Commercial and Residential Locksmiths in Mountain Park

Just 16 miles southeast of Atlanta lives the world's largest exposed granite outcrop: Stone Mountain.The name of this natural wonder is more than fitting; Stone Mountain weighs more than a trillion pounds and covers 583 acres, with only about a third of its mass visible on the surface. Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most-visited attraction, with a wide variety of events and activities going on all year round. No matter what season you find yourself at the park, there’s always something to do; we’ve gathered some of the best ways to spend the day at Stone Mountain any time of the year.

Year Round

Hop on the Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that takes guests on a half-mile trip all the way to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you’ll be able to see a great view of the Atlanta skyline and more from over 45 miles away. This activity is safe for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.

All aboard! Grab a seat on the park’s 1940s train that goes five miles around the mountain for stunning views. The train has open-air cars and will take you on a trip that lasts about 30 minutes. If you’re looking for some time to sit down and relax, this is the perfect opportunity that all ages will enjoy.

If you're in the mood to get your blood pumping, you can take on one of the six hiking trails in the park, including a mile-long trail up to the top of the mountain. Stone Mountain Park has 15 miles of hiking and walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. You can enjoy the five mile Cherokee Trail around the base, the 3/4 mile Nature Garden Trail around an oak-hickory forest, and more.

Go back to Jurassic times with Dinosaur Explore, a walk-through collection of 20 life size dinosaurs. You’ll start your exploration with a trip through a time machine and come across dinos like the T-Rex, Triceratops, and more. There are also interactive paleontology tents, photo ops, and a dinosaur feeding wall to keep the kids entertained.

Pop into the 4-D theater for a movie experience like you’ve never seen before. The 4-D films change every season and are typically less than 15 minutes in length, so it’s an easy stop and a great way to grab a seat for a little bit.

Fall Season

If you’re headed to Stone Mountain for a fall weekend, the Pumpkin Festival is not to be missed. During the day, the park is beautifully decorated for the season and offers character meet-and-greets, storytelling with Mother Goose, comedy shows, and even a pie eating contest.

The real stars of the show happen once the sun goes down; you’ll be able to experience the world’s largest pumpkin light show displayed on the side of Stone Mountain, a captivating drone show, and a parade to celebrate the season.

Winter Season

Stone Mountain Park during the holiday season is something that locals and visitors look forward to all year. While all of the year-round activities are open during the day, the nighttime offers special experiences for holiday magic.

Find a spot on Memorial Lawn and experience the world’s largest Christmas light show displayed on the side of the mountain, as well as a Christmas drone show that lights up the sky with some of your favorite holiday motifs. After the shows, you can meet Santa Claus himself, catch the holiday parade, and even hear from renowned carolers to put you in the Christmas spirit. There will be a great selection of food and beverage options including traditional holiday treats, hot drinks, and other seasonal favorites. It's a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

Spring Season

Many people claim that spring is the best season to visit Stone Mountain Park. During the spring, you’ll see colorful blooms all around the park. From cherry blossoms to azaleas, the park is covered in seasonal growth that make for many beautiful areas to relax and enjoy the weather. With multiple spots around the park like the Woodard Pavilion and Studdard Picnic Area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery. Both of these sites have charcoal grills available for a cookout.

Summer Season

To many Atlanta residents, the Stone Mountain Lasershow Spectacular was the most iconic activity at Stone Mountain Park–especially in the summer months. After 40 years of lighting the mountain with colorful lasers and fireworks, the park introduced a new Music Across America Drone & Light Show in summer 2023 that offered just as much energy as the classic show. This new immersive show included ten times more lumens, ten times larger video projection, and ten times more laser beams than the Lasershow.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Sons of Confederate Veterans is claiming the Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) is illegally making changes inside of the park.

Martin O’Toole, the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans spokesperson, said the organization detailed their concerns in a notice to the SMMA, giving them notice of a pending lawsuit.

Page 1 of 2

Martin K. O’Toole

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Post Office Box 3221

Marietta, Georgia 30061-3221

(678) 232-8638

Email: martinkotooleesq@gmail.com

9 October, 2023

Georgia Department of Administrative Services

200 Piedmont Avenue, S. E.

Suite 1804W

Atlanta, Georgia 30304

Re: Ante Litem notice, Stone Mountain Memorial Association.

