Cobb County Government offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19. Many county services are available online at cobbcounty.gov.
You can join in the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King at an event filled with meaningful performances, 10 a.m. – noon Monday, Jan. 19 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, SE, Marietta. The annual event, hosted by the Cobb NAACP, will showcase singers, dancers, musicians, spoken word performers and more.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to start your year in the spirit of volunteerism and service while continuing his legacy. Here are some ways to participate with service events in Cobb and Metro Atlanta:
Acworth – A Welcome Breakfast and Unity Walk will be held at the Roberts School Community and Education Center 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19. The walk will be followed by a program and day of service at 10 a.m. at the Tanyard Creek Overlook at the Acworth Community Center. Get Acworth event details here.
Kennesaw volunteer day will be held 9 a.m. – noon Monday, Jan. 19 at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Volunteers will assist with a garden entryway beautification project. Get Kennesaw event details here.
Austell’s Community Cleanup will help beautify streets and Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile areas. Volunteers of all ages are needed Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Meet at Destiny World Church, 7400 Factory Shoals Road, Austell. Get Austell cleanup details here and sign up using the QR code or sign up here.
Chattahoochee Cleanup – Monday, Jan. 19, noon – 2 p.m. at the Paces Mill Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. 3444 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta. For ages 10 and older. Get Chattahoochee cleanup details and register here.
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The Credit Union of Georgia is proud to close out the year on a high note, celebrating the generosity and community spirit of its employees during the 2025 holiday season.
During the month of December, Credit Union of Georgia employees volunteered their time to ring the bell for The Salvation Army at the Kroger on Cherokee Street in Kennesaw. Over the course of one week, 48 employees contributed nearly 100 volunteer hours, raising $3,611 to support The Salvation Army’s mission of serving those in need.
The impact was doubled thanks to the Credit Union of Georgia Community Foundation, which matched the funds raised dollar-for-dollar. As a result, a total of $7,222 was donated to The Salvation Army to support vital programs and services in the local community.
“We love ending the year on a positive note, and our employees truly embodied the spirit of ‘Doing the Most Good’ this holiday season,” said Amanda Arnold, Director of Community Outreach. “Their willingness to give their time and energy during such a busy time of year reflects the heart of who we are as a credit union.”
Credit Union of Georgia extends its sincere gratitude to every employee who volunteered, as well as to the Credit Union of Georgia Community Foundation for amplifying the impact of their efforts. This initiative highlights the credit union difference of people helping people, especially when it matters most.
For more information about Credit Union of Georgia and its community involvement, visit www.cuofga.org.
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Cobb County government issuing reminders for New Year’s fireworks use.
Permissible use of fireworks on Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, goes through 1 a.m.
On Thursday, New Year’s Day, you can discharge until midnight.
Prohibited locations include county parks. “This includes historic sites, recreational areas and state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility,” Cobb government’s guidelines state.
And here’s some more info to keep in mind:
Brush off the old and ring in the new this week. Cobb County Government offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1. We hope everyone enjoys their New Year celebrations in safe and fun ways.
If you use consumer fireworks, protect yourself, your loved ones, and abide by regulations. See the state law here. Ordinances and safety tips include:
Read and follow label directions.
Fireworks should only be used with adult supervision.
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Ensure you have water and fire extinguishing equipment handy.
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The Cobb Library System has held ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ events at branches, including the Mountain View Regional Library.
Submitted information:
Cobb County Public Library’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration is Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Cobb Civic Center 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta 30060. For the first year, Cobb libraries are joining together to organize a major celebration in a large space after years of celebrations at individual Cobb libraries attracted large crowds and filled to near capacity.
The Noon Year’s Eve Celebration will feature family-friendly games, dancing, crafts and a special countdown to noon. The all-ages party is free and registration is not required.
Cobb County Public Library locations will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Thursday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holidays, and reopen on Friday, Dec. 26. The libraries will be closed 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 through Thursday, Jan. 1 and reopen on Friday, Jan. 2.
For information on Cobb County Public Library events, visit cobbcounty.gov/library or call 770-528-2326.
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The Home Depot at Providence Square Shopping Center will once again be a ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ dropoff spot.
