Several weeks ago I began skimming over my summer calendar and thought to myself "something is missing here..." but I just couldn't put my finger on it. Thankfully I received an email from a close friend just moments later with, "Draft on Taft tickets are on sale....let's do this." Done and done! $30 later I smiled at the sight of my eticket to the 10th Anniversary of Draft on Taft!
I know what you're thinking. "Thirty bucks for a festival?? Nuh-uh, not cool." Ok hold on there sparky...it is TOTALLY worth it...$30 covers it all. Charles Allen is blocked off for just you and your fellow ticket holders, all you can drink Bud Light products, live music and lunch from Moe's & Schlotzksy's? What a deal! This is by far the most bang for your buck as far as Atlanta festivals go. But best of all, every dime made goes straight to charity...win-win.
Now a little 411 on the festival itself.......in 2000 Atlanta native twins Patrick & Mike sought out to host a party with friends and family to kick off the summer...Atlanta style. It began as a crawfish boil in two front yards down the street in Midtown....on the corner of 10th and Taft street to be exact. Believe it or not, this first attempt brought over 300 people! So seeing the popularity of the event, Patrick & Mike decided to turn their party-harty into an opportunity to give back.
Soon after their hangovers subsided, they established a non-profit organization to raise funds for worthy causes. In an attempt to cast their net a little further, they choose a different charity to donate to each year. Come to find out, they have been able to donate over $100,000 to local AND national charities! Hats off to the hottie twins...both of which I had the opportunity to meet and congratulate on the increased attendance from the two years past I had attended.
Back on track....this year the event chose to support Bert's Big Adventure. This non-profit organization is designed to allow children agents 5-12 with a chronic or terminal illness (that prove financial need and live in The Bert Show radio listening area), to experience a magical weekend with their families at Walt Disney World. So above all else, we participated for the kids ya'll!
We had a fun time consuming beverages, noshing on lunch and listening to fabu tunes from local bands and well known rockers Drivin' N Cryin'. Which may or may not have ended in a cartwheel contest between me and Nat.
Drivin' N Cryin'
Shakin' our groove thang
Packed out
Snagged a pic with lead singer of Drivin' N Cryin' Kevin Kinney on our way out
Hooray!
Unlike other festivals, you won't be getting a "We Need Volunteers!" email from them anytime soon. It's such a success that they have an overwhelming amount of raised hands just through friends and family. Hopefully my email written on a napkin and stuffed in Patrick's pocket results in me and my besties being a part of their team next year. A girl can hope.
All in all this simplistic festival has received an overflow of success each year and rightfully so. Any festival that contributes to those in need I am a fan of....and having bottomless booze and food doesn't hurt my chances of making future appearances. Bucket list worthy? You betcha!
