Cyclorama & Civil War Museum Hosts Its First Halloween Event

In recognition of Halloween, the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum will host its first Halloween event at the Cyclorama on October 31, 2009. The Cyclorama will create an atmosphere for families to bring their kids, of all ages, to trick or treat and have safe Halloween fun.

The event will feature renowned story teller Sylvia Hayes, a Halloween scavenger hunt, indoor trick-or-treat (candy giveaways) and special prizes. Hayes will recite her delightful renditions of Halloween ghost stories and excerpts from “Brer Rabbit” for your spooky entertainment. The Halloween scavenger hunt will began at 2pm, and the presentation, which features music and narration, will occur every hour from 10 am to 4pm before each guided tour.

The Cyclorama painting—42 feet tall and 358 feet in circumference—is said to be the largest painting in the world. Its three dimensional diorama, surround sound, lighting and narration, enables the visitor a unique experience of “The Battle of Atlanta!” As your seats move around the painting, Atlanta’s colorful heritage is made possible with narration in English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish.

Take your place in history and enjoy Atlanta’s colorful heritage at the Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum. Located in Historic Grant Park, there are guided tours from 9:15 am - 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and 12:15 pm – 3:30 pm on Sunday. Admission is $8.00 for adults; $7.00 for military (w/ID), seniors and Atlanta Zoo members; $6.00 for children 6-12; and, FREE for children under 6 years old. Group rates are available and arrangements can be made for private receptions, dinners, lectures and meetings. For more information call (404) 658-7625 or visit Atlanta Cyclorama & Civil War Museum’s website www.atlantacyclorama.org .

The City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, was established in 1974 to encourage and support Atlanta’s cultural resources. In order to improve the social fabric and quality of life for Atlanta’s citizens and visitors, the Office is committed to nurturing excellence and diversity in the city’s artistic offerings. Acknowledging that the arts play an essential role in defining the cultural life of the city and contribute substantially to the city’s economy, our organization strives to enhance Atlanta’s reputation as a cultural destination. The Office seeks to support programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expression and aspires to make arts available to everyone.

About the Office of Cultural Affairs:
The City of Atlanta's Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, was established in 1974 to encourage and support Atlanta's cultural resources. The initial mission was to solidify the role that arts and other cultural resources play in defining and enhancing the social fabric and quality of life of Atlanta citizens and visitors. Today the OCA is working to enhance Atlanta's reputation as a cultural destination. The OCA supports programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expressions through a variety of initiatives.

About the Public Art Program
The Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program (OCA/PAP) is charged with administering the development and management of public art projects for Atlanta. OCA/PAP also provides programs and services that support our arts community while improving the quality of life for all citizens and visitors.
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Fernbank Museum Celebrates Scouts at Family Fun Day

Fernbank Museum will offer a day devoted to Boy and Girl Scouts during the annual Scout Day on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fernbank educators will lead an archaeology open house, and community volunteers will lead discussions of science careers. Scouts in uniform also receive a special ticket price.

Featured Activities include:

Self- Guided Museum Tours
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore Fernbank’s exhibitions at your own pace. Explore Georgia’s regions and natural history in A Walk Through Time in Georgia; experience science first hand in Sensing Nature; and learn about the world’s largest dinosaurs in Giants of the Mesozoic.

Scouts can also learn the fascinating story of the world’s most desired metal—its natural beauty, unique scientific properties, and its influence in shaping global history—by visiting the special exhibition GOLD.

Career Chats
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Hall
Are you curious about a career in science? Meet scientists and community volunteers from many scientific fields. Learn about what they do, how they got there, and what it’s like to be a scientist.

Archaeology Open House
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Naturalist Center
Archaeology is an exciting science that takes place all over the world, even right outside your backdoor. Discover the archaeological process with hands-on activities and learn how archaeologists sift through the past to unearth our history.

Storytelling
Noon, Auditorium
Enjoy exciting tales about the natural world with Fernbank’s storyteller-in-residence, Rob Cleveland. Suitable for children ages 3 and up.

Scout Day activities are included with Museum admission and are available to all visitors. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for students/seniors, $13 for children ages 3-12, and free for Museum members and children 2 years old and younger. Special Scouts-Only Offer: Scouts in uniform can visit the Museum on Scout Day for $7!* Scouts can download special badge activities at fernbankmuseum.org before their visit.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. For tickets, call 404.929.6400 or visit fernbankmuseum.org.

