Five Star Review

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Good morning, Spalding County!

Earlier this week, I stepped into the backyard and noticed that one of the bluebirds’ favorite birdhouses had been knocked down during one of those pop-up storms. Rehanging it seemed like the kind of job that should take five minutes. Grab the ladder, drive in a screw and move on with the day.

That was before I discovered the old screw would no longer hold. So I went back to the garage for a new one. Then I realized my electric screwdriver was just short of reaching the screw through the opening of the birdhouse, which meant another trip for a longer bit. By that point, a five-minute chore had turned into a full project. After several trips back and forth for tools, I was fully committed to completing a job that no bird had asked me to do.

About 45 minutes later, the birdhouse was finally hanging again. I stood beneath it sweaty and feeling far more accomplished than the situation warranted. The good news is the bluebirds have already moved back in. They did not thank me, but I am choosing to take their return as a five-star review.

- Chad

The Backpack Everyone Notices

Your backpack says a lot before you even say a word. Find the newest Sprayground collection and start the school year your way.

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THE DIGEST

New Visitor Check-In Kiosks Installed at Every GSCS School

Griffin-Spalding County Schools has installed visitor management kiosks at every school in the district. The new system is designed to strengthen campus safety while giving schools a more consistent way to check visitors in. Families, volunteers and other guests should now expect to complete the visitor check-in process through the kiosk when entering a campus. The district announced the rollout Thursday as part of its August safety message, shortly after students returned for the 2026-27 school year. By using the same system throughout GSCS, the district aims to make entry procedures clearer and more efficient while maintaining tighter control over who enters school buildings. Visitors are encouraged to review the updated check-in procedure before arriving at a school.

Hundreds Attend Turfgrass Research Field Day at UGA Griffin

Hundreds of visitors gathered at the UGA Griffin campus Wednesday for Turfgrass Research Field Day, an educational program showcasing the university’s latest work in lawn and turf management. Homeowners, Master Gardeners, Extension agents and industry professionals followed specialized tracks through seven outdoor research sites before moving indoors for additional afternoon sessions. UGA researchers and Extension specialists presented their findings on turfgrass diseases, insect control, weed management and irrigation. Attendees also learned about newer developments in robotic mowing and turfgrass breeding. Faculty and staff from across the state helped organize the event, giving visitors an opportunity to see research underway at the Griffin campus and learn how it could be applied to home lawns, golf courses and athletic fields.

Nominations Open for Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame

Griffin-Spalding County Schools is accepting nominations for the 2026 Griffin-Spalding Educator Hall of Fame, giving the community an opportunity to recognize retired educators who made a lasting impact on local students and schools. Nominees must have worked for the district for at least 10 years and been retired from GSCS for a minimum of five years. Nominations will remain open through Sept. 11, allowing former students, colleagues and community members to recommend educators whose service deserves lasting recognition. Those selected for the 2026 class will be formally inducted during a ceremony on Oct. 27. The Hall of Fame honors educators whose careers helped shape Griffin-Spalding County Schools and the generations of students they served. Nomination materials and additional eligibility information are available here.

DUMP SCHEDULE

Monday & Thursday: Carver (610 Carver Rd) and Woodroof (4245 Old Atlanta Rd) 11am-7pm

Tuesday & Friday: Blalock (5756 Newnan Rd) and Cabin (3865 Jackson Rd)
11am-7pm

Saturday: All centers open 7am-1pm (plus Akin for bulky items only)

Sunday & Wednesday: Closed

Got big stuff? The Akin Collection Center (841 S McDonough Rd) is for bulky items only—no regular household garbage. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm.

All centers closed on county holidays.

The Official Griffin Grapevine Hometown T-Shirt

Griffin Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together and now you can wear that spirit. This soft Comfort Colors tee features a richly illustrated tribute to Griffin, Georgia on the back, with irises, railroad tracks, peach, sweet tea, and classic Doc Holliday hat. Wear it around town, to community events, or anywhere you want to represent the people and stories that keep Griffin connected.

Shop the Griffin Grapevine tee and wear your hometown pride.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

FRIDAY

Griffin Farmer’s Market 2026
When: Friday, August 7, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: The weekly Griffin Farmer’s Market returns to the Kiwanis Fairgrounds with locally grown produce and other regional staples, including honey and boiled peanuts. It is an easy Friday morning stop for readers who want to shop locally and pick up something fresh for the weekend.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Ribbon Cutting for Spin & Go Laundry
When: Friday, August 7, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome Spin & Go Laundry with a grand-opening ribbon cutting. Visitors can meet the team and tour the newly renovated laundromat, which now features new washers and dryers, free Wi-Fi and updated seating.
Where: Spin & Go Laundry, 504 West Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Dueling Pianos at The Tipsy Daisy
When: Friday, August 7, 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00 PM
What: The Andrews Brothers bring their request-driven Dueling Pianos show back to The Tipsy Daisy for an evening of music, comedy and audience singalongs. Cover is $5 per person. The venue is open to guests age 21 and older, and 10% of sales from the specialty cocktail menu will benefit Shop with a Cop.
Where: The Tipsy Daisy, 132 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SATURDAY

