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This Week
Clear, local reporting from Cumming and communities across Forsyth County.

Weekly edition
Eight Questions Give Forsyth Residents a Voice, Cumming Fair, and Events Happening This Weekend. Local Forsyth County News.
Good morning, Forsyth County,
In case no one has said it yet, welcome to fall! If you’re hoping to squeeze in one last dip in the pool without turning into an ice cube, your window is getting smaller. We’ve got overnight lows in the 50s coming up, so it’s time to pull out the long sleeves and find that favorite flannel. You might still need shorts by lunchtime, but at least your morning coffee can finally do its job of warming you up.
Summer had a good run, and I’ll miss the long evenings. But I’m ready for open windows, cozy weather, and plans that don’t depend on finding the nearest patch of shade.
– Chad

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Forsyth County residents have until October 31 to tell the sheriff’s office how it is doing through an anonymous survey with eight questions. The questionnaire covers residents’ views of the agency, deputies’ conduct and safety in their neighborhoods. It offers an opportunity to bring everyday experiences into the agency’s evaluation of its work. The feedback also supports the sheriff’s office’s national law enforcement accreditation process, helping the agency assess its performance through residents’ perspectives. Residents can find the 2026 Citizen Survey on the sheriff’s office website and complete it online. The questionnaire gives the community a direct way to weigh in on local service before the October deadline.
Cumming’s signature fall tradition returns October 8–18, bringing 11 days of rides, entertainment and fair food to the Cumming Fairgrounds at 235 Castleberry Road. The 32nd annual Cumming Country Fair & Festival opens at 4 p.m. October 8 with free gate admission sponsored by Northside Hospital Forsyth. Regular admission is $10 for ages 11 and older, while children 10 and younger enter free. Advance admission tickets are available for $7 through October 7, before applicable fees. Rides cost extra, with unlimited-ride specials ranging from $25 to $35 depending on the day. Beyond the midway, visitors can explore Heritage Village, see farm animals and enjoy live entertainment. Concerts are included with admission, giving families plenty to enjoy between rides.
A coat your family has outgrown could keep another Forsyth County neighbor warm this winter. The Place is collecting new and gently used coats, from infant sizes through adult, for its Heartsgiving Coat Drive. Donations will reach families during Heartsgiving, November 17–20. Along with a Thanksgiving meal box and turkey, participating households will have the opportunity to select coats and winter accessories for each family member. Drop off coats at The Place Admin Office, 2550 The Place Circle in Cumming, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Businesses, schools, churches and community groups can also organize collections. Other ways to help include sponsoring Heartsgiving, contributing toward Thanksgiving meals or donating frozen turkeys beginning October 15. Each contribution helps the nonprofit serve neighbors in Forsyth and Dawson counties.
Books & Babies
When: Thursday, September 24, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Babies and their caregivers can enjoy books, songs, movement, and rhymes that support early literacy and development. Free play following the program gives little ones time to explore and caregivers a chance to meet other families. Designed for babies ages 0–18 months with a parent or caregiver.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041
World of Wonder: A Monthly Passport to People, Places, and Past
When: Thursday, September 24, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
What: Elementary students can explore another country without leaving the library. This interactive program introduces geography, history, languages, and cultural traditions, with a creative project or craft inspired by the featured destination.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Bingo & Happy Hour at Stoney J’s Winery
When: Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Enjoy an evening of bingo with three rounds featuring two games each. Each wine or beer purchase comes with one playing card for that round. A minimum of eight players is required. The winery welcomes guests ages 14 and older, with an exception for infants.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, September 25, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: Start Friday with a free outdoor fitness class at Cumming City Center. All fitness levels are welcome. Bring water, an exercise mat, and handheld weights; the organizer recommends weights of 5–10 pounds. Weather updates are available through Jazzercise Cumming’s channels.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Explorer Tots
When: Friday, September 25, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
What: A short storytime leads into hands-on exploration stations featuring building blocks, sorting activities, treasure boxes, and sensory bins. The program helps babies and toddlers develop early science and literacy skills through play. For ages 9 months and older; siblings are welcome. No registration required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Live Music with Jordan Thorne
When: Friday, September 25, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Jordan Thorne performs live at Stoney J’s Winery for an evening of music. The winery welcomes guests ages 14 and older, with an exception for infants.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Departure: The Journey Tribute
When: Friday, September 25, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Departure brings Journey’s familiar hits to the outdoor stage as part of the Fall Concert Series. The band performs live without prerecorded tracks, with lead vocalist Brian Williams recreating Steve Perry’s vocal style. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket; outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, September 26, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Shop for locally grown produce, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, preserves, plants, and handmade crafts. Vendors will be in the Vision Parkway parking lot, immediately to the left when entering City Center from Canton Highway. Parking is available in the lot and along Vision Parkway.
Where: Vision Parkway parking lot at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Barre & Bubbles
When: Saturday, September 26, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Join an outdoor barre class led by a local instructor, followed by a mimosa at the winery. The $25 ticket includes the class and one mimosa. Beginners are welcome. Bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive 10–15 minutes early. Ages 21 and older; weather permitting.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Oktoberfest at Cumming City Center
When: Saturday, September 26, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Celebrate Oktoberfest with an afternoon of German beer, games, and music. The featured Hofbräu lineup includes Hefeweizen, Oktoberfestbier, Amber Märzen, and Dunkel. Gather friends for a seasonal afternoon at City Center.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Groovin’ on the Green at Halcyon
When: Saturday, September 26, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Enjoy live acoustic music from local musicians on Halcyon’s Village Green. Pick up dinner, drinks, or dessert from the development’s restaurants and settle in for an evening outdoors. Outside food and coolers are prohibited. Check Halcyon’s social media for the performer lineup and weather updates.
Where: Halcyon Village Green, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Radio 80s Band at Lou Sobh Amphitheater
When: Saturday, September 26, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Radio 80s performs a mix of synth-pop favorites and classic rock, including music by Bon Jovi, Journey, Prince, Queen, Toto, and more. Admission and parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 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
Live Music with Brian Wiltsey
When: Sunday, September 27, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Brian Wiltsey performs live for a Sunday afternoon at Stoney J’s Winery. The venue welcomes guests ages 14 and older, with an exception for infants.
Where: Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Mahjong Open Play
When: Sunday, September 27, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
What: Gather at The Barn for mahjong with seating options matched to experience level. Open play costs $25, guided play with instructor support costs $35, and an introductory option costs $45. Each option includes a $10 food or drink voucher. Registration is available through the event page; prior lessons are required for open play.
Where: The Barn at Stoney J’s Winery, 1506 Stoney Point Road, Cumming, GA 30041
The Connection’s Recovery Month Celebration
When: Sunday, September 27, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: The Connection hosts a community gathering recognizing Recovery Month and celebrating recovery, hope, and support. Individuals in recovery, families, friends, and community supporters can come together at Fowler Park. For additional details, contact the organizer at 470-253-8564.
Where: Fowler Park, Pavilion A, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040
72° 🌡️ 57° | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 10–15 mph E
78° 🌡️ 54° | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 5 mph N
80° 🌡️ 56° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 0–5 mph NE
81° 🌡️ 56° | 🌤️ | 5% | 💨 0–5 mph NW
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 78ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer!
I hope you find time to enjoy the cooler weather this weekend. Be sure to check out a local event, and take a morning walk. Leave a little room for an unplanned stop or a slow start.
If you hear about something happening around the county, hit reply and send it my way. And if a neighbor would enjoy keeping up with our community, pass the newsletter along.
Have a great weekend!
P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Forsyth County readers can reply here or email forsythflyer@welldiem.com
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