Gwinnett Bicentennial Closes With Day Of Family Fun, Gala

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Make plans now to celebrate Gwinnett County's 200th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 15. The yearlong bicentennial celebration concludes with a family-friendly party and an evening gala at the Infinite Energy Center.

The festivities will kick off with the Family Cultural Birthday Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hudgens Cen­ter for Art & Learning and the Infinite Energy Theater at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway. The free event features different rooms representing different continents for all to enjoy and free cupcakes while supplies last (one per visitor). Youngsters can create crafts from the continents and get their bicentennial passport stamped, and guests will see cultur­al performances from across the globe. They can also leave their mark by participating in a photo mosaic and a kids’ art project. Other activities include storytelling and meet-and-greets with characters from around the globe and throughout history.

Visitors can also learn about the history of Gwinnett by viewing documentaries shown throughout the day and exploring the Gwinnett history exhibit. They can take in an art exhibit featuring juried works by Hudgens’ members and pieces from the personal collections of Gwinnett residents.

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Outdoors, visitors will get a chance to purchase tasty treats from food trucks representing Gwinnett’s diverse culinary scene, make s'mores over fire pits and watch an artist make an ice carving of the bicentennial logo.

Later in the day, guests can celebrate the county's rich history and pay tribute to its vibrant community and diverse cultures at a gala in the Infinite Energy Center ballroom. The cock­tail party begins at 6 p.m. and dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $125 per person. Cocktail attire is appropriate.

Visit www.gwinnett200birthday.com/events to buy tickets for the evening gala and to learn more about the free daytime event. To find out more about Gwinnett's yearlong bicentennial celebration and see photos from this year’s activities, visitwww.Gwinnett200.com.

Graphic courtesy Gwinnett County