The Atlanta Dogwood Festival began in 1936 to celebrate springtime in Atlanta, Georgia, through the arts. The festival was organized by Mayor James L. Key, a board led by president and chairman Walter K. Rich, and Atlanta garden clubs. The week long festival included three operas performed by the Metropolitan Opera, a parade, dance events, art exhibits, and music concerts. Garden clubs sponsored and promoted the planting of dogwood trees to beautify the city. The annual festival continued until 1941 when it was suspended due to World War II. In 1950 the Women's Chamber of Commerce became involved in the festival and in 1968 the organization was granted permission to fully produce and coordinate the festival. The same year, the festival was revitalized and expanded to include the opening of Underground Atlanta, a sculpture competition, and lighted Dogwood trails. Piedmont Park hosted many of the events. Other events in the 1980s included a fashion show, beauty pageant, and balloon race. Additional events have been added to the annual festival to attract more tourists to the city, encourage community pride, as well as promote the planting of dogwood trees. The festival is overseen by a board of directors, including chair, vice chair, and treasurer.