Dear Sir or Madam:

We send you this ante litem notice out of an abundance of caution.

We believe that the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, a creation of the Georgia

General Assembly as codified in Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-3-191, et seq.,

is acting in violation of its mandate as well as violating the Monument Protection Act

found at Official Code of Georgia § 50-3-1.

However, the Georgia state ante litem statute, Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 50-

21-26, seems to apply to only acts of negligence, not the intentional violations of the law.

Consequently, while we wish to identify the acts which we believe are violate the Georgia

Code, we think that the form of this ante litem notice will be helpful in drawing the

attention of the State government to this actions and, if necessary, at least foreclose a

legal fight over the requirement to give an ante litem notice.

Therefore, following the mandate of O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26, we identify the following

required elements of that Code Section:

1. The State government entity’s name is “The Stone Mountain Memorial

Association.”

2. (a) The action regarding the museum occurred on or about 20 June, 2023, with

the engagement of the Warner Museums, a division of Culton Companies, Inc., to

modify the historical presentations at the Park in defiance of the legislative

mandate. Acting under information and belief, the displays have since been

recently removed to prepare for the newly proposed, unlawful exhibits.

(b) The United Daughters of the Confederacy Flag Terrace Memorial was

formerly located at the trailhead. The Confederate flags have been removed to a

‘less conspicuous location’ (by the admission of the SMMA Chief Executive

Officer) in violation of O.C.G.A. § 50-3-1(b)(7) which requires that the flags “shall

be relocated to a site of similar prominence, honor, visibility, and access within

the same county or municipality in which the monument was originally located.”

The removal took place on or about 22 May, 2023.

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Georgia Department of Administrative Services

5 October, 2023

Page 2.

3. The incidents occurred in the confines of the Stone Mountain Memorial Park,

Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia.

4. The injuries suffered are violations of Georgia law and citizens are permitted

by both common law and statute to demand that the laws be faithfully executed

by employees and representatives of government agencies such as the Stone

Mountain Memorial Association.

5. Pursuant to the ruling of the Georgia Supreme Court (Bd. Of Regents of the

University System of Georgia v. Meyers, S14G0431, October 6, 2014) that a dollar

amount must be stated, even if not perfectly accurate, we estimate that the

damages for these two acts are $55,00.00 plus the O.C.G.A. § 50-3-1(C)4

statutory treble damages of an estimated $165,000.00. Should the SMMA

restore everything as required by law, it can completely avoid any such expenses.

As stated above, the acts complained of are not negligent, but rather intentional, ultra

vires acts.

This letter summarizes and represents our understanding of the facts and the law to the

extent of the claimants’ knowledge and belief and as may be practicable under the

present circumstances. It would be expected that discovery in litigation will permit a

more accurate definition of these items.

Finally, we cannot help but notice that the carving no longer seems to be properly

maintained as required in O.C.G.A. § 12-3-191(7), et seq. This comes to our attention in

face of the demands at public meetings by some members of the “Stone Mountain

Action Coalition” that the carving be permitted to decay through lack of maintenance.

They have made that demand in the face of the statutory requirement placed on the

SMMA that the Monument be maintained.

The claimants in this matter include (but may not be limited to): The Georgia Division,

Sons of Confederate Veterans, Inc., the Confederate Memorial Camp #1432 of Stone

Mountain, Georgia, John Frost Murlin, Philip J. Autrey and Timothy Fred Pilgrim.

Sincerely yours,

Martin K. O’Toole

cc: Mr. Bill Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Stone Mountain Memorial Association

Rev. Abraham Mosley, Chairman of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association

Mr. Chris Carr, Attorney General, State of Georgia

“They’re not obeying the law. It’s as simple as that. The law’s very clear,” O’Toole said.

According to the group, the Confederate flags put up at the beginning of the trailhead were moved to what the group argues is a less visible place, arguing that by law, they should be moved to a place of similar prominence.

“When they tell you we put it there so people don’t have to see it unless they want to, that’s not similarly prominent,” O’Toole said.

O’Toole told Atlanta News First the group has always worked well with the park’s association, although the last couple of years have resulted in some conversation between the two.

