Updated: Freaknic "Back" But No City Permits Granted

They're back!

Even though the popular Spring Break Freaknik isn't officially a southwest Atlanta event it can—shall we say—change things in the neighborhood.

Athough Reese McCranie, a spokesman for Mayor Kasim Reed, stated "unequivocally" in an e-mail statement Thursday that "the City of Atlanta has not issued any permits for Freaknic gatherings this weekend," the 24-hour thumping automobile music and all that goes with it are scheduled to return April 15-17 when the "20th annual" Freaknic comes to town.

According to a heavily promoted website Freaknic Nation, a Freaknic Atlanta Greek picnic will converge on Grant Park Sat., April 16. 

Meanwhile, at least one other another website, iFreaknik, is promoting a similar event the same day. The iFreaknik picnic is at the 77-acre South Bend Park, at 1955 Compton Dr., near Lakewood.