🛶 Had The Direction Right

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Good morning, Forsyth County.

I was driving early yesterday morning when two large flocks of geese passed over my truck in perfect formation. From where I was sitting, they appeared to be heading southwest, which immediately sent me down a rabbit hole: How do birds know when it is time to leave, and how in the world do they know where they are going?

The answer is a combination of instinct, experience and some remarkable natural equipment. Birds use changes in daylight, temperature and food supplies to know when migration season has arrived. Once they are in the air, different species navigate using the sun, stars, Earth’s magnetic field and familiar landmarks below them. Some can even use their sense of smell. It is genuinely incredible.

That curiosity led me to BirdCast, a Cornell Lab project that uses weather radar to estimate nighttime bird migration. Here is the wild part: From Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, an estimated 380,900 birds crossed Forsyth County. At the busiest point, roughly 85,200 were in the air at once, traveling southwest at an average of 13 mph and about 3,700 feet above the ground.

BirdCast cannot tell me whether the geese I saw were migrating or simply heading across town for breakfast. Still, I apparently had the direction right!

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Six Forsyth Screenings Put Moviegoers in the Judge’s Seat

Forsyth County movie fans will help decide an international film prize when MANHATTAN SHORT returns to the public library system Sept. 24 through Oct. 1. The free, adult-oriented program features 10 finalists from 10 countries, a first in the festival’s 29-year history. Viewers receive ballots and vote for Best Film and Best Actor alongside audiences at more than 500 venues across six continents. The same 140-minute program will screen at Post Road, Denmark, Sharon Forks, Hampton Park and Cumming libraries, with Sharon Forks hosting twice. Showtimes begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 24, 28, 30 and Oct. 1, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 26 and 27. The films include strong language and mature themes; minors may attend only with a parent or guardian.

Kidcreate Brings a New Creative Hub to South Forsyth

Kidcreate Studio opened Aug. 29 at 1810 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 105, giving South Forsyth families a new place for hands-on, screen-free learning. Local owners Katie and Mike Arguel, both educators, spent years looking for a business that could combine teaching, creativity and family life. The studio serves children roughly ages 3 to 12 through weekly art classes, workshops, camps and parties. Its Academy uses three age-based levels covering acrylics, clay, pastels, sculpture and mixed media. The location also brings together Kidscientific experiments, Little Hands Discovery sensory play and Extreme Art Studio programs for older children and teens. Although locally operated, the Cumming studio joins a national network of more than 30 locations. It will also take programs to schools, libraries, scout groups and community events, while offering free trial classes and school-break camps at its new home.

Forsyth Trio Joins Georgia’s Rising Leaders List

Three Forsyth County students are among Junior Achievement of Georgia’s third class of Nineteen Under Nineteen honorees, a statewide group chosen for impact beyond the classroom. Forsyth Central’s Samantha de Haan was recognized for entrepreneurship in real estate and marketing, along with her work promoting financial literacy, mentorship and career exploration. West Forsyth’s Lily Reese Miller earned recognition as a student leader, mentor and youth cheer coach who builds confidence through service. Fellow West Forsyth student Pranshu Raithatha was selected for technology, engineering and digital storytelling. One of his recent projects is Mivo, an iOS app he co-created to help users recognize their scrolling habits instead of simply blocking access.

CIVIL NEWS

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting/Public Hearings
When: Thursday, September 3, 5:00 PM
What: Commissioners will conduct regular county business and public hearings. The county had posted a public notice but not a detailed agenda as of Sunday, August 30.
Where: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Building, Commissioners Meeting Room, Suite 220, 110 E. Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Thursday

Spaces & Places Art Exhibit
When: Thursday, September 3 – Saturday, September 5, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
What: This juried exhibit explores places that hold personal or historical meaning. The Cumming Arts Center partnered with the Forsyth Historical Society to encourage artwork connected to the county’s history, although the show includes other locations and subjects as well.
Where: Cumming Arts Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Play It Again Sports Grand Opening Celebration
When: Thursday, September 3 – Sunday, September 6, during store hours
What: The new Cumming store is marking its grand opening with four days of giveaways, shopping-spree drawings, bonus loyalty points, scavenger hunts, food trucks, and community-giveback activities. Saturday and Sunday sales will benefit the Forsyth County Parks Foundation.
Where: Play It Again Sports, 580 Atlanta Road, Suite 203-B, Cumming, GA 30040

Homeschool Morning Meet-Up on the Lawn
When: Thursday, September 3, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Homeschool families can connect on the lawn at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater while children enjoy outdoor free play and activities. This is the first gathering in a new monthly series scheduled for the first Thursday of each month.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Tin Cup Cruise-In
When: Thursday, September 3, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Classic cars take over the City Center’s main street for an evening show with prizes and family-friendly viewing. Participating cars may enter through the Canton Road entrance beginning at 5:00 PM, with spaces assigned first-come, first-served. Admission, parking, and vehicle participation are free, and no registration is required.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Cherry Street Brewpub Live Music
When: Thursday, September 3, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Cherry Street’s Thursday-night series features a rotating lineup of solo and duo performers alongside dinner and drinks. If rain interrupts the outdoor show, the music moves into the Brewhouse, where guests must be 21 or older.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon, 6640 Town Square, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Medicare 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Medicare
When: Thursday, September 3, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Independent insurance agent Tammy Mullis will explain Medicare costs, the differences among its parts, and how to select and enroll in appropriate health and prescription-drug coverage. The educational program is designed for people approaching Medicare eligibility or helping a family member navigate it.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Friday

