PTC Resident Lisa Kelly at The Fred This Saturday

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

Peachtree City is very proud of resident Lisa Kelly. The multi-platinum selling recording artist, singer, and actor hails from Dublin, Ireland, and is best known worldwide for her performances with Irish music phenomenon Celtic Women. 

Lisa Kelly at The Fred

Since moving to Peachtree City several years ago, she has opened the Lisa Kelly Voice Academy as well as the newly formed Dance Academy. Members of both, along with special international guests Paul Byron and Chloe Agnew, will join Lisa for her second concert at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater this year—the Lisa Kelly Celtic Christmas Concert. 

It is certain the hometown will turn out this Saturday evening for the concert, but we expect guests from far and wide who have enjoyed Celtic Women over the years to travel to Peachtree City to join us for this spectacular holiday program. The weather promises to be chilly but clear for this open air event. 

Special guests will perform with Lisa in the Celtic Christmas Concert.

There are still tickets available for the concert. If you are coming from out of town, there are rooms available at our hotels and conference centers, numerous locally owned and national chain restaurants, and shops galore to make it a real holiday weekend for you and your family. 

The gate opens at 3pm, and the concert begins at 4pm. For more information about tickets or the concert, visit amphitheater.org or call The Fred box office at 770-631-0630. For information about where to stay and what to do in Peachtree City, visit the CVB website at visitpeachtreecity.org.

December 6 is Peachtree City's Hometown Holiday!

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

The first weekend in December is here, and Peachtree City is ready to host its annual Hometown Holiday. It’s a wonderful evening of winter holiday fun for residents, their guests, and visitors to enjoy.

Santa arrives on the Plaza at 5:30

The event will begin at 5pm at City Hall Plaza with Santa’s arrival on the Plaza at 5:30. Children can line up to share their Wish List with Santa over the course of the evening. 

We have lots of fun activities to enjoy at Hometown Holiday, including children’s holiday crafts; making s’mores; and live musical performances by school choirs, Music Alive, and other local talent. The evening will conclude with the official lighting of the tree. 

Hometown Holiday also serves as an official Toys for Tots drop-off location to help provide Christmas gifts to local families in need. Attendees are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the event.

If you are visiting our town for this special event, why not spend the night? We have comfortable

Enjoy live musical performances!

hotels to fit every budget and plenty of shopping opportunities on Sunday to make a meaningful dent in your shopping list! That, with numerous places to eat, makes for a great holiday weekend outing. 

Visit the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau website for more information on all the things there are to do in Peachtree City!

The Great Georgia Air Show, Oct. 11 - 12

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

If you’ve never been to The Great Georgia Air Show, make 2014 the year to go! Named a Top 20 event by the Southeastern Tourism Association, the air show takes place October 11-12 at Peachtree City’s Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field. 

Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 9am with performances until 4pm. This year's performers include Redline Airshows, Vertigo Air Shows, and Indy Boys Jet School Bus. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing will have its fleet of restored World War II-era aircraft, while the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will provide Vietnam War-era helicopters. Delta Air Lines’ Pink 767 will do a flyby.

The GGAS takes to the skies this Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, at 5 pm, the gates will reopen for the night show. Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Dan Buchanan Airshows, Otto the Helicopter, and Julie Clark’s Juice Plus T-34 are some of the performers who will take to the nighttime sky followed by a spectacular fireworks display. 

You'll find a wide range of activities, including a KidsZone, flight simulators, rides in warbirds, monster trucks, helicopters, a zip line, mechanical bull riding, and food and souvenir vendors. 

The Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s event, which benefits more than 40 area school and civic groups, as well as non-profit organizations and is organized, managed and staffed entirely this year by 300 unpaid volunteers. 

For a schedule of events and information on tickets and parking, see the event’s website at thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com or call the CVB Visitors Center at 678-216-0282. 

7th Annual International Fest & Dragon Boat Races

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

Drum beats will boom across Lake McIntosh this Saturday as paddlers compete to win in what has become Peachtree City’s signature event—the International Festival and Dragon Boat Races. From the lake’s beautiful shoreline, spectators can enjoy the competition as well as the International Festival’s entertainment, food, art, and cultural activities.

34 Dragon Boat teams will compete.

This year 34 dragon boat teams of 10 paddlers each will compete for top trophies. Teams are made up of friends, families, local municipalities, businesses, and industry, and numerous rivalries have grown over the years, making it a fun spectacle to watch. 

