and local military personnel.

With song and dance performances from singer-songwriter Corey Crowder, Kennesaw State University Swing Dancers and Big Chicken Chorus, Hearts for Heroes III is slated to be an evening you will not want to miss. Residents of the community as well as local and state government leaders will attend to show their gratitude and sentiment for these individuals.

Culminating the evening’s event will be a VIP reception hosted by former Georgia Governor and prodigious supporter of Hearts for Heroes, Roy Barnes and his lovely wife Mrs. Marie Barnes at their home.

Tickets for Hearts for Heroes III are $125 which includes the event and VIP reception. If you choose not attend the reception tickets for the event are $30.00. Both can be purchased through the box office at the Earl Smith Strand Theater, (770) 293-0080, Monday-Friday from 9am-Noon and 1pm-4pm.

Date:
May 10th, 2012 at 7pm

Tickets:
$30 for the event only
$125 for the event plus the VIP reception

Parking:
Parking on the Square and in the Cobb County Parking deck.

Address:
Earl Smith Strand Theater
117 North Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

For more information, please call (770) 293-0080.

The circus is coming to town, and it happens to be the biggest Shrine Circus in North America. Don’t miss the opportunity to see all-new top circus acts from around the world with clowns, bears, elephants, horses, motorcycles, acrobats, and daredevil acts. Plus, enjoy a giant Carnival midway featuring over 40 rides and attractions.

Of course, you can expect lots of good food, like pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, corndogs, cotton candy, candy apples, fluffy fries, hamburgers, hotdogs, cheese steaks, elephant ears, Polish sausage, Italian sausage, barbeque, home fries, fried Oreos, roasted corn, snow cones, apple dumplings and more.

The Big Top rises at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. From I-75 take Exit 260 (Windy Hill Road) and go west. Go approximately five miles until Windy Hill Road dead ends and turn left on Austell Road. Turn right on Callaway Road. Jim R. Miller Park is on the right.

The circus begins on April 27, 2012 and ends on May 6, 2012.

2012 Circus Schedule – Schedules And Prices Subject To Change

Friday, April 27, 2012
Circus Shows – 11am and 7pm

Saturday, April 28, 2012
Circus Shows – 11am, 1pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm

Sunday, April 29, 2012
Circus Shows – 1pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm

Monday, April 30, 2012
Circus Shows – 11am and 7pm

Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Circus Shows – 7pm

Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Circus Shows – 11am and 7pm

Thursday, May 3, 2012
Circus Shows – 7pm

Friday, May 4, 2012
Circus Shows – 11am and 7pm

Saturday, May 5, 2012
Circus Shows – 11am, 1pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm

Sunday, May 6, 2012
Circus Shows – 1pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm.

Admission:
Tickets are available at the gate.
Adults: $10.00
Children 6-11 $6.00
Children 36″ and under are free
Save up to 40%! Discount tickets and unlimited ride packages available at all metro-Atlanta Walgreen’s locations beginning April 1, 2012.

Address:
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta GA

For more information, please call (404) 872-5818 .

Photos and information courtesy of Yaarab Shrine Circus.

Below is a video promoting the 2011 Circus:

May-retta Daze is an annual arts and crafts festival that takes place the first weekend in May. The 36th annual festival takes place from May 5-6, 2012 at Glover Park in historic Marietta Square. The festival features exhibitors and artists showcasing handmade goods including painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, glass, fabric, soap, candles and more. All work is made and displayed by the artist, and the event draws both local Georgia artists as well as artists from around the Southeast. The event also features activities for the kids and live entertainment.

Additional Activities:
The Marietta Square Farmer’s Market is on the Square on Saturday from 9am to noon. For more information about the farmer’s market, call (770) 499-9393.

Date and Time:
Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 10am to 6pm
Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 11am to 5pm

Location:
Historic Marietta Square
Glover Park
50 Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Free in the Cobb County Parking Garage on Cherokee Street and Waddell.

Cobb County Parking Deck
Waddell Street entrance
Hansell St NW & Waddell St NE
Marietta, GA 30090

For more information, call (770) 794-5601 or click here for application information.

What is May-retta?
May-retta is the traditional pronunciation of Marietta, although now it is more commonly pronounced Mary-etta. May-retta Daze (Marietta Days) is a festival featuring artists and their arts and crafts that are produced without machines, manufacturing and mass-production.

