TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Forsyth County. I am so excited to launch this inaugural edition of the Forsyth Flyer and become your new go-to source for everything happening in our corner of Georgia!
As we shake off the final food coma of the season, Forsyth is trading the quiet of the holidays for a high-energy sprint into 2026. Whether you're planning to brave the GA-400 traffic for some last-minute shopping at The Collection or gearing up for the Noon Year’s Eve countdown at Halcyon, the next few days are packed. From "emo-themed" brewery bashes to New Year's Day 5Ks at North Forsyth Middle, we have a massive slate of local events to help you ring in the new year. Grab a coffee, keep your heated seats on, and let’s dive into what’s coming next.
— Chad
THE DIGEST
Goodson Drug Co. Returns to its Roots in Downtown Cumming
A piece of local history is making a grand comeback this month as Goodson Drug Co. prepares to celebrate its grand reopening week in the heart of downtown Cumming. A fixture of the community for generations, the independent pharmacy has completed its transition back to its historic footprint, offering a blend of modern healthcare services and "old-school" hometown charm. The reopening is a significant milestone for the downtown revitalization effort, bringing a vital local business back to the city center where it can serve as both a healthcare hub and a community anchor. Owners and staff are inviting residents to join in the festivities, which include special promotions and a first look at the updated space designed to honor the pharmacy’s deep legacy while providing enhanced services for today’s patients.
Residential Development Moratorium Extended Through June 2026
In a move to ensure that local infrastructure can keep pace with rapid population growth, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recently voted to extend the Residential Application Moratorium until June 2, 2026. This extension pauses the acceptance of new applications for residential rezonings and land use map amendments, giving county planners and elected officials additional time to refine the Unified Development Code (UDC) and complete essential infrastructure assessments. The board highlighted the necessity of this pause to protect the "quality of life" for current residents, ensuring that schools, roads, and public safety services aren't overwhelmed by unchecked development. While the moratorium remains in place, the county will focus on updating zoning standards to better reflect the long-term vision for Forsyth's residential landscapes.
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education have officially entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) this month to share fueling infrastructure for official county vehicles and school buses. This collaborative effort allows both agencies to utilize existing fueling sites more efficiently, reducing the need for duplicate facilities and lowering overall maintenance costs for taxpayers. By leveraging shared resources, the county aims to improve logistics for its growing fleet. Some of these include emergency response vehicles and the hundreds of buses serving Forsyth County Schools. District officials noted that this partnership not only maximizes the utility of current assets but also ensures that critical public services remain resilient and well-fueled as the county continues to expand.
Adoptable Dog of the Week
Dash - Male - 8 Years Old
Forsyth County Pet Adoption & Resource Center
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
Wednesday - New Year’s Eve
Noon Year’s Eve at Halcyon
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
What: A high-energy, family-friendly midday celebration. The event features kid-friendly activities, DJ music, festive pop-ups, and a massive balloon drop at noon so the little ones can celebrate without staying up late. Tickets are required.
Where: Halcyon Town Square - 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta GA
"Never Was a Phase" Emo NYE Celebration
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What: A nostalgic 21+ party for those who want to ring in 2026 with a throwback vibe. Dust off your Vans and black eyeliner for a night of emo hits, craft brews, and a midnight countdown.
Where: Cherry Street Brewpub at Halcyon - 6640 Town Square, Alpharetta GA
Noon Year’s Eve at the Library (Post Road & Cumming Branches)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
What: A community-focused celebration for all ages. Families can enjoy New Year’s themed crafts, music, and dancing, all leading up to a festive "noon-time" ball drop and dance party.
Where: Post Road Library (5010 Post Rd) & Cumming Library (585 Dahlonega St)
Family