Submitted information:
Join Keep Cobb Beautiful for our annual Bring One for the Chipper event, taking place Saturday, January 3 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at various locations throughout Cobb County.
Bring One for the Chipper is the state of Georgia’s annual Christmas tree recycling program. As an affiliate, Keep Cobb Beautiful works with sponsors to organize the recycling event for Cobb County. These sponsors include The Home Depot, The Davey Tree Expert Company and Cobb County Parks. Numerous local sponsors and volunteers also make contributions and provide in-kind services.
The Chipper program involves the entire community and countless volunteers. Since its inception, the program has recycled an estimated 5.9 million Christmas trees statewide. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards.
You can support the Chipper program by bringing your cut Christmas tree to a designated drop off site or volunteering with your local coordinator to collect trees.
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The Cobb County Police Department DUI Task Force and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) are offering their only warning before the Christmas & New Year holiday season to never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both substances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) December Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving enforcement campaign will begin on December 12, 2025 and run through January 1, 2026.
The Cobb County Police Departmentis joining state and local law enforcement across Georgia in increasing DUI enforcement during the holiday season with the goal of saving lives by preventing crashes caused by drunk and drugged drivers. State troopers, sheriff’s deputies, and police officers across the state always have a zero tolerance for impaired driving.Zero tolerance means any driver found on the road with a Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher will be arrested. No warnings will be given, and no one will be allowed to call a relative or friend to give them a ride.
“Impaired driving is one of the most serious and preventable dangers on our roads. Each year, our officers see crashes that cause severe injuries and needless loss of life because someone chose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These accidents divert emergency resources, burden families, and strain our community. They are not accidents. They are the result of avoidable decisions. Our department will continue traffic enforcement and public education, but safety starts with individual responsibility. If you plan to drink or use impairing substances, arrange a safe ride. Together, we can prevent these tragedies and keep our roads safe,” Chief Ferrell said.
“If alcohol is part of the plan, then the plan must include arranging a ride with a sober driver because driving after drinking is never worth the risk to yourself and others on the road,” Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety said. “For those who refuse to put their safety and the safety of others first, please know we have a jail cell ready and waiting for all drunk and drugged drivers we find on the road. Please think about yourself and others and make the right decision to call a friend, cab or ride share for a sober ride.”
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Across Cobb Schools, high school students have partnered with feeder middle and elementary school students to help spread Christmas cheer.
With the help of school counselors and social workers, students were selected to receive gifts based on need.
Pope’s 18th annual Shop with a Greyhound took center stage at Target, where an eager group of students rushed down the aisles searching for their favorite toys and essential items, such as clothes for the colder months.
More than 200 students from Brumby Elementary School were paired with a Pope student, allowing them to spend $115 on an early Christmas gift.
Over at Kell’s Shop with a Longhorn, students returned from a morning of shopping to help younger students wrap their gifts.
The school also had stations set up for face painting, ornament decorating, and photos with Santa.
With support from school counselors and social workers, students were selected to participate based on need. High school volunteers helped younger students shop for toys and essential items, including winter clothing, providing meaningful support to families during the holidays.,
Kell High School’s Shop with a Longhorn featured a full day of holiday activities. After returning from a morning of shopping, Kell students helped younger participants wrap their gifts and enjoy festive stations such as face painting, ornament decorating, and photos with Santa.
“The coolest part is that some of our high schoolers were once littles, and now they’re the ones helping — it’s come full circle,” said Ryan Hill, Shop with a Longhorn coordinator.
Additional events included Walton’s Shop with a Raider, Lassiter’s Shop with a Trojan, and Allatoona’s Shop with a Buc, among others held in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
These student-led initiatives often raise thousands of dollars to support fellow Cobb students in need. Beyond the gifts, the events create lasting connections, offering younger students positive role models while giving high schoolers the opportunity to give back and lead by example.
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Students pose with Sheriff Owens as Santa Claus and Mrs. Owens as Mrs. Claus during the 2025 Santa on Wheels event.
Submitted information and photos:
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), in partnership with the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, spread holiday cheer to students and families through its annual Santa on Wheels program, also known as “Santa Sobre Ruedas”. This year’s initiative shifted to a school-centered approach, delivering toys to elementary students from feeder schools supporting the Lindley and Floyd Middle Schools in Cobb County.
