Since ancient times, spring has long been celebrated as a season of new life. And though the calendar marks the beginning of spring in late March, it never seems to officially begin until the Square and the city of Marietta are brought back to life. On a social calendar, this was the weekend that spring began in Marietta.

Friday night kicked off the warm season tradition of the Glover Park concert series. Locals and visitors alike made the annual pilgrimage to the Square early Friday evening to set out blankets, chairs, and picnics to reserve their seats for a twilight show. Concert goers wined, dined, and danced to the classic oldies music of Tyn Tymes. The smiles, laughter, and cheers served as evidence that a good time was truly had by all. Whether you missed this event or can’t wait to relive it, you can catch the next concert featuring Jesters on May 26.

The fun at Glover Park was only the initial sign of the weekend spring commencement. Residents and visitors were drawn back outside for the Blue Angels Air Show on Saturday. Time seemed to stand still that afternoon when the Blue Angels took flight around 3:00. The people in and around Marietta were be stilled, even if only for a moment, by the Blue Angels demonstrating their highly skilled tactical maneuvers in Naval aviation. Though high winds and low clouds limited the Angels’ practical ability to really “spread their wings,” the show was impressive nonetheless. They were still able to display such moves as the diamond formation, the starburst, inverted flight, and upward and downward spirals. You can learn more about the Blue Angels at their official website.

Although the weather for a flight demonstration was surprisingly more favorable on Sunday, many Marietta residents settled for only momentary glimpses of the Blue Angels while enjoying the Taste of Marietta.

This annual event reflects the diversity of culture that can be found in our fair city, while reminding us of our beloved southern culture (through the mere abundance of barbecue restaurants alone). Patrons could taste Marietta’s cultural diversity through restaurants such as Brazilian steakhouse, Sal Grosso , the local Irish pub food of Johnnie Maccracken’s and the Asian samplings of Thaicoon and Sushi Bar. Taste was just one of the many senses that were satisfied at this event. Music fans of most genres could find their preference among the variety of bands who entertained with their tunes of country, blues, or rock. The diversity of Marietta was not only experienced through taste and sound, but also through site. The people who participated in the event reaffirmed the cultural variety that Marietta so rightly claims as an attribute to the city. The Taste of Marietta is many things to many people. For nostalgists, it brought the comfort of heritage and tradition. For adventurers, it gave the excitement of trying something new. For most residents of Marietta, it was the experience of both.

This past weekend was one of the best showings Marietta could offer. This weekend represented the annual rebirth of our city, proving it to be a wonderful place to live and visit.

Susan I. McNeel - Arts and Living Editor - WhitlockAvenue.com