In their notice, the Sons of Confederate Veterans claim the large carving on the mountain isn’t being maintained. They also believe the changes aren’t in line with the park’s original purpose as a monument to the Confederacy.

“They’ve already moved the Confederate memorabilia from Heritage Hall and they plan to turn that more or less into a Civil Rights museum, which is not what Stone Mountain Park is supposed to be under law,” O’Toole said. “The law says it has two purposes, as a memorial to the Confederacy and as a natural resource center.”

Atlanta News First reached out to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association and will update this story with a response.

Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Stone Mountain Park is hosting its highly anticipated 55th annual Yellow Daisy Festival from Sept. 7-10.

Featuring more than 400 artists from across the United States, this festival has earned recognition as one of the nation's top arts and crafts shows, according to Sunshine Artist Magazine. It's also a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and has received multiple awards from the Southeast Festival and Events Association. The event has become a tradition for multi-generational shoppers seeking unique handcrafted works of art.

One exciting addition to this year's festival is the return of the Yellow Daisy Vintage Village. Located within the lower meadow of the Yellow Daisy Festival, this curated village of vendors will showcase antiques, vintage collectibles, and an array of farmhouse chic home goods, furniture, and décor.

The festival derives its name from a special type of yellow daisy, Viguiera Porteri, which blooms in September and only grows within a 60-mile radius of Stone Mountain. This unique flower was first discovered in 1846 and is known for its vibrant yellow bands that adorn the granite outcroppings of the mountain.

What began as a modest event in two picnic pavilions has now grown into the Southeast's largest outdoor arts and crafts festival, occupying more than six acres with art, crafts, music, and food.

Artists and crafters selected to participate in the festival are chosen by the Yellow Daisy Festival jury based on their distinctive handmade work in various categories, including pottery, fabric, painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, photography, fine arts, and traditional arts and crafts.

Throughout the four-day event, visitors can enjoy live entertainment on the main stage, featuring a diverse range of music genres, from Rock and Bluegrass to Pop, R&B, Country, Gospel, and DJs. For those looking to relax, a beer garden will be available, along with numerous food trucks and festival food options to satisfy any cravings.

The festival isn't just for adults; the next generation of festivalgoers can partake in activities like sand art, face painting, and balloon artistry.

Located in the park's Special Events Meadow, admission to the festival is free with paid parking, which costs $20 for a one-day permit or $40 for an unlimited annual parking pass.

Festival dates and hours are as follows:

For more information about the Yellow Daisy Festival, please visit the Yellow Daisy Festival Frequently Asked Questions website. Stone Mountain Park, listed in Frommer's 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and recognized by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of "35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die," is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For directions, information about attractions, and hours of operation, please call 1-800-401-2407 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

House Bill 794 would remove the park's official designation as a Confederate memorial.

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Three state legislators have introduced a bill to remove Stone Mountain Park's designation as a Confederate Memorial.

House Bill 794 would remove the official designation and remove the word "Memorial" from the park's official title. The bill was introduced by State Representatives Billy Mitchel (D-Stone Mountain), Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and Omari Crawford (D-Decatur).

“I’m a proud product of DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain was integral to my development,” said Crawford. “The diversity of DeKalb County is an under-amplified gem in the great state of Georgia. Our ability to work together, despite of our diversity, is what makes DeKalb County unique. Honoring any Confederate history in an area with so much diversity is inconsistent with DeKalb County’s present-day values. It is time that our park reflects our evolution.”

In April of 2021, Pastor Abraham Mosely became the first Black chairmen of The Stone Mountain Memorial Association after he was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp.

During the association's first meeting under their new leader, the park's CEO proposed new ways to "move Stone Mountain forward," such as moving Confederate artifacts and monuments as well as renaming Confederate Hall as Heritage Hall.

And in August of the same year, the officials announced a vote had determined a new logo would exclude the park’s giant mountainside carving of Confederate leaders.

However, some believe more needs to be done to address the park's Confederate legacy.

“We have been waiting too long for action by the Stone Mountain Memorial Authority to act on needed changes to the false history of the park and the carving,” said Rep. Mitchell, whose district includes the park. “We do not understand the delay and wish to set forth the changes that we see as necessary.”