What is “Brown Bag Banter?”
The Marietta Museum of History hosts storytellers, authors, and other interesting people on the third Thursday of each month. These lectures are classified as either “Brown Bag Banter” or “Evening with History.” Brown Bag Banter is the name for events that occur during lunchtime (11:30am), and guests are encouraged to bring their lunch while listening to the program. Drinks and desserts are provided during lunch events. Evening with History is the name for the same type of event when it occurs in the evening (7pm), guests are encouraged to stay after the lecture to visit the museum. Light refreshments are provided during evening events.

Address:
The Marietta Museum of History is located on the second floor of the Kennesaw House, next to the Marietta Welcome Center.

Marietta Museum of History
3rd Floor
1 Depot Street, Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30060
770-794-5710

For reservations or more information, please call (770) 794-5710.

The 26th annual Marietta Art in the Park festival returns to Glover Park in Marietta Square from September 1-3, 2012. The annual art festival takes place in Marietta Square each Labor Day weekend and features a juried exhibition pieces by over 150 artists from all over the country as well as local artists from the Marietta area. All items are handmade original work including paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, woodworking, pottery, and more.

Painting by Coe Steinwart.

Marietta Cityscape Project:
The Marietta Cityscape Project, sponsored by Keep Marietta Beautiful, allows everyone to design their own piece of the town using boxes, paper towel rows, paper bags, paints construction paper and other recyclable materials. Marietta landmarks will be featured along with local businesses and when complete could measure 10 ft X 40 ft. Young artists will also have the opportunity to create puppets, noise shakers, sand art creations, mosaic art and much more.

Interactive Art Alley:
Discover your inner artist at the the Interactive Art Alley. The art alley is full of many wonderful and free “make and take” art stations for visitors both young and old.

Chalk Art Competition:
On Saturday, September 1st, 2012, Art in the Park, in conjunction with The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, is sponsoring the second annual Chalk Art Competition during the festival. This juried competition will feature a competition divided by grade level: k-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th and will also include a graduate to professional category. Participants will have the opportunity to display their talents with dynamic chalk art works in randomly selected sidewalk squares. These works will be judged at the end of the day and will remain on display throughout the Festival (weather permitting).

During the Labor Day Weekend event, area shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, the Marietta Museum of History, The Strand, and Theatre in the Square operate with extended hours.

Schedule:
10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012.
10am to 5pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012.
10am to 5pm on Monday, September 3, 2012.

Admission:
Free

Address:
Glover Park, Marietta Square
50 Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

Parking:
Parking is free in the Cherokee Street parking deck, between Cherokee and Waddell Streets.

Contact:
For more information, please call (770) 592-7180 or visit ArtParkMarietta.com.

Art in the Park Photo Gallery:

Art in the Park, view from the rooftop terrace at The Strand

Art in the Park, another view from the rooftop terrace at The Strand

Art in the Park, view from corner of South Park and East Park

Paintings and Prints at Art in the Park

Canvas Paintings at Art in the Park

Ceramic art by Tonya Hedgeman

Abstract and Original Paintings at Art in the Park

Stained Glass Art at Art in the Park

Artist Harry Jarman

Wood Carving

Fiber sculptures by Gloria McRoberts

The art of Kenneth F Aunchman

Paveen Chunhaswasdikul, known as Beer, creates unique works of pottery

Mississippi Delta & Blues Collection by Ron Anton Rocz

Interactive art projects in the Kids Zone

The Marietta Cityscape Project

Cinnamon roasted almonds from the Nutt Hutt

Beer, wine, soft drinks, frozen lemonade, and fresh squeezed lemonade available for sale.

Fountain in Glover Park at the center of Marietta Square

For more information, please call (770) 592-7180.

The 2013 Taste of Marietta takes place Sunday April 28, 2013 from 11am to 7pm. The 20th annual event takes place in the historic Marietta Square and features over eighty restaurants and caterers showcasing their best food. Tastes range in price from just $0.50 to $4.50. In addition, there are five live music stages and a sunset concert on the Main Stage in Glover Park. The event also features games for the kids in the Kid’s Alley, a sports corner as well as a cooking stage with celebrity cheifs’ cooking demonstrations. The Taste of Marietta takes place rain or shine, and admission is free.

