From Hesitation To Celebration
Our Journey to the Henry County Hot Summer Fest
Earlier in the week, I was pumped for the Henry County Hot Summer Fest but also dreading the relentless heat in the upper 90s. On the day of the fest, I juggled blogging, assembling my new patio set (stay tuned for that post!), and keeping an eye on the kids playing with friends.
I was lounging on the couch, minding my own business, when my husband Alfredo, engrossed in Germany’s Euro 2024 game against Denmark, suggested we head out around 5 PM. After Germany’s 2-0 win (UEFA.com) (NBC Sports), he took a shower, and with rain pouring down, I thought we’d stay home. But to my surprise, Alfredo came downstairs ready to go!
We packed up, checked my weather app (rain stopping in 6 minutes, thank you technology!), and hit the road. Sophia, in a classic tween mood, was glued to her tablet. Arriving at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the initial view was meh, which didn’t help Sophia’s mood. But then beyond the stadium seats, we saw the vibrant activities, and kids having a blast. Alex and I played some basketball, and even though Sophia stayed grumpy, seeing their tennis coach brightened her mood. We ended up playing pickleball for the first time, which was a hit!
Highlights of Henry County Hot Summer Fest
Exploring Local Family Festivals
Local festivals are a perfect way to enjoy summer with your family, blending community spirit, entertainment, and outdoor fun. Recently, we attended the Henry County Hot Summer Fest at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and it was a fantastic showcase of what local events can offer. Here’s a detailed look at our experience, along with tips to help you make the most of similar festivals in your area.
Community Engagement: The festival featured a strong presence from local government, including Parks and Recreation, police, and EMTs. I felt very safe, and the atmosphere was welcoming. The local police department was present not only for safety but also to engage with the community, fostering a friendly environment.
Fun Activities for All Ages: The event offered a variety of activities, including bouncy houses, water slides, and even bouncy houses with water slides! A flyover and a spectacular fireworks display wrapped up the evening. We also tried pickleball for the first time, guided by professional instructors who were patient and engaging with the kids.
Cost and Convenience: Impressively, the festival was completely free, including parking and all activities, making it an excellent budget-friendly outing. Only food and vendor stands charged patrons.
Pack and Prepare for Fun
Tips for Enjoying Festivals
Pack Clear Bags: Many events require clear bags for security. Consider a clear stadium-approved backpack for easy entry and convenience.
Dress for the Weather: Prepare for outdoor activities by bringing quick-dry towels and lightweight swimsuits, especially if water attractions are available. These towels are compact and perfect for festival days.
Stay Hydrated and Cool: Bring plenty of water and portable handheld fans to beat the heat. A collapsible water bottle is great for on-the-go hydration. Check it out.
Bring Your Own Snacks: Festival food can be expensive and limited in variety. Pack healthy snacks in a reusable snack bag to save money and ensure everyone enjoys their meals. Find options here.
Check Accessibility: If you have young children or strollers, consider a lightweight, foldable stroller for easy navigation through crowds and uneven terrain. Browse strollers.
Cost Overview
A Day of Free Fun with Minimal Expenses
One of the best parts of the festival was that entry and all activities were completely free. However, we did spend some money on food and drinks. Here’s a breakdown:
- Soft Ice for Sophia: $10.80 – Delicious and very big. Pricey, but worth it for Sophia.
- Kona Ice Shaved Ice for Alex: $8.64 – Limited options due to his dairy allergy, but it wasn’t worth the cost for crushed ice with a sugary, chemically colored mixture.
- Two Lemonades: $17.28 – Supposedly fresh-squeezed, but tasted mainly like sugar. They were huge, but not refreshing or hydrating, and we ended up throwing half away.
- Nachos with Cheese: $7.56 – Not worth it. The cheese was soft but cold, and the chips lacked flavor.
- Chipotle Bowls: $26.51 – To keep costs down and enjoy a healthier meal, we stopped at Chipotle on the way home. Sophia and I shared vegetarian bowls, while Alfredo and Alex shared a steak bowl with all dairy products on the side. It’s our go-to for simple, healthy, and quick meals when we’re out and about.
Staying Flexible with Plans
Weather Considerations
Weather can impact your plans, so it’s important to be flexible. On the day of the fest, rain earlier in the day caused us to arrive later than planned, but it also cooled down the temperatures, making the evening comfortable.
Tech Tip: Use weather apps, like the Apple Weather app, to check details on when rain is projected to stop and how hot temperatures feel due to humidity. This can help you plan your arrival and packing more effectively.
Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to adjust your plans as needed!
Resources for Discovering Festivals
Finding Local Events
Discovering local events can sometimes be a challenge, but here are some resources to help you stay informed:
- Local Newspapers and Websites: Check local news outlets and community websites for event listings.
- Social Media: Follow your city’s or county’s official social media pages for updates and announcements about upcoming events.
- School and Community Center Bulletins: Flyers and announcements are often available at schools and community centers.
- Word of Mouth: Ask friends, family, and neighbors about events they’ve heard of or attended in the past.
Once you find an event, invite friends and family from the neighborhood to join you. Attending festivals together can enhance the experience and create lasting memories.
What to Expect at Local Events
Event Promotion and Turnout
Promotion for the Henry County Hot Summer Fest was somewhat limited, but discovering it felt like finding a hidden gem! We learned about the event through flyers at our kids’ summer camp and a brief mention in the local newspaper. As evening fell and temperatures cooled, more families arrived, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
To find similar events, keep an eye on community boards, local social media groups, and word of mouth. Inviting friends and neighbors can turn a simple outing into a festive gathering, amplifying the fun and creating lasting memories.
Don’t miss out on these local treasures—grab your family and friends, and dive into the festivities!
Enjoying Family Time at Festivals
Final Thoughts
The Henry County Hot Summer Fest was a wonderful family outing, offering a mix of engaging activities and community involvement. While there were some challenges, like limited stroller access and expensive food options, the overall experience was positive. Local festivals like this provide a great opportunity to enjoy family time and connect with your community.
Keep these tips in mind for your next local festival, and you’ll be set for a fun, stress-free day!
