KENNESAW, Ga. – From arts and crafts to funnel cakes to clogging, there was a little bit of everything on display during the 34th Annual Big Shanty Festival.
“The weather couldn’t be any better,” the Marietta Daily Journal quoted Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews as saying. “I think everybody is having a great time.”
Upwards of 50,000 people were expected to attend the two-day festival, which wrapped up today.
“The festival is a great way to learn about the history of the area and see what local artisans have to offer,” said Atlanta resident Ruth Mitcham, who attended the festival for the second year in a row.
Kennesaw – which was named Big Shanty during the Civil War – has a deep history. It was here on April 12, 1862, that union spies stole a locomotive with the goal of destroying the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which still runs through the heart of downtown.
One of the more popular attractions was the Stephens Light Artillery, which provided cannon demonstrations.
The festival, which is sponsored by the city of Kennesaw and the Kennesaw Business Association, kicked off Saturday morning with a parade through downtown.
