Roswell, Alpharetta Host Tourism Week Events

By DAVID PENDERED www.ajc.com

Two cities in North Fulton are hosting events for National Tourism Week, which starts Saturday.
Events are scheduled in Roswell and Alpharetta from Saturday through May 17.

Tourism week was designated by Congress and created by presidential proclamation in 1983 to recognize the nation's tourism industry, according to a joint statement by the convention and visitors bureaus of each city.

Both cities promote their arts and cultural attractions as part of their effort to boost the local economy. Roswell is conducting a study of the value of its tourism industry, which preliminary estimates show pumps about $7 million a year into hotels, restaurants, venues and other destinations.

Here's a schedule of upcoming events:

May 10 and 17:
Downtown Alpharetta Farmer's Market. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Old Roswell Street, off Milton Avenue. Free admission.

May 10 and 11
18th Annual Colors Festival of Arts. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Roswell's Historic Town Square. Free admission.

May 10
The inaugural concert of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. 8 p.m., 2200 Encore Parkway. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs under conductor Robert Spano. A grand opening reception begins at 5:15 p.m. Tickets: $21 to $75 (reception an additional $25). For information, call 404-249-6400.

May 11
Mother's Day Open House at historic Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation in Roswell. 1-3 p.m. Admission is a can of food for the North Fulton Food Bank at each house.

May 12
Alpharetta's annual Mayor's Challenge Road Race. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event features a 10K that is a Peachtree qualifier and a 1 mile fun run. For information go to alpharetta.ga.us.

May 14, 16, 17 and 20
Eagles "Long Road Out of Eden World Tour." 8 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. Tickets: $65 lawn; $185 reserved. For information, call 404-249-6400

May 15
18th Annual Taste of Alpharetta. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wills Park, Old Milton Parkway. Food samples: 50 cents each and participating restaurants will charge from $1 to $3 for larger servings. Free admission.

May 15
Alive After Five. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Roswell's Historic District. Free admission. For information, go to www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com.

May 17
Local authors' book signing party. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta St. All books will be available for purchase.

May 18
Sundays On The Square in Historic Roswell. Free concert featuring the Atlanta Wind Symphony from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For information, go to wwww.roswellgov.com.