April 10, 2018
CONTACT: Alvin Huff
Economic Development Project Manager
City of Marietta
AHuff@mariettaga.gov
770.794.5512
Inaugural M2R TrailFest Celebrates Opening of Marietta’s Mountain to River Trail
MARIETTA - Recent visitors to downtown Marietta may have noticed something unexpected occurring along the streets. Well-known for its vibrant and eclectic art scene, the City is making headlines with its bold public art initiative tied to the opening of the City’s Mountain to River Trail. M2R TrailFest is a two-day celebration of the arts offering an immersive celebration of the arts for all ages. Art performances, live music, and visual installations can be enjoyed along the trail, which stretches from Lewis Park near WellStar Kennestone Hospital, trackside along the Marietta Square, ending in Brown Park. The juried art festival introduces public art installations in a way never celebrated in Marietta. A sculpture garden in Atherton Square debuts during the two-day festival, along with brightly colored murals, art installations, and a Fence Art Gallery. While only festival goers will get to enjoy the live performances, many installations will be on display for up to sixty days.
The festival kicks off Saturday, April 14 at 3pm with a unique ribbon cutting to be held trackside at the Marietta Welcome Center, the center point of TrailFest. Festival goers then choose their path North or South along the trail, passing additional sculpture installations and brightly colored murals along the way. Musicians and dancers line the trail with performances along the trail over the two days. Live music at Lewis Park brings to the stage favorite metro area bands, including Battlefield Collective, Steady Common, and Migrant Worker.
The festivities continue on Sunday, April 15, as the trail hosts additional performing acts between 12-4pm including Atlanta Dance Collective and Marietta Social Club. Music continues at Lewis Park throughout Sunday, starting with gospel music, followed by singer/songwriters, and concluding with local favorite Michael Zaib. As the festival closes, the community is invited to the Trailfest Wrap Party at The Brickyard 5pm-8pm for a special performance by Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, and to meet TrailFest artists, musicians, and dancers.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain, including artist and installation pairings. Funds raised will be used to produce M2R Trailfest and support the Marietta Art Council, whose mission is to enrich the artistic and cultural landscape of the City of Marietta through advocacy, education, and public art. Please visit www.m2rtrail.com for more information or www.facebook.com/MariettaArtsCouncil.
About the Mountain to River Trail
More than 15 years in the making, the Mountain to River trail stretches from Kennesaw Mountain, continues through the Marietta Square, and ends at the City limits on Atlanta Street. It serves as the backbone for future growth of Marietta's planned trail system which will connect residents, pedestrians, and cyclists from across the City of Marietta.
About the City of Marietta
A vibrant and bustling area for both businesses and the arts, the City of Marietta is a full-service municipality distinguished by its unique history, sense of community and modern quality of life. Marietta is located just a short 15 miles northwest of Atlanta and the Cobb County seat. At 23 square miles, Marietta is one of Georgia's most populous cities, with about 60,000 residents calling the city home.