On stage, the opening ceremonies, which begin at 9am, will be followed by entertaining performances throughout the day. Performers include the Peachtree Wind Ensemble, Okinawan Dance Group, Taiko Drums, The Legacy Theatre, American Black Belt Academy, Omni International School, a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, Piccadilly Puppets, My Reptile Guys, The Kelly Porter Dance Academy and Rachel’s School of Dance.

In tents around the festival, artisans representing numerous cultures will display items and handwork, such as jewelry, toys, and clothing. Vendors will sell foods from all over the world, including Asia, India, China, Philippines and America.

The International Festival has food, artisans, & entertainment.

A popular area for the younger crowd is the Kids Korner, which will feature arts and crafts, inflatables, human water balls, and a balloon artist.

Hosted by The Rotary Club of Peachtree City and the Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau, this 7th Annual International Festival & Dragon Boat Races will take place this Saturday, September 27th, 2014 from 9 am to 5 pm.

For more information, you can call the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau at 678-216-0282 or visit ptcdragonboats.org.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be another fun-filled family event.

The Divas Run in Peachtree City!

By Nancy Price Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

This weekend Peachtree City is hosting one of its biggest events ever— the DIVAS® Half Marathon & 5K. With only a few days left for registration, we are expecting a sell-out race of 4,100.  Hundreds of girls and women from Peachtree City are participating as well as runners from over 40 states and 3 countries.

This also is a great community effort. We have nearly 200 volunteers supporting the event. Assignments range from handing out packets to manning water stations to serving champaign and delivering boas and tiaras to runners! 

DIVAS Half Marathon & 5K, Sept. 6.

This is a “Rain or Shine” event. There is a Health & Fitness Boutique and Packet Pick-up at the Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center on Thursday, September 4 from 4pm – 7pm and on Friday, September 5 from 11am – 8pm.

The race is bright and early Saturday, September 6. Runners in the DIVAS® 5K leave in two waves beginning at 7:15am. Runners in the DIVAS® Half Marathon leave in three waves beginning at 7:30am. Races begin and end at Shakerag Knoll on McIntosh Trail. 

An official post-race concert featuring Bret Michaels will take place at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater at 8pm. Tickets are still available and the public is invited. 

Bret Michaels performs at The Fred

Please come out and cheer on the runners at this national event!

There will be parking for participants and spectators at Cooper Lighting by Eaton on Highway 74 South. Free shuttles will run continuously between the parking area and the race site. Golf cart and handicapped parking will be available at Huddleston Elementary School. Street parking may be available around the race site, but parking is at your own risk. There will be road closures and no parking areas so plan accordingly.

The DIVAS® organization has this to say about the Peachtree City course:

“The courses begin and end at Shakerag Knoll at the McIntosh Trail Recreation Complex in the heart of Peachtree City. The run will begin right in the park and head out onto the beautiful tree lined streets. These routes will take you on a tour of the southern outdoor charm you envision when you think of Georgia. And did you know that Peachtree City is the Golf Cart Path capital of the world? You will get to experience some of those paths meandering through town and giving you a very picturesque and private running experience which local runners have been enjoying for years.”

Needless to say, we are extremely proud of the DIVAS® Half Marathon and 5K and the number of Peachtree City residents who are participating as either runners or volunteers. We welcome all spectators to come join in the fun! 

See the Visit Peachtree City website for detailed information on spending the day in Peachtree City.

Rock and Roll in Peachtree City

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

The Fred is going to rock this weekend when the Bon Jovi Tribute Band, Slippery When Wet, takes the stage! Officially authorized by Bon Jovi, this band performs shows that are the most attended and highest grossing of any Bon Jovi Tribute Band in the country.

Fronted by Bon Jovi look-alike, Jason Morey, the band takes exact live arrangements from some of Bon Jovi’s most popular tours. You’ll hear all of Bon Jovi’s top Billboard hits, and won’t believe the famous band is not on the stage in front of you.

The Fred is the perfect venue for this highly entertaining show. If you don’t have tickets yet, call The Fred box office at 770-631-0630 or go online at amphitheater.org. Tickets are $30 for reserve seats and $25 for the lawn. There are picnic tables as well as gold tables in front of the stage still available. 

While you’re at it, visit the CVB website. You’ll find information on accommodations and dining in Peachtree City. Make a weekend of it! We’d love to have you visit!

Romance and Michael Bolton This Weekend in Peachtree City

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

Why not make this a romantic weekend in Peachtree City? Stay at one of our fine hotels, rent a golf cart for a pleasant tour around town, shop, and dine. Top if off with a concert under the stars with Michael Bolton at The Fred, one of the premier outdoor concert venues in the Metro Atlanta area.