Removing the park's official designation would result in a number of changes.

The Stone Mountain Memorial Association would be renamed The Stone Mountain Memorial Association. House Bill 794 would remove the requirement for the association to stock and sell Confederate memorabilia at attractions such as Memorial Hall or the Skyview gift shop.

However, the biggest change would be the removal of the requirement to preserve the carvings of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson on the front of Stone Mountain.

“I am a native of Georgia and DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain has been a part of all the stages of my life,” said Rep. Oliver. “The park is an important asset for our county and state and enjoys enormous popularity and use. As such, the park needs to change its statutory history of honoring the Confederacy and adherence to a ‘lost cause.’ This legislation is consistent with recommendations from other groups and historians who wish to set forth a more accurate history of the Stone Mountain Park and its carving.”

According to the Georgia House of Representatives, these are the other DeKalb County state legislators who have co-sponsored the legislation: Dar'shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Karen Lupton (D-Chamblee), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta), Imani Barnes (D-Tucker), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Saira Draper (D-Atlanta), Shea Roberts (D-Atlanta), Long Tran (D-Dunwoody) and Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers).

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - A group of state representatives in DeKalb County has proposed big changes to Stone Mountain Park.

Democratic State Rep. Billy Mitchell, whose district represents the park, Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), and Rep. Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) introduced a bill Monday that would remove the official designation of Stone Mountain Park as a Confederate Memorial.

House Bill 794, which is co-sponsored by all 16 members of the DeKalb County delegation, would also remove the word "Memorial" from the park's official title - changing the oversight body from the "Stone Mountain Memorial Association" to the "Stone Mountain Park Association."

"We have been waiting too long for action by the Stone Mountain Memorial Authority to act on needed changes to the false history of the park and the carving," Mitchell said in a statement. "We do not understand the delay and wish to set forth the changes that we see as necessary."

The bill would also remove the requirement for the association to stock and sell Confederate memorabilia and remove the requirement to preserve the carvings of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson on the mountain.

"I am a native of Georgia and DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain has been a part of all the stages of my life," said Rep. Oliver. "The park is an important asset for our county and state and enjoys enormous popularity and use. As such, the park needs to change its statutory history of honoring the Confederacy and adherence to a ‘lost cause.’"

Critics have called on the association to remove the colossal sculpture from the mountain’s northern face. Completed in 1972, it measures 190 feet across and 90 feet tall. It is the largest Confederate monument ever crafted and has special protection in Georgia law.

When Georgia lawmakers voted in 2001 to change the state flag that had been dominated by the Confederate battle emblem since 1956, language to guarantee the preservation of the Stone Mountain sculpture was included as a bargaining chip.

The law states that "the memorial to the heroes of the Confederate States of America graven upon the face of Stone Mountain shall never be altered, removed, concealed, or obscured in any fashion."

Stone Mountain wasn’t a battle site and had little historical significance to the Civil War. But 50 years after the war ended, the exposed surface of the mountain’s northern face sparked an idea among the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

"It looked like a giant billboard," said Stan Deaton, senior historian for the Georgia Historical Society.

The group hired sculptor Gutzon Borglum — who later would carve Mount Rushmore — to design a massive Confederate monument in 1915.

That same year, the movie "The Birth of a Nation" glorified the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan and Stone Mountain played a key role in its resurgence, marking its comeback with a cross burning atop the mountain on Thanksgiving night.

Budget problems plagued the Stone Mountain project and work on the sculpture languished until the state bought the mountain and surrounding land in 1958 for a public park. Finishing the monument gained renewed urgency as the civil rights movement brought unwanted change to defiant Southern states.

"It became the centerpiece of the park," Deaton said. "There was never any doubt that the state’s intention of finishing this was of a piece with massive resistance."

An estimated 10,000 people attended the monument’s dedication in 1970. Another two years passed before its official completion.

Five decades later, the park at Stone Mountain markets itself as a family theme park rather than a shrine to the "Lost Cause" mythology that romanticizes the Confederacy as chivalrous defenders of states’ rights. Its website highlights miniature golf and a dinosaur-themed attraction while downplaying the Confederate carving, Confederate flags and brick terraces dedicated to each Confederate state.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.