The Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, Scarlett on the Square will have a few fireworks of their own with this year’s main event known as A Star-Spangled Scarlett Weekend.

Joining the festivities will be five of the cast members from the world’s most famous movie, and it will be the first time since 1989’s 50^th anniversary of Gone With the Wind at the Fox Theatre that they have been together in the same location. On hand for the celebration will be Fred Crane (Brent Tarleton), Ann Rutherford (Carreen O’Hara), Mickey Kuhn (Beau Wilkes), Cammie King Conlon (Bonnie Blue Butler), and Patrick Curtis (Baby Beau). 

The three-day event begins on Friday July 4^th with the five Gone With the Wind stars cruising along the parade route in Marietta’s Annual “Let Freedom Ring” Fourth of July Parade. They plan to do it in style by waving to the crowd from the brand new Marietta Trolley. Following the parade, they will take their places at the museum to sign autographs for the fans. The Rhett Butler Show Truck, owned by Rhett and Lynn Butler from River Falls, Alabama, will make another appearance along the Whitlock Avenue side of the museum. If you missed the opportunity to see the famous 18-wheeler show truck in 2005, you will not want to miss it this year. Cameras are suggested, as artist Wes Hardin’s Gone With the Wind paintings on the truck body are not to be believed. You will feel as if “Rhett” and “Scarlett” are about to step down from their places and come to life.    Driver of the truck, Larry Weaver, will also join the Butler’s in Marietta for the second time.

Saturday, July 5^th will be brimming with things to do, so be sure to mark your calendars. Beginning Saturday morning from 9:30-noon, enjoy a breakfast buffet at the Marietta Country Club as you participate in our special “Star-Struck” team trivia contest with the cast members. You will be able to hear from the horses mouth (well, the actor’s mouth) the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about each question while enjoying a delicious southern breakfast. Back at the museum, tables will be set up for a “GWTW Swap Meet” so if you have Gone With the Wind items you want to swap or sell, or if you just want to purchase items, that’s the place to be. Anyone interested in a table (no charge) should call Christy Hopper at 770-794-5576 to reserve. The swap-meet will take place from approximately 12:30- 1:45 p.m. and then everyone will want to go home and get dressed for the biggest event of the weekend—

“Dancing With the Stars & Stripes.” Join us for an evening of dining and dancing in the ballroom of the Hilton Atlanta-Marietta Conference Center & Hotel for an evening in the 1940’s. With the ballroom decorated in Hollywood Canteen style, special guests will participate in a salute to our military forces and service organizations. Registration begins at 5:00 p.m., with a reception at 5:30, dinner at 6:30, and the program at 8:00. At the end of the program, everyone is invited to take to the dance floor to the big band songs of the 40’s from the Society Express Band. Professional ballroom dancers will be on hand to “show you how it’s done” while ‘cigarette girls’ pass out commemorative souvenirs to all ticket holders. 1940’s dress is encouraged, but black tie or dress casual is also fine. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

We wrap up a fabulous weekend on Sunday, July 6^th at the beautiful Murray Arts Center beginning at 11:00 a.m. with “I’m Ready for My Closeup..” where you will pose in front of a backdrop with the cast members for an instant photo. “Going Once, Going Twice” silent and live auctions will follow with items donated by Gone With the Wind collector, Dr. Chris Sullivan, Rhett Butler Trucking, and the cast members, as well as donations from other GWTW collectors. Then, get your costumes ready for “Hey, Look Me Over,” a fashion show that will see our contestants one at time, parade past the judges (our special guests) to vie for a prize for best costume. The day couldn’t end without something extraordinary, so attendees should plan on the perfect ending to a perfect weekend!

The cost for the 3-day weekend event is $150 per person. This includes all activities for all three days. Those who do not wish to attend all functions may purchase individual tickets for each day’s activities. Individual prices are: $25 for autograph session and personal museum tour, $35 for “Star-Struck,” and $125 for “Dancing With the Stars & Stripes.” There is no charge for Sunday’s activities other than a charge of $10 for the photo booth. This only applies to individual ticket purchases.

Door prize drawings will take place throughout the weekend. Rhett & Scarlet will make an appearance, and special commemorative souvenirs will be provided to all ticket holders for the Saturday dinner-dance.

For information regarding this event, please contact Connie Sutherland at 770-794-5145 or email Csutherland@mariettaga.gov. Reservations are now being accepted. Our website is: www.gwtwmarietta.com

Note: Any costs for photographs or autographs at signing are determined by cast members and do not benefit the museum.