The Last Quiet Weekend

Good morning, Spalding County!

The final weekend of summer break has arrived, which means there are only a few more days to enjoy slower mornings and evenings that do not have to end quite so early. Make the most of it while you can. Take the kids for ice cream, spend a little time outside, or squeeze in one last outing before backpacks, alarm clocks and school-day routines return on Monday.

Granted, spending time outside in late July requires a certain tolerance for Georgia humidity. Some mornings, stepping through the front door feels less like going outdoors and more like walking into a warm, damp towel.

This weekend is also probably the right time to start pulling bedtimes back toward something that will not make Monday morning feel like a family emergency. For everyone without children heading back to class, enjoy the last quiet weekend before school buses, heavier traffic and the familiar rhythm of the school year return to Spalding County.

Monday will be here before any of us are ready.

- Chad

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When an air conditioner stops cooling, a heating system needs attention or routine maintenance keeps getting pushed aside, Pillar works to find a solution that fits the property, the system and the people who rely on it. They also offer 24/7 emergency service, because HVAC problems do not always happen during regular business hours.

Call Pillar Heating & Cooling at (470) 777-2930 or book online today. Mention the Griffin Grapevine when scheduling to receive $25 off your service call.

THE DIGEST

Griffin Kroger Plans More Than $3 Million Renovation

Kroger is preparing a major renovation of its store at 1524 Highway 16 West in Griffin, with the planned investment exceeding $3 million. The project will update about 35,000 square feet of the existing grocery store. Plans include improvements to the pharmacy, restrooms, refrigerated cases, shelving, lighting and merchandise displays. Plumbing, electrical and refrigeration systems will also receive upgrades, while some fixtures and equipment will be replaced or relocated. Exterior pickup signage may be added as part of the work. Much of the construction affecting the sales floor is expected to take place at night to reduce inconvenience for shoppers. Temporary barriers will separate work areas from customers while the store remains open. The renovation plans were completed earlier this summer, indicating that work could begin in the near future.

Spalding County Senior Center Extends Evening Hours

The Spalding County Senior Center will begin staying open until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting August 4, giving working residents and others with daytime commitments more opportunities to use the facility. The center, which serves adults 50 and older, has more than doubled its membership since 2022. County surveys also found that many eligible residents could not participate during the traditional 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule. In a follow-up survey, a large majority of current members said they wanted evening hours. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the center will now operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can use the additional time for self-directed activities, including board games, card games and socializing with other members.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Prepares New Griffin Location

Nothing Bundt Cakes is preparing to open a new bakery in Spalding Village at 1423 North Expressway, Suite 125. The nearly 2,000-square-foot space, formerly occupied by T-Mobile, is located near Hobby Lobby and Goodwill. The franchise is known for bundt cakes topped with cream cheese frosting and sold in several sizes and flavors. Customers can also choose from themed decorations for birthdays, weddings, graduations, holidays and other celebrations, along with party accessories such as candles and balloons. An opening date has not yet been announced, but sign is now up on the building.

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

Star-Spangled Social
When: Friday, July 31, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Fifty Forward is inviting adults age 50 and older to spend the morning fishing, listening to classic music and enjoying summer refreshments at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park. Admission is free for Fifty Forward members and $5 for nonmembers. Advance registration is required.
Where: Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, 1301 Cowan Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Farmers Market
When: Friday, July 31, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: UGA Extension Spalding County hosts the weekly Griffin Farmers Market with locally grown produce and other regional goods. The selection varies by week but regularly includes fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, boiled peanuts and seasonal items.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Griffin Stampede Pro Rodeo
When: Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: The Griffin Stampede returns for two nights of professional rodeo competition featuring broncs, bulls, barrel racing, trick riders, rodeo clowns and mutton bustin’ for children. Cowboys and cowgirls will compete for points and prize money as they work toward the year-end finals. Food and merchandise vendors will also be available. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Stampede Rodeo Grounds, 1405 North McDonough Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Legends of Rock: 10 Tributes, 1 Band
When: Friday, July 31, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Legends of Rock brings the arena-rock sound of the 1980s and 1990s to the Griffin Opera House with music made famous by Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses, Journey, Poison, Van Halen and other major rock acts. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Brian Cameron Band at Nic McKay’s
When: Friday, July 31, 8:30 PM
What: Brian Cameron and his full band will perform Friday night at Nic McKay’s Irish Pub in downtown Griffin. The recently opened neighborhood pub offers food, drinks and live music in a traditional Irish-pub setting.
Where: Nic McKay’s Irish Pub, 133 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SATURDAY

11th Annual 3D Archery Shoot
When: Saturday, August 1, 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
What: New Salem Baptist Church is hosting a free archery event for participants of all ages and experience levels. The morning begins with complimentary breakfast and registration at 6:30 a.m., followed by a mandatory meeting at 8:00 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. The event includes a 20-target 3D course, several skill divisions and door-prize drawings for registered participants and spectators. Lunch will be available for a donation.
Where: New Salem Baptist Church, 57 Bicycle Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Fourth Annual Family Summer Fishing Derby
When: Saturday, August 1, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Spalding County Leisure Services is inviting families to spend the morning fishing together at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park. Participants should bring their own fishing pole, bait, bucket and lawn chair. Families may register groups of up to six people, and advance registration is available through the event page.
Where: Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, 1301 Cowan Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Classic Soul and Motown with the Ray Howard Band
When: Saturday, August 1, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: The Ray Howard Band will perform an evening of classic soul and Motown music at the Griffin Opera House. The Atlanta-area group is known for energetic live performances built around the songs and sounds that helped define the Motown and classic-soul eras. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, 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

89° 🌡️ 72° | 🌤️ | 0% | S 5 mph

SATURDAY

84° 🌡️ 71° | ⛈️ | 90% | W 2 mph

SUNDAY

82° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 60% | SSE 4 mph

THANKS!

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

By Monday morning, Spalding County will be back in its familiar school-year rhythm. Plenty of families will be trying to remember where the lunchboxes were put back in May. Until then, I hope you get a little more time to enjoy the slower pace of summer and make the most of these final days before the routine returns.

If today’s issue helped you find something to do, learn something new or feel a little more connected to Spalding County, 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 good luck to everyone heading back to school on Monday!

P.S. Local businesses interested in advertising to Spalding County readers can reply to this email or contact me at griffin@welldiem.com.