Throughout the morning, CCSO deputies, civilian staff, volunteers, and community partners distributed more than 2,000 toys, hosted bike raffles, and created festive moments for students and families. Sheriff Craig D. Owens and Mrs. Sharon Owens personally took part in the celebration, serving as Santa and Mrs. Claus, bringing smiles, laughter, and holiday magic to students at both school locations.
Dedicated volunteers and partners from Walmart and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center joined to ensure a memorable holiday experience for hundreds of families.
“Santa on Wheels is about more than toys — it’s about showing our community that they are seen, valued, and supported,” said Robert Haley, founder and executive director of the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation. “Because of the generosity of our partners, volunteers, and citizens, we were able to make a meaningful impact on Cobb County families and bring joy to thousands of children this holiday season. We are grateful for everyone who helped make this possible.”
At Floyd Middle School, students added to the festive atmosphere with live performances by the string orchestra and dance team, showcasing their talent and contributing to a joyful, community-centered celebration.
Santa on Wheels remains a cherished CCSO tradition, reflecting the Office’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the community and living out its motto: One Team. One Fight. One Community.
Col. Michael A. Williams helps showcase the toys collected for students.Walmart volunteers partner with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office to distribute toys at Lindley Middle School.Bike raffle winners celebrate with Mr. Robert Haley, founder and executive director of the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation.Command staff members pose together during the 2025 Santa on Wheels event at Floyd Middle School. Pictured left to right: Community Volunteer, Major Jacob Huval, Lt. Col. Stacey Bains, and Col. Eric Yeager.A smiling student takes a ride on the bike she won in the raffle during the 2025 Santa on Wheels celebration.
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Stacy Hagemann moved to East Cobb in the summer of 2015 and has been building her light display with the help of her father Bill ever since. What started as a nice modest display has grown tremendously over the years with Stacy’s “It’s never enough” motto. She likes to joke with her dad, “this is what happens when you don’t let your kids have many holiday lights growing up!”
Each year they offer a different display, always changing things up so it’s always new and exciting every year. This year the duo put the display up in a record 13 days! Scheduling issues on Stacy’s end made it difficult to start as early as they normally do, so it was a lot of very long days. It’s certainly a labor of love for both of them. Stacy said, her dad is truly brilliant in coming up with ways to achieve her ideas. “I have some pretty high (literally) ideas and he does his best to make them happen.”
As they talk to people visiting the display during the season, they see the joy it brings, and they know the reason they keep the display going and growing!
You can visit their home, part of Cobb EMC’s House of Lights – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at 1705 Nordic Trace. There is a Candy Cane Lane to walk the display and photo op at the end with the Grinch and Candy Cane’s for your journey. The display is open daily dusk to 11pm, weather permitting and completely free.
Top 3 homes will win $500 for charity. The Hagemanns are supporting Cure Childhood Cancer.
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Next week Cobb Christmas Inc. and its partners are delivering toys to children in need through its annual Stuff-A-Bus program, and several locations in East Cobb are serving as collection points.
It’s a non-profit that rounds up food and toy donations in a CobbLinc bus that makes designated stops.
Volunteers at these sites gather donations, which are then loaded onto the bus and transported to IAM Local Lodge 709 for distribution to local families.
The East Cobb places where you can drop off donations until then include the following:
Dance Stop Studios, 4400 Roswell Road, Suite 128
Planet Smoothie, 4805 Canton Road
Planet Smoothie, 1050 East Piedmont Road
Queen of Hearts Antiques, 2745 Sandy Plains Road
New, unwrapped toys may also be dropped off at IAM Lodge 709, 1032 South Marietta Parkway, Dec. 16-18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More details are included in the graphics below. For further information, e-mail: cobbchristmasinc@gmail.com.
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Additional information submitted by Cobb government:
Christmas events continue and families throughout Cobb will break out their candles and menorahs with the beginning of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 14. Upcoming community celebrations include:
Saturday, Dec. 13 – Winter Ward-erland – 6 – 9 p.m. at Ward Recreation Center. Take photos with Santa, crafts, snacks, inflatables and more.
