Events and happenings: The Week of April 24
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Apr. 26—Georgia DOT advises commuters to plan ahead for Taylor Swift and Janet Jackson concerts
The Georgia Department of Transportation expects a significant increase in traffic the evening of April 28 due to the anticipated 100,000 people coming to downtown Atlanta for the Taylor Swift and Janet Jackson concerts.
With greater-than-normal traffic and increased demand for parking spaces, residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead and seek alternative transporation to get where they need to be. Georgia DOT Traffic Operations will be coordinating with Mercedes Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center to monitor ingress and egress routes to the venues and will adjust signal timing as needed.
To get real-time travel information including road closures and traffic conditions, call 511 or visit https://511ga.org/.
------
Yoga and Bike Lessons in Aviation Park
Town Center CID is sponsoring a free, six-week summer yoga series in Aviation Park, 2659 Barrett Lakes Boulevard in Kennesaw.
Sessions will be held every Sunday in June and the first two Saturdays of July.
Each session is limited to 50 participants. Registration is required.
Town Center CID is also offering free bike lessons led by instructors from REI Kennesaw Co-op on May 7 from 8 to 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Aviation Park.
Each lesson is limited to eight participants and offers instruction to help overcome fears, teach important skills such as starting and stopping, and how to maneuver a bike around obstacles. Students should arrive with their own bikes with the training wheels removed. They should be able to sit on the seat with their feet flat on the ground. This class is for children, ages 5-12 years old, and accompanying adults will be expected to support their budding cyclist throughout.
In addition to a bike, a properly fitted helmet is essential for a child's safety. Safe Kids Cobb County will be onsite to provide youth bike helmet fittings and appropriate bike helmets if needed.
Registration is required for both events. To reserve a spot, visit https://www.towncentercid.com/surveys-events.
------
Great Outdoors Day on the Atlanta Beltline
The Great Outdoors Day on the Atlanta BeltLine will be May 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and celebrate natural spaces and how communities and wildlife co-exist within them.
The event will take place on the activity field next to the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, adjacent to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, 830 Willoughby Way NE in Atlanta.
Great Outdoors Day will feature interactive exhibitions from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, including live wildlife, archery, Gateway to Fishing casting lessons and numerous other family-friendly activities highlighting outdoor activity and local wildlife. Between demonstrations, stop by booths for information on summer activities.
Atlanta conservation organizations, such as Trees Atlanta, The Nature Conservancy and Greening Youth Foundation, will also be in attendance to share the work local groups are doing to protect the air, water, land and wildlife.
For more information, visit Beltline.org/2023/04/24/great-outdoors-day-on-the-atlanta-beltline/.
------
Celebrate National Library Week
Celebrate National Library Week, which runs through April 29, by recognizing the invaluable contributions of libraries and their workers, as well as encouraging library use and support.
This year's theme, "There's More to the Story," emphasizes that libraries offer much more than just books including family passes to various attractions, recording studios, accessibility services, passport services and more.
To see Cobb County Library events this week, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/library/news/theres-more-story-your-library-national-library-week.
------
Recognizing crime victims' rights and the need to support them
Earlier this month, the Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation to the District Attorney's Office designating April 23-29 as Crime Victim's Week in Cobb County.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week provides an opportunity for the county to recommit to providing accessible, appropriate and trauma-informed services to all victims of crime. This year's theme — "Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change." — calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed and supported.
Victims of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault and elder abuse are encouraged to seek assistance through liveSAFE Resources Inc., by calling 770-427-3390 or visiting livesaferesources.org.
SafePath Children's Advocacy Center offers assistance to victims of child sexual and physical abuse. SafePath's telephone is 770-801-3465 or can be reached at safepath.org.
Surviving family members of homicide victims may contact the Crime Victims' Advocacy Council at 770-333-9254 for assistance or visit cvaconline.org.
------
Careers available for community helpers
Cobb County Public Safety will have a career fair on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cobb County Police Headquarters, 545 South Fairground Street in Marietta.
The county is hiring multiple positions, including E-911 Operators, GCIC technicians, police officers and more, with up to $8,000 in sign-on incentives.
