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Good morning, Forsyth County.

I have reached the point in late August where I am officially done negotiating with summer. Maybe it is the heat. Maybe it is the humidity. Maybe it was the pumpkin Munchkin I tried at Dunkin the other day. Whatever caused it, my brain has decided fall is close enough to start acting like it is already on the way.

I even went through my sweatshirts and hoodies this weekend to see which ones were ready for cooler weather. Never mind that actually wearing one right now would probably have me reconsidering every life decision before I reached the end of the driveway.

Georgia summer is not finished with us yet, but we are getting closer. Eventually, one of those first cool mornings will sneak in, the humidity will loosen its grip, and sitting outside will become enjoyable again instead of an endurance event.

Until then, I’ll keep treating pumpkin-flavored snacks as unofficial evidence that better weather is coming.

- Chad

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THE DIGEST

Dog Days Take Over the Pool in Cumming

The final swimmers of summer at Cumming Aquatic Center will arrive on four legs. Dog Days at the Pool returns to the Outdoor Leisure Pool on September 12, 13 and 19, giving pups a chance to cool off after the water park closes to the public for the season. Each dog receives a one-hour session, with time slots organized by weight and size. Admission is $15 per dog, and advance registration opened August 3. Owners must provide current vaccination records. The center will hold early vaccine-check days September 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Records will not be accepted by email, though same-day checks are available and may cause delays. The Aquatic Center is at 201 Aquatic Circle in Cumming. Registration and updated participation rules are available through the center’s website.

Potbelly Heats Up the Forsyth Town Center Lineup

A familiar Chicago sandwich shop is preparing to join south Forsyth’s growing dining scene. Potbelly Sandwich Works is planned for Forsyth Town Center at 3145 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, near Whole Foods Market. Planning documents place the restaurant in a roughly 1,850-square-foot end-cap space. Known for toasted sandwiches, soups, salads, cookies and hand-dipped shakes, Potbelly is only beginning its Georgia expansion. Franchise partner Royal Restaurant Group previously committed to 15 metro Atlanta shops, with three openings planned per year beginning in 2026. The company’s first Georgia location is scheduled to debut in Chamblee on September 1, while the Cumming shop is targeting the fourth quarter and could open around November. An exact opening date has not been announced. When it arrives, the restaurant will become one of the earliest Potbelly locations in Georgia and add another fast-casual option to the developing Forsyth Town Center.

Labor Day Weekend Gets a Western Kick

The Cumming Fairgrounds will trade Labor Day weekend traffic for bucking broncs, barrel turns and arena dust when the IPRA World Championship Rodeo returns September 4–6. Each performance packs eight events into about two and a half hours: bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding and cowgirl breakaway roping. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday inside the covered arena at 235 Castleberry Road. Gates open two hours before each performance, giving visitors time to explore the food court and vendor area. Admission is $25 for ages 11 and older, while children 10 and younger enter free. Tickets are available online only, so families should purchase before heading to the fairgrounds. With three nights of competition and plenty of classic rodeo spectacle, the annual event offers a lively local sendoff to summer.

CIVIL NEWS

Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Work Session
When: Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 PM
What: Commissioners will discuss SPLOST IX projects, employee health benefits, water and sewer contracts, road and park projects, and possible code changes involving short-term rentals, mass grading and state zoning-procedure requirements.
Where: Forsyth County Administration Building, Commissioners Meeting Room, Suite 220, 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Forsyth County Planning Commission Regular Meeting and Public Hearings
When: Tuesday, August 25, 6:30 PM
What: The commission will consider changes involving cottage-food businesses, retaining walls and nonconforming properties, then hold hearings on 13 land-use applications, including proposed auto-service businesses, a short-term rental, contractor and storage yards, a horse stable, a vehicle dealership and several commercial rezonings.
Where: Forsyth County Administration Building, Commissioners Meeting Room, Suite 220, 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Monday

Path to Publication: Literary Magazines
When: Monday, August 24, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Writers can learn how to find literary magazines accepting submissions, prepare short stories or poetry for consideration, and follow common submission practices. The program is open to adults and high-school students.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Free GED Classes
When: Monday, August 24, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Place is offering a free evening class for adults working toward a GED. It is a useful local resource for residents who want to continue their education or improve their employment prospects.
Where: Cumming Elementary School, 540 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Monday Mood: Yoga on the Green
When: Monday, August 24, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Heart Studio leads a free, all-levels outdoor yoga class followed by meditation. Participants should bring a mat and water; weather updates are posted through The Heart Studio’s social channels.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Post Road Teen Advisory Board Information Session
When: Monday, August 24, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: High-school students can learn how to help plan and promote library programs, serve their community, meet new people, and gain leadership experience through the Teen Advisory Board. Attendance at this session is required to be considered for the program, but no registration is needed.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Bird Migration Over Forsyth
When: Monday, August 24, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Adults can learn about the dozens of bird species that pass over Forsyth County while migrating to Central and South America. The presentation concludes with a guided bird walk around the library. No registration is required.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Tuesday

Power Networking Lunch
When: Tuesday, August 25, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
What: The Forsyth County Chamber’s networking lunch gives local professionals an opportunity to make business connections over a meal. Advance registration is available; admission is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers.
Where: Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, 5670 Atlanta Highway, Suite A1, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Book Sleuths: A Mystery Book Club
When: Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Mystery and psychological-suspense readers will discuss The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz. The recurring adult book club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Gather @ The Table: Dating Your Spouse
When: Tuesday, August 25, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
What: This dinner program is designed for married couples with elementary-age children or younger. A panel of married couples will share practical advice, followed by table discussions and a take-home marriage challenge. Registration is required, and childcare is not provided.
Where: The Vine Community Church, 4655 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Singles Social Tuesdays
When: Tuesday, August 25, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
What: Singles of all ages are invited to meet new people in a relaxed, friendly setting. This week’s gathering takes place at Crooked Culture Brewing inside Cumming City Center.
Where: Crooked Culture Brewing at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Grown-Up Game Night: Nine Hole
When: Tuesday, August 25, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Adults can learn Nine Hole, an easy-to-learn card game inspired by golf that combines patterns with quick risk-and-reward decisions. It is designed for group play, making it a relaxed way to meet other local players.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Wednesday

