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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; April, 2010) -- 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
26th annual "Sweet Auburn SpringFest," 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 7 - 9, festival attendees will be able to enjoy a number of
festival venues that include the Atrium's Artist Market,
the Business and Technology Expo, the South’s
Largest outdoor Health and Fitness Fair, A Active
Senior's Pavilion, the Sports Carnival, a
Literary Marketplace, the Kids Fantastic Fun
Zone and the Just For Women’s EXPO.
Some of the nation hottest new talent will perform on eight 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 2010 "Legends, Heroes and Heroines" for their work to advance and enhance mankind.
"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, Tilt,
Chocolate,
Fisher Tees and Things and restaurants like
Café Circa, Sweet Auburn Bistro, the
Corner Tavern, Noni's, Baby Lous,
Wok and Roll 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 6th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
The reception will be held at The Atrium on Sweet Auburn, in the
Odd Fellows Building, at 236 Auburn Ave., NE.
Sponsors and Corporate
Vendors
have included, Boost Mobile, Walgreens, Clear, Ford/ Mercury,
NBA Nation, Bank of America, AllState, Army, Navy, Best Buy, Lunchables, Smoothie
King, Comcast, TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, TCM, SoftSheen-Carson and Media sponsors included WSB-TV, CBS
Radio/Atlanta (V-103 and 1380 WAOK), People You Need to Know
Magazine and The Atlanta Daily World.
For detailed information pertaining to festival dates and times,
activities and entertainment schedule, log onto
www.sweetauburn.com.
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