🛶 Celebrate Mom

Good morning, Forsyth County.

This weekend has that classic May feeling where the calendar suddenly decides to throw everything at us at once. There are Mother’s Day plans, graduations, spring events, brunch reservations, errands, and probably a few last-minute flower runs mixed in too.

But before we get to the fun stuff, here is one thing worth knowing if your weekend plans take you anywhere near Atlanta: the Georgia Department of Transportation is closing all lanes on the west side of I-285 between Cascade Road and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. And yes, all lanes means all lanes. The closure begins Friday at 7 p.m. and is expected to last until 5 a.m. Monday while crews repair aging pavement, concrete slabs, medians, and shoulders.

In plain English, Atlanta traffic is probably going to be extra miserable this weekend. If your Mother’s Day plans involve heading that direction, give yourself plenty of extra time or consider an alternate route.

The good news? Forsyth County has plenty happening right here at home. Between local events, music, markets, and family-friendly fun, this might be the perfect weekend to stay local, celebrate Mom, and let I-285 be somebody else’s headache.

- Chad

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Forsyth County’s Department of Water & Sewer has released its 2026 Water Quality Report, giving residents a closer look at the county’s drinking water. The report includes information from 2025 on where Forsyth County’s water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to federal drinking water standards. According to the county, Forsyth County’s water met all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state drinking water health standards in 2025. The report will be included in mailed county water and sewer bills. Residents who use paperless billing will receive a website link in their monthly invoice. Printed copies are also available at the Department of Water & Sewer office inside the County Administration Building, located at 2435 Freedom Parkway. Residents may also request a mailed copy by calling 770-781-2160.

Forsyth County Schools has named Kimberly Davis as the district’s new Chief of Food and Nutrition Services. Davis, currently the principal of Sawnee Elementary School, was approved for the district-level role by the Forsyth County Board of Education. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including leadership roles across several Forsyth County schools. In her new position, Davis will help oversee the school system’s food and nutrition operations, a behind-the-scenes service that touches thousands of students each school day. For families, the role is an important one. School nutrition departments manage meal planning, federal nutrition requirements, staffing, food service logistics, and the daily challenge of feeding students across a fast-growing district. Davis is expected to begin the new role for the 2026-27 school year. The district announced the move this week through its official communications channels.

Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters brought fashion, fundraising, and animal rescue together this week with its third annual Fashion for Furkids luncheon at its Cumming headquarters. The event was held Wednesday, May 6, at Furkids’ 9-acre campus on Union Hill Road and included lunch, live music, a silent handbag auction, and a presentation from author and fashion historian Nancy Flaherty. Proceeds from the luncheon support Furkids’ rescue, medical, and adoption programs across Georgia.

Beyond the designer handbags and spring luncheon, the event also highlighted Furkids’ growing presence in Forsyth County. The organization operates Georgia’s largest no-kill animal shelter and the Southeast’s largest cage-free cat sanctuary, and its Cumming campus continues to expand as a hub for animal care, adoption, and community connection. Furkids is preparing to open a new dog shelter and medical center this May, with another medical facility expected this summer. The organization, which began with founder Samantha Shelton rescuing a family of cats from her porch, has now helped place more than 80,000 animals into homes.

Cruise-In Car Show at City Center

When: Thursday, May 7, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Classic cars, cool rides, and an easy Thursday night stroll through Cumming City Center. A good pick for car lovers or families looking for a low-key evening outside.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Twilight Tales

When: Thursday, May 7, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
What: An evening storytime for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary-age kids, and families at the Cumming Library. Expect books, a relaxed kid-friendly setting, and a good wind-down option before bedtime.
Where: Forsyth County Public Library – Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn

When: Friday, May 8, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: Start Friday with a free outdoor Jazzercise-style fitness class at Cumming City Center. The class is open to all fitness levels and designed to get people moving with a fun, upbeat workout on the lawn.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Mic Check One-Two at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater

When: Friday, May 8, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Enjoy a free Friday night concert at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Mic Check One-Two brings live music to Cumming City Center as part of the spring concert lineup. Bring a chair or blanket and make an evening of it.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Cumming Farmers Market

When: Saturday, May 9, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Shop local produce, baked goods, meats, eggs, honey, plants, handmade items, and other market finds. The farmers market runs Saturday mornings at Cumming City Center through the end of May.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Art from the Heart: A Family Painting Event

When: Saturday, May 9, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
What: A family-friendly painting event at the Cumming Library. A good indoor option for kids and families who want to make something creative together. Event passes may be limited, so check with the library before going.
Where: Forsyth County Public Library – Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Waterfest 2026

When: Saturday, May 9, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s third annual Waterfest brings live music, food, drinks, an environmental expo, and family-friendly fun to Cumming City Center. The free community festival supports water conservation and education in the headwaters region.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Connect and Create: An Adult Art Workshop

When: Sunday, May 10, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: A Sunday afternoon art workshop for adults at Denmark Library. A calm Mother’s Day option for anyone looking to get creative, unwind, and connect with others through a hands-on project.
Where: Forsyth County Public Library – Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005

GTA International Fest

When: Saturday, June 6, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What: Celebrate cultural diversity with global cuisine, food vendors, arts and crafts, a kids zone, cultural performances, and a main stage. Hosted by the Global Telangana Association, the free community festival also supports local small businesses through affordable vendor stalls.
Where: Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040

70° 🌡️ 49° | ☁️ | 60% | 💨 W 14 mph (12 knots)

71° 🌡️ 48° | ☁️ | 10% | 💨 SE 6 mph (5 knots)

76° 🌡️ 55° | ☁️ | 35% | 💨 W 7 mph (6 knots)

81° 🌡️ 56° | 🌧️ | 35% | 💨 W 4 mph (3 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 67ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

Thank you for reading the Forsyth Flyer. I appreciate you taking the time to keep up with what is happening around Forsyth County.

If something on the calendar caught your eye, send this issue to a friend, neighbor, or family member and make a plan before the weekend gets away from you. Follow us on Instagram and Instagram to keep up with things between issues.

I want to hear what you are seeing around town. A new business getting ready to open, a community event worth sharing, or a story that deserves a closer look. Just hit reply and send it my way. Most of the best Forsyth Flyer stories start with a reader noticing something before everyone else does.

Have a fantastic weekend!

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