🛶 Convincing Ourselves

Good morning, Forsyth County.

Football season is back, and this is the week when it really starts to feel like it. High school teams are already under the Friday night lights, youth leagues are back on the fields, college football gets rolling this weekend, and the NFL is not far behind. Pretty soon, from Friday night through Sunday evening, finding a football game on TV will be about the easiest thing you can do.

I’m ready for it.

Friday night football, a full Saturday of college games, and then Sunday spent convincing ourselves, once again, that maybe this is finally the Falcons’ year. It may still be hot enough outside to remind us that August is not finished yet, but football being back always makes fall feel a whole lot closer.

- Chad

One company has developed a technology that extracts valuable resources from coal without burning it. From jet fuel to diesel and more, Frontieras North America has the potential to address $2.1  trillion in annual markets*.

It’s similar to when John D. Rockefeller commercialized oil refining technology. If Frontieras captures just 2% of the global coal market, they would position themselves as the global leader in the space.

They just broke ground for their $850 million flagship facility and reserved the ‘FASF’ NASDAQ ticker. Don’t miss your chance to join the next phase of growth: invest in Frontieras before the opportunity ends on August 27.

Learn More

^{Frontieras is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. A copy of the Final Offering Circular that forms a part of the Offering Statement may be obtained from: invest.frontieras.com.  Reservation of the ticker symbol is not a guarantee that we will be listed on the NASDAQ. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.   Sources* The global market for our products is worth a combined value of over $2.1 trillion.}

Several Chick-fil-A restaurants in Forsyth County are joining forces with Meals by Grace to put more food on local tables. Participating locations are accepting customer donations for the Cumming-based nonprofit, which supports families facing food insecurity through its pantry and meal programs. The campaign gives residents an easy way to help while making an everyday restaurant stop. Even small contributions can add up when thousands of customers take part across multiple locations. Meals by Grace serves as an important bridge for households working toward stability, and the restaurant partnership brings that mission into places residents visit every day. Customers who want to participate should ask their nearest Forsyth County Chick-fil-A for current donation instructions and campaign details.

Forsyth County’s fitness scene is preparing for a major expansion. County commissioners approved plans for two new gyms: a large Life Time athletic club at Georgia 9 and Post Road and a 24-hour Snap Fitness at 1485 Peachtree Parkway. The Life Time project will be the brand’s first Forsyth County location. Plans call for a 100,000-square-foot indoor facility, nearly 50,000 square feet of outdoor recreation space and 619 parking spaces across roughly 17 acres. Proposed amenities include indoor pools, a water slide, hot tubs, cold-plunge pools, steam rooms, saunas, childcare, group fitness, a spa, café and members-only restaurant and bar. Snap Fitness will offer a smaller, around-the-clock option. Its planned 5,386-square-foot gym will include modern exercise equipment, secure day-and-night access and extensive surveillance. The club would be the fifth location operated by its franchise owner.

Four Forsyth County high schools have landed among Georgia’s top 25 in the new U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2026–27. Alliance Academy for Innovation placed fifth statewide and 154th nationally, while Lambert High School ranked ninth in Georgia and 349th across the country. South Forsyth and Denmark also earned positions in the state’s top tier. The annual review examined nearly 27,000 eligible public high schools and ranked close to 18,000 nationwide. Schools were measured using graduation rates, state assessment performance, college readiness, advanced-course participation and outcomes for underserved students. Forsyth’s strong showing reflects achievement across both its specialized academy and traditional high-school campuses, giving local families another reason to celebrate the district’s academic momentum.

Spaces & Places
When: Thursday, August 27 – Saturday, August 29, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: This exhibition pairs local artwork with Forsyth County history through a partnership with the Forsyth Historical Society. Featured pieces explore the spaces and places that hold meaning for participating artists. The exhibit continues through October 17.
Where: Cumming Arts Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040

overBOOKed
When: Thursday, August 27, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: The Cumming Library’s adult book club meets to discuss West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. All adults are welcome to join the conversation and meet other local readers.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Baby Play Day
When: Thursday, August 27, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
What: Babies ages 18 months and younger and their caregivers can explore early-learning toys, music and board books while meeting other local families. This is a drop-in program with no registration required.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Library Play Day
When: Thursday, August 27, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Children ages 18 months to 5 years can enjoy early-learning toys, music and books during an informal play session. Caregivers stay with their children, and no registration is required.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Musical Morning
When: Thursday, August 27, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
What: Licensed Music Together instructor Meghan Kennedy leads children ages 5 and younger through singing, dancing, instrument exploration and joyful group music-making. No registration is required.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Mah Jongg Weekly Open Play
When: Thursday, August 27, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Adults familiar with American Mah Jongg can drop in for open play with other enthusiasts. There is no instructor, so participants should understand the National Mah Jongg League rules and bring tiles and cards when possible.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Bookmobile Visit: Lanier Walk Townhomes
When: Thursday, August 27, 3:45 PM – 5:30 PM
What: The Forsyth County Public Library Bookmobile brings children’s, teen and adult books in English and Spanish to the neighborhood. Visitors can also check out Chromebooks, and children can participate in a craft or activity.
Where: Maple Leaf Terrace at Maple Park Place, Lanier Walk Townhomes, Cumming, GA

