Taste, See and Sample Cartersville with Weekend Events

This Saturday, the Downtown Development Authority, in conjunction with a host of volunteers and organizations, will be spreading out the fine linens and inviting area residents to a Taste of Cartersville, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

But, the fun doesn't stop there. As day turns to evening, the Taste of Cartersville will roll right into Cartersville UNCORKED — a progressive wine tasting at participating local residents. 

Sandy Lusk with the DDA said, "We wanted to create a spring-time event in historic downtown Cartersville and we felt what better way than to put on a festival of food, art and music, showcasing local restaurants, caterers, artists and performers." 

With the support of the Booth Western Art Museum, Art on the Square will take place simultaneously with Taste of Cartersville, featuring more than 20 talented artists displaying a variety of artistic creations.   

Liz Hood, director of the Downtown Developement Authority, says, "We wanted to bring people to the heart of the city, to historic Friendship Plaza and Founders Plaza to experience Cartersville's history and culture." 

Hood went on to say that even though they had a Taste of Cartersville in the fall, it seemed right to add a second offering in the spring. 

"By combining fine art, entertainment and samples of the area's food offerings, we felt we could create a special event for very little cost," she said.

In fact, there is no cost to attend the Taste of Cartersville, unless patrons want to try a sample of food from any of the participating restaurants. According to Hood, individual food vendors will sell their "tastes" between 50 cents and $3. Drinks will also be sold by the vendors. 

With the weather expected to be fantastic, Taste of Cartersville is expected to draw well more than 3,000 people. Beyond the food, art and entertainment, there will be fun and games for the kids, and the mascots for both the Atlanta Braves and Chick-fil-A will be roaming around so bring your cameras. 

Performing on the stage throughout the afternoon will be the Attention Deficit Players improv comedy troupe; a faulous barbershop quartet; some serious dancing from the Boot Scooters; live singing from Tim McNary, Savannah Lowery and Randall Mullinax; a presentation of the Cartersville School of Ballet; and a live DJ in between to keep the music and fun going nonstop.   

As the afternoon turns into evening, the focus turns to Cartersville UNCORKED, during which adults are invited to a wine tasting at the City Cellar, Jefferson's, Greg's Tavern, Knight's 1889, El Pueblito and Swheat Market. This is a chance for people to sample wines from these participating restaurants, everything from Chardonnays and Rieslings to Pinot Grigios and Merlots. Tastings will be sold for $1 each. 

Both Lusk and Hood recommend adding "Fall in Love with Downtown Cartersville" to your Facebook page so you stay informed of all the events being planned by the DDA this year. For additional information, you can always call them at 770-607-3480, or visit the website at www.cityofcartersville.org.