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PAGE 6 B
THE BANKS COUNTY NEWS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008
STATE'S TOP
ATTRACTION
Stone Mountain is
the state's most
visited attraction,
as well as the
world's largest
piece of exposed
granite rock. Just
an hour drive
away, it makes a
perfect get-away
for North Georgia
residents.
Stone Mountain celebrates 50th anniversary
Remastered lasershow, 'sky hike’ among new features
BY ANGELA GARY
Flowers are blooming, the weather
has warmed up and it’s the perfect time
for a visit to Stone Mountain Park,
which is celebrating its 50th anniversary
this year.
Stone Mountain is the state’s most
visited attraction, as well as being the
world’s largest piece of exposed gran
ite rock. Just an
hour drive away,
it makes a per
fect get-away for
North Georgia
residents.
Some of the
long-time favor
ites, including
the sky bucket
ride to the top of
the mountain, a
scenic train ride
around the park
and a riverboat
ride, are still
musts for any
visit to the park. However, there are a
lot of new attractions for adults and chil
dren alike to enjoy this summer. New
attractions include a digitally remastered
lasershow spectacular and a new million
dollar attraction called sky hike.
The 25th anniversary season for the
lasershow will be observed this summer
with new scores featuring music from
“Star Wars,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,”
“Indiana Jones” and “High School
Musical.” Guests can relax on the huge
grass lawn and enjoy this fantastic
show.
New this summer will be Sky Hike,
RIDE TO THE TOP
The Summit Skyride high
speed cable car takes guests
825 feet to the top of the
mountain.
where children of all ages will be able to
climb along a quarter mile course in the
treetops. Three courses with different
levels of difficulty are offered.
Other plans for the summer include: a
new musical review called Rock Solid
Country, the Backyard Circus, appear
ances by the Veggie Tales, a new train
show and street artist performances at
Crossroads.
While lots of
exciting adventures
are planned in the
coming weeks, we
enjoyed some of the
long-time favorites
on a recent visit. My
6-year-old nephew
spent hours during
our day-long visit
in The Great Barn.
Climbing structures,
interactive games,
super slides and tram
poline floors are fea
tured.
We also enjoyed a train ride through
the park, a sky bucket ride to the top
of the mountain, a round of putt putt at
the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure
Golf and a riverboat ride. These are
things I have enjoyed doing since I was
a child and it’s great to see another gen
eration of the family get joy from them.
Plenty of festivals are planned through
out 2008 at Stone Mountain, including:
Memorial Day Salute to the Troops,
May 24-26; Summer at the Rock, June
7-Aug. 3; Gospel Celebration, June
14; Atlanta Fest, June 19-21; Fantastic
Fourth Celebration, July 3-5; Yellow
Daisy Festival, Sept. 4-7; Chili Cook
Off, Sept. 27; Home School Day, Oct. 3;
A Tour of Southern Ghosts, Oct. 15-19,
22-26 and 29-31; Highland Games, Oct.
18-19; Indian Festival and Pow Wow,
Nov. 6-9; Christmas Celebration, Nov.
8-9, 14-16, 21-23, 25-30 and Dec. 5-7,
12-14, 19-23 and 26-30.
The fee is $25 for adults and $20 for
children ages 3-11. Parking is $8. For more
details, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.
CROSSROADS AT STONE MOUNTAIN
Crossroads shows visitors what an 1870s Southern town was like with demonstrations, special
shows, shops and restaurants. Live entertainment can also be found in the village.
While lots of
SCENIC RIDE
A scenic train ride around Stone Mountain Park has long-time
been a favorite of visitors. It provides a great close up view of
the mountain, as well as a look at the park. A narration gives
some history of the mountain.
BALLOON ARTISTS
Youngsters lined up at Stone Mountain during the spring festivi
ties to get a balloon animal display.