*Discount available to children in Scout uniforms only. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Valid November 14, 2009 only.
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Fernbank Museum Conjures Adult Halloween Fun

Second Annual Fright Night Event Offers Chills, Thrills and Spooky Fun

Fernbank Museum wants to share the trick-or-treating fun with adults this year at the second annual Martinis & IMAX® Fright Night on Friday, October 30.

On this fa-BOO-lous occasion, a spell is cast on Atlanta’s perfect mix of culture and cocktails, turning Martinis & IMAX® into a hauntingly happy Halloween destination for adults. Highlights include:

· Professor Morte and the Silver Scream Spookshow Mon-stars performing spooky and kooky sideshow and magic acts.
· 92.9 dave fm will be hosting a costume contest, and Yvonne Monet will be spinning a variety of dance and cheeky-Halloween music.
· Live music by Van Halen cover band Van Heineken from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. will get guests in the mood to do the monster mash.
· Special food and drink menus including a Trick-or-Tini and Witches Brew martinis ; and The Fernbank Café will be serving up a delectable assortment of tasty bites including Poltergeist Potato Skins and Haunted House Pizza.
· And for one night only, the original “ghost with most” is back in action on the big screen with special screenings of Beetlejuice in Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (Screenings will be in the IMAX® Theatre, but will not be in IMAX® format.)

Admission to Martinis & IMAX® Fright Night is included with cover charge tickets ($7 per person) or with the purchase of an IMAX® ticket ($12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $7 for members) or with the purchase of a ticket to Beetlejuice ($7).

Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended. Purchase tickets by calling 404.929.6400.

Visit fernbankmuseum.org/martinisandimax for more information on Martinis & IMAX® and additional upcoming theme nights.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. The Museum is accessible by Marta and also offers free parking.

Fernbank Museum Offers Pirate-themed Fun for Adults and Kids

Everyone knows a pirate likes gold, so in celebration of the special exhibition GOLD, Fernbank Museum is offering a Pirate Weekend.

For Adults

On Friday, November 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX® hits the high seas for a Pirate Night. Guests can enjoy special Drunken Parrot martinis, a GOLD Gallery Treasure Hunt, live music by Tongo Hiti and special screening of The Goonies at 10 p.m. in Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre. (This film will be presented in the IMAX® Theatre, but will not be projected in the IMAX® format.)

Admission to Pirate Night is included with the purchase of a Martinis & IMAX® film ticket. Prices are $12 for adults, $11 for students and seniors and $7 for members. Tickets for The Goonies are $7.

For a limited time only, receive a free GOLD admission ticket with the purchase of any Martinis & IMAX® ticket.

Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended. Purchase tickets by calling 404.929.6400.

For Families and Children

Families and children are invited for a Pirate Weekend, Saturday, November 7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Sunday, November 8 (noon to 3 p.m.), featuring two days of family-friendly, pirate-themed fun and games. Activities include temporary tattoos, a limbo contest, a Museum Treasure Hunt, a visit by the Georgia Bubbleman and more. Special prizes will be given to children wearing a pirate costume.

Pirate Weekend activities are included with Museum admission and are free for members. Museum admission is $15 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, and $13 for children ages 12 and under.

For tickets, visit fernbankmuseum.org or call 404.929.6400.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta. The Museum is accessible by Marta and also offers free parking.
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Christian City’s Pancake Breakfast and Autumn Days

Christian City is hosting our annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, November 7 from 8-10 am in the parking lot behind the Welcome Center at Christian City. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at The Children’s Village or at the event. This will be a fun event for people of all ages! All of the proceeds will support our ministry of providing shelter, food, education, and care to the children who live at The Children’s Village.

After you’ve enjoyed our Pancake Breakfast, be sure to make your way down to Graceland Thrift Store to enjoy our Autumn Days Sale! This is a fantastic event where Graceland Thrift Store has great prices on new and used merchandise including holiday decorations. Don’t miss out on this wonderful event that helps pay for the education of the children at The Children’s Village at Christian City.

Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused children in a family centered residential setting since 1965. Over 1,000 children have called Christian City “home.” For more information about The Children’s Village, please call 770-703-2636 or visit www.christiancity.org.
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Growing Up Green with Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales

Bob and Larry will once again make an appearance at The Rock Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 24 for Growing Up Green, featuring Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales.

In addition to enjoying The Rock Ranch’s many attractions like the pedal boats, pedal carts, giant slide, locomotive train, and others, guests will be able to have their photos taken with the popular Veggie Tales characters.

Various booths, presentations and demonstrations will also provide information about “green” topics such as alternative energy, recycling, composting and more. The keynote speaker is Danny Orlando with Energy Star – EPA, who was featured in the movie “Kilowatt ‘Ours,” seen by more than 73 million people.