Also, don’t forget to bring some canned goods to help feed the hungry in Marietta. MUST Ministries is having a food drive with a drop off booth to help stock their food pantry.

Date and Time:

Sunday, April 28, 2013 from 11am to 7pm.

Cost:

Admission to the event is free, tastes range from $1 to $5 each. Unlike other festivals, tickets are not required and it is a cash-based festival. ATM machines are available. Inflatables/moonwalks in the kids corner are also available for a fee.

For more information, please contact the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115.

List of Participating Restaurants in 2012:

• A Delightful Bitefull Catering/Hollycrest Hall
• Alisha’s Kitchen
• Aspens Signature Steaks
• Australian Bakery Cafe
• Banged Up and Mashed
• Brazilian Bakery Cafe
• Bruster’s
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – Lower Roswell
• Cajun Johns
• Canvas Cafe and Bakery
• Canvas Personal Chef Services LLC
• Champion Cheesesteak’s
• Chicago’s Restaurant
• Chicken and the Egg
• Chocolate & Spice Eatery
• Classic Dots Inc.
• Cool Hawaiian Shaved Ice
• CozyFloyds Catering and Concessions
• Creative Pretzel
• Dairylicious Treats
• Dave Poe’s BBQ
• Deep Fried Brownies
• Deli Delights
• Delicious Delights
• Dippers
• Ellianos Coffee Company
• Finger Licker’s Concessions
• Funnel Cakes-N-More
• Fusco’s via Roma Italian Trattoria
• Get Fruity Cafe
• Grand Champion BBQ
• Granny’s Old Fashioned Lemonade
• Greek Tavern
• Happy Belly Truck LLC
• Henry’s Louisiana Grill
• Hobie Pop Kettle Corn
• Hottie Hawgs BBQ
• House of Lu
• Jiboute Cajun Cafe
• Jimmies Ice Cream and Yogurt Company
• Joe’s & Glo’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Bo’s Roasted Corn
• Keegan’s Public House
• King of Pops
• Knights Catering
• Lani Ono Hawaiian Whips
• Lee’s Handy Delights
• Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice
• Loco Willy’s
• Marietta Diner
• Marietta Pizza Co.
• Marietta Wings & More
• Mellow Mushroom
• Mighty Meatballs
• Mistry Catering
• Mo’ Mint & Thyme
• Ocean Fresh Seafood
• On A Roll
• Paddy’s Pub
• Polar Snow
• Presto Latin Cantina
• Rib Ranch BBQ
• Rita’s Italian Ice
• Rolling Reuben’s
• Rumtastic
• Sam’s BBQ-1
• Sarah Jeans Ice Cream
• Shane’s Due West
• Shillings on the Square
• Smacking Lipz
• Sno-Angel DeLites
• Special Occasions Catering
• Sugar Cakes
• Sweet Auburn BBQ – Food Truck
• Taqueria Tsunami
• Thai Daddy’s food truck
• Thaicoon & Sushi Bar
• The Fry Guy
• The Melting Pot
• The Pound Cake Company
• The Thirsty Parrot
• Williamson Bros. BBQ
• Willisaws Bar-B-Que
• Zaxby’s
• Zo’s Bonz!

2012 schedule

Main Stage
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Steve Ward
3:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Banks and Shane

Church Street Stage
12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Bert Reeves
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Hurricane Wilson

South Park Stage
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Iron Reign
3:00 – 5:00p.m. Hoozier Daddy

MBA West Park Stage
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Men in Blues

Parking:

The Cobb County Parking Deck (enter from Waddell Street), all county court lots, and the Mill Street lot are available. The county parking deck and the Mill Street lot are free, county court lots are privately owned and parking fees may apply.

Cobb County Parking Deck
Waddell Street entrance
Hansell St NW & Waddell St NE
Marietta, GA 30090

Mill Street Parking Lot
Mill St & Denmead St NE
Marietta, GA 30060

Additional parking is available at Marietta Middle School with free shuttles provided by the Historic Marietta Trolley from 1pm-7:30pm.

Marietta Middle School
121 Winn Street
Marietta, GA 30064-2255

Festival Address:
Taste of Marietta
Historic Marietta Square and Glover Park
50 Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060

More information:

For more information, please contact the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115.

Restaurant and food vendors can call Rhonda Dixon at (770) 429-1115.

Sponsors, non-food vendors and media can call Maryclaire Andres at (404) 388-6975.

