The City of Suwanee shined at the Southeast Festivals and Events Association’s 2024 Kaleidoscope Awards Gala, securing seven prestigious awards for their 2023 event season. Among the accomplishments, Kim Towne, the City's dedicated Events Coordinator, was honored with the coveted Event Professional of the Year.

The accolades for the City of Suwanee include:

• Event Professional of the Year: Kim Towne
• GOLD: Best Event Photograph, Storyteller at Suwanee Fest
• GOLD: Best Festival or Event T-shirt, Suwanee Fest ("Not my first rodeo" staff shirt)
• GOLD: Best Social Media Campaign, Merch Madness
• GOLD: Best Art Activation, Ultimate Participation Trophy
• SILVER: Best Photo Op, Bob the Statuary Man at Suwanee Fest
• SILVER: Best Event Under $20,000, Summer Porch Jam

Amy Doherty, Events & Outreach Manager, expressed her excitement, “Kim has been an amazing part of our event team for nine years now. She continually pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation, ensuring the returning events are fresh each year and new events reflect our growing community. Her contributions have been invaluable, and she is definitely the event professional of the year in our book!”

The City of Suwanee puts on 40+ events every year, ranging from cultural celebrations and 5K races to farmers markets and art festivals. The Department of Economic Development is committed to fostering a variety of offerings throughout the year, making sure to be an inclusive community that embraces fresh and exciting event concepts.

The City also heartily congratulates Big South Productions, the group behind Suwanee Beer Fest, Suwanee Wine Fest, and other events, on their SFEA recognitions as well.

• GOLD: Best Website, Suwanee Beer Fest
• SILVER: Best Photo Op, Suwanee Wine Fest for grape stomping
• BRONZE: Best Social Media, Beer Fest

“Every year, the ideas presented in the Kaleidoscope Awards applications get more creative, the initiatives submitted get more innovative and inclusive, the competition gets stiffer, and the pool of incredible events spreads across the region. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we’re all headed up!” said Jamie McCormick, Operations Manager for SFEA.

The Southeast Festivals and Events Association is the premier organization for festivals and events in the Southeast, which includes 11 states. The SFEA evaluated 170 event applications this year, honoring cities and other groups for their outstanding work.