Thermometer On The Dash

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Good morning, Spalding County!

I was walking to my truck for lunch yesterday when I seriously considered turning around and going back inside. It was that hot. When I finally climbed in and cranked the engine, the thermometer on the dash read 105 degrees. Granted, the truck had been baking in direct sunlight, so the reading was probably a little dramatic. Still, it immediately made me think about football teams here in Spalding County and across Georgia gearing up for August practices in full pads.

No thanks.

I broke enough of a sweat picking up my Chick-fil-A chicken deluxe sandwich without lettuce. And yes, I ordered it that way on purpose. After all the recent Cyclospora headlines, lettuce and I are taking some time apart.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Tommy Karate Brings Hollywood to Downtown Griffin

Downtown Griffin is getting a turn on the big screen as crews film scenes for Tommy Karate, a new crime thriller starring Pete Davidson. Production has been taking place around downtown this week, including along Slaton Avenue, as filming moves through the area. The movie tells the true story of Tommy Pitera, a Bonanno crime-family enforcer whose martial-arts background earned him the nickname “Tommy Karate.” Davidson stars as Pitera and also co-wrote and produced the film. Paul Walter Hauser plays DEA agent Jim Hunt, while Camila Mendes and Simon Rex are also part of the cast. Justin Chon is directing. The production has been filming around metro Atlanta this summer, putting Griffin among the Georgia locations that will appear in the finished movie.

GSCS Fall Athletes Kick Off Season With Leadership Assembly

Middle and high school fall athletes from Griffin-Spalding County Schools gathered Tuesday for the district’s Beyond Self Athlete’s Assembly, a program focused on developing leaders both on and off the field. Community partner and mentor David Johnson leads the Beyond Self Athlete Program, which emphasizes leadership, character and a positive school culture. Students were reminded that athletes can be influential within their schools and were encouraged to follow three principles: respect yourself, respect others and take responsibility. Keynote speaker Tunji Adebayo Jr. challenged the athletes to recognize what makes them unique and develop the skills and mindset needed to reach their potential. The August 11 assembly marked the start of the program for GSCS athletes competing in fall sports.

Spalding County EMA to Distribute Free Fans

Spalding County residents will have another chance to pick up a free fan as local organizations continue heat-relief efforts through the final weeks of summer. The Spalding County Emergency Management Agency will distribute fans Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Fire and EMA Administration Complex, 1005 Memorial Drive. Fans are limited to one per household and will be available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis. The latest distribution is supported by a Rotary Community Grant awarded to Griffin Daybreak Rotary, with assistance from Griffin Ace Hardware. It follows an earlier effort this summer in which Griffin Daybreak and Griffin Rotary helped provide 100 box fans to residents without air conditioning. Spalding County EMA has also worked with the Rotary clubs to coordinate distribution as part of the community’s summertime cooling efforts.

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 14, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: UGA Extension Spalding County’s weekly farmers market returns to the Kiwanis Fairgrounds with local produce, honey, boiled peanuts, and other seasonal finds. It is an easy Friday morning stop for anyone wanting to shop locally and pick up something fresh before the weekend.
Where: Kiwanis Club and Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Drop-In Clay Play
When: Friday, August 14, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What: Stache Studio is opening its clay workspace for an all-ages drop-in session with no reservation required. Participants receive kiln-fired clay and can hand-build their own project with help from the studio. The $35 price includes 1.5 pounds of clay plus a return visit to glaze or paint the finished piece after it has been fired.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South Sixth Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Kids Art Club: Dumpling Painting
When: Friday, August 14, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Parents can drop off children ages 6 and older for an evening art class centered around a dumpling-themed painting. Kids will draw and paint an 11-by-14-inch canvas while learning basic acrylic techniques, brush handling, and color mixing. They can even bring along a dumpling collection to show or trade. Registration is $25.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South Sixth Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Pearl Bottom Radio w/ Elijah Pierce
When: Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
What: Pearl Bottom Radio returns to The Garden for a Friday night show with an opening set from Elijah Pierce and his three-piece band. It is another downtown option for readers who would rather spend the evening listening to live local music on Solomon Street.
Where: The Garden Beer Garden & Venue, 314 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

SATURDAY

Oil Painting Workshop: Sunset on the Rocks
When: Saturday, August 15, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What: Stache Studio is hosting a Bob Ross-style workshop introducing the wet-on-wet oil painting technique. The three-hour class includes instruction, a 16-by-20-inch canvas, paints, brushes, and an apron, and it is designed to be approachable even for beginners. The class is open to ages 13 and older and costs $72.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South Sixth Street, Griffin, GA 30224

SUNDAY

Lord of the Rings Trivia
When: Sunday, August 16, 3:00 PM
What: The Griffin Moose Lodge is hosting a Lord of the Rings trivia afternoon for fans ready to test their Middle-earth knowledge. Registration begins at 2:00 PM, with trivia starting at 3:00 PM. Teams may have up to 10 players, and the cost is $5 per person. The event will also include themed drinks, a 50/50 raffle, and guests are welcome to come dressed as their favorite character. Net proceeds will benefit Moose and local charities.
Where: Griffin Moose Lodge 1503, 1435 Zebulon Road, Griffin, GA 30224

UPCOMING

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

94° 🌡️ 75° | 🌦️ | 20% | NW 5 mph

SATURDAY

94° 🌡️ 75° | ⛈️ | 30% | NW 5 mph

SUNDAY

94° 🌡️ 75° | ☀️ | 10% | WNW 5 mph

THANKS!

Thanks for reading today, Spalding County.

As this heat hangs around, keep an eye on the people who have to work or practice in it. Drink plenty of water, take breaks when you can and do not underestimate an August afternoon in Georgia. I plan to spend as much of the weekend as possible near an air conditioner.

Thanks for spending part of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine. If today’s issue helped you discover something new or feel a little more connected to Spalding County, please send it to a friend or neighbor. 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 fun this weekend, stay cool!

P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Spalding County readers can reply as well or email griffin@welldiem.com.