Saturday, Dec. 13 – Sleighbells on the Square – Jingle all the way through Marietta in this 5K for the Children’s Emergency Fund.
Dec. 13 – 14 – Home for the Holidays at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta. Performances 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets available at the door and online.
Saturday, Dec. 13 – Toy Swap! Trade up in age and donate gently loved toys you don’t need, 2 – 4 p.m. in the Switzer Library Community Room, Marietta.
Sunday, Dec. 14 – Menorah lighting at Vinings Jubilee, 5:30 p.m. Giant Hanukkah snow globe, refreshments, photobooth, DJ, face painting, and balloons. Free admission – RSVP here.
Monday, Dec. 15 – Kennesaw kindles the candles on the menorah 6 – 7 p.m. at the Main Street Plaza. Free.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 – The Battery Atlanta Chanukah event at 5:30 p.m. Giant LEGO menorah lighting, inflatable sports games, treats, special entertainment, and more. RSVP here.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Acworth invites the community to Doyal Hill Park for the annual menorah lighting with the Chabad Jewish Center and Mayor Tommy Allegood, 6 – 8 p.m., 4410 Cherokee Street.
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The foundation is seeking donations and sponsorships, as well as volunteers, and is inviting the public to take part in the ceremony. The event begins at 12 p.m. and the wreath placements will follow.
The Marietta National Cemetery is located at 500 Washington St., Marietta.
For more information and to sponsor a wreath (the cost is $17), please click here.
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Dramatic temperature drops this week reminds us that, for some Cobb County residents, a warm winter coat becomes a must-have. And with cuts in federal aid dollars and social service programs, as well as escalating healthcare and food costs, the prospect of an empty Christmas stocking is very real for many of our neighbors’ children.
Indivisible Cobb wants to change that for at least some local families.
Over the next two weeks, the group will be collecting new/gently used coats and toys at several functions and they welcome others in our community to join in and make this cause part of their holiday season giving.
“A key aspect to what we do as an organization is to create and sponsor programs focused on the needs of Cobb County residents,” said Stacey Parlotto, a leader of Indivisible Cobb. “While our focus remains on advocating for progressive changes in our government, taking care of our neighbors has become a natural offshoot from our efforts. Our recent holiday meal initiative with GLAHR, a program from paying down school luncheon debts and an ongoing food drive in collaboration with the East Cobb Y are benefitting a number of families. So why not bring attention to this as well?”
Indivisible Cobb will be collecting items during several get-togethers this month on December 9, 10 and 13. For details on how you can participate, send an email to indivisiblecobb@proton.me and we can coordinate including your donation. Let us work together to help others stay warm this winter and help make kids’ Christmas a bit brighter!
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Santa and Mrs. Claus will return once again to Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park on Sunday.
The Christmas season moves into full swing with several East Cobb holiday events, culminating with the lighting of a community tree Sunday night at East Cobb Park.
But first up is the long-standing Apple Annie Arts and Crafts Show Friday and Saturday at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road).
More than 100 artisan vendors will be selling crafts, pottery, jewelry, decor and more. Regular features include a bake sale and cafe, handmade quilt raffles and live music.
Hours are 9-6 Friday and 10-5 Saturday, and admission is $5. All proceeds benefit local charities. A free shuttle runs from the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road).
Another holiday artisan market takes place all weekend. It’s the Cobb Holiday Artisan Market at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Mariett Parkway) features holiday performers, craft-making experiences, and unique gifts.
Hours are Friday 4-8, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday noon-5. Admission and parking are free.
Also Friday-Sunday is the annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” at The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road).
Scrooge, the Cratchits, and all the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come will return for a timeless tale of redemption, joy, and holiday spirit. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 and may be purchased here.
The first-ever Christmas Wonderland takes place Saturday at Fullers Recreational Center (3499 Robinson Road). It’s a Cobb PARKS-sponsored family festival from 10-2 that includes a Christmas brunch, arts and crafts, face-painting, storytelling, bouncy houses, games and prizes and more.
Admission is $6 a person but children three and under are free. Registration is required and can by done by clicking here.
