F O R   I M M E D I A T E   R E L E A S E

 “THE GRANDEST FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR ON THE GREATEST STREET ON THE PLANET”

 (ATLANTA, GA; October, 2008) -- Local business leaders, entertainers, artists, civil rights advocates and community activists are set to help emphasize and recognize historical African-American culture and commerce during this year's "grandest festival of the year on the greatest street on the planet."

Slated for this weekend and to culminate on Mother's Day, adults and children of all ages will be able to join in merriment of the 25th annual "Sweet Auburn Festival," the gathering held to assist in celebrating Atlanta's ethnic historicity, thereby, remembering yesteryear's thriving Auburn Avenue. In the 1940s, '50s and '60s, successful African-American-owned businesses and entertainment venues led to Fortune magazine describing Auburn Avenue as the riches “Negro” street in the world.

The Sweet Auburn Springfest is produced by the Spirit of Sweet Auburn for the purpose of supporting the business development, branding and marketing of the district.  Two major projects include transforming the Auburn Avenue viaduct into an outdoor international music café and arts and craft market.  The massive wall that spans the viaduct will become a mural with electronic displays telling the Sweet Auburn story.  The second mission is to establish Auburn Avenue as the Beale Street, Bourdon Street, Church Street Station of Atlanta. The preferred destination for both tourist and residents.

From May 8-10, festival attendees will be able to enjoy a number of festival venues that include the Atrium's Artist Market, the Business and Technology Expo, a Car and Bike Show, the South’s largest out door Health and Fitness Fair, A Senior's Pavilion, the NBA/WNBA Nation, a Literary Marketplace, the Kids Fantastic Fun Zone and the Just Form Women’s EXPO.  Some of the nation hottest new talent will perform on seven stages of continual entertainment.  Artist are coming from as far away as London, Jamaica and from across the country. Artist who honed their skills performing at past festivals include, Usher, OutKast, India Irie and Raven Symone. The festival producers are proud of the tradition of providing opportunities for a wide variety artist representing diverse genres

This year's honorary co-chairs, who are also being recognized as the 2009 "Legends, Heroes and Heroines" for their work to advance and enhance mankind. The 2008 honorees where Lisa Borders, the Atlanta City Council President; Janis Perkins, developer and manager of The Odd Fellows Buildings on Auburn Ave.; Rainbow PUSH's Southern Regional Director-General Counsel Janice Mathis, Herman J. Russell, founder and board chairman, H.J. Russell and Company; Lonnie King, leader of Atlanta’s civil rights students movement; Wayne Jones, President emeritus , David T. Howard Alumni Association; Ramsey Davis, Jr., Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons; Nettie Jackson American Heart Association's Director of Cultural Initiatives , and Jackie Boatwright, CEO of Boatwright Enterprises, LLC.  These chaplains for the common good will be honored at the "Legends, Heroes and Heroines" Lunch on Wednesday, May 7th, at 12 noon, at the historic Butler Street YMCA, located at Auburn and Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., NE.

"Sweet Auburn's story can never be told too many times," coordinator Johnson said.  "Where else but Auburn Avenue can you take your family to learn of historic and trailblazing African-American heritage, whether at The APEX Museum, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, The King Center or other educational institutions?  The people that built this great street were extraordinary, manifesting the “Spirit of 'Sweet Auburn” in their exemplary service, commitment and dedication to their fellow man." 

“We also want visitors to discover the new history that is being made by the enterprising, creative, innovative young entrepreneurs that are opening shops, like Controversy, Just Slips, Stilletta Shoes and 8732, restaurants like Café Circa, Sweet Auburn Bistro, the Corner Tavern, Noni's, Baby Lous, The Bureau,  and Negril Caribbean Restaurant.   Of cause the historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market offers an eclectic shopping and eating experience.”

The festival kicks off with a VIP-Media Reception on Thursday, May 8th, 5:30 - 7:30pm.  The reception will be held at The Atrium on Sweet Auburn, in the Odd Fellows Building, at 236 Auburn Ave., NE.

Sponsors for this year's Festival include Allstate Insurance, the NBA Nation, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, Eli Lilly, HUD, Bank of America and SoftSheen-Carson.   Media sponsors include WSB-TV, CBS Radio/Atlanta (V-103 and 1380 WAOK) and The Atlanta Daily World.  For detailed information pertaining to festival dates and times, activities and entertainment schedule, log onto www.sweetauburn.com.