Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Fest, the South’s premier Christian music festival, will be held June 19-21, 2008 at Stone Mountain Park under the terms of a three-year agreement reached today between festival organizers and the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, operators of Stone Mountain Theme Park in metro Atlanta.
Since its inception in 1986, Atlanta Fest has been held at three different Atlanta-area locations. "Based upon overwhelming feedback from Atlanta Fest attendees including individuals, families and Church youth groups, we knew we needed a venue that provided an exceptional family-friendly environment, along with an option to camp out at the festival," said Chuck Tilley, festival director. "We believe that Stone Mountain Park is the perfect venue for our event as we move into our third decade." Atlanta Fest was held at Stone Mountain Park as recently as 1999. "It's a real homecoming for us," Tilley added.
Atlanta Fest and Stone Mountain Park share similar values making the partnership ideal. “Atlanta Fest is a great fit for the park and we look forward to inviting families and church youth groups out for an event filled with praise, music and fellowship.” said Sonny Horton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain Park’s mission is to create memories worth repeating through a manner consistent with Christian values and ethics. Comparatively, Atlanta Fest strives to create an environment in which youth and families can deepen, or even discover their faith through contemporary Christian music and relevant Bible teaching.
About Atlanta Fest
Atlanta Fest is the largest contemporary Christian music festival held annually in the southeastern United States. The mission of Atlanta Fest is to bring glory to God by translating the Bible into a language that young people can hear and comprehend at a heart, mind and soul level. The 22nd annual event will be held at Stone Mountain Park June 19-21, 2008. Headlining artists will be announced in mid-December, and will include some of the biggest names in contemporary Christian music today, among the over 50 artists scheduled to appear during the three-day event. The music will be supplemented by praise and worship times and talks by some of the nation’s leading Christian speakers, as well a daily Bible studies, seminars on Christian living and Christian karaoke. Back for its seventh year, the Atlanta Fest “Prayer Path,” which gives participants an opportunity to encounter God on a personal level, will be offered free on an advance-reservation basis. Each Atlanta Fest ticket also includes a Stone Mountain Park “All Attractions Pass.”
Atlanta Fest 2008 corporate sponsors include: Chick-fil-A, Dole Foods, American Lube Fast, Publix Supermarkets, Nature’s Own, Coca-Cola, GodTube.com, Provident Label Group, The Fish: 104.7FM, J93.3 FM and World Vision. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 1-800-783-8839 or online at www.atlantafest.com.
About Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction, drawing nearly 4 million guests each year. With over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, the Park is a unique and fun destination where families and friends can enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing an exciting variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. Stone Mountain Park offers over a dozen fun, family attractions. Highlights include:
Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain; Scenic Train Ride around the mountain; Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise in Stone Mountain Lake; Kids’ Attractions like the Treehouse Challenge, Great Barn & Camp Highland Outpost; All-New 18-Hole Adventure Mini-Golf Course; Georgia’s First 4D Theater; a nightly Lasershow Spectacular and much more.
The Park has a talented staff of actors, singers and musicians on hand to make each day memorable. Most live shows and entertainment acts take place in the “1870s” town of Crossroads, which also features several shops with live craft demonstrations. Stone Mountain Park is also home to world-class festivals and events throughout the year, including Atlanta Fest.
With 3,200 acres, there is ample room to enjoy the great outdoors at Stone Mountain Park. Many local visitors use the park to jog, walk and hike on over 15 miles of nature trails. There is even a 1.3 mile trail to the top of the mountain. The park also has numerous picnic areas and quiet spots where guests can escape and enjoy nature.
In addition to all the offerings above, the park is home to Georgia’s largest campground with 441 sites for everything from full size RVs to tents. Also on park grounds, Marriott operates both of the 4-diamond Evergreen Resort and the Stone Mountain Inn, as well as 36 holes of championship golf.
Stone Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. To get to the park, take I-285 to exit 39B, Highway 78 East. Stone Mountain Park is exit #8 on Highway 78. For park attractions and hours of operation call 770-498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.