Virginia-Highland Summerfest marks 25 years of neighborly fun
The Virginia-Highland neighborhood has gotten a lot more sophisticated since Atkins Park owner Warren Bruno first held a block party that later blossomed into Summerfest in 1984. Back then, sidewalk sales and Herby Curby races were the events of the day. Residents might not be pushing one another around in trash cans like the good old days, but they remain faithful to Bruno's vision of uniting businesses and residents of the hip neighborhood to present one of Atlanta's hottest street fairs.
Eat, drink, rest awhile: Guinness, Red Stripe, Bacardi Mojitos and Smirnoff Ice Light are among sponsors offering cold adult drinks this year (and lemonade plus other virgin libations for the younger set). They'll help wash down the kettle corn, funnel cakes and other familiar festival morsels, as well as some vendor surprises, like fried plantains, étouffée, veggie corn dogs and jerk chicken. Or, order takeout from a local restaurant and sit in the shaded dining area at the intersection of Virginia and Highland, next to the acoustic stage.
Wild in the streets: A half-mile parade celebrates 25 years of Summerfest with a silver theme. 9 a.m. June 7. The route begins at Ace Hardware, 854 N. Highland Ave., and ends at John Howell Park.
Evolving arts: More than 220 artists, mainly from the Southeast, will sell original artwork, including painting, clay, glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking, fiber, wood, metal and mixed media. This year, a jury of gallery owners, artists and arts educators selected the exhibitors from almost 500 entries.
Songs of Summerfest: The 92.9 Dave FM main stage will be set up in the Inman Middle School field, 774 Virginia Ave. On June 7, music runs continuously from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., with Shawn Mullins headlining at 6:30 p.m. Music picks up again at 11:30 a.m. June 8 and plays on until 6 p.m., with Michelle Malone at 3 p.m. and Sister Hazel at 4:30 p.m.
Bring the kids: Water regulations are moving the Kidsfest area to Arcadia Street, alongside John Howell Park. Expect arts and crafts activities, clowns, music and more.
A race runs through it: The Summerfest 5K starts at Virginia Avenue and Lanier Boulevard and ends near Inman Middle School. All race participants receive T-shirts. 8 a.m. 5K; 8:45 a.m. tot trot for ages 5 and younger June 7. $19; preregistration required; no race day registration; $8 tot trot. Inman Middle School, 774 Virginia Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-327-7738, www.running4fitness.com.