Singer, songwriter Bolton, who has won two Grammy awards for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance, performs Saturday, July 26. Bolton has sold between 50 and 60 million records. He earned a Grammy nomination for his soulful rendition of “Georgia on my Mind,” which he sang at Ray Charles’ induction into the Jazz Hall of Fame—and which we hope to her at The Fred! Numerous artists have sang Michael Bolton songs, and he has penned music with a diverse group of performers, ranging from Lady Gaga to Bob Dylan.

Michael Bolton performs at The Fred, July 26

Bolton’s opening act is acoustic artist Lauren Matthews, who will perform at 8pm. Bolton takes the stage at 9pm—just as the sun goes down and the candles start to glow at The Fred. 

Visit our website to make your plans or call us at the Visitors Center at 678-216-0282. We will be happy to give you suggestions that will make your weekend perfect. Tickets for the concert can be purchased at The Fred Box Office at 770-631-0630 or online at amphitheater.org. 

Bike Across Peachtree City!

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

According to new research shared by PHIT America—an organization that advocates increasing physical activity and fitness to improve the health of America—bicycling is among the most popular fitness activities in the United States. In fact, bicycling ranks #6 in the survey and boasts 41 million participants in 2013.

With over 90 miles of multi-use recreational and golf cart paths, Peachtree City is the perfect place to ride your bike! Our paths are a means of accessing almost any destination in Peachtree City. You can bike to parks, neighborhoods, and all recreational areas. You can hop on your bike from any hotel in town. Ride to restaurants or to shopping at any of our shopping villages.

Or just take a pleasant, relaxing ride. Bike from one end of town to another. Travel through wooded areas, wetlands, around lakes and golf courses, over bridges, and through tunnels. Explore our city from the seat of your bike and you will understand why we love our paths in Peachtree City—and our bikes. 

Visit our website for more about information about multi-use paths, biking, and other recreational activities in Peachtree City. 

Good Vibrations at The Fred!

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

This is one weekend of rock and roll hits that you won’t want to miss in Peachtree City! The Fred will be cranking out hits from two mega groups from the past on Friday, July 11, with Hotel California and on Saturday, July 12, with the Beach Boys. To add even more excitement, actor and ex-teen idol John Stamos will join the Beach Boys on stage!

John Stamos performs with The Beach Boys.

Hotel California, the original tribute band of the Eagles, takes the stage on Friday. This is the second year the group has played The Fred. They will perform all of the Eagles big hits with their iconic harmonies. They have been enjoyed by audiences at festivals and concerts around the world, and have shared the stage with the Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Styx, REO Speedwagon and many others.

Hotel California performs Fri., July 11.

Reserved tickets are a reasonable $30 per seat and Picnic Tables ($210)  and Gold Tables ($240) are also still available for purchase. The opening act for Hotel California is singer/songwriter Winston Slade. He will take the stage at 8 pm, with Hotel California performing at 9 pm.

On Saturday night, The Beach Boys along with special guest John Stamos will hit the stage at 8 pm. There is no opening act so make sure you make plans to arrive early!

What better way to spend a hot summer night than grooving to all of the beach tunes you know so well? The Beach Boys first rode the waves of success in 1961 with their regional debut hit ‘Surfin.” By 1966, they had emerged as one of America’s top pop groups by releasing eleven top-10 singles in 5 years, including “Fun, Fun, Fun,”  “I Get Around,” “Help me Rhonda,” “California Girls,” and “Good Vibrations.”

The Beach Boys perform all their hits Sat., July 12.

The Beach Boys didn’t stop there. They released 29 full-length albums between 1962 and 1977, a dozen compilations and boxed sets, and numerous singles into the 90’s. The band’s biggest selling hit didn’t come until 1988 with “Kokomo.” The period between its release and the band’s first major album release “Good Vibrations” in 1966 is the longest span of time between number one records of any artist in history.

The Beach Boys were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2001 Grammy Awards and by VH-1 which named 1966’s “Pet Sounds” as the #3 album in the Top 100 Albums in Rock n’ Roll History.

Tickets for this concert are extremely limited and range from $55-$75. All tables are sold out.

For ticket information for both concerts, call the Fred Box Office, 770-631-0630 or online at www.amphitheater.org. The Box Office is open M-F from 9 a.m – 5 pm, and day of show beginning at 3 pm.

Plan to spend the weekend! Visit the Peachtree City CVB website for detailed information on accommodations and dining options.

