The 2nd Annual Historic Buford Art & Jazz Festival
Saturday, May 9th 2009

For the second year, local and renowned artists displayed and sold their work, as several of Buford’s favorite restaurants served up their specialties. All the while local school jazz bands performed throughout the day at the amphitheater in front of the historic Bona Allen Mansion. To spice it up a bit, we also had several other stage performances and demonstrations peppered in throughout the day.

Attendance was high, as the amphitheater always appeared full with music lovers and parents enjoying great performances
by these very talented students.

Sponsors and ticket holders enjoyed a delectable array of finger foods and a variety of wines during the Bona Allen Wine
Tasting event. With over 200 in attendance, the mood was high and the ambiance reminiscent of the times the Allen family
threw gala events in the early 1900’s. A special thanks goes out to the staff of the Bona Allen for tremendous service and
most certainly to the local restaurants and wine vendors for furnishing the food and wine.

Jazz lovers were in for a treat, as the evening arrived, so did the professional acts. Starting with Capital City Express and
their “big band” sound, followed by Daniel Jackson Explosion’s soulful melodies and finally rounding out with King Daddy Pole Cats’ Rock-a-Billy style sound.

All in all, a fantastic day and an event! Let’s plan on the 3rd Annual festival in May 2010!

Historic Buford Holiday Festival & Parade
Saturday, December 6th 2008

This year's festivities included stage performances, children's activities, food and merchants. All of this took place at and around the amphitheater area at the end of Main Street (Historic Buford) in front of the Bona Allen Mansion. The fun started at 11a.m. and ended with the Buford Coral Group caroling and the lighting of the tree @ 5:30 (at the amphitheater area). Main Street merchants and restaurants welcomed guests and were open before and after all the festivities.
"This year we had the privilege of having Mr. John Oxendine as our parade’s Grand Marshall. This is certainly an honor for our community," states Tim Koenning, the President of the Buford Business Alliance, the sponsor of this event. "This year was our greatest festival and parade ever!” Mr. Koenning continues, “With the aid of the local schools, the city and our ever growing membership, the crowds were large, jubilant and in the spirit to celebrate this special time of the year in a memorable fashion. Mr. Oxendine certainly was a great addition to this holiday tradition."

Buford's Salute to Freedom
Saturday, October 18th 2008

It was a fun filled day for the entire family as Buford proudly celebrated the armed services. Displays from the various military branches along with several veteran associations rounded out the military presence. The Buford Business Alliance put together several of their members in providing food, displays and the Kid Zone. Bands played all day on the stage kindly sponsored by the McKinney-Geib Foundation.
 
The money that was raised will go to Troop Bebop USA (non-profit 501c3) so that they may purchase international calling cards and minutes on those cards for our proud military serving overseas.
 
Many thanks go out to John & Barbie Bailey for allowing Troop Bebop and the Buford Business Alliance to put together this event on their facility. It was a tremendous set-up and everyone present had a great time.
 
A special thanks goes out to all those who planned and participated in this event. Everyone felt a huge sense of pride in showing our appreciation for those who put their lives on the line for us.
 
“May Freedom Continue to Ring!”

The 1st Annual Visit Buford Expo
Saturday, July 12, 2008

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center hosted our Buford Business Alliance’s 1st Annual Visit Buford Expo. Approximately 80 different BBA member organizations participated in this event with booths displaying their business or organization. The excitement built as people began to flow into the Environmental Center. By mid day it was clear that we had a tremendous event in the making.
 
As you can see from the pictures, everyone had a good time and the benefits for the participating members widespread. The Environmental Center was thrilled with the turnout and the first time visitors, especially the kids, enjoyed all the facility’s resources.
 
We wish to extend a very gracious thanks to all who helped make this event a tremendous success. Everything fell into place well beyond all expectations. We certainly look forward to our 2nd Annual Visit Buford Day with great anticipation.

