In 1850, a Sunday in the park meant a trip to the newly founded Oakland Cemetery -- one of the few green spaces in Atlanta -- for a ride through the gardens and a grave-side picnic.
You might even do a bit of grave tending if you knew someone buried there (which some families didn't).
Death in the Victorian era was viewed as an extended sleep, a belief reflected in graves with headstones shaped like tasseled pillows -- and a day at the cemetery was a relaxing outing.
In an effort to return to that celebration of cemeteries, Oakland hosts an annual Victorian festival on its 48-acre site, complete with live entertainment, food and more.
"It started 32 years ago as a birthday party for the cemetery," said Mary Woodlan, director of volunteers and special events for the Historic Oakland Foundation. "It has evolved over the last several years into a much bigger festival."
Many attendees add flavor to the day by wearing Victorian-era costumes, said Woodlan, noting the increasing popularity of the costume contest. A children's area with a clown and the Bubbleman keeps the youngest visitors entertained, along with storytellers and the traditional Teddy Bear Tea to which children bring their favorite furry companions.
Food vendors, an artists' market, horse and carriage rides, and live music are part of the fun for all ages, as are free guided mini walking tours of the cemetery's highlights, such as restored mausoleums, historical monuments and graves of Jewish and African-American people and Civil War soldiers.
Proceeds from the event support the Historic Oakland Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring, preserving and sharing the grounds, monuments and walkways of the cemetery with the public year-round.
"We encourage people to jog through here, walk their dogs or just come and read a book," Woodlan said. "We want to share the cemetery with the community and make them aware of what a wonderful jewel is right here in the heart of the city."
Event preview
"Sunday in the Park" at Oakland Cemetery
Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. $5.
Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave. S.E.
For tickets and information, call 404-688-2107 or visit www.oaklandcemetery.com.
About the Author
