Downton birthday party starts with parade at 10 a.m., concludes with fireworks at Hilburn Field in the evening

Note: This article was updated to correct the streets the parade will travel on Saturday. – KtE

City officials in Rockmart and volunteers have been working together throughout the year to make sure that a birthday part coming up this weekend will be a big hit for the community. Especially since it celebrates a big milestone for the community.

The city’s sesquicentennial party is coming up this Saturday, August 20 and includes a lot of fanfare and free events for residents to enjoy throughout the day.

Leading those efforts is Cathy Matthews, who sat down with Polk Today to go over what’s happening for the big sesquicentennial party this weekend. Let’s break it down into the two main events coming up for the birthday party.

Daytime celebrations

Starting at 10 a.m., the streets will shut down temporarily along the traditional parade route from city hall on Piedmont Avenue down College Street to South Marble Street. Those who have signed up to take part in the parade will need to gather before the 10 a.m. start time at city hall to line up.

The streets will only be closed off for a short time in downtown Rockmart for the parade, and the party will shift after to Seaborn Jones Park where organizations and businesses will be setup with tables for giveaways as well, and the party begins.

Applications to participate are due on Wednesday to Ponda Henderson, who is organizing the parade. She asked that those who wish to be included email their applications to Rockmart150@rockmart-ga.gov or deliver them to city hall. An application is available on the city’s website in this link.

Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. and will include a number of speakers. Participants will hear from Mayor Sherman Ross, Georgianna Wilson, and Alan Dean, among others.

A recognition of past and present city officials, and Rockmart citizens who served in state offices. Dean will be providing a tribute to his father Nathan Dean as well during the event. Also being recognized are sponsors before the picnic lunch is served, and a cutting of the 150th birthday cake donated by Mac’s Bakery.

Live entertainment during the picnic lunch includes Aspen Lee (of Haralson County), Trent Avery, and Luther’s Mountain Bluegrass Band.

This event – like all of the events on Saturday – is free and open to the public to enjoy. Lion’s Club Hamburgers and Boar’s Head hotdogs will be served for lunch, and desserts will be available as well (cupcakes and ice cream.)

A bounce house, cornhole tournament, and much more will be provided during the event, including opportunities to win prizes being handed out.

Tours of the Rockmart Slate Quarry will be available to the public as well following the parade and while the birthday party is ongoing. Those will be provided from a shuttle downtown to the quarry. More information will be coming on those tours later this week.

The Rockmart First United Methodist Church is also putting together historical memories from the congregation’s past in downtown Rockmart. It’s being collected into a book.

Merchandise including 150th anniversary t-shirts will be on sale this Saturday as well.

Festivities around the daytime celebrations will conclude at 3 p.m. for a short break, and the party will shift in the evening to a second location.

Fireworks to end the night

More live music and the chance to see birthday fireworks thanks to sponsors will be coming up after a break in the day starting at 7 p.m.

Former city councilman Bob Culver will be offering a history of the former high school stadium in Rockmart and a recognition of sponsors – Meggitt, Family Savings Credit Union and the City of Rockmart are sponsoring fireworks to cap off the night, set to shoot off around 8:45 p.m.

The concert and fireworks are free to all as well.

Other events ongoing, more to come

Organizers also remind the public that those who took part in the photography competition can see their work hanging at the Rockmart Art Gallery. Participants can find their work hanging in the hallway outside of the gallery, available for the public to see during RCAC’s hours of operations.

Additional events throughout the rest of the year are planned to celebrate the city, including this year’s Christmas parade which will be themed around the 150th anniversary celebrations.

Polk Today has even gotten in on the fun. The logo change we cooked up on Saturday night will remain in place throughout the rest of the week.

Check back for more coverage of the city’s birthday throughout the week here on Polk Today. Coverage will be provided free of charge, thanks to sponsorship from the City of Rockmart.