Charity Comedy Night with Andrew Stanley
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Comedian Andrew Stanley headlines an evening of clean comedy, food and a raffle benefiting Confident Threads. Ticket and sponsorship proceeds help the nonprofit provide clothing and shoes to children entering foster care.
Where: The Gathering Place at The Vine Community Church, 4655 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Twilight Tales
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
What: Families can wind down with an evening storytime featuring books, music and activities in the library’s children’s area. No registration is required.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Build-A-Book: Sprayed Edges
When: Thursday, August 27, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Participants learn how to paint simple sprayed-edge designs on a paperback book. Bring a book or choose one supplied by the library; other materials are provided. Free event passes are distributed beginning 30 minutes before the program.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Freida’s Fanatics
When: Thursday, August 27, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Readers gather to discuss Freida McFadden’s thrillers, favorite plot twists and any of her books they have read. The evening also includes games inspired by her stories.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, August 28, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What: This free, all-levels outdoor Jazzercise class combines cardio and strength work. Participants should bring water, an exercise mat and handheld weights; weather-related changes are posted by Jazzercise Cumming.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Baby Play Day
When: Friday, August 28, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Babies ages 18 months and younger and their caregivers can enjoy early-learning toys, music and board books in a relaxed play environment. No registration is required.
Where: Denmark Library, 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Crafty Conversations
When: Friday, August 28, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Adults are invited to bring a current craft project and work alongside other local makers. All kinds of portable crafts are welcome at this casual weekly gathering.
Where: Post Road Library, 5010 Post Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Summer Fridays in Forsyth
When: Friday, August 28, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: The Collection’s weekly summer series features live outdoor music and to-go drink specials from participating restaurants. Guests can bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in on The Green.
Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

Groovin’ on the Green
When: Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Halcyon presents live acoustic music on the Village Green each Friday and Saturday evening. Visitors can pick up dinner, drinks or dessert from nearby restaurants and enjoy the performance outdoors. Outside food and coolers are not permitted.
Where: Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Guys and Dolls
When: Friday, August 28, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
What: FoCAL presents the classic Broadway musical about gamblers, romance and larger-than-life characters in New York City. The family-friendly production features familiar numbers including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Tickets are required.
Where: The FoCAL Center, 1150 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040

Movies Alfresco: Grease
When: Friday, August 28, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: The classic musical Grease plays on the amphitheater’s outdoor screen. Admission and parking are free; guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food and drinks will be sold onsite, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, August 29, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Local vendors offer produce, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams, plants and handmade arts and crafts. The market is being held in the Vision Parkway parking lot because of ongoing construction.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Georgia Chapter Parkinson’s Symposium
When: Saturday, August 29, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What: Medical professionals and community specialists discuss Parkinson’s symptoms, treatment options, movement, rehabilitation and strategies for navigating everyday life. The program is open to people with Parkinson’s, relatives, friends and the wider community. Admission and lunch are free, but registration is required.
Where: Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30041

Fairytale Crafts
When: Saturday, August 29, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Families can drop in and make crafts inspired by favorite fairy tales. Children are welcome to dress for the occasion as fairies, knights, princes or princesses.
Where: Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Guys and Dolls
When: Saturday, August 29, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
What: FoCAL presents the classic Broadway musical about gamblers, romance and larger-than-life characters in New York City. The family-friendly production features familiar numbers including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Tickets are required.
Where: The FoCAL Center, 1150 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040

Dungeons & Dragons
When: Saturday, August 29, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
What: Teens ages 13 and older and adults can watch or potentially join an ongoing tabletop role-playing campaign. Established games may already be full, but newcomers are welcome to observe, meet the players and learn how the game works.
Where: Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30041

R&B, Inc. at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater
When: Saturday, August 29, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Atlanta’s nine-piece R&B, soul and funk band performs as part of the City Center’s summer concert series. 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

Guys and Dolls
When: Sunday, August 30, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
What: FoCAL closes its run of the classic Broadway musical about gamblers, romance and larger-than-life characters in New York City. The family-friendly production features familiar numbers including “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Tickets are required.
Where: The FoCAL Center, 1150 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040

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

87° 🌡️ 68° | ⛈️ | 65% | 💨 5 mph SSE

86° 🌡️ 67° | ⛈️ | 70% | 💨 5 mph NNE

84° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph ESE

84° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph ESE

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 80ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication

That’s all for today, Forsyth County.

Football is back, the weekend is almost here, and fall feels a little closer because of it. I hope you get a chance to slow down, enjoy the games, and make the most of your weekend.

Thanks, as always, for spending part of your day with the Forsyth Flyer. If you know someone else who likes keeping up with what’s happening around the county, send this issue their way.

Have a great rest of your week.

P.S. Local businesses interested in reaching Forsyth County readers can reply here or email me at [email protected].