Food Trucks, Fundraising, and Free Bird to Enhance Eighth Annual Sheila Fest

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

A beloved annual event among Traditions of Braselton residents and their Jackson, Hall, Barrow, and Gwinnett County neighbors, the all-day outdoor music festival – Sheila Fest – returns to the stage for its eighth year on Saturday, October 19. This year’s event brings several new bands to its lineup, all of which will play to a crowd of music lovers on the Jefferson-based, 1140-acre master-planned community’s sprawling event lawn. In addition to showing off their best air guitar, attendees can dine from food trucks, peruse a variety of vendor tents, and take their kiddos to enjoy a variety of fun-focused activities in the Ultimate Kid Zone. At the heart of the event is a spirit of giving. The festival’s namesake – Sheila Anderson – seeks to pay it forward to several local charities, including iServe Ministries, through proceeds from ticket sales and direct donations. Tickets for attendees 15 and older are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Kids 14 and under can enjoy the show for free.

The lineup for Sheila Fest 2024 includes:

  • Free Bird Atlanta
  • Departure - Tribute to Journey
  • Smokey Jones & The 3 Dollar Pistols
  • Redneck Blonde
  • Sunset Strip
  • Radio Star
  • Kid Brother
  • After School Special
  • Dock Rock Radio

“Having been given a second shot at life following a massive heart attack, Sheila Anderson had a vision for a music festival that celebrated life, music, and community,” said Bryan Allen, General Manager for Traditions of Braselton. “Whereas the first concert featured only a couple of bands and was primarily attended by close friends and neighbors seeking to support Sheila’s recovery and lift her spirits, the lineup has since grown to as many as nine bands playing from day into night to crowds of nearly a thousand attendees. Most recently, Sheila has led the formation of the Sheila Fest Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, to increase further the impact of the music festival and other fundraising events. Things have really changed since the humble beginnings of $2500 donated to a local charity following the inaugural concert. Last year’s Sheila Fest raised a record-setting $60,000 for three local charities. We hope to break that record with this year’s festival.”

Football fans who plan to attend Sheila Fest will be pleased to learn that there will be a tailgate game truck to show football games throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring their canopies, chairs, and coolers for a full day of fun against a scenic backdrop of the rolling foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. Located at 1665 Traditions Way in Jefferson, parking for the event will include assigned parking spaces at Traditions’ Owners Clubhouse and surrounding grassy areas. Once full, additional parking will be available in designated areas – guests are asked to follow the signs. A complimentary shuttle will bring attendees back and forth to the venue. Gates for the event open at 11 a.m., and the music starts at noon.

Sponsorships and vendors are currently being sought for Sheila Fest. Many sponsorships include entry tickets, event t-shirts, and perks like stage promotion, signage, a vendor booth, and more. Vendors will also receive two entry tickets to the festival. To sign on as a sponsor or vendor, please go to www.sheilafest.com or call event organizer Sheila Anderson at 678-283-8594. 

To learn more about Sheila Fest 2024 and purchase tickets online, please visit www.sheilafest.com. Tax-deductible donations can be made directly to the Sheila Fest Foundation on the event website for those unable to attend Sheila Fest.