Dogwood Festival Exhibits & Participants

April is the beginning of the Atlanta Festivals that meander through our parks and neighborhoods during the year.  We are looking forward to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2010 in Piedmont Park on April 16 thru April 18, 2010.  A few of the other festivals you will not want to miss are the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Atlanta Arts Festival.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival began in 1936 when Atlanta invited the world to look at all the beautiful dogwoods in bloom.  Dogwood trees were planted by Atlanta’s garden clubs, the  Junior League and spirited citizens in our parks, city streets and private gardens.  In 1941 it was discontinued because of World War II.  Atlanta’s Woman’s Chamber of Commerce renewed  its revival in 1964.  A few years later it was the largest civic celebration showcasing a parade, fashion show and symphony performances.

During the 1970′s to the present it has became a well-known juried art show with a variety of musical performances on  different stages, food vendors and the Frisbee Disk Dog Exhibition.  The general festival is free.

Friends of Dogwood Pavilion offers a wonderful opportunity to experience cuisine from some of our local restaurants at the newly renovated Greystone facility in Piedmont Park.  Patrons will be wowed  with a variety of food, deserts and wine.  This ticketed Atlanta event is for Saturday and Sunday, with ticket prices from $10 to $45.  A few of our favorite restaurants that will be participating are:

1. TAP
2. Bakeshop
3. Veni Vidi Vici
4. Dogwood
5. Thrive

An insiders secret is to go to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival on Friday afternoon. The crowds are less and you will have the best selection.  We will wander thru Piedmont Park in amazement at the varied artist and their wonderful wares.  My favorite mediums are the wood turned into fine bowls and other objects, paintings in brilliant watercolors and beautiful jewelry of glass and clay.  As always, I give into temptation and find that perfect piece to bring back to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast.