Atlanta Dogwood Festival History
Atlanta Dogwood Festival - April 4-6, 2008
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival has been in existence for more than 70 years! Read our history to find out how the festival has evolved.
1936: On April 19, 1936, Atlanta invites the world to attend her first Dogwood Festival. Walter Rich, president of ADF and founder of Rich's department store, seeks to make Atlanta internationally known for the blooming of the dogwood trees during the week-long event. Trees are planted in all parts of Atlanta under the sponsorship of the garden clubs and public spirited citizens interested in the beautification of the city. Pageants, parades and carnivals sponsored by the Junior League, along with performances by the Metropolitan Opera, Philadelphia Symphony, and choruses from local colleges, are featured.
1941: The Festival is discontinued because of World War II.
1964: The Women’s Chamber of Commerce (WCC) of Atlanta sparks a revival of the Dogwood Festival.
1968: Under the leadership of the WCC, the Festival becomes one of the largest civic celebrations in the Southeast. Events include a parade, fashion show, symphony in Hurt Park and Dogwood lighted trails.
1970s: The Festival produces many new events, including the International Dogwood Festival Juried Art Show, Old Fashioned Day in the Park with a hot air balloon race, a regatta at Lake Lanier, and home tours throughout several prominent residential areas.
1980s: "Big time” music, such as that of Paul Revere and the Raiders, and League of Decency, is added to the event.
1987: The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Inc. is created to allow for more community involvement and support. By this time, the Festival is a month-long event with 30 to 50 smaller events.
1989: The Festival becomes an eight-day, three-venue event that includes the Music in the Marketplace lunchtime concert series, the Rock 'n Run Race, a Volksport, Earth Day events, and the first Christmas Tree Recycling Project.
1991: The now two-week Festival includes events in Buckhead, Piedmont and Midtown.
2000: Leadership for the Atlanta Dogwood Festival becomes involved with the city and the Piedmont Park Conservancy, helping to promote a more conscientious use of the grounds.
2002-2003: The festival is a success with crowds of more than 300,000 people.
2004: An economic impact survey is released announcing that the non-profit Atlanta Dogwood Festival has a whopping economic impact of more than $50 million on the city of Atlanta alone!
2006: The Festival turns 70 and introduces the 1st Annual Rhythm and Blooms party.
2007: More than 220 artists from around the country fill the walkways of Piedmont Park.
2008: Due to severe drought conditions, the Festival moves to the forecourt of Lenox Square. A new, adult-only Finlandia Art Bar welcomes guests with a high-tech art exhibition, refreshing cocktails, quality wines and premium beers. Returning Festival favorites include musical performances and a Kid's Village for the younger set.
