Downtown Kennesaw Launches Holiday Loyalty Program

Downtown Kennesaw is inviting the community to shop local this holiday season with its Holiday Loyalty Card program, which rewards customers for supporting local businesses. Shoppers who participate between now and Jan. 5 will have a chance to win one of three exclusive prizes.

Participants can take part by spending $20 or more at downtown merchants. Each purchase earns an initial on the loyalty card, along with the name of the business. Once shoppers spend a total of $200, they can drop their completed cards in the designated box at City Hall.

The winners will be selected in a drawing on Jan. 6, 2025. Prizes are provided by the Kennesaw Main Street Program.

“This is a great way for the community to support our downtown businesses during the holiday season,” said Miranda Taylor, City of Kennesaw’s Main Street/Downtown Manager. “It’s easy to participate, and we’re excited to offer prizes as a thank-you to those who shop local.”

Loyalty cards will be available at participating downtown merchants and City Hall. All submissions will be verified to ensure eligibility.

For more information about the Holiday Loyalty Card program or other downtown events, visit www.kennesawdowntown.com!

All Aboard For Holiday Fun

On Saturday, December 14, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History will transform into a winter wonderland with festive activities for all ages, all included with regular museum admission.

The Museum’s holiday event will feature an impressive collection of antique toys for visitors to explore throughout the day. The Atlanta Woodworkers Guild will showcase hand-lathed wooden toys, while 2nd Chance Toys will display vintage dolls and other cherished collectibles. The Atlanta Miniature Society will present intricate dioramas.

A special 30-minute performance of holiday classics by the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta’s bell choir will take place at 11 AM. Santa Claus will be available for photos and holiday wishes from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Throughout the event, children and families can enjoy additional holiday-themed fun, including a holiday train layout, demonstrations of traditional dollmaking and a fascinating display of model trains from around the world. There will also be a holiday craft station where children can create their own festive keepsakes to take home.

All these exciting activities are included with regular Museum admission. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in holiday magic while learning about history and engaging in hands-on fun.



For more information on this event and other Museum activities, please visit the Southern Museum’s website at www.southernmuseum.org.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens Prepares for Exciting Upgrades

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is entering a new phase in its history. The gardens are currently closed for new site improvements. As the City of Kennesaw botanical garden, the Gardens’ mission is to serve as a resource for conservation, education and the enjoyment of horticulture, fine arts and historic preservation. These new improvements will help the Gardens better fulfill their mission and serve the community.

The Gardens will undergo construction to provide four new accessible restrooms, a covered education and events pavilion, nearly one mile of paved paths throughout the garden, a digital marquee on Pine Mountain Road, a paved surface for handicap accessible parking and improvements to the bonsai and butterfly exhibits.

“We are thrilled about the upcoming renovations at Smith-Gilbert Gardens,” says Executive Director Dave Simpson. “These improvements will enhance accessibility, provide new educational opportunities and create an even more enjoyable experience for our visitors. We can’t wait to share these exciting changes with the community and extend our reach through continued workshops and outreach programs during the closure.”

While Smith-Gilbert Gardens is closed for improvements and additions, some workshops and programs will still be held at different sites in the City of Kennesaw. Information and updates will continue to be shared on social media, in the monthly newsletter and on the website calendar.

Field trips will be offered as outreach programs through the “Garden on the Go” initiative. Those interested in receiving a list of the outreach programs for homeschool groups, public or private schools, or scout groups can email info@smithgilbertgardens.com. Dates are available for booking this fall.

All current memberships will be credited with an extension for the same period that Smith-Gilbert Gardens is closed. Any new memberships or renewals purchased during the closure will also be extended.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens closed to the public for construction on November 28. The estimated reopening is in spring 2025. Please stay tuned for updates and information about our grand reopening event next year.

Trains, Trains, Trains!

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is excited to announce the return of its biggest, most popular event of the year—Trains, Trains, Trains!— on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, 2025. The 2025 event will feature the Museum’s biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains.

The model train layouts will come in all sizes and feature a variety of themes, many of which have interactive buttons to delight young visitors. Railroad artifacts will be on display for visitors to hold, touch and discover how they were used.

For those looking to take something home, the General Emporium, the Museum’s gift shop, will more than double in size for the event with a variety of train-themed items, from clothing and collectibles to toys and model trains, perfect for train enthusiasts, kids and fans of history!

Museum operating hours for the event are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (ages 65+), and $5 for children (ages 3 to 17), active duty, reserves, guard, and retired military personnel (with ID) and university students (with ID). Tickets are available online. Admission for Museum members is always free!

Parking will be available at Swift-Cantrell Park, located at 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, with a free shuttle service.

Sponsors for the event include Watson Injury Law, J. Lunsford CPA, North Georgia Staffing, The Piedmont Division Model Train Show, Cobb EMC, Kennesaw Museum Foundation, Kennesaw Business Association and the City of Kennesaw.

Free for Members and included in Museum admission for non-members.