More information is available online at: www.TasteOfMarietta.com

For more information, please contact the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115.

About Taste of Marietta:
Taste of Marietta is an annual food festival that takes place on the last Sunday in April. Attracting over 100,000 people last year, it is the longest running and largest food festival in Cobb County. The event takes place in historic Marietta Square and also includes live entertainment, a kids alley, a sports corner, as well as close proximity to the numerous shops and museums in the surrounding square.

For more information, please contact the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau at (770) 429-1115.

The 78th annual North Georgia State Fair is coming to town from September 20-30, 2012. As the largest fair in metro Atlanta, it attracts an estimated 300,000 people every year from North Georgia and neighboring states. The fair features flower shows, blue ribbon competitions, animals, dancers, singers, food, free attractions and shows and the Great James H. Drew Exposition – one of the largest carnival midways in the U.S.

Contact Information:
Phone: (770) 423-1330

The fair offers free concerts with big names hitting the stage. A covered arena guarantees concerts rain or shine. All concerts begin at 8pm and are free with fair admission.

2011 Entertainment Schedule (2012 Coming Soon):

• September 22, 2011 – North Georgia State Fair Beauty Pageant, Britney Harriss – 2010 Miss North Georgia State Fair
• September 23, 2011 – Colt Ford in concert – 8pm
• September 24, 2011 – Josh Kelley in concert – 8pm
• September 25, 2011 – Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys – 4pm to 6pm
• September 26, 2011 – Pebblebrook School of the Performing Arts – 8pm
• September 27, 2011 – Beautiful Baby Contest, 0-36 months – 6:30pm
• September 28, 2011 – Chris Young in concert – 8pm
• September 29, 2011 – The Band Perry in concert – 8pm
• September 30, 2011 – Big Daddy Weave in concert – 8pm
• October 1, 2011 – Mark Wills in concert – 8pm

2011 Shows (2012 Coming Soon):
Shows last year included Kachunga and the Alligator Show, Hypnotist – Tammy Harris Barton, Keith King Bike, Stunt Show, K9s in Flight, Oscar the Robot, Brian Ruth “Master of the Chainsaw”, and the Wit Carson Petting Zoo and Pony Rides. All shows are free with paid admission.

Admission:

• $5 adults
• $2 students ages 7-18
• Free for children 6 and under
• Ride tickets are $1 each.
• Parking is $3.
• Unlimited Ride Specials: $18 Pay-One-Price Ride Specials – includes unlimited rides on the following dates only: 9/22, 9/27 and 9/28.
• Pay-One-Price ($15) Ride Special on Monday, Sept. 26.

2011 Unlimited Rides Schedule:

• Opening Day: $18 for unlimited
• 9/24/11 $25 for unlimited rides (sold from 11am-3pm)
• 9/26/11 $15 for unlimited rides
• 9/27/11 $18 for unlimited rides
• 9/28/11 $18 for unlimited rides
• 10/1/11 $25 for unlimited rides (sold from 11am-3pm)

2012 Hours:

• Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 4pm to 11pm
• Friday, September 21, 2012 from 4pm to midnight
• Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 10am to midnight
• Sunday, September 23, 2012 from 12:30pm to 10pm
• Monday, September 24, 2012 from 4pm to 11pm
• Tuesday, September 25, 2012 from 4pm to 11pm
• Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 4pm to 11pm
• Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 4pm to 11pm
• Friday, September 28, 2012 from 4pm to midnight
• Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 10am to midnight
• Sunday, September 30, 2012 from 12:30 to 10pm

Address:
Jim Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta, GA 30008

For more information, please call (770) 423-1330.

For more information, please call (770) 423-1330.

Entry Information

• RACE DAY is (historically) Labor Day (no announcement yet for 2012)
• Register Early! Ther is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION!
• Packets can be picked up at the Family Festival. Participants unable to attend the Family Festival can have their packet mailed for an additional $4 mailing fee. Address must be complete. NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP
• Late registration must be in person at the Family Festival at the Galleria Gardens. Cash, check or VISA/MC accepted.
• Checks or money orders should be made payable to The U.S. 10K Classic.
• Completed entry forms and payment should be mailed to:The U.S. 10K Classic, P.O. Box 724328, Atlanta, GA 31139

Start Times To Be Announced:

• Men’s 100K Pro Cycling
• Women’s 10K Cycling Sprint
• Inline Skate
• Wheelchair
• Run/Walk/Balance Walking
• Kid’s Classic Races

Parking:
Parking is available at Cumberland Mall for those wishing to see the start of the races. From there, vehicles should take Interstate 75 North to their course destination due to the closing of U.S. Hwy 41.

