Tropical Storm Nestor dampened the enthusiasm of some metro Atlanta autumn festivals Saturday and caused at least one to be postponed.
The one-day Sugar Rush Festival in Sugar Hill was moved from Saturday to Sunday due to forecasted foul weather.
The predictions were accurate. Nestor’s rain began falling before daybreak in Georgia, while high winds lashed the Florida Panhandle and a tornado left thousands of Floridians without power.
Here’s what happened at a few outdoor festivals in the Atlanta area.
Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival
This yearly two-day festival took place Friday and Saturday at Kennesaw State University’s Fifth Third Bank Stadium and in adjacent fields. Speaking Saturday afternoon, Zach Kerns, general manager of the stadium, said Friday’s events went smoothly but said Saturday’s balloon rides might be canceled, as gusting winds could make tethered balloon rides unsafe.
“The safety of our guests is first and foremost,” he said. Saturday ticket-holders who were concerned about the potential precipitation, and who requested a switch, were allowed into the festival Friday, said Kerns. Other Saturday events, including music, dance and other performances, were planned to go on as scheduled.
Decatur Craft Beer Festival
The hardy beer-meisters of Decatur braved Saturday’s sprinkles, according to Megan Olson, assistant volunteer coordinator.
“We had a 90 percent show rate for set-up volunteers at 8 a.m.,” said Olson Saturday morning. “We are selling walk-up tickets and engaging the spirit of the wetness. Our motto is, ‘When it rains, we pour.’”
The rain dampened attendance but not necessarily spirits.
Matt Winter of Tallahassee, Florida, and three pals from Georgia Tech were marking their seventh year at the beer fest. On the one hand there was cold, unrelenting rain. But, Winter said, after sampling a Southern Barrel Brewing hazy IPA, “On the other hand, there is beer. Beer always wins out.”
Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Sam Thompson, a manager at Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points, predicted business would be busier than usual at her shop. Celebrants lining up to see the neighborhood’s yearly Halloween parade, which passes just outside her store, were already crowding into the costume and clothing emporium Saturday morning to avoid the downpour.
It was predicted that the parade, which was to take place at 4 p.m., would feature more slickers and more umbrellas than usual, but would still take place, rain or shine.
» RELATED: Photos from Little Five Points Halloween Parade
Sugar Rush Festival
The Sugar Rush Festival, held in Sugar Hill's downtown district on West Broad Street, had planned to entertain Gwinnettians with art, music, dance, a car show and other activities Saturday, but the town postponed the one-day festival until Sunday, Oct. 20, due to predicted rains.
The event will take place from noon until 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.
A Taste of Atlanta
Gathered Saturday in Historic Fourth Ward Park despite the weather, gourmet and gourmands enjoyed samples from the area’s established and up-and-coming eateries.
“In Taste of Atlanta’s 18-year history, we’ve had rain a handful of times, and people have brought umbrellas and raincoats and continued to enjoy the festival,” said founder Dale DeSena in a statement. “We prepare for all kinds of weather, hiring extra staff to help where needed and giving precautions to areas that need extra attention.”
The three-day festival continues Sunday, Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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