Nerve Endings Firing Away

One of Atlanta’s prime events to usher in the summery weather is the Dogwood Festival. Technically, it marks the coming of spring when the dogwood blossoms in the “Central Park of Atlanta” Piedmont Park bloom. It is one of the reasons that make Atlanta so livable. Piedmont Parks wears a festive look through the three days that the festival lasts. No big names or events, although big sponsors frequent this event. Frisbee catching dog shows, local music stages, wide array of picnic food, an artists market, and oodles of fun for kids. Located on Piedmont, the park wears a festive look, fully realizing the potential of a central green space smack in the middle of a city. Blessed with nice and warm sunshine, people troop out in their spring clothes fresh off the rack from Gap and Old Navy.

As far as I could see, kids and dogs had the most fun. There is, however lot of fun stuff for the grownups too. The artists market, always a popular attraction, was much bigger this year with more variety. Local small business artists find an eager crowd willing to wonder (and buy) their art. Paintings, photographs, glassware are popular items but we saw an interesting display of “stretched wood” that looked remarkably like stone. My dad would go crazy here, restarting the work on now-finished farmhouse back in India. You should have seen Ash’s eyes light up when she saw an array of ethnic earrings. Ash and I enjoyed ourselves thoroughly taking in all the sights, basking in the sunshine, and snacking on some yummy crisp kettle corn, not to mention the BBQ sandwiches and corn dogs. For a newbie to Atlanta (like Ash), I bet this festival is a treat especially if you love social outings.

Enjoy some sights from the face painting tent where kids had a blast. I bet they didn’t want to wash their faces ever. I would never have. See the pictures here.