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers at The Fred

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

Since the release of his first album in April 1886, Bruce Hornsby has created a musical life that has expanded far and wide to include a broad stylistic range of activity.

Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers at The Fred June 21

Hornsby, a thirteen-time Grammy nominee, has won three Grammys — beginning in 1987 for “Best New Artist” for his debut album The Way It Is; in 1989 for “Best Bluegrass Recording” for his version of his hit “The Valley Road” which appeared on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken, Volume II; and with Branford Marsalis in 1993 for “Best Pop Instrumental Performance” for their song for the Barcelona Olympics, “Barcelona Mona.”

Hornsby’s thirteen albums have sold over 11 million copies worldwide. The title cut from “the Way It Is” was the most played song on American radio in 1987, winning the ASCAP “Song of the Year” award. In 1989, he co-wrote the classic “The End of the Innocence” with Don Henley, a Top 10 record for Henley.

Over the years, Hornsby has played on over a hundred records, including albums by Bob Dylan, Don Henley, the Grateful Dead, Bob Seger, Crosby stills and Nass, Stevie Nicks, Cowboy Junkies, Squeeze, Chaka Khan, Liquid Jesus, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, Bela Fleck, Cling Black, Ricky Skaggs, Randy Scruggs, and Willie Nelson.

We are pleased to have Hornsby and his band, the Noisemakers, as part of our Summer Concert Series at The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater on Saturday evening, June 21. We think you will enjoy the diversity of Hornsby’s music as well as the beautiful setting The Fred provides. 

Reserved seats are available and may be purchased online at amphitheater.org, or by calling the box office at 770-631-0630. You also can stop by to purchase them at 201 McIntosh Trial.

Gates open at 7pm, opening act Chessboxer goes on at 8pm, and Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers will take the stage at 9pm. Patrons are allowed to bring in their own coolers and food as well as have the opportunity to purchase food from The Fred concessionaire, Georgia Shrimp Company.

For a complete listing of all shows appearing this season at The Fred, visit www.amphitheater.org. 

June's 1st Weekend Offers Events for PTC Visitors

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

The first full weekend in June delivers lots of reasons for visiting Peachtree City! 

Friday Night, June 6 — The up and coming new group Beyond 5 is in concert at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. When I first heard Beyond 5 perform at a music conference in Nashville, I knew we had to bring them to Peachtree City. They are extremely talented and could possibly reach “one Direction” popularity. This family night concert includes performances by local singer songwriter Paige McCauley and the McIntosh High School Chorus. Gates open at 6:30pm. You can purchase tickets at the box office at 770-631-0630. 

Beyond 5 performs at The Fred June 6

Saturday Morning, June 7 — The Peachtree City Running Club and Tri-PTC will host a marathon relay competition at Drake Field. Teams of four runners will combine to run the marathon. Each participant runs a 10k. Even if you're not running, come out to join the fun cheering on the runners. The race begins at 7am. Go to the Peachtree City Running Club’s website for more information. 

Saturday Night, June 7 — B98.5FM’s “B" at the Movies program presents “Frozen” on a big screen under the stars at Drake Field between Lake Peachtree and the Peachtree City Library. Movie goers can bring picnic baskets, coolers, lawn chairs, and blankets. Concessions also are available until halfway through the movie. The movie is free and begins at dusk. 

Frozen shown at Drake Field June 7

Saturday Night, June 7 — Night Fever, the world’s number one production of the early 70s and disco era music of the Bee Gees, performs at The Fred. The Bee Gees span over 50 years of hit songs and have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Night Fever plays it all and sounds note for note like the Bee Gees —How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, More Than a Woman, Jive Talking, How Deep is Your Love, You Should Be Dancing, Stayin’ Alive, and more! Gates open at 6:30pm. You can purchase tickets at the box office at 770-631-0630. 

Night Fever performs at The Fred June 7

Sat and Sun, June 7-8 — The 6th annual Southern Alliance Girls LaCrosse Tournament will be held at the PTC Baseball/Soccer Complex and at Meade Fields. This tournament is for southern travel teams to come together and play in front of southern college coaches. Come out and enjoy some great lacrosse action. For more information, go to the SAT LaCrosse website. 

As always in Peachtree City, you will find wonderful, diverse restaurants; accommodations to fit every budget; upscale shopping; and miles of multi-use path for biking and golf carting! For more information, call the Peachtree City Visitors Center at 678-216-0282 or visit the Visit Peachtree City website!