This is an open event. Recruiters will be present to assist and answer any questions. This career fair is a partnership with the Cobb County chapter of NAACP and the Cobb County SCLC.
For more information, visit JoinCobbPolice.com or JoinCobb911.com.
------
Classes for tots keep them on the move
Boots Ward Recreation Center, 4845 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have free workshops in May.
Preschool Motor Development creates a safe and fun environment for children to learn a variety of sports. Parents of children 2-3 years old must participate. Classes will take place May 3, May 10 and May 17 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Registration is now open at www.cobbparks.org. For more information, e-mail Davian.oglesby@cobbcounty.org.
------
Economic Development conversations next month
The county Economic Development team is hosting Coffee and Conversations with Cobb on May 15 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in District 1, Marietta.
The goal of this event is to foster meaningful relationships between Cobb County Economic Development and the small business community to help the local economy thrive. It also provides an opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs and startups to connect with county staff, network with neighboring businesses and learn how Cobb is available to support their business growth.
County representatives in attendance will include, but are not limited to the Economic Development Office, Code Enforcement, Department of Transportation, Business License and Public Safety. This is a quarterly event held in a different commission district each quarter.
Space is limited. RSVP ASAP to brittney.rasmuson@cobbcounty.org or 770-528-1009 for the event location.
------
Senior Services Expo to offer services, screenings
The Cobb Senior Services Expo and Marketplace will take place on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE in Marietta.
Admission and parking are free. There will be more than 100 vendors at the event covering such topics as senior living, travel, hearing, safety, Medicare and more. Northside Hospital is holding health screenings on site. Seminars will include topics such as scam prevention and dementia.
For more information, visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park's Junior Ranger Day is April 30
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive in Kennesaw, will have its annual Junior Ranger Day on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants can go on a journey through the history of Kennesaw Mountain, both before and after the famous battle that occurred there. Through a series of activities, Junior Rangers will learn all about what makes the park special.
All ages welcome. No registration required.
For more information, call 770-615-1802, email kemo_education@nps.gov or visit www.nps.gov/kemo.
------
"Community Conversations" town hall to highlight Fine Arts program in Marietta
Marietta City Schools will continue the "Community Conversations" town hall series on April 26 from 8 to 8:30 p.m. with an overview of Fine Arts opportunities in the district.
This month, Dr. Rivera and Fine Arts Coordinator Carolyn Landreau will discuss Fine Arts programming for students of all ages — including music, visual arts, theatre arts and dance — and how students can get involved.
This "Community Conversations" event will be virtual at vimeo.com/event/2904986. The virtual town hall will also be recorded so people who can't make it can still access this valuable information.
------
Marietta Performing Arts Center to screen The Right to Read
Marietta Performing Arts Center, 1171 Whitlock Avenue NW in Marietta, will screen The Right to Read, a film by Jenny Mackenzie, on May 1 at 6:45 p.m.
Unlike language, most children do not "naturally" learn to read, where they pick it up simply by being around it. Evidence shows the majority of children require explicit instruction in how to learn to read. Surrounding a child with books is not enough to instill a love of literature; first, they must learn how to decode individual words by recognizing sounds, letters, and how they blend. But they cannot learn this alone, a teacher must instruct them systematically in a classroom.
The free event will be followed by a panel discussion. Reservations are required. To reserve a seat, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-right-to-read-film-and-panel-discussion-tickets-620011149037.
------
Smith-Gilbert Gardens to have plant sale
Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, will have a plant sale on April 29.
Participants can purchase from an assortment of native trees and plants, including weeping redbuds, dogwoods, magnolias and pollinators. Every plant purchased benefits the collection at the Gardens.
Members will get to purchase plants beginning at 8 a.m. General public purchasing will begin at 9 a.m. Non-members will pay general admission.
For more information, email info@smithgilbertgardens.com.
------
Marietta church providing free food to those in need on May 2
The Episcopal Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, 1795 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, is partnering with There's Hope For The Hungry to provide free food for those in need.
On May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., those in need can come to the church and follow signs through the church parking lot, park and come inside to register, then have a brief conversation and after that be directed back to one's car to pick up a box of non-perishable food that will feed four people for two weeks, a loaf of bread, frozen chicken, a quart of milk and a box of cereal. All COVID-19 precautions will be followed.
