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The City of Kennesaw's Independence Day celebration of freedom, music and fireworks is one of the biggest and best in North Georgia! Salute to America will feature two stages of live music, festive street entertainment, food vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
See you there!
MUSIC & FIREWORKS
SPONSORS
VOLUNTEERS
LOCATION & PARKING
VENDORS
CONTACT US
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Thank you, sponsors!

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Music & Fireworks

Main Stage
located on Main Street in front of Revival on Main

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6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Band X

 Make no mistake, this is "in your face" interactive party music! Formed in early 1996 with top musicians and singers from around the country, Band X is THE premier party band based in Atlanta delivering powerful, dynamic renditions of '60s soul, '70s disco, '80s retro, '90s dance classics and the hottest pop tunes of today. Variety in both instrumentation and vocals (from the Stones to Madonna and everything in between) sets this band apart from the average cover band.

Under the leadership of bandleader David Cole, who has performed worldwide with artists such as Ringo Starr, Sly Stone, Paul Davis and many others, Band X has backed up and opened for many headliner acts. Artists such as Rick Springfield, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones), Wally Palmar (Romantics), Jack Blades (Night Ranger), Eddie Money, Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Mickey Thomas (Starship), Lou Gramm (Foreigner), and many others have “sat in” with Band X for the night, and have entertained audiences across the country.

Band X performs weekly to capacity crowds at clubs, weddings, festivals, private events, corporate parties, conventions and special events -- and every performance is quite an evening of entertainment. No two shows are ever alike, and audience participation is a must! Band X combines virtuosity and showmanship while leaving a lasting impression so positive that you'll want to see them again and again.

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: DEPARTURE: The Journey Tribute Band

 For over 15 years, DEPARTURE has become one of the most respected Journey tribute bands in the nation. DEPARTURE replicates the energy, sound and feel of the original 80’s rock super group. Each of the five band members are veteran musicians and pride themselves on delivering an amazing concert-styled stage show which is highly engaging and memorable for audiences of all ages. Featured lead vocalist, Brian Williams, has a beautifully powerful singing voice flawlessly matching Steve Perry’s vocal range and style. DEPARTURE also highlights the early Journey years, when Gregg Rolie was lead singer, featuring Joel Hayes on keys, lead vocals and rhythm guitar. DEPARTURE’s performances are designed for the audience as a two-hour concert-styled experience, highlighting all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves as if they are watching a Journey concert during the 70s and 80’s. Their performance is professional, family-friendly and highly engaging for all audiences. Everything heard during their performance is live, highlighting the harmonies of five vocalists and no pre-recorded tracks used. Performing over one hundred shows annually, DEPARTURE brings the very best of Journey to audiences of all ages.
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Park Stage
Located in the Depot Park parking lot at the corner of Sardis Street and Big Shanty Drive


6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Trevor Startt

Trevor Startt is a singer-songwriter hailing from Kennesaw, GA. Raised on music ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Motown, “eclectic” is a good word to describe Trevor’s sonic sensibility. Some of his earliest memories of listening to music include hearing songwriters like Bruce Hornsby, Mary Chapin Carpenter & Dan Fogelberg while riding in the passenger seat of his dad’s 1985 Honda Accord. This foundation greatly influences Trevor’s original music along with his vast catalog of cover songs. Trevor released two singles in 2019, beginning with “All On Me” in March & “What We Got” in July. His brand new single, “Lonely Night In Mile High,” will be released in August 2020. You can catch Trevor every weekend at various venues all across Metro Atlanta.
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8:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Courtney Dickinson

 Courtney takes on country music with both class and sass that is as bold as her red hair. Country artist Courtney Dickinson paved her own, unconventional path from the start. “I knew it was going to take a lot of work to be able to pull this off, but I knew from an early age that if I wanted to be successful, I needed to put everything into my music. Courtney earned a degree in Marketing with honors {online} while touring radio stations, performing all over the U.S promoting a TOP 40 single on her own without a promotions team. “There are no limits to what you can do when you focus on the goal, stay at the task and love what you’re doing!” Growing up in Acworth, GA and spending much of her time in Nashville, has given Courtney an opportunity to develop as an artist and songwriter and grow her love for country music. At five years old, Dickinson danced with the Little General Clogger’s dance group on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. It was with that performance that Dickinson knew she was destined for the stage. “The calmness that came over me when I walked onto that stage taught me one thing – “that this is where I belong.” I have never had a problem performing and the excitement I feel when I get ready to step on stage...It’s my safe place. It feels like home."

Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM

The evening will conclude with a brilliant fireworks finale, visible from Depot Park and along Main Street from Summers Street to Dallas Street. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks will be re-scheduled.
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Location & Parking

The City of Kennesaw’s Salute to America event will take place in Historic Downtown Kennesaw.

STREET CLOSINGS

    The following road closures support the Salute to America, July 3 event:

  • Main St. from Watts Dr. to Summers St. will be closed from 8:00 PM on Sunday, July 2 - 2:00 AM on Tuesday, July 4
  • The City parking lot at Tunnel Plaza will be closed 8:00 PM Sunday, July 2 – 2:00 AM on Tuesday, July 4

    The following roads will be closed from 1:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight on Monday, July 3:
  • Cherokee St. from Big Shanty Dr. to Main St.
  • J.O. Stephenson Ave. from Main St. to Dallas St.
  • Watts Dr. from Main St. to Little General Cloggers Ln.
  • Main St. from Lewis St. to Watts Dr.


