Since the creation of the park, the CICDC has coordinated with the city to continue overseeing its maintenance along with that of a variety of community spaces throughout the neighborhood. The old building was finally removed in 2003 and construction of the park began. ![]() Through the multiyear process, the neighborhood obtained the necessary funding and ultimately formed the Cabbagetown Initiative Community Development Corporation, CICDC, as a non-profit to oversee the new development. The people of the neighborhood recognized the opportunity, and through the Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association, began lobbying the city government for redevelopment in 1995. The closing of Grant Park Primary School in 1981 left an abandoned, 3.5 acre lot in the center of Cabbagetown that was at risk of outside development. Beyond the beautifully-quirky front porches, sidewalks, and picket fences, are the stunning works of art along Wylie Street, The Patch Works Art & History Center, and a fun mix of local businesses and eateries. That revitalization built upon the deep history that resided there and made what today is a mecca for creativity and southern culture. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s, an influx of artists and businesses breathed life back into the neighborhood. That spirit continues to live on through the few descendants whose families have lived there for over 100 years, and the modern transplants that embrace their character. The Scotch-Irish Americans that had come down from the Appalachians to work the mill had formed a semi-isolated community within Atlanta’s east side that was known for its resiliency. But as many mill town stories go, it eventually succumbed to changes in industry and closed its doors in 1977 leaving much of the neighborhood in disrepair.īut the legacy of the mill left behind something else as well. As one of the South’s first textile processing mills, it was highly successful through the turn of the century and at its height employed 2,600 people. The backstory on CabbagetownĬabbagetown was built as a mill town neighborhood for the workers of the Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill that opened all the way back in 1881. Cabbagetown Park is at its center, and the story of how a group of neighbors banded together to take ownership - literally ownership of the place they call home, is at the heart of Chomp & Stomp. Tight roads, non-existent parking, and colorful, early 1900’s bungalows let you know you’ve made it to the right place. It’s clear to anyone who’s driven by that the Cabbagetown community is definitely interesting. What you might assume is just another food and beer festival organized by corporate sponsors is actually a 100% neighborhood-led event put on to benefit the vibrant community that surrounds it. The event is rounded out with a lively artist market made up of 70 local artisans and performances by as many as 20 bands across 3 stages. A huge mixture of restaurants and amateurs come out to Cabbagetown Park to present over 100 different chilis to all the hungry attendees - an enormous group that grew to over 30,000 in 2019. The annual Chomp & Stomp event begins with an early morning workout - a 5k race that winds around the Cabbagetown neighborhood to get you ready for a full day of chili tasting and music. And while on its face it’s a fun outing with friends, food, and beer, I found that it’s actually a celebration of the rare character of the Cabbagetown neighborhood that’s home to it, and the long history that forged their devoted community. ![]() ![]() And they’ve done this with an incredible spirit, one that’s been at the heart of their community for over 100 years.Ĭhomp & Stomp is a unique annual event made of an eclectic mix of 5k, chili cook-off, art, and bluegrass held on the eastside of Atlanta. I got to see one such example, a tight-knit neighborhood of resourceful and passionate people, confront the cancellation of their most cherished event and a huge financial burden. And amidst all this chaos, it’s reassuring to see awesome people come up with creative solutions to weather this storm and have a vision towards life on the other side. The cancellation of live events and face-to-face interaction has changed the landscape of not only the economy, but our personal lives as well. The past year has - at least in part - been a story of how people and businesses have reinvented themselves to make the most of a terrible situation.
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