Southern Cars and Coffee Cruise-In
When: Saturday, August 8, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Black Smoke Coffee and Atlanta Auto Restoration are hosting their monthly morning cruise-in for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. All makes and models are welcome, and the gathering will include door prizes. The first 20 participating vehicles will receive a complimentary coffee and biscuit.
Where: Black Smoke Coffee, 2914 Macon Road, Griffin, GA 30224

Griffin Gives Back: Union Cemetery Project
When: Saturday, August 8, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: The City of Griffin is inviting volunteers to help begin restoring historic Union Cemetery by clearing underbrush and removing overgrown vines. The cemetery is believed to hold at least 350 graves, including those of military veterans and local church leaders. The city will provide tools, gloves, dumpsters, water and snacks. Advance registration is requested through the event page.
Where: Union Cemetery, 716 Grandview Drive, Griffin, GA 30224

Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Workshop
When: Saturday, August 8, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: The City of Griffin Stormwater Department will teach volunteers how to evaluate stream health by collecting and identifying insects, mollusks and other aquatic organisms. The workshop begins in a classroom before moving to a nearby stream for hands-on practice. Adults and teenagers accompanied by an adult may participate. Registration is required, and attendees should bring lunch, a drink and appropriate outdoor footwear.
Where: City of Griffin Stormwater Department, 865 South Ninth Street, Griffin, GA 30224

2nd Saturday Ice Cream Stroll and Great Sprinkles Tour
When: Saturday, August 8, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Downtown businesses will serve creative ice cream flavors and sprinkle toppings during this free, family-friendly tasting tour. Participants can collect an event passport at the City Church Ice Cream Truck in Park at Sixth, visit participating stops and vote for their favorites. The first 250 participants will receive a color-changing spoon. Shop, Dine, Explore specials begin downtown at 10 a.m.
Where: Downtown Griffin, with passports available at Park at Sixth, 204 Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30224

2nd Saturday Concert Series: Lady Creech and the Mainstreet Band
When: Saturday, August 8, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Lady Creech and the Mainstreet Band will perform at Park at Sixth following the Ice Cream Stroll. The city’s monthly outdoor concert is free, family-friendly and scheduled to take place rain or shine. Visitors can bring a chair and spend the evening listening to live music in downtown Griffin.
Where: Park at Sixth, 204 Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Southern Harm Roller Derby vs. Chattahoochee Valley
When: Saturday, August 8, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Southern Harm Roller Derby takes on Chattahoochee Valley during an all-ages bout at Griffin Skate Inn. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the first whistle at 7 p.m. General admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Admission also includes skating after the match, with the rink remaining open until 11 p.m.
Where: Griffin Skate Inn, 2489 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Billy and The Jets Live at The Garden Beer Garden
When: Saturday, August 8, 8:00 PM
What: Billy and The Jets will bring their piano-driven tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John to The Garden Beer Garden. The downtown performance offers another Saturday-night option for readers who want classic hits and live music in a casual outdoor setting.
Where: The Garden Beer Garden, 314 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Pandora’s Box: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute
When: Saturday, August 8, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM; doors open at 7:00 PM
What: Pandora’s Box recreates the sound and stage presence of Aerosmith during a full tribute performance at the Griffin Opera House. The Atlanta-based group has performed across the country and internationally since forming in 2015. Reserved tickets begin at $27.50 before fees, with several seating sections available.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

Flint River Astronomy Club Meeting
When: Thursday, August 13, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: The Flint River Astronomy Club will gather for its monthly meeting at the UGA Research and Education Garden. Experienced stargazers and curious beginners are invited to connect with other astronomy enthusiasts, discuss upcoming celestial events and learn more about exploring the night sky. The evening will include club updates, an open question-and-answer session and planning for the group’s next stargazing event. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and curiosity about astronomy.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
When: Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM
What: Bobby Miller brings a full Michael Jackson tribute show to the Griffin Opera House with a performance built around the music, dancing and stage presence of the King of Pop. The production recreates the feel of Michael Jackson’s live concerts and features familiar hits from throughout his career. It is designed for longtime fans as well as anyone who never had the chance to see Michael Jackson perform in person. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

12th Annual Doc Holliday Festival
When: Saturday, September 12, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: The Doc Holliday Festival returns to Griffin City Park for a free day of barbecue, history and family entertainment. The festival will feature more than 30 professional teams competing in a Georgia Barbecue Association competition, along with a People’s Choice tasting where visitors can sample barbecue and vote for their favorite. Spurred West will perform three reenactments of the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral while sharing the story of Griffin native John Henry “Doc” Holliday. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support the Spalding Collaborative for Families and Children.
Where: Griffin City Park, 601 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA 30224

WEATHER

FRIDAY

86° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 40% | SE 5 mph

SATURDAY

87° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 40% | ESE 4 mph

SUNDAY

86° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 40% | SSE 4 mph

THANKS!

Thanks for spending part of your day with the Griffin Grapevine.

The more time I spend putting this publication together, the more I realize how much can happen around Spalding County without most of us ever hearing about it. My goal is to catch the stories worth knowing and bring them straight to your inbox.

If today’s issue helped you discover something new or feel a little more connected to home, send it to a friend or neighbor who might enjoy it too. That is still the best way the Grapevine grows.

Have an event, news tip or local story I should know about? Reply to this email. I personally read every message.

Have a great weekend and take care of each other. And if you tackle any five-minute projects, I hope yours have the courtesy to take five minutes.