September Saturdays Festival Slated

The tenth annual September Saturdays Festival will be held Saturdays, Sept. 22 and 29 on the grounds of the , and vendor and exhibitor registration is now open for the festival’s Community Marketplace. More than 100 vendors and exhibitors are anticipated for the largest annual festival in Douglas County.

Saturday, Sept. 22, is Heroes Day plus the Touch-a-Truck Experience.  Heroes Day honors our everyday heroes - Sheriff’s deputies, firemen, EMTs, 911 operators, military, veterans, reserves, and teachers. The Touch-a-Truck Experience presents an opportunity for the young and the young at heart to see and climb on fire trucks and equipment, law enforcement vehicles and equipment, and military equipment.

Saturday, Sept. 29, is Family Day plus Artists’ and Craftsmen’s Market.  Family Day recognizes everyone who makes up the Douglas County Family, and presents an opportunity to meet and greet old friends and make new friends. The Artists’ and Craftsmen’s Market presents an opportunity for visitors to see hand-crafted items by artists and artisans.

The festival is open from 11:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Saturday with an outdoor movie at 8 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Vendor registration is available through the event web site, www.SeptemberSaturdays.com. Registration is available on-line using PayPal, or by downloading registration forms for completion and mailing.  Vendor information/registration packets may also be requested by calling 770-920-7593. Each space is $50 per week with proceeds benefitting Communities in Schools of Douglas County.

Both days feature the Community Marketplace where individuals, Churches, community organizations and businesses can host booths. The children’s play area contains free inflatable games and slides, and the festival features a free train and a free carnival ride. Free concerts and programs are presented on the Courthouse steps every 30 minutes, including musical performances from 22 choral groups. The Food Court features 10 vendors (sold out), and a free family-friendly movie is shown on the outdoor movie screen at 8 p.m. each Saturday night.

Admission to all festival features is free due to the support of community-minded businesses who sponsor the event. The September Saturdays Festival is organized and directed by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners through its Department of Communications and Community Relations. The purpose of the festival is to bring the community closer together.

Douglas County Commission Chairman Tom Worthan said, “We invite all Douglas County residents to come have fun and fellowship at September Saturdays. It’s all about community!”