March 30, 2012

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Due to weather conditions, the Easter Egg Scramble has been postponed until Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 6:30 PM.

Marietta Easter Egg Hunt at Laurel Park
151 Manning Road
Marietta Ga 30064
(770) 794-5601
Sponsored by the Marietta Parks and Recreation Department, the Easter Egg Scramble features plenty of great candy and fun prizes for all. The hunt is divided into groups based on age, and after the hunt you can visit with the Easter Bunny for great photo opportunities.
Marietta.com/laurel-park-easter-egg-hunt

March 30, 2012

7:30pm – 9pm
Acworth Easter Egg Hunt
Acworth Sports Complex
4000 South Main Street
Acworth, GA 30101
(770) 917-1234.
The Easter Egg Hunt will include over 20,000 eggs filled with toys, candy and prizes.
Acworth.com/acworth-easter-egg-hunt/

March 31, 2012

10am-2pm
The Hunt – Cobb’s Largest Egg Hunt
Jim Miller Park (The 2011 location of the Egg Hunt was Cobb Safety Village)
2245 Callaway Rd
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 528-8875
The Egg Hunt features also features children’s art activities, live entertainment, inflatables, concessions, and more. You can also visit with the Easter Bunny and participate in the Mad Hatter contest.
Marietta.com/marietta-easter-egg-hunt

April 1, 2012

1:30pm – 2pm
McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA
1055 East Piedmont Rd. NE
Marietta, GA 30062
(770) 977-5991
Easter Egg Hunt ages 8 and under: See the Easter Bunny and hunt for prize-filled eggs! Bring your camera and Easter baskets. Held inside if it rains. Please arrive on time as this is fast and furious event. Don’t miss the fun mcy.ymcaatlanta.org/

April 5, 2012

6:30pm – 7:30pm
Marietta Easter Egg Hunt at Laurel Park (rescheduled date)
151 Manning Road
Marietta Ga 30064
(770) 794-5601
Sponsored by the Marietta Parks and Recreation Department, the Easter Egg Scramble features plenty of great candy and fun prizes for all. The hunt is divided into groups based on age, and after the hunt you can visit with the Easter Bunny for great photo opportunities.
Marietta.com/laurel-park-easter-egg-hunt

April 7, 2012

10:30am – 1:00pm
Eastside Baptist Church
2450 Lower Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30068
770-971-2323
2,000 screaming kids running/scrambling out onto a field that a Helicopter has just flown in and dropped 20.000 Easter eggs stuffed with prizes. There will be a live critically acclaimed Latin band playing music, inflatable games, face painting, food, and more!
eastsidebaptisteggscramble.com

April 7, 2012

9am-10:30am
Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
4385 Lower Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30068
(770) 971-2880
Family Day at Jerusalem Market & Easter Egg Hunt – experience the smell of spices in Jesus’ Day, make pottery, jewelry, petting zoo, and more. Reservations required. Bring one dozen pre-filled eggs per child to the church by April 4. Find the golden eggs and collect a prize.
mtbethel.org/family-day-at-jerusalem-market-easter-egg-hunt/

April 7, 2012

10am-3pm
Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop
Sprayberry High School
2525 Sandy Plains Road
Marietta, GA 30066-5799
(770) 423-1330
In addition to thousands of eggs on the field, thousands more will be dropped from a helicopter. So bring the family (they are expecting over 8000 people to attend) and enjoy TONS of candy, inflatables, face-painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny, lots of vendors, and fun for all ages!
communityeggdrop.com

Through April 7, 2012

Photos with the Easter Bunny
Town Center at Cobb (Center Court)
400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 424-0742
The Easter Bunny will be here from March 3 – April 7 for photos and visits. He will be located on the Lower Level in the Center Court. Photo packages are available for sale.
http://www.simon.com/mall/EventsDetails.aspx?id=211&oid=86340

If you know of any Cobb County Easter Egg Hunts we are missing for 2012, please let us know in the comments below. Happy hunting!