East Cobb families looking for a free afternoon out can head to nearby Marietta on Sunday, July 26, for a Semiquincentennial celebration at a historic Cobb County home.
The Marietta Educational Garden Center is hosting a free event from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Fair Oaks, 505 Kennesaw Ave. NW, to mark America's 250th birthday. The nonprofit announced the celebration on the City of Marietta's civic alerts page on Tuesday, July 14.
Activities include colonial children's games, storytime, a gardening demonstration, raffles, and refreshments. Guests can tour the Fair Oaks house and cool off under fans in the Vaughan Pavilion.
Local author Neely Young will sign copies of his book, "In Their Footsteps: Georgia's Heroes of the Revolutionary War," which covers Georgia's role in the Revolution. Young, the former owner and publisher of Georgia Trend magazine from 1999 to 2017, told the publication in a June 30 interview that he wrote the book to spotlight Southern history.
"Most Revolutionary War history books tell what happened in the Northeast," Young said in the Georgia Trend piece. "I want to tell the story of the war down South — in Georgia."
Fair Oaks adds historical atmosphere to the celebration. The Newton family built the house between 1850 and 1852 using handmade nails, wooden pegs, and heart-of-pine floors, according to the garden center's historical records. The property sits at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain on what was once a trail used by the Cherokee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Benson family gifted the home and 3.5 acres to the Marietta Council of Garden Clubs in 1966. The organization incorporated as the Marietta Educational Garden Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 1967. The nonprofit maintains the 3.5-acre property, which is home to more than 20 Marietta garden clubs and the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta.
For details, residents can email [email protected] or call (770) 427-3494.
Upcoming community events:
- Sunday, July 26 — America's 250th Birthday Celebration, Fair Oaks, 505 Kennesaw Ave. NW, Marietta. Free. 2–3:30 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 14 — 6th Annual Cannon Ball Classic golf tournament, City Club Marietta. Early bird registration open at mariettagardencenter.com.
