| Chamblee invites the community to its big birthday bash
by Nigel Roberts
nroberts@victorypub.com
 Photo courtesy of Chamblee
This vintage car will be on hand when Chamblee celebrates its 100th birthday on Aug. 16. |
It’s not every day that a city turns 100 years old. To celebrate its centennial, Chamblee will hold a big birthday bash on Aug. 16 at the Chamblee Civic Center.
The festivities kick off at 2 p.m.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the city and a chance for Chamblee to give something back to its citizens,” said Melissa Roberts, centennial celebration project manager. “The celebration highlights different aspects of Chamblee like the arts community and the city’s diversity. It brings everyone together and reminds people that they don’t have to go to Atlanta. They could have fun in Chamblee.”
The yearlong centennial celebration began in August 2007 and culminates on Aug. 16, the grand finale. Organizers divided the party into an afternoon portion, from 2 to 6, and an evening portion, from 6 to 10.
Roberts said one of the highlights of the afternoon will be the arts and crafts displays, where vendors will sell their handmade wares, ranging from jewelry and woodworks to paintings and photography.
Auto enthusiasts can check out the classic cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. North Atlanta O-Gauge Railroad Club and Metro Atlanta N-Scalers are expected to set up model trains in the spirit of historic Chamblee, once known as a major railroad junction.
In fact, reminiscing about the past 100 years will be a significant part of the afternoon festivities. Visitors to the Civic Center can view vintage photographs of Chamblee and an original documentary that includes interviews with longtime residents.
Throughout the afternoon, clowns will entertain children. Face painting, interactive games and train rides are just a few of the other activities for children. And dozens of local food vendors will make sure everyone has enough to eat.
At 6 p.m., organizers will hold a special ceremony to dedicate Chamblee Centennial Park, located adjacent to Chamblee City Hall. They will recognize former elected officials and set the stage for the city’s next 100 years.
After the ceremony, the rock group Misconduct, a crowd pleaser at the Taste of Chamblee centennial event in May, will entertain the crowd at an outdoor concert that will continue until 10 p.m.
Several other live bands will perform throughout the day, including the blue grass groups Cross-Town Traffic and The Dappled Grays.
Since one can’t really have a party without a cake, Roberts said those who arrive to the celebration early will get free cake and ice cream–a gift to Chamblee residents from the city.
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