Fifth Annual Chattahoochee River Festival to Be Held on August 25-26, 2007

One of the most exciting festivals held in metro-Atlanta happens every August at the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. This year, the 5^th Annual Chattahoochee River Festival will be held on Saturday, August 25, and Sunday, August 26, 2007 at the Environmental Education Center on Barnwell Road in Alpharetta, Georgia. The theme for this free event is "Healthy Parks, Healthy Living." There will be a variety of activities offered for all ages with the goal of promoting vitality and a healthful lifestyle, all while developing an appreciation of our natural surroundings.

One of the most popular activities last year was tree-climbing using ropes and pulleys. If it has been awhile since you have scaled a tree, you will be surprised at how much easier and safer it is nowadays. With proper equipment and expert supervision, you will find yourself, along with the birds and squirrels, enjoying the lush green foliage for which Georgia is well known. Children and adults can learn the ropes, at no cost. This is a great opportunity to experience what tree climbing in the 21^st century is all about.

If you have ever wanted to take your loved ones canoeing or kayaking, the River Festival is a good place to give it a whirl. A quiet lake, canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be available to anyone with a hankering to get out on the water and have some fun. There is no charge for this activity and there is plenty of assistance available should you find yourself up a creek without a paddle, so to speak.

The musical entertainment is always a popular attraction as the acts are so diverse and inspirational. Wildlife, exhibited by handlers from the Chattahoochee Nature Center, will please the crowd between musical performances. Crafts, like painted rocks, can be created for a nominal fee. Hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty will be marked and those completing a hike will receive a free t-shirt. Even children in strollers are welcome to participate. A blacksmith demonstration, marshmallow roasting, storytelling, and plenty of educational displays will keep every member of the family busy all day long. Food, books, art, and recreational equipment will be available for purchase.

The activities begin at 11 am and continue until 7 pm on Saturday. Sunday, the festival opens at 11 am and closes at 5 pm. The Chattahoochee Recreation Environmental Education Center (CREE) is located at 8615 Barnwell Road in Alpharetta, Georgia, 30022. From Atlanta, take either I-85 to Jimmy Carter Blvd-west (which becomes Holcomb Bridge Rd) to Barnwell Rd. or take GA-400 to Holcomb Bridge Rd.-east to Barnwell Rd. Free parking will be available at Centennial High School, off Scott Road, and a free shuttle bus will transport visitors to and from the festival. For more information, call 678-538-1200.