------
Armchair Travel: Discover India
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Armchair Travel: Discover India on April 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants can "travel" to India for an in-depth look at the country's history, unique culture and cuisine. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Game Show Afternoon: Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Game Show Afternoon: Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? on April 27 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Based on the television game, participants will work as a group to answer a series of multiple-choice questions that increase in difficulty. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
April Showers Bring Trivia Powers
The Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, will have April Showers Bring Trivia Powers on April 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants can test their knowledge of the 1960s as well as some random everyday fun facts. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-5355 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
April Taste of Italy with John
The Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, will have two sessions of April Taste of Italy with John on April 28.
Sessions will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
John will be in the kitchen showing participants how to make Fried Deviled Eggs. He will also be making a Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Samples will be provided. Cost is $11. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-5355 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Ask the Expert — Medicare Questions
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Ask the Expert — Medicare Questions on April 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Do you have questions about Medicare? Call the center to schedule a 15-minute appointment with a Medicare Expert. The event is presented by Senior Benefits. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Spring Chicken Run 5K & Festival is April 29
The Spring Chicken Run 5K & Festival will be April 29 at 7 a.m. in historic downtown Powder Springs.
The race, benefitting Sweetwater Mission, is a loop course starting in downtown, proceeding west along Dallas-Powder Springs Road, connecting with the Lucile Trail before joining the Silver Comet Trail before continuing back through downtown and ending at Town Square. Digital chip timing will be provided by ORION Racing for accurate and real-time results. The race will be held rain or shine.
For more information, visit https://www.springchickenrun.com/.
------
Spring Downtown Classic Car Cruise
The City of Acworth will have the spring Downtown Classic Car Cruise on April 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee Street in Acworth.
The Lake City Cruisers partner with the City and the downtown Acworth merchants to hold these free events. A $5 entry fee is requested for all vehicles in the cruise. All proceeds go to the Horizon Field, an all-inclusive special needs sports facility in Acworth.
For more information, visit https://acworthtourism.org/events/acworth-spring-classic-car-cruise/.
------
Biscuits & Baskets: Family Disc Golf Day is April 29
Kennesaw United Methodist Church, 1801 Ben King Road in Kennesaw, will have the first-ever Biscuits & Baskets: Family Disc Golf Day on April 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Participants can form a team and compete in a five-man team Texas Scramble style nine-hole disc golf competition. The event is open to all ages. Participants should bring their own discs. The entry fee is $20 per person, including a biscuit.
This is not a PGDA-sanctioned tournament. There will be prizes and competitions within the nine rounds of disc golf. To register, visit https://www.kennesawumc.org/biscuitsbaskets.
For more information, call 770-428-1543.
------
Kennesaw MountainFest is April 29
The inaugural Kennesaw MountainFest will be April 29 at Kennesaw Mountain High School, 1898 Kennesaw Due West Road in Kennesaw.
There will be live musical entertainment, food, fun for the kids and craft offerings from local vendors.
For more information, visit http://www.kennesawmountainfest.com or call 770-714-2026.
------
Spring Jonquil Festival is April 29-30
The Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival, presented by Superior Plumbing, will be April 29-30 on the Smyrna Village Green, 200 Village Green Circle in Smyrna.
Hours are April 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 30 from noon to 5 p.m.
The free admission event will feature over 150 arts and crafts booths, over 10 food booths, a live entertainment stage, beer gardens and various children's activities.
Artisans from all over the southeast feature their own handmade crafts, paintings, clothing, furniture and jewelry. The festival foods will include cotton candy, candy apples, corn dogs, hand-dipped ice cream, snow cones, polish sausage, chicken sandwich and BBQ. The huge interactive area includes big and small inflatable activities and sand art.
For more information, visit https://www.smyrnaga.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/22598/953?curm=4&cury=2023.
------
Adult Field Day in Acworth
The Acworth Parks, Recreation, and Community Resource Department will have an Adult Field Day on april 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee Street in Acworth.