A favorite activity of the day is the “Veggie 500” where guests work in teams to build and race cars made of vegetables. There will be series of races and the first-place winners will compete later in the afternoon for a grand prize.

There will also be an amazing birds of prey program conducted by Dale Arrowwood of Winged Ambassadors, a reptile show by Jason Clark of Animal Planet, and a photo scavenger hunt.

Special guests for this event are the Girl Scouts of America.

Admission to The Rock Ranch is $14 per person and $2-off coupons are available at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants. Children 3 and under are admitted free. Fall Family Fun Days hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each Saturday through Nov. 14.

The Rock Ranch is a 1,250-acre cattle ranch owned by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and is located at 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock, Ga. For directions, contact The Rock Ranch at 706-647-6374 or visit www.TheRockRanch.com.
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Georgia National Fair Rides the Weather Roller Coaster Into One of Its 'Best' Years

The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority and staff say "thank you" to the 416,709 Fairgoers who attended the 20th anniversary Georgia National Fair. Despite the weather roller coaster, Fairgoers continued to show their support for and celebrate "20 Years of Georgia's Best."The 2008 attendance was 407,136.

"The Fair was an extremely satisfying fourth quarter win with time running out," said Ransom Moore, executive director. "It was very satisfying for the entire staff to see the fruits of their labor rewarded with an increase of nearly 10,000 Fair patrons over last year."

The Georgia National Fair was proud to introduce its new Livestock Equine Arena which was used for the first time by Georgia's 4-H and FFA students showing heifers, steers, market swine, breeding gilts, breeding ewes, sheep, commercial dairy heifers, market lambs, and market goats.

"The new show arena was an endorsement of the state's commitment to youth agricultural programs," Moore said. "These junior livestock shows are one of the major reasons the Fairgrounds was built. We are thrilled to host these shows, plus competitions and/or rallies for TSA, FCCLA, and FBLA."

The increase in Fair attendance also was welcome news for the Reithoffer Shows (midway rides), food concessionaires, commercial vendors, and sponsors. Many reported record sales and were pleased with Georgia's Fairgoers. Several vendors and sponsors are anxious to renew their contracts for 2010.

"The Georgia National Fair's phenomenal success is due to the families and their friends who attend the Fair and participate in its many events," Moore said.

The Fair set four days of record attendance: October 8 (up 75 percent), October 9 (17 percent), October 13 (30 percent) and October 18 (11 percent).

The Fair staff looks forward to seeing everyone for the 21st Georgia National Fair, October 7-17, 2010.

The Georgia National Fair has been designated a "Top 50 Fair" by Amusement Business magazine and www.carnivalwarehouse.com. Since its beginning in 1990, the Georgia National Fair has won 81 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for its livestock and horse events, competitive exhibits, and communications programs. The Fair has been designated a Southeast Tourism Society "Top 20 Event for October" 12 times (1991, 1996, 1997, 2000-2007, 2009). The Fair has received one "Special Events Directory and Events Business News Top 200 Event" award (1997). The Fair was designated one of Southern Living magazine's "Our Best 202 Things About the South First-Prize Fair" (2002).
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Airshow Blazes With New Acts... This Weekend!

Golden Knights, Harriers & Warbirds join forces to provide affordable family fun.

Precision parachuting, gravity-defying jets, thundering jet trucks and vintage warbirds mark the 12 edition of The Great Georgia Airshow (GGAS) to be held at Falcon Field Saturday, October 10th and Sunday October 11th. The aviation festival, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City and the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF), Dixie Wing, will again showcase modern and historic military aircraft, thrilling aerobatics and activities for the entire family.

“GGAS is a family friendly event, full of affordable activities for kids of all ages” said Bill Lasher, Airshow Director “A family of four will be able to attend for only $40. No where else in the Atlanta area can you find world-class family entertainment for this price.” Two day passes are available this year.

Leading the aerial line up of modern military aircraft is the Marine AV-8B Harrier II and Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt Demonstrations Teams. The Golden Knights, the U.S. Army’s precision parachute team, will be on hand to demonstrate the skill that has won the group 21 national championships and 8 world titles over the last 50 years. The Harrier is famous for its ability to hover, while the Thunderbolt is a twin-engine jet designed for close air support.

Aircraft and helicopters from the various branches will be available for inspection throughout the weekend.

