The 1985 Lilburn Daze featured elephant riding. Photos provided.
By Andrea Brannen
LILBURN, Ga. | Fall and Lilburn Daze go together and have been a perfect pair for the last 50 years. From humble beginnings in shopping center parking lots along U.S. Highway 29, even at the now-closed water treatment facility previously on Indian Trail Road, and later at Lilburn City Park, it has been a local institution for 44 years for family friendly fun. The Lilburn Woman’s Club of the Georgia Federation of Woman’s Club, has lots to celebrate on Saturday, October 8, its 50th Lilburn Daze.
Brannen
The first arts festival in 1973 was more like a garage sale and was held in the basement of the gym behind Lilburn Elementary. It earned just $144. Proceeds from Lilburn Daze have funded scholarships, supported local schools including a yearly donation to CARE teams, funded restoration of the Wynne Russell House, supported the Lilburn library, and other community activities.
In 1979, Lilburn Daze found its home in the newly created Lilburn City Park. The park was dedicated at the 1982 Lilburn Daze when the Lilburn Woman’s Club was recognized for helping raise money for the park’s completion. At this time, Lilburn Daze became a co-sponsored event with the City of Lilburn. In 2013, ‘Adventure Mountain,’ the first sculpture and water feature in the park was dedicated.
Lilburn Woman’s Club created a logo in 1984 depicting Old Town Lilburn in partnership with Terry Huey, a local artist. Club members were so thrilled with the logo that they created wooden signs and aprons displaying the new design. Their excitement grew when members learned that this event raised over $5,000 that year! Club members continue to proudly wear Lilburn Daze shirts each year during the festival.
Elephant rides, hot air balloon rides, the Southern Rose Antique Fairground Organ, precision horse drills, 5K road races, parades and Santa Claus have all been featured at Lilburn Daze over the years.
The 1981 Lilburn Daze in City Park, before sodding
For the 50th anniversary, try your luck at the Lilburn Woman’s Club Scavenger Hunt! This mobile game allows your team to take selfies, record videos, take quizzes and participate in GPS challenges while learning about the Woman’s Club. Prizes will be awarded, too! To learn more, stop by the Woman’s Club Scavenger Tent.
Of course, foods are a highlight for Lilburn Daze. Fudge comes from Estelle Roberts for 50 years! Boy Scout Troop 100 has kettle corn, and old timers miss the ‘Chuck Wagon’ which featured 700 pounds of barbecue prepared by club member’s husbands, plus grilled hamburgers, and hot dogs.
Music is always an important part of Lilburn Daze allowing local talent to take the stage and shine. Scheduled this year will be the Gwinnett Community Band, singers from Music on Main Street and Snellville School of Rock, local church choirs and folk guitarists.
Children activities are always a big part of the day. There will be children’s art and craft projects, puppet shows and storytelling, plus art from local K-5 students, and other features aimed at children.
Make plans to visit Lilburn Daze this year on Saturday, October 8th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This local tradition strives to embrace the best of old and new Lilburn. Now one of the largest Gwinnett outdoor fall festivals, Lilburn Daze is the result of the efforts of Lilburn Woman’s Club and dozens of loyal volunteers, sponsors, and vendors.
Susan Allred, current president of the Lilburn Woman’s Club, says: “If you are a local artist or craftsman and are interested in either having a booth or sponsoring this great event which attracts over 10,000 visitors, we invite you to visit www.lilburndaze.org for more information.”
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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