The Historic Buford Arts and Jazz Festival
Saturday, May 10th from 11am to 10pm

Local and renowned artists displayed and sold their work, as several of Buford’s favorite restaurants served up their
specialties. All the while local school jazz bands from Lanier Middle, Buford, Grayson, Flowery Branch, Collins Hill and
North Gwinnett High Schools performed throughout the day at the amphitheater in front of the historic Bona Allen Mansion. Attendance was high, as the amphitheater always appeared full with music lovers and parents enjoying great performances
by these very talented students.

Sponsors and ticket holders enjoyed a delectable array of finger foods and a variety of wines during the Bona Allen Wine
Tasting event. With over 230 in attendance, the mood was high and the ambiance reminiscent of the times the Allen family
threw gala events in the early 1900’s. A special thanks goes out to the staff of the Bona Allen for tremendous service and
most certainly to Sperata and Grapes & Hops restaurants for furnishing the wine. We also wish to extend a special thank you
to Michelle Schreck, owner of Grapes & Hops for faithfully serving the wine during the entire event.

Jazz lovers were in for a treat, as the evening arrived, so did the professional acts. Starting with Capital City Express and
their “big band” sound, followed by Daniel Jackson Explosion’s soulful melodies and finally rounding out with Russel Blake’s
soothing bass.

All in all, a fantastic day and an event we are sure to repeat annually!

The Tour of Atlanta
Thursday, May 22 - Monday, May 26

The epic Tour of Atlanta is a Stage race came to Historic Buford showcasing Atlanta's various challenging terrain and participants.

Historic Buford Holiday Parade and Festival
Saturday, December 1, 2007

The Best Holiday Festival & Parade Ever!
That is what everyone is calling it. On Saturday, December 1, 2007 the Buford Business Alliance, with great assistance of the city, sponsored the annual Historic Buford Holiday Festival & Parade. The amphitheater on Main St in front of the Bona Allen mansion was the scene of the festival, which included vendors, food, children’s activities and of course entertainment. Various acts and coral groups performed throughout the day, with the children’s groups attracting standing room only crowds.
 
The parade was something to behold! With nearly 300 individual participants, including Boy Scouts, coral groups, step teams and beauty queens of all ages, antique/classic cars, floats, boats and trucks, the procession filled the entire half-mile route from end to end with participants still in the staging area to spare. Last but not least, Santa rolled out in style in one of Gwinnett’s finest fire engine and was loudly cheered as he was lead by Buford High School’s “Band of Wolves” marching band to conclude the parade.
 
The festivities ended at roughly 5pm, so that those inclined could make it to the square for the lighting of the tree @ 5:30pm. Santa also made his way to the tree lighting where a group of children were led in Christmas caroling, whereas the countdown to the tree lighting ensued. A moment that stood out as memorable was when all the small children ran up to Santa and gave him a great big hug! Priceless is the only way to describe it.
 
The Buford Business Alliance wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to the city and Bryan Kerlin for all of its financial and logistic assistance. To Brent Rippy, BBA Vice President, for staging and managing the parade. To Jan Borregard, BBA Secretary, for setting up and managing the vendor area. To Mary Hines, BBA Membership Chair, for gathering prizes and assisting in the preparations. To Skip Sevier, a BBA member, for his most talented voice as event MC and his efforts in coordinating the entertainment with Ed McQuade of Buford Middle School. Together, Skip and Ed packed the amphitheater with great entertainment and a full house!  Without the efforts of all of these individuals and the great participation of our members, schools and the community none of this would have been possible.
 
We look forward to an even bigger and better event next year…always the first Saturday of December.