    Other:
  • Shirley Drive will be closed from Cherokee Street to Carruth Street from 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM for fireworks
  • Depot Park parking lot will be closed Monday, July 3
  • City Hall parking lot will be closed on Monday, July 3, for 911, City Staff & VIPs

Parking

Public parking will NOT be available at Depot Park for this event. FREE public parking will be available at the following locations:

  • Adams Park & the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive
  • Along Lewis Street, between North Main Street & Dallas Street

Handicap ONLY parking is available in the lot at the intersection of North Main Street & Moon Station Road

The City of Kennesaw mobile app features a parking map for the downtown area. Using the map, app users can see what specific parking lots are open and follow directions to all downtown public parking lots using the phones’ map system. The City of Kennesaw mobile app is available on both the Apple App Store & Google Play!

Directions from
Cartersville, Ga

  • On I-75 South, take Exit 273, turn right off ramp onto Wade Green Road
  • Drive South on Wade Green Road, which becomes Cherokee Street
  • Continue on Cherokee Street for 2.5 miles towards Historic Downtown Kennesaw

    • directions from
    Atlanta, GA

  • On I-75 North, take Exit 271, turn left off ramp onto Chastain Road
  • Drive 1 mile on Chastain Road, which becomes McCollum Parkway
  • Continue on McCollum Parkway for 1.5 miles
  • Turn right onto US-41/Cobb Parkway
  • Drive 0.5 mile on US-41/Cobb Parkway
  • Turn right on Watts Drive (after BB&T Bank)
  • Continue on Watts Drive, towards Historic Downtown Kennesaw
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    Sponsors



    The City of Kennesaw’s Salute to America event would not be possible without the support of local businesses and organizations.

    For more information on Sponsorship, please contact Mara Clauson

    mclauson@kennesaw-ga.gov.com | 770-422-9714

    Download the Sponsorship Application

    craft, merchandise, food & beverage vendors

    Salute to America organizers are committed to producing a quality event for attendees with a unique assortment of exhibitors. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the 2023 event, please read the following before completing the Vendor Application.

    About the application:
  • Application Process: Before you apply, you will be required to create your own account with your basic information, if you have not already created one. You will be notified of acceptance within two weeks of applying.
  • SPACE DETAILS: All spaces are outdoor and approximately 10’ deep and 10’ wide for most vendors. Most spaces are on asphalt, a few are on grass. You must furnish your own tent, table and chairs.
  • FEES AND PAYMENT: Booth fees are dependent upon the size of your setup and are listed within the application. Fees will be charged to your account after you are accepted and will be due no later than Friday, June 16. Fees are non-refundable after Friday, July 16.
  • Do not complete a vendor application if you are promoting or selling a service, or if you wish to demonstrate a product and/or do not have merchandise for sale on-site during the event. If you meet these criteria, booth space is available through sponsorship packages starting at $1,000. Please refer to the Sponsorship Application for details.
  • Have more questions? Please read the vendor application for additional requirements.

    • About the event:
  • Submission of a Vendor Application does not guarantee participation. Vendors will receive confirmation of acceptance via e-mail.
  • Event organizers reserve the right to refuse any application for any reason and reserve the right to limit the number of vendors selling similar items or services.
  • The event is a rain or shine. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather, due to the forecast of inclement weather, or due to circumstances beyond our control.
  • Booths must be operated for the duration of the event, 6:00 – 10:00 PM.
  • Vendors will be pre-assigned booth locations, site access and set-up times.
  • Vendors will not be able to tear down prior to festival closing times. Exit times and instructions will be assigned.
  • Vendors may only sell what event organizers have approved in advance.
  • All merchandise and signage must be contained within, or attached to, your booth space.
  • Vendors are responsible for the cleanup of their booth space and removal of trash during and after the event.
  • Vendors will be expected to comply with all rules and procedures provided by event organizers.
    • View the Vendor Application
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    Volunteers



    Kennesaw Parks & Recreation seeks willing hearts and helping hands to assist with the set-up, execution and breakdown of event activities.

    We invite you to explore our list of volunteer opportunities and sign-up for a volunteer shift on our registration website, CivicRec. Please select “Special Events,” and then “Volunteer Opportunities” to see a full list of volunteer opportunities for Salute to America.

    For questions, please email our Partnership & Events Specialist.

    Visit CivicRec

    Contact us

    Questions about sponsors & volunteers:
     Mara Clauson
    (770) 422-9714 x3197
    mclauson@kennesaw-ga.gov

    Questions about vendors, entertainment, and all other festival information:
     Brittani Farmer
    (770) 422-9714 x3028
    bfarmer@kennesaw-ga.gov

    Mailing/Street Address
     City of Kennesaw
    Parks & Recreation Department
    2753 Watts Drive
    Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
    Tel: (770) 422-9714
    Fax: (678) 460-3373
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