Kids Club at Halcyon
When: Wednesday, August 26, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy rotating activities such as crafts, dancing, story time, animal encounters, puppet shows, music, and special guests. The weekly outdoor program is free, requires no registration, and is weather permitting. A parent or guardian must remain with each child.
Where: Village Green at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Comfort Keepers Ribbon Cutting
When: Wednesday, August 26, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Comfort Keepers and the Forsyth County Chamber will celebrate the opening of the company’s Cumming office with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event offers residents and local businesspeople an opportunity to welcome the senior-care provider to the community.
Where: Comfort Keepers, 107 Colony Park Drive, Suite 1000, Cumming, GA 30040

Paws to Read
When: Wednesday, August 26, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can practice reading and build confidence during a relaxed 15-minute session with a certified therapy dog. Families sign up at the door; advance registration is not required.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Free GED Classes
When: Wednesday, August 26, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Place is offering another free evening class for adults preparing to earn a GED. The program provides an accessible local option for residents seeking educational and career advancement.
Where: Cumming Elementary School, 540 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Crochet Basics for Beginners: Headbands
When: Wednesday, August 26, 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM
What: Participants ages 16 and older can learn to crochet a headband in a beginner-friendly class. Supplies are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Free event passes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 30 minutes before the program.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Empower Her
When: Wednesday, August 26, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: This half-day summit brings together women across professions for keynote presentations, candid conversations, professional connections, and a career fair. Topics include investing in your next chapter, artificial intelligence across generations, financial literacy, wellness, and mindfulness. Admission is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.
Where: WealthWave at World Park, 190 Bluegrass Valley Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Introduction to Arabic
When: Wednesday, August 26, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Participants can explore Arabic letters, learn about the different forms of Arabic spoken around the world, and try writing their own names in Arabic script. The interactive program also introduces elements of Arabic design.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Thursday

Q3 Real Estate Roundtable
When: Thursday, August 27, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
What: The Forsyth County Chamber’s quarterly roundtable features a representative from the county’s 911 Center. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at home-safety milestones and learn why public safety is an important selling point for Forsyth County real estate. Registration is $15.
Where: Forsyth County 911 Center, 3520 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028

BINGO & Happy Hour
When: Thursday, August 27, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Stoney J’s is hosting three rounds of bingo, with two games in each round. Guests receive one playing card with each wine or beer purchase. At least eight players are needed for the event to proceed.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Women Connect: Wine Tasting
When: Thursday, August 27, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Forsyth County Chamber’s Women Connect program is hosting an evening wine tasting with time for conversation and professional networking. Registration is $25 per person.
Where: Grazey Girls, 230 Elm Street, Suite 400, Cumming, GA 30040

Charity Comedy Night with Andrew Stanley
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Comedian Andrew Stanley headlines a charity show benefiting Confident Threads, a nonprofit that provides clothing and shoes to children entering foster care. Ticket purchases and sponsorships directly support the organization’s work with local children.
Where: The Gathering Place at The Vine, 4655 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Cherry Street Brewpub Live Music
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Cherry Street Brewpub presents its weekly Thursday-night performance featuring a rotating lineup of solo and duo musicians. Guests can order dinner and drinks while enjoying the show; if it rains, the music moves into the 21-and-older Brewhouse.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon, 6640 Town Square, Suite 510, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Build-A-Book: Sprayed Edges
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Participants will learn how to paint a simple sprayed-edge design on a paperback book. They may bring their own book or choose one provided by the library, and attendance at earlier sessions in the series is not required. Free event passes will be distributed 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Twilight Tales
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
What: Families can wind down together with an evening story time featuring books and music. The relaxed program is suitable for children accompanied by their parents or caregivers.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Empty Nesters: Parenting Adult Sons and Daughters
When: Thursday, August 27, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Dr. Rick Petronella will discuss the changing role of parents after their children reach adulthood. Topics include mental health, substance abuse, healthy boundaries, “failure to launch,” faith, and other common challenges, followed by audience questions. The event is open to all empty nesters, but advance registration is requested.
Where: Creekside Church, Room 143, 673 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

Freida’s Fanatics
When: Thursday, August 27, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Readers can explore the twist-filled books of bestselling thriller author Freida McFadden. Longtime fans and newcomers are welcome to discuss any of her novels and take part in games inspired by her stories.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

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

Monday

88° 🌡️ 64° | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 0–10 mph NW

Tuesday

90° 🌡️ 67° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 0–5 mph NE

Wednesday

90° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 20% | 💨 5 mph E

Thursday

87° 🌡️ 68° | ⛈️ | 60% | 💨 0–5 mph S

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 79ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

THANKS!

That’s all I have for you today, Forsyth County.

Hopefully, somewhere in the not-too-distant future, we’ll wake up to one of those mornings where the air actually feels cool and everyone immediately starts talking about fall like we survived something together.

Until then, stay cool, enjoy the rest of your week, and I’ll be back Thursday with more of what’s happening around Forsyth County.

And if you need me, I’ll be checking the forecast for the first morning that starts with a 6.

P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Forsyth County readers can reply here or email me at forsythflyer@welldiem.com.