Gladys Knight Opens Summer Concert Series at The Fred

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

Gladys Knight has been belting out her own brand of Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary hits since the 1960s. This Saturday night, May 17, the Georgia native and seven-time Grammy winner brings her iconic performance to the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater. 

Concert goers will be treated to such hits as “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “You’re the Best that Ever Happened to Me,” and “Neither One of Us.”

Gladys Knight

Ms. Knight’s performance is particularly special because it officially opens The Fred’s 20 Year Anniversary Season of the summer concert series under the stars. 

Well-known local jazz musician, Toni Byrd, will open for Ms. Knight. Ms. Byrd can be seen performing at The Georgia Shrimp Company in Peachtree City on a regular basis.

A limited number of reserved seats are available and may be purchased online at The Fred's website or by calling the box office at 770-631-0630. You also can stop by to purchase them at 201 McIntosh Trial.

Gates open at 7pm, Ms. Byrd goes on at 8pm, and Ms. Knight will take the stage at 9pm. Patrons are allowed to bring in their own coolers and food as well as have the opportunity to purchase food from The Fred concessionaire, Georgia Shrimp Company. 

For a complete listing of all shows appearing this season at The Fred, visit amphitheater.org. 

Lisa Kelly Makes Her Solo Debut at The Fred

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

As a performer with the Irish music phenomenon Celtic Women, Dublin-born Lisa Kelly has been called the Voice of Ireland. Here in Peachtree City, however, we proudly refer to her as a hometown girl. Lisa, who settled in Peachtree City two years ago after retiring from Celtic Women, heads up the Lisa Kelly Voice Academy.  

Lisa Kelly

This Saturday, Lisa will make her solo debut at The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater (The Fred) here in Peachtree City. She will perform with her special guests, Chloe Agnew and Paul Byrom, before a hometown crowd that will include friends and fans from around the world. 

Lisa’s show is designed to showcase not only her vocal talents but Irish culture as well. The show includes classical and pop music and modern and traditional dancing. As a former member of Riverdance, Lisa’s husband, Scott Porter, producer and director of the show, will perform a Celtic dance solo. 

Former Celtic Woman member Chloe Agnew also will perform as will Paul Byrom, a former member of the Irish singing group Celtic Thunder. Three of Lisa’s children will sing or dance on stage, and students of her voice academy will participate in several songs. 

This is a musical event for the entire family. Tickets may be purchased at either the Fred Box Office or online at ticketalternative.com. The Fred gates open at 6:30 for this performance with opening act James Casto performing at 7 pm and the Irish Ceili Band performing at 7:35. For more information about the show, call The Fred Box Office at 770-631-0630 or visit www.amphitheater.org. 

The Fred's Summer Concert Series Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

If you haven’t made a trip to Peachtree City to attend a concert at the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater, you need to make it a priority this summer as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our Summer Concert Series. 

As a long time resident of Peachtree City, I remember that first summer concert on June 17, 1994. The 70’s rock group Three Dog Night played to a sold-out audience. Since then, there have been many memorable concerts under the stars. The Doobie Brothers, Hall and Oates, The B52s, Blake Shelton, and Kenny G are just a few of the national acts that have played here. 

This year’s summer concert lineup is one you won’t want to miss:

May 17 — Gladys Knight

June 21 — Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers

July 12 — The Beach Boys

July 26 — Michael Bolton

Aug. 2 — Arrival-The Music of Abba

Sept. 27 — Styx

The Fred celebrates 20 years of summer concerts

Concerts are on Saturday nights so why not come for the weekend? Spend the night in one of our hotels and conference centers. You might like to rent a golf cart and drive it to the concert as many of our residents do.

Celebrate with us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Summer Concert Series. The Fred, as it is known by its many loyal friends, is one of the best outdoor entertainment venues in Metro Atlanta. You will not be disappointed.

For tickets, call The Fred Box Office or visit The Fred website. 

For information on accommodations and what to do in Peachtree City, visit the CVB website or call the Peachtree City Visitors Center at 678-216-0282.

11th Annual WWII Heritage Days Honors The Women of the Greatest Generation

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

This year’s WWII Heritage Days, April 26-27, includes all the happenings that visitors have come to expect at this terrific annual event in Peachtree City. Hosted by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing and located in the Historical Airport Facility at Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field, the event will delight visitors with its historic aircraft, antique cars, and vintage military vehicles. There will be guest speakers, educational displays, and the always popular battle demonstrations by re-enactors portraying Allied and Axis troops. There are plenty of activities for school age kids as well as a 1940’s big band hangar dance for adults. 