Performing for the first time, the six-ship Red Show Air Show Team will perform dazzling aerobatics in Russian and Chinese-made trainers. Dare devil teams returning to GGAS are Red Eagle Air Sports, Kent Gordon and Greg Koontz. Neal Darnell’s always popular Flash-Fire Jet truck will thunder down the runway at 300 miles per hour!

In GGAS tradition, the CAF Dixie Wing will display its growing collection of classic WWII and Korean War-era aircraft. Based in Peachtree City, the group is the Georgia chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, a national non-profit dedicated to restoring and flying vintage American military aircraft as a tribute to America’s veterans.

Air shows nation wide have experienced a resurgence in attendance this year.

“Attendance at air shows across the country [is] expected to hit almost 14 million, up 20 percent from last year,” said CBS Evening News reporter Bill Whitaker.
CBS Evening News reported that the current state of the economy has prompted families to “stay closer to home and look for cost effective entertainment alternatives for the family.” Air shows seem to be the answer to this dilemma for many Americans. (CBS Evening News, Aug. 23, 2009)

Local community non-profit organizations, such as the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City, as well as school and scouting groups generate proceeds by supporting the Airshow. Kiwanis is a global service organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at selected Kroger stores beginning September 9th, 2009. Advance tickets are Adults $15, Children, ages 6-12, $5. Kids ages 5 and under get in free. After October 9th, tickets are available at the gate: Adults $18, Children, ages 6-12, $7. Two day passes are available this year at the gate: Adults $30, Children $10.

Gates open at 9:00 AM both days with a pre-show starting at noon and aerial performances from 1:00pm-5:00pm. To better ensure security and safety, absolutely no coolers, backpacks, or pets. For more information visit www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com or contact the air show office at 770-632-0365.

THE GREAT GEORGIA AIRSHOW (GGAS) is produced by The Great Georgia Airshow, Inc. a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation governed by a Board of Directors that include representatives from the Commemorative Air Force, Dixie Wing , http://www.dixiewing.org/, the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City, http://www.peachtreecitykiwanis.org/ and members from the community. Local non-profit groups, scouting, and school groups generate funds for their organizations by purchasing food items from the Air Show and then retailing those items in food booths to our patrons. GGAS, endeavors to maximize the benefits of the Air Show to the local community. GGAS is a grassroots event using upwards of 400 volunteers during the two-day show. www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com

Alegria Cirque du Soleil in Augusta Nov 25 - 29

Cirque du Sleil to present ALEGRIA this fall in Augusta
Limited engagement opens November 25, 2009
at the James Brown Arena
Tickets on Sale Now!

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that the Alegría Arena Tour will stop in Augusta, GA this Fall. Alegría will perform 8 shows at the James Brown Arena from November 25 to 29, 2009.

Tickets for Alegría are now available online to the general public. To purchase tickets, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.

Alegría is a Cirque du Soleil classic and an internationally acclaimed production that has entertained more than 10 million people worldwide since its world premiere in Montreal in April 1994. In May 2009, Alegría embarked on a new journey, performing in arenas throughout Canada and the United States, giving more people than ever the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

The Show

Alegría is a Spanish word that means happiness, joy and jubilation. An operatic introspection of the struggle for power and the invigorating energy of youth, Alegría relates the tale of power versus weakness, the king versus his jesters, and age against youth.

A kingdom without a king, Alegría is a world where everyone feels imbued with power —from impish court jester Fleur to the young and vital Bronx, to the aged and aristocratic Birds. Alegría is inhabited by minstrels, rogues, beggars, nobles, children and clowns, the only characters able to adapt to the changing times and the upheaval it brings. In this enigmatic, troubling world of profound changes and uncertainty, despite all the trials and tribulations, there is only one constant: the human spirit remains implacable.

Alegría features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries and showcases breathtaking acrobatics. Acts include the Synchro Trapeze and the high-speed, high-energy Aerial High Bars in which daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. The vibrancy of youth is alive in Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system hidden under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air and perform spectacular somersaults and mid-air turns, landing on bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of catchers.

The third leg of the 2009 United States tour of Alegría will perform in:

Greenville, SC at the Bi-Lo Center from November 18 to 22, 2009.
Augusta, GA at the James Brown Arena from November 26 to 29, 2009.
Hampton, VA at the Hampton Coliseum from December 2 to 6, 2009.

Ticket information

Advance tickets are available exclusively to Cirque Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and benefits include advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind the scenes information. Join now at cirqueclub.com. Tickets to the general public will be available starting Monday, October 5.

For more information: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria.

Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating its 25 th anniversary in 2009. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix and the Rose d’Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil’s International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
To find out more about the One Drop Foundation, visit www.onedrop.org.
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