Might want to gather up the kids for this one…

Over of The Decatur Minute, Special Events Coordinator Cheryl Burnette has a very cool post that could be described as a July 4th picture diary; detailing the setup and execution of Decatur’s fireworks from the DeKalb County parking deck.

It’s the one day a year we can say “Thank goodness!” for that hideous parking deck.  Can’t set off fireworks from the top of that stupid Swanton House!

Maybe next year it can be part of a summer session of Decatur 101!  Speaking of which, did you hear that the state’s wealthiest city, John’s Creek, has started a similar program in the past year?

The ballot for this year’s Creative Loafing “Best of Atlanta” awards just went live!

Click over to the ballot page on the Creative Loafing site or on Facebook to vote Decatur for all categories!  Best Suburb? Decatur!  Best Beach Retreat?  Decatur!  Best Neighborhood to Live in Without a Car?  Decatur!

But seriously, head on over and vote for all your favorite Atlanta spots/people/things among 5 categories: “Cityscape”, “Poets, Artists & Madmen”, “After Dark”, “Oral Pleasures”, and “Consumer Culture.”   And FYI, you have to fill out a minimum of 10 slots in order to submit your vote.

And if you’re at all interested in showing DM a little love, you’ll find the “best blog/blogger” and “best blogger” entries near the very bottom of the “Cityscape” section.

XOXO in advance.

The 9th Annual Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival takes over Harmony Park in Oakhurst on August 15th this year, and will be headlined by Atlanta-native Michelle Malone.

In a note to DM, BBB Chairman Bryan Swann promises more barbecue than ever and notes that the festival “has raised nearly $100,000 for the Decatur Community in the last 3 years alone.”

Watch Malone jam at the Attic after the jump…

Read the rest of this entry »