Women Air Force Service Pilots and B-17 Flying Fortress

As is traditional, the opening ceremony will recognize local WWII veterans. This year, however, special tribute is being paid to the Women of the Greatest Generation. From defense industry factory workers, known as Rosie the Riveters, to the nearly 400,000 women who served in or with the armed forces, American women did not hesitate to jump into the fray and made significant contributions to the total war effort. 

When the United States entered WWII in 1941, 12 million women were working outside the home. Four years later when the war ended, the number was up to 18 million (one third of the workforce), including 3 million women who worked in war plants.

Numerous women served as secretaries and clerks to generals in the field. About 74,000 women served in the American Army and Navy Nurse Corps, many as nurses in battle zones. More than 1,000 women served as pilots associated with the US Air Force in the WASP (Women Air Force Service Pilots). They were considered civil service workers and were not recognized for their military service until the 1970s. 

Key note speaker for the Saturday, 9:30am, opening program is Lt. Col. Nancy Dakin, pilot and Commander of the 116th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 116th Air Control Wing, Robins Air Force Base. Saturday at noon, visitors can meet Betty Bishop, who helped assemble Bell P-63 King Cobras, and Gisela Titman and Myrtle Faye Edwards, who both volunteered in the Women’s Army Corps. 

For numerous reasons, this two-day event in Peachtree City is well worth the suggested donation of $5. Active duty military in uniform and Children 5 and under are free. “WWII Heritage Days” will be held rain or shine. No pets please. Advance tickets for the Saturday night hangar dance, “Keep ‘em Flying,” are $50, $60 at the door. Reserved tables and group discounts are available. All ticket sales are final. For tickets, call 678-654-2464.  

For more information about the weekend, please visit www.wwiidays.org or call 678-364-1110. You can find a map to the event on the Peachtree City CVB’s website.

Peachtree City: A Great Place to Live, A Great Place to Visit

Nancy Price

By Nancy Price, Executive Director Peachtree City CVB

1981 was a very cold winter in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Our young family was having a  difficult time adjusting to the cold temperatures and high cost of living. After back-to-back Navy tours in Florida, California, and Texas, the brisk northeastern air seemed to be especially bitter. After enduring one whole winter, we decided to pack our bags and head south. We were Atlanta bound, and everyone told us that the north side of Atlanta was where we needed to be. Later we learned that the best kept secret for housing and community was actually located on the south side. Wow! It was perfect, and the airport was such a convenient commute. Why didn’t the rest of the world know about Peachtree City? It was this amazing, safe, beautiful city with an active lifestyle and excellent schools.   

Thirty-three years later, Peachtree City is still all of that and more. I still live here, and better yet, I have grandchildren growing up here, too! Peachtree City has grown from a master planned town of about 5,000 to around 35,000. Now, there are more than 90 miles of multi-use path, prestigious recreational facilities, and some of the best public schools in the nation. In the last few years, Peachtree City has received numerous accolades: Georgia's Best Place to Raise Kids 2013, BusinessWeek, 2012; Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U. S., CNN/Money Magazine, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011; Top 10 Cities for Families, Family Circle Magazine, 2011; and Most Airport Friendly Atlanta City, KNOW Atlanta Magazine, 2010. 

My hometown has evolved into a wonderful shopping and dining destination with six hotels and two hotel/conference centers to accommodate visitors. It hosts numerous national and regional sporting events each year and is recognized as a desirable location for all types of family and social reunions. Incredibly, Peachtree City and Fayette County are emerging into a major center for film and television production with the completion of Pinewood Studios just a few miles away. 

In my roles as Executive Director of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau and Director of the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, I have had the gratifying opportunity to be a part of Peachtree City’s growth. “The Fred” is celebrating its 20th year as a premier entertainment venue that draws thousands of visitors for its summer concert series. The CVB has a newly renovated Visitors Center with videos, displays, and all types of information for our guests. We have recently established the Peachtree Fayette Sports Alliance (PFSA) to solicit, promote, and facilitate regional and national sporting events locating to Peachtree City. Our Southern Hollywood Film Tour is drawing more and more excited visitors everyday who want to see where some of the most popular movies and TV shows are shot in our area. 

Our new Visit Peachtree City website and our presence on FaceBook, Twitter, and Pinterest lets the world know that Peachtree City has much to offer as a travel destination. I hope to see you in Peachtree City soon. I know you will love visiting Peachtree City just as much as I love living here.