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, September 4, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: This free outdoor Jazzercise class combines cardio and strength work and welcomes all fitness levels. Participants should bring water, an exercise mat, and handheld weights; 5- to 10-pound weights are recommended. Check the organizer’s channels for weather-related changes.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

American Red Cross Blood Drive
When: Friday, September 4, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: The Red Cross and Forsyth County Public Library are hosting a community blood drive. Appointments can be scheduled through RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors should eat iron-rich foods, hydrate, rest beforehand, and bring photo identification.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Groovin’ on the Green at Halcyon
When: Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Halcyon’s weekend series brings local acoustic musicians to the Village Green. Visitors can pick up dinner, drinks, or dessert from a Halcyon restaurant and picnic while listening. Outside food and coolers are not permitted; the performer lineup and weather updates are posted on Halcyon’s social channels.
Where: Halcyon Village Green, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Campbell Spartans at Denmark Danes Football
When: Friday, September 4, 7:30 PM
What: Denmark hosts Campbell in a varsity, non-region Friday-night football matchup at Great Dane Stadium. The Danes enter their third game of the 2026 season after opening against Sequoyah and Alpharetta.
Where: Denmark High School, 645 Mullinax Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Dacula Falcons at North Forsyth Raiders Football
When: Friday, September 4, 7:30 PM
What: North Forsyth welcomes Dacula for a varsity, non-region game at Raider Valley. It is the Raiders’ second home game of the season and Dacula’s first road appearance in Cumming.
Where: North Forsyth High School, 3635 Coal Mountain Drive, Cumming, GA 30028

The Fixins at Lou Sobh Amphitheater
When: Friday, September 4, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Atlanta five-piece The Fixins brings original rock, energetic vocals, guitar, keyboards, and a groove-heavy rhythm section to the City Center’s fall concert series. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

IPRA World Championship Rodeo
When: Friday, September 4, 8:00 PM; Saturday, September 5, 8:00 PM; and Sunday, September 6, 7:00 PM
What: The Labor Day weekend rodeo features bull and bareback riding, barrel racing, calf and team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and cowgirl breakaway roping. Food and merchandise vendors will be on-site. Shows last approximately 2½ hours, with gates opening two hours beforehand. Online-only admission is $25 for ages 11 and older; children 10 and younger enter free.
Where: Cumming Fairgrounds Covered Arena, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Saturday

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, September 5, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Local vendors will offer produce, meats, eggs, honey, breads, desserts, jams, plants, and handmade arts and crafts. The market is set up in the Vision Parkway parking lot, with parking available there and in nearby parallel spaces.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Paws on the Weekend
When: Saturday, September 5, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can practice reading and relax with a certified therapy dog. Families sign up upon arrival for a 15-minute session, and advance registration is not required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

The Troubadour Project at Lou Sobh Amphitheater
When: Saturday, September 5, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: The Troubadour Project recreates classic-rock favorites associated with Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, ELO, Queen, The Eagles, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, and other major acts. Admission and parking are free. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets, but outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Sunday

Slide into Sundays with Jump N Jacks
When: Sunday, September 6, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: This weather-dependent family afternoon features bounce houses, water slides, games, and other children’s activities. Unlimited bouncing costs $10, and participants must complete a waiver and obtain a wristband. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Fall Sunday Music at Halcyon
When: Sunday, September 6, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Halcyon launches its fall Sunday series with live music on the Village Green, presented by Galaxy Music and Arts. Guests can bring a drink to the green or pick up brunch from a participating restaurant. Halcyon announces each week’s performer on its social channels.
Where: Halcyon Village Green, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Understanding America: Celebrating America 250
When: Sunday, September 6, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
What: Dr. Charles “Trey” Wilson presents “The Legalistic Concepts Behind the Declaration of Independence.” Drawing on Aristotle, Locke, and Hobbes, the discussion will examine natural rights, social-contract theory, popular sovereignty, the Enlightenment, and the right to revolution. The series is presented with the University of North Georgia.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Upcoming

Maple & Moss Artisan Market
When: Sunday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What: Makers + Markets ATL is bringing its annual fall market back to Forsyth County with more than 75 artisans from across metro Atlanta. Visitors can shop for handmade art, crafts, home goods, and other locally produced items while enjoying live music, food, and sweet treats. The market will be held indoors and is designed as a family-friendly community event. Admission and parking are free.
Where: Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30041

Cumming City Center Fall Market
When: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: The fifth annual Fall Market will bring more than 100 local vendors to Cumming City Center for a full day of shopping, food, and entertainment. Visitors can browse artisan goods, fall decorations, and handcrafted gifts while enjoying live music, food trucks, sweet treats, and drinks. Children’s activities will include a Toy Story dance party, miniature pumpkin decorating, games, and a dedicated Kids Zone. Pets can join the fun during a costume contest with prizes. Admission is free and open to the public.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

WEATHER

Thursday

94° 🌡️ 72° | ☀️ | 25% | 💨 5 mph E

Friday

93° 🌡️ 73° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 5 mph ENE

Saturday

96° 🌡️ 73° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 5 mph NNE

Sunday

92° 🌡️ 68° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph ENE

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 82ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

THANKS!

That is all for this edition of the Forsyth Flyer.

After learning that nearly 381,000 birds crossed Forsyth County in a single night, I will probably be looking up a little more often. There is an entire world moving above us while most of us are asleep, and I had no idea it was happening on that scale.

If you have noticed something interesting around Forsyth County, reply and tell me about it. It might be a new business, an upcoming event or simply something that sent you down your own unexpected rabbit hole.

And if today’s issue taught you something new, forward it to someone else who might enjoy it.

Enjoy the weekend ahead!