Podcast 282 – 25 Years After the Storm and the Legacy of Lemonade Days – Kathy Florence and Hope Follmer

On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody brought to you by Dr. Bret Freedman and Village Orthodontics and Discover Dunwoody, host Matt Weber is joined by community powerhouses Hope Follmer and Kathy Florence to celebrate a huge milestone for the city: the 25th Annual Lemonade Days Festival, hosted by the Dunwoody Preservation Trust.

The episode opens on a fun note, with Matt pushing through a dizzy spell and joking about being the “low-budget Ryan Seacrest” for Dunwoody Idol. But behind the laughs is a heartfelt conversation about the legacy of this beloved local tradition.

The Tornado That Sparked a Tradition

In April of 1998, a tornado swept through Dunwoody, destroying over 100,000 trees and leaving behind a community in shock. Out of this devastation came one of the city’s most powerful movements. Under the leadership of Joyce Amacher, the Dunwoody Preservation Trust launched the “Replant the Dunwoody Forest” campaign, which rallied volunteers to plant more than 25,000 trees. It was a defining moment that turned tragedy into triumph.

The following year, neighbors gathered at the iconic Cheek-Spruill House to celebrate their progress. This gathering laid the groundwork for what would officially become Lemonade Days in 2000—a community event that honored the strength and resilience of Dunwoody.

From Cheek-Spruill House to Brook Run Park: How the Festival Grew

Lemonade Days began with simple joys: carnival games, bounce houses, and local performances staged on the front lawn of the Cheek-Spruill House. As attendance grew, so did the festival’s footprint. The event eventually moved to Brook Run Park, Dunwoody’s crown jewel of green space, to accommodate more rides, vendors, music, and community involvement.

The move brought logistical ease, increased parking, and allowed for signature additions like the Lemonade Days 5K and food truck area. Today, the festival attracts over 80,000 visitors and is one of the most anticipated spring events in the Atlanta suburbs.

2025: A Silver Anniversary with Legacy in Mind

The 25th Annual Lemonade Days Festival marks more than just a milestone. It’s a full-circle moment for those who lived through the 1998 tornado and helped build the event from scratch. Hope Follmer, Director of Private Events, Marketing, and the Lemonade Days Festival at the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, along with Kathy Florence, Communications Manager for the City of Dunwoody and a former Honorary Miss Lemonade Days, shared how this year’s event balances nostalgia with new energy.

Among the exciting additions for 2025:

• Legacy Lanyards that recognize multi-generational attendees

• A new Band Shell in the Kids Zone featuring local musical acts

• Chalk Art stations for families and aspiring artists

• The Festival Flashback Booth, showcasing memorabilia and photos from years past

• A stronger emphasis on partnerships with Dunwoody city departments and local businesses

The Heartbeat of Dunwoody: Volunteers, Sponsors & Spirit

It takes a village to pull off a festival of this scale. Lemonade Days wouldn’t be possible without community partnerships and volunteers. The City of Dunwoody, local churches, and sponsors like Village Orthodontics and Discover Dunwoody have played critical roles.

From traffic logistics and public safety to shuttle services and volunteer coordination, this is a truly community-run event. Living in Dunwoody means more than just showing up—it means pitching in, year after year.

Goodbye (For Now) to Dunwoody Idol

One of the most notable changes this year is the absence of Dunwoody Idol, a longtime festival favorite. With the original producer stepping back to focus on a new role at Mount Vernon School, the event was paused for 2025. Matt, who served as emcee for several years, reflected on its impact—from discovering local talent to offering kids a place to shine.

While the stage may be quiet this year, the hope is that Dunwoody Idol returns in a refreshed format in the future.

The Lemonade Days 5K: A Run Through Brook Run Park

For runners and walkers alike, the Lemonade Days 5K offers a scenic, family-friendly course through Brook Run Park. It’s also a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, which makes it appealing to seasoned athletes.

The route includes flat terrain, bridge crossings, and shaded paths. Participants receive an official race shirt and age-group awards, with registration capped to keep the event enjoyable. If you’re moving to Dunwoody or simply looking to connect with your neighbors, this race is a great way to join the community.

Festival Highlights for Families & First-Timers

Whether you’re a Lemonade Days veteran or attending for the first time, here are a few things to check out:

• Wednesday is Family Night, featuring discounts and smaller crowds

• The Petting Zoo and Pony Rides are only available on Saturday and Sunday

• The Beer Garden and Food Truck Alley are open daily

• Shuttle stops and rideshare drop-off are located near the baseball fields

• Don’t miss the Cheek-Spruill House tribute display at the Flashback Booth

Supporting Historic Preservation Through Celebration

Lemonade Days isn’t just about having fun—it’s also a fundraiser. Proceeds go toward the Dunwoody Preservation Trust’s mission, which includes maintaining historic properties like the Donaldson-Bannister Farm, Cheek-Spruill House, and Stephen Martin Cemetery.

For those living in Dunwoody, the preservation of these sites keeps the city’s character intact. And for those moving to Dunwoody, it’s a reminder that community pride and shared history are foundational here.

Making Lemonade Out of Storms: 25 Years Strong

We close this special episode with deep appreciation for everyone who has helped shape Lemonade Days into what it is today. From Joyce Amacher’s leadership in 1998 to the incredible growth seen at Brook Run Park in 2025, the festival remains a symbol of what makes Dunwoody special.

This silver anniversary is a reminder that from fallen trees, real roots can grow.