Teams of four to six will compete in a variety of throwback challenges and games. Spectators are welcome to watch teams relive the glory days by competing in relay races, obstacle courses, stein hold races and team flip cup. Red Top Brewhouse will be on site with food and drinks. All participants will receive swag items and our top three teams will win prizes.
For more information, visit http://www.acworthparksandrec.org/.
------
Austell to have 2023 Bloomin' Fest
The 2023 Bloomin' Fest spring festival, presented in partnership with the City of Austell, will be April 29 at Legion Park, 5514 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell.
There will be live music, stage performances from local and professional artists, various food trucks including nachos, hot dogs, sno-cones, BBQ, Italian ice, funnel cakes and smoked turkey legs. Arts and crafts vendors will provide unique hand-crafted items. Children can enjoy face painting, bouncy houses, game trucks, arts and crafts, giant bubbles and puzzles.
Attendees can bring lawn chairs. No outside food or pets allowed.
The event is free. Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit House of Artists Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing opportunities for autistic artists.
The event is managed by Ricketts Rhodes Events. For more information, visit rickettsrhodes.com or call 404-954-2576.
------
Music in the Park is April 30
Music in the Park, sponsored by Wellstar Health System, will be April 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. at East Cobb Park, 3322 Roswell Road in Marietta.
For more information, visit https://www.eastcobbpark.org/calendar/.
------
Dragon Boat Festival is May 6
The Acworth Dragon Boat Festival will take place May 6 at Dallas Landing Park in Acworth to support Loving Arms Cancer Outreach.
These festivals are fun-filled days for all ages featuring corporate and community teams racing in 46-foot-long ornamental dragon boats. Race day combines various cultural activities with food and fun for spectators and participants.
For more information, visit www.acworthdragonboatfest.com.
------
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival
The North Cobb Rotary Club, City of Acworth and the Acworth Business Association partner each year to bring the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival.
This event will be held May 12-13 at Logan Farm Park in Acworth. All proceeds from this event are distributed amongst several local charities.
This two-day event features a concert under the stars on May 12 and a BBQ competition on May 13. Teams from all over the Southeast compete in professional and amateur divisions to see who will take home the title. For a small fee, attendees can taste their way through some of the best BBQ in the Southeast.
For more information, visit www.smokeonthelake.org.
------
Acworth's Memorial Day Ceremony
A ceremony to honor those who have given their lives in service to the country will be held on May 27 at 10 a.m. in Cauble Park at Patriots Point in Acworth.
Veterans and current servicemen will pay tribute to brave men and women who have fought and died for the nation.
Engraved pavers dedicated to those who have served in the armed forces that were purchased since the previous Veterans Day will be presented at the event.
For more information, visit at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
------
Daddy Daughter Date Night is June 10
Daddy Daughter Date Night will come back to Tanyard Creek Overlook in Acworth on June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
This special event is the perfect night out for girls up to 14 years of age and their dad or adult male chaperone. Attendees will create precious memories while enjoying an elegant dinner and some evening entertainment.
For more information, visit at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
------
Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration
Logan Farm Park in Acworth will have Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration on July 17.
This concert is held in observance of June 19, 1865 when the last African American slaves held in Confederate states were finally freed by the Union army. The City of Acworth invites the whole community to bring blankets and folding chairs.
For more information, visit at www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
------
Rock Painting
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Rock Painting on May 1 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Cost is $1. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Coffee with a Cop
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Coffee with a Cop on May 1 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join Ofc. Justice for coffee and conversation. Presented by Cobb County Police Department. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Retirement Income and Leaving a Legacy
The C. Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road in Smyrna, will have Retirement Income and Leaving a Legacy on May 2 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants can learn strategies they should know to maximize their income in retirement and leave as much as possible to their heirs.
The event, presented by Nolan Jetter of Edward Jones, is free. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-801-3400 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Medicare: Beyond The Basics
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Medicare: Beyond The Basics on May 2 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
------
Ayurveda Cooking Workshop
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Ayurveda Cooking Workshop from May 3-10 from 11 a.m. to noon.
What is Ayurveda? This presentation will teach holistic science of Ayurveda from ancient India. Presented by a Ayurvedic Wellness Counsellor. Cost $10 payable to instructor. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
