Make A Comeback

PARTNERED WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

What is something ordinary from the past that you wish would make a comeback?

Not a major invention or some sweeping cultural change. I mean the small things that once seemed normal and then quietly disappeared. Maybe it was a local restaurant everyone knew, a store downtown, handwritten invitations, Saturday morning cartoons, paper maps in the glove box or simply dropping by someone’s house without scheduling it three weeks in advance.

Most things do not vanish all at once. One day they are part of everyday life, and a few years later you suddenly realize you have not seen them in forever. We spend a lot of time talking about what is new, faster and more convenient. But convenience does not always make something better. Sometimes it just removes the parts that gave life a little personality.

So I am curious: What is one thing from the past you would bring back, especially if you grew up in Griffin?

- Chad

Are You Paying for Something You Already Have?

Some wireless plans include streaming services like Netflix at no additional cost. Certain cards and memberships bundle entertainment, travel, delivery, or shopping benefits too. If you are paying for those services separately, you may be covering the same value twice. Perkakeet helps you check the things already in your wallet and routine, uncover possible overlaps, and follow the official source before changing or canceling anything.

Find benefits that you are already paying for.

THE DIGEST

Spalding Fire Department Adds Four New Trucks

The Spalding County Fire Department received three new fire engines and a ladder truck in April as part of a long-term effort to replace and expand its emergency vehicle fleet. The new engines were ordered in 2022, while the ladder truck was ordered in 2024. Fire apparatus are built to each department’s specifications, and current delivery times can stretch from two to four years because of chassis availability, supply delays, and heavy demand from departments nationwide. Spalding County has added six engines over the past three years. A demonstration engine purchased after a 2023 accident is also being repainted and prepared for regular service at Station 5. Another engine was ordered for the future Station 8 on Teamon Road, with delivery expected to line up with completion of the new station.

Southern Crescent Holds Preview Day at Griffin Campus

Southern Crescent Technical College welcomed prospective students and their families to its Griffin campus for Preview Day on July 14. The event gave visitors a closer look at the college’s academic programs, campus facilities, student services, and enrollment process. Guests toured the campus, met faculty and staff, and learned more about technical education and workforce-training options available through the college. The day was designed for students considering their next step after high school, as well as adults looking to begin a new program or change careers. Preview Day also gave families a chance to ask questions about admissions, financial aid, and the resources available to students once classes begin.

Griffin Back-to-School Bash Set for July 23

Griffin’s annual Back-to-School Bash is scheduled for July 23 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at City Park. The event will provide backpacks and school supplies to the first 750 students, with materials available for children from elementary through high school. The evening will also include a family cookout, resource fair, inflatables, music, giveaways, touch-a-truck activities, and an outdoor showing of Zootopia 2. Several local organizations are helping coordinate the event, including the City of Griffin, Spalding County, Griffin-Spalding County Schools, City Church, Wellstar Spalding, and local public safety agencies. The bash is being held just before the start of the new school year and is intended to help families prepare while connecting them with community resources.

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

Rachel Forehand Live at Southern Social
When: Friday, July 17, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Southern Social is hosting an evening of live music with Rachel Forehand in downtown Griffin. Guests can settle in for food, drinks, and a three-hour set, with Forehand also highlighting music from her new album, “Blackwater.” A good Friday-night option for anyone looking for local live music without leaving town.
Where: Southern Social by Fire Maker Brewing, 122 W Bank Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Farmers Market
When: Friday, July 17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: The weekly Griffin Farmers Market brings local produce and other Georgia-grown goods to the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Shoppers can expect seasonal fruits and vegetables along with items such as honey and boiled peanuts. The market is hosted by UGA Extension Spalding County and is open to the public.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Sensory Play Day
When: Friday, July 17, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
What: The Griffin-Spalding County Library is hosting a morning of hands-on sensory play for children and their caregivers. The program gives kids a chance to explore different textures, movements and activities in a relaxed library setting. No registration is required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Ribbon Cutting for Lucky Starky’s
When: Friday, July 17, 3:00 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Lucky Starky’s with an official ribbon cutting. The downtown shop offers collectible blind boxes, Japanese-style gashapon capsule machines and original artwork and creations from local artists. The public is invited to stop by, explore the store and welcome the business to the local community.
Where: Lucky Starky’s, 132 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SATURDAY

Buckles and Bows 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, July 18, 10:00 AM
What: Buckles and Bows is marking 10 years in business with an anniversary celebration at its downtown Griffin shop. The children’s boutique has invited customers and community members to stop by, congratulate the owners and help celebrate a decade of serving local families.
Where: Buckles and Bows, 117 West Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Back to School Supply Wrestling Bash
When: Saturday, July 18, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What: The Sellers Law Firm is combining a back-to-school giveaway with an afternoon of live professional wrestling. Families can watch local wrestling champions compete while registered students receive free school supplies. Admission is free, but attendees should reserve a ticket, bring a chair and register students in advance. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Raymond Head Jr. Park, 1012 Beck Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Interstellar Echoes: A Tribute to Pink Floyd
When: Saturday, July 18, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Interstellar Echoes brings its Pink Floyd tribute show to the Griffin Opera House. The band works to recreate the sound and atmosphere of a Pink Floyd concert, performing familiar classics along with deeper cuts from the group’s catalog. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

Mission: Rock The Garden
When: Saturday, July 18, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
What: Rattled Bones brings a night of live rock music to The Garden Beer Garden and Venue. The outdoor downtown venue is advertising a $5 gate admission for the show, making this another option for anyone looking for live music Saturday night.
Where: The Garden Beer Garden and Venue, 314 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Jazz Night @ Tipsy Daisy
When: Saturday, July 18, 8:00 PM
What: The Tipsy Daisy is bringing jazz to downtown Griffin with live music from LALA & the YAYAS. The music is set to start at 8:30 PM, making this a good Saturday-night stop for anyone looking for something a little different downtown, whether you are grabbing a drink, meeting friends, or just want to hear live music close to home.
Where: The Tipsy Daisy, 132 S Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

UPCOMING

TRIBUTE: A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band
When: Saturday, July 25, 8:00 PM
What: TRIBUTE brings the music of The Allman Brothers Band to the Griffin Opera House for a night of Southern rock, blues and extended jams. The Atlanta-based eight-piece group has built a following by recreating the sound and energy of the original band using vintage equipment and decades of combined performance experience. Expect favorites from across the Allman Brothers catalog performed by musicians with a deep appreciation for the band’s distinctive sound. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, 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

WEATHER

FRIDAY

90° 🌡️ 73° | ⛈️ | 40% | NW 5 mph

SATURDAY

89° 🌡️ 72° | ⛈️ | 60% | NW 5 mph

SUNDAY

90° 🌡️ 74° | ⛈️ | 50% | WNW 6 mph

THANKS!

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

There is always more happening around Griffin and Spalding County than any one person can keep track of. Between local events, school updates, new businesses and community news, it is easy for something useful or interesting to slip by. My goal is to gather the things worth knowing and put them in one place, so keeping up with home does not feel like another chore.

If today’s issue helped you find something to do or learn something new, pass it along to a friend or neighbor who might enjoy it too. Every new reader helps make the Grapevine more useful to the community.

Have an event, news tip or local story I should know about? Just reply to this email. I read every message. Local businesses interested in reaching Spalding County readers can reply here as well or email griffin@welldiem.com.

Have a great weekend, and make the most of these last few weeks of summer!