Snellville Days Kicks Off With Parade, Festival

Snellville celebrated family and fun at the 38th annual festival featuring more than 150 vendors, games, food and evening music concerts for the whole community.

The festival kicked off with a parade Saturday morning from the Wisteria Village Shopping Center to the Snellville City Hall. This year's theme was “Bringing Families Together.”

Several local businesses presented unique floats including Ted Montana Grill’s bison float and the GotSquirrels.com mascot riding a motorcycle. First place in the float contest was awarded to Covenant Christian Academy, which built a replica of an old schoolhouse painted red with a picnic table. From the float, a few of the academy’s students sat and waved to the crowd. They won $300.

Vintage cars cruised the parade as the South Gwinnett High School marching band livened the crowd displaying their high-stepping, show band pageantry. Santa Claus closed out the event reminding everyone that Christmas was just 231 days away.

The festival itself is held at near the Vendors are selling everything from fresh honey and roasted pecans to original paintings and handmade jewelry. One Screw Loose, a specialty jelly company based in Stockbridge, has returned for a second year.

“It’s important to make something sustainable,” said Kathy Senft, founder of the jelly company.

Senft prides herself on offering organic, fresh made jellies that combine unusual flavors including habanero peppers, Jack Daniel's whiskey, wine and fruits. She said that Snellville Days brings an interesting crowd and friendly people.

Terri Durham, owner of Trip n’ Trot, a dog walking and pet sitting business, participated in this year’s festival after visiting for the first time last year.  Her business provides dog walking services, as well as vacation care for owners who do not wish to send their pets to a kennel.

“It’s awesome," she said. "I like that there are activities for kids,” she said.

Like Saturday, there will also be an outdoor stage featuring musical acts ranging from pop music to blues and rock. Snellville Days takes place 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. today (May 8).