They’re senior musicians who perform around the Cobb community, and they’ll begin tooting their horns Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road).
The concert is free but goodwill donations are accepted.
And finally, the 20th edition of Holiday Lights takes place Sunday at East Cobb Park (3822 Roswell Road). Music from the Dodgen Middle School band, and East Side ES choir will start things off, followed by a visit from Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree.
The Apple Annie Arts and Crafts Show returns to the Catholic Church of St. Ann.
Sweet treats also will be available from Cafe Rivkah. The sponsors are Wellstar Health System and Friends of the East Cobb Park.
The event is free and lasts from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Overflow parking is available at Wellstar East Cobb Healthpark.
One other ongoing holiday event to mention here, that goes through the start of the New Year: The Fox Family Holiday Light Display, in the Clary Lakes subdivision. The dazzling 100,000+ lights are turned on every night fron 6-11 p.m.
And please check our calendar listings for more events, holiday-related and otherwise. If you’d like to send us yours, you can learn how just below.
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Over the weekend the lights were turned on for one of East Cobb’s most notable holiday displays.
The 18th edition of the Fox Family holiday lights display continues every night (roughly 6-11 p.m.) through Jan. 7 at 2994 Clary Hill Court, in the Clary Lakes subdivision.
As we’ve noted previously, the continues into the new year due to the Orthodox Christmas as the Foxes are of the Greek Orthodox faith.
As in previous years, the display includes more than 100,000 lights synchronized to music. Visitors can tune in to 88.3FM to listen and watch the lights.
“The interactive display has many handmade animated features, two snow machines, a memorial tree, and an ornament and letters to Santa craft station,” noted a message on the display’s special Facebook page. which will be updated throughout the display period. “The Santa and Frozen characters visit on select evenings for photo ops and treats.”
There’s no charge to view the display, but donations are accepted for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.
Here’s the playlist for this year’s display:
1. Amazing Grace-Yule
2. Christmas Canon-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
3. Christmas Eve Sarajevo-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
9. Miracle on 34th Street Overture-Bruce Broughton
10. Linus and Lucy-Vince Guaraldi
11. Queen of the Winter Night-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
12. Sleigh Ride-The Ronettes
13. Wizard in Winter-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
14. Candy Cane Lane-Sia
15. Merry Christmas-Ed Sheehan & Elton John
The Fox display also is included in the Cobb EMC holiday light contest, with voting through December 26 at midnight at the Cobb EMC Facebook page.
The top 3 homes that have the most votes will win $500 for a charity of their choice.
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The sale continues daily through Dec. 14 in the portion of the parking lot at Highland Plaza Shopping Center (3605 Sandy Plains Road) along Gordy Parkway.
Send us your holiday event news!
If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!
This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.
Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
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Life University (Life U) is excited to announce the 36th anniversary of its Lights of Life holiday tradition. Each year, from Thanksgiving night through New Year’s Eve, the university transforms its campus into a holiday wonderland of sparkling lights, welcoming the community to experience the magic of the season. The beautiful Lights of Life display is one of the most affordable and family-friendly holiday attractions in the metro Atlanta area.
Visitors can enjoy a premium holiday experience featuring more than 1 million LED light bulbs, amusement rides, a petting zoo, train rides and delicious refreshments.
The Lights of Life holiday display will run every day from:
Start Date: November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving)
End Date: December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
Time: Lights turn on at sunset (approximately 5:30 p.m.) and stay on until around 9:00 p.m. during the weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) and 10:00 p.m. on weekends (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Life University Campus, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060
Bring your friends, family or a date and soak in the wonder of the season on Life U’s magical campus.
Admission is simple and affordable:
Cars/Trucks: $15 (flat rate – any day)
Buses: $30 (flat rate – any day)
No advance tickets required – pay at the entrance
Cash and major cards accepted
All proceeds from Lights of Life support student scholarships and campus beautification initiatives at Life U. Thank you for supporting our mission!
For more information about Life University, visit life.edu.
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It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!
Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.
We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.
Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.
Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
East Cobb Park’s brightest tradition is back and bigger than ever! Join us from 5pm to 8:30pm, Sunday, December 7, for the 20th Annual Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park, a festive community celebration that brings families, friends, and neighbors together to welcome the magic of the holiday season.
This year’s program features special performances by the Dodgen Middle School Orchestra and the East Side Elementary School Choir. Their joyful sound will help set the perfect tone for an evening filled with warmth, wonder, and holiday cheer.
A highlight of the night will be the official tree lighting, led by East Cobb Citizen of the Year, Michael Paris. Gather around as the park is illuminated with sparkling lights—a moment sure to delight attendees of all ages.
And of course, no holiday celebration is complete without a visit from Santa Claus! Santa will arrive in his sleigh to greet the crowd and will be available for photos with the family.
This event would not be possible without the hard work of our many dedicated volunteers, including the Boy Scouts of Troop 1011, who gives their time and energy to make Holiday Lights shine each year.
Event hosts Friends for the East Cobb Park and the Cobb County Parks Department appreciate the generous support of sponsors Wellstar Health System and Café Rivkah (which will be serving delicious hot cocoa and treats to keep everyone warm and merry throughout the evening). Complementary overflow parking is available at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park.
Come celebrate with us and make this year’s Holiday Lights the brightest one yet!
Send Us Your News!
Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community, as well as calendar event listings.
We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community, especially with the holidays coming up!
It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!
Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.
We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.
Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.
Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) invites audiences to kick off the holiday season in grand style at its much-loved Holiday Pops! concerts on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the Marietta Performing Arts Center.
This joyful celebration of the season features festive favorites, heartwarming classics, and sparkling symphonic arrangements that capture the wonder of the holidays. From nostalgic melodies to merry sing-alongs, audiences of all ages will delight in the music and magic that have made Holiday Pops! a treasured community tradition.
GSO Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville, along with Bryan Black, GSO Chorus Director, will lead the orchestra and more than 100 members of the GSO Chorus in performances of timeless favorites including The Christmas Song, Silent Night, Carol of the Bells, and selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas. At the conclusion of the concert, audience members will be invited to join in caroling alongside the chorus—a magical holiday experience for all.
Adding to the merriment, Santa Claus himself will make a special appearance! Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite festive fare and bring their cameras.
“We’re always very excited to share great music every holiday season, and welcome everyone to join us for this Marietta and Cobb tradition!” said Timothy Verville, GSO Music Director and Conductor.
“The holidays have a way of bringing us together—families, friends, and neighbors joined by the simple joy of shared traditions. For generations, music has been at the heart of those moments, and nowhere is that more true than here in our community,” added Suzanne Tucker, GSO Executive Director.
This year’s Holiday Pops! concert is proudly supported by Wasserman Talent Solutions and Moore Colson, whose generous sponsorship helps bring this beloved tradition to life for the entire community.
Whether continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, Holiday Pops! is the perfect way to share the spirit of the season with friends, family, and neighbors.
The City of Marietta is the Presenting Sponsor of the GSO’s 75th Anniversary Season.
Send Us Your News!
Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community, as well as calendar event listings.
We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are involved in the community, especially with the holidays coming up!
It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!
Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.
We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.
Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.
Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!
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Here’s an update to our story from last week about the cancellation of the Sprayberry Craft Show, possibly until 2028, due to construction at the high school:
The organizers of the Apple Annie Arts and Craft Show said Thursday that they’re taking in 16 additional vendors, including some from the Sprayberry show.
The late and abrupt cancellation of the Sprayberry show left some of those vendors without a key date in their holiday schedule.
“Many artisans use these holiday shows as a significant source of income, and we are happy to be able to support these small business makers this year,” said the Apple Annie organizers on their Facebook page:
“The additional selected artisans followed the same application submission and jury process, just as other show artisans do. They will set up in St. Ann’s downstairs classrooms, so be sure to visit their booths while at the show December 5-6! There will be an additional cash-only show entrance near these downstairs classrooms.”
The Apple Annie show benefits programs of the St. Ann’s Council of Catholic Women, while the Sprayberry Craft Show has been a major fundraiser for the Sprayberry PTSA.
The local holiday shopping season gets underway this weekend with the Lassiter Craft Fair and the Good Mews Holiday Harvest Market.
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
