Celebrating 200 Years
Celebrating 200 years of Decatur
- a city with history and heart!
Get ready to party like it's 1823 because the City of Decatur is turning 200 years old! We're throwing a year-long celebration packed with exciting events, history and programs that will have you feeling more patriotic than the Fourth of July. Our community is a melting pot of friendly faces, and we can't wait to share our past, present, and future with you. Explore our webpage to browse through our photo gallery filled with unforgettable moments, check out the Story Vault to hear exclusive stories from our community members and join the 200 Trees Project to help us plant 200 trees around the city. Let's make this bicentennial celebration one for the history books!
Bicentennial Celebration
Save the date and get ready for a weekend of fun December 8-10 as we celebrate Decatur’s bicentennial with the launch of our 200 stories project, an early morning race, a walking/driving tour, a community parade and float contest, a dog parade, a community celebration on the square with plenty of music, food, games, activities, face painting, stilt walkers, 200 cupcakes, and a 200th celebration light show and much more. Details below.
Bicentennial Events
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 25 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Shop at your favorite city of Decatur retail establishment and bring your packages to the tent on the square for free gift wrapping.
Santa on the Square
Saturday, November 25 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come visit the man himself! Santa is gearing up for Christmas, so come on down and let him know what’s on your wishlist.
DBA Holiday Meeting
Tuesday, December 5 | 5-7 p.m. | Decatur Conference Center at The Courtyard by Marriott
Join the Decatur Business Association for the announcement of this year's Hometown Heroes and Welcoming Business Awards.
Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 7 | 6 p.m
Light up your week with the tree lighting in Downtown Decatur! On Thursday the fun starts at 6 pm with our annual tradition of holiday carols and hot cocoa by the tree on the Decatur Square above the east entrance of the Decatur MARTA station (Church Street side). At 7 pm sharp, Santa himself flips the switch to light the tree! Afterwards, there’ll be “snow”! Sponsored by the Little Shop of Stories.
Bicentennial Celebration
Saturday, December 9 | 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Decatur Bicentennial with a full day of events. Start with a 1-mile race at 9 a.m., followed by a vibrant parade at 3 p.m. Join the community for a birthday party at 4 p.m., filled with music, food, and activities. The festivities culminate with a dazzling fireworks display at 6 p.m.
Learn More | Race Sign-Up | Parade Sign-up | Dog Parade Sign-up
Bicentennial Celebration History Tour
Sunday, December 10
Embark on a captivating journey through time with Decatur's Bicentennial History Tour. Explore the town's rich heritage as knowledgeable guides lead you through significant landmarks, sharing fascinating stories and anecdotes along the way. Immerse yourself in the past and gain a deeper appreciation for Decatur's two centuries of history during this enlightening and engaging tour.
200 Stories Screening
Sunday, December 10 | 2:00 p.m. at Agnes Scott College
Join us for the premiere of Decatur’s bicentennial 200 Stories video and a panel discussion. In celebration of Decatur's bicentennial, the City partnered with Agnes Scott College, Story Corps and the Savannah College of Art and Design- Atlanta (SCAD) to collect stories from Decatur community members, past and present. The 200 Stories initiative was created to help preserve and document the history of those who are or have been a part of the Decatur community. Through the power of storytelling, we get to meet, connect with, and learn from those who have and continue to make Decatur what it is today and will be in the future.
Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 10 | 4:30 p.m.
Join in the Chanukah celebration on the square. Enjoy hot drinks, latkes, music, and photos with Mr. Dreidel!
Decatur Bonfire + Marshmallow Roast
Thursday, December 14 | 7 p.m.
Join us for a giant, roaring bonfire on the Decatur Square and roast a marshmallow (or two)! Hosted by the Decatur Business Association and supervised by the Decatur Fire Department. You’re welcome to bring your own marshmallows too!