Historic Buford Plein Air Festival
Friday through Sunday, September 21-23, 2007

The Second Historic Buford Plein Air Festival, which took place September 21 through 23, 2007,  brought 25 talented artists from all over the state of Georgia   Art enthusiasts had an opportunity to watch award winning artists, Kay Hibbard, John Guernsey, Carly Clements and others create colorful paintings of Main Street storefronts, Lake Lanier, Buford Dam, and the mansions and historic homes of Buford.   The three day event culminated in an awards ceremony and reception for the artists, their families and friends hosted by Carisma Gallery at 15 E. Main Street in Historic Buford.  Judging the competition, nationally recognized, awarding winning pastel artist, Marsha Savage, selected the top four pieces submitted.  Best of Show went to Suwanee artist, Robin Garrison for her rendition of the shops, galleries and restaurants of Main Street. Well-known Buford artist, Judith Surowiec received the second place award for depicting a whimsical Bona Allen mansion.  Newcomer to the competition, Donna Biggee, took third place for her peaceful pastel of the Stonehedge historic home owned by Alan and Maria Turk.  Joan Terrell, who also spent her time painting at Stonehedge, received honorable mention.

The Historic Buford Plein Air Festival was hosted by Carisma Gallery and sponsored by The Brand Banking Company,  People's Bank & Trust, The United Community Bank and the Buford Business Alliance.  The artwork will be on display at Carisma Gallery through Saturday, September 29.   Carisma Gallery will host an exhibit of Historic Buford Plein Air Festival art in early 2008.  

Thanks to everyone for their participation in making this a very successful event.......We look forward to the Third Annual Historic Buford Festival in 2008!

Old Time Summer Days in Historic Buford “Cruise In”
Saturday, July 7, 2007

Although the day was overcast with occasional drizzle and rain drops, the spirits could not be dampened, as Main St. was lined up with an array of show cars for this “Cruise In.” Along with Peoples Bank & Trust, the Buford Business Alliance co-sponsored this Old Time Summer event that is sure to become an annual favorite.

Starting at approximately 9am, Peoples Bank & Trust employees, dressed antebellum attire, strolled down Main St. attracting gazes, while a horse drawn carriage full of children and adults alike, paraded back and forth down Main St.

Several vendors including Honey Baked Hams, the Brand Bank and Chick-Fil-A set up tents on the far side of Main St.

However, it was the show cars that lined the entire one side of historic Main St. that stole the show. These included everything from a 1931 Chevy & Ford to 1960’s and 70’s muscle cars. We also can’t forget those custom Hot Rods!

All in all, considering the less than ideal weather, it was a great day to be in Buford. Something about old Main St. “Americana” and show cars always brings out the spirit of days gone by- but a spirit that lives on within us all today.  

Many thanks goes out to Ricky Cole & Kenny Stephens for their hard work in promoting the car show, to Marilyn Ledbetter of Peoples Bank & Trust for putting together the supporting events including the horse drawn carriage and to Lisa Tylor, the BBA Vice-President, for setting up the vendors.

BBA Open House at the Bona Allen Mansion
Tuesday, June 12, 2007

“The Buford Business Alliance held a special monthly meeting at the historic and beautiful Bona Allen Mansion. Doug Thome, the current owner, graciously opened the doors for a rare opportunity for the public to visit the past residence of the man who built Buford, Mr. Bona Allen. The event was designed more as an open house and celebration of Buford ’s history than an actual BBA meeting. As such, invitations went out to all who wished to attend. ” As such, the event attracted over 150 people, many whom had never stepped foot in this glorious home.

The event was catered by some of Buford’s best and most recognized eating establishments including, Aqua Terra Bistro, Sperata, Picasso ’s, Dos Hermanos Mexican, Red Sky Café and Sweet Escapes Bakery & Café. Cindy and Angela of Bona Allen Mansion not only coordinated with these establishments and staffed the event; they also provided delectables of their own, including sinfully delicious cheese cake. Village Spirits cheerfully provided the complimentary beer and wine, while cafe:ine coffee café supplied their famous coffee and refreshing summer drinks. Scott Smith, our BBA resident DJ, must certainly be thanked for providing us with period music and the sound system itself.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to all those who helped make this event a tremendous success, including all those mentioned above. However, this would not have even been a possibility had it not been for the help of Lynn Bowman, a lifelong Buford resident and the curator for the Museum of Buford. His connections and especially his close friendship with Doug Thome was instrumental for us to secure the complimentary use of this exquisite mansion which is typically reserved for weddings, receptions and other special events. We undoubtedly cannot thank Doug or Lynn enough for this fantastic opportunity.

Because of Lynn and Doug’s kindness and because we were blessed to use one of Buford’s most recognized landmarks, we dedicated this party to the preservation of Buford ’s history and especially to promote the efforts Lynn Bowman has made in building the Museum of Buford. Lynn in turn was most generous in bringing and sprinkling throughout the mansion, artifacts from the museum for all to experience. This included some of the finest examples of saddles manufacturer right down the street in what is now commonly know as Tannery Row. Lynn also provided us with the presence of one of the most noted Buford historians, Mr. Hansel Grady Morgan. Mr. Morgan, once a judge and state senator wrote the book “Historic Buford, History of the City of Buford,” published in 1993. Mr. Morgan, now in his 80s, shared witty recollections and historical facts on Buford ’s roots. His book is available both at City Hall and at the Museum of Buford.

Tour de Georgia- Buford Sprint Line Gallery
April 21, 2007

On Saturday, April 21, 2007, Buford and the Buford Business Alliance set out to celebrate the international Tour de Georgia in a grand way. Buford was designated a “Sprint Line City”, thus we were honored to have the opportunity to witness the world’s best cyclist peddle thru our town at speeds in excess of 45 miles per hour.

The Buford Business Alliance’s members put together a tremendous effort in making this a day to remember. Various vendors dotted the amphitheater in front of Bona Allen Mansion, while a BMX bike show was put on at the old town square. We were also very proud to have Waterfront at Lanier Islands as our “Sprint Line” sponsor. Their kind contribution made sure that Buford stood out by being the largest cash prize grantor of the entire Tour de Georgia.

All in all, a spectacular event for all those who joined in to witness our little brush with international acclaim. You can read all about the media attention here:Click here to read the Atlanta Journal - Consititution Article about the Tour de Georgia coming to Buford . To download a map of stage six, which went from Lake Lanier to Stone Mountain, click here. To download information about Tour de Georgia sprint lines, click here

Cocktail Cove, Lake Lanier
Summer 2006

Lake Lanier has become the regional “cooling off” spot during the hot Georgia summer days. The most notorious party spot is the infamous “Cocktail Cove”. Secluded along one of Lake Lanier Islands’ two golf courses, this gathering place attracts thousands of people looking to enjoy the “floating party”. As you can see from the pictures, times are grand and the water, cool.

Holiday Marina’s Customer Appreciation Party
Saturday, August 12, 2006

Holiday Marina expressed their appreciation to all their slip holders and guests by throwing their annual bash at the pavilion area of the marina. On stage, Banks and Shane played hours of tunes, while Old MacDonald ’s Bar-B-Que filled the guests’ bellies. Olde Town Spirits served up the beverages, as some of Buford Business Alliance ’s merchants displayed their wares and services. All in all, a party for all the ages.

Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2006

On December 2, 2006, Historic downtown Buford celebrated the coming holidays with a festival and traditional parade. The event drew thousands, as they lined up Main St to watch a good old fashion parade. The day ’s events included vocal entertainment, a BMX bike show and even a martial arts demonstration. The excitement ramped up as Santa Claus closed out the parade in a horse drawn buggy.

All in all, one of the best events Buford has seen in many years. The Buford Business Alliance looks forward to putting on the festivities again this coming year and appreciates any support the community could lend in making it a family tradition year after year.

Many of the photographs furnished by:
Star Scape Studios
78B East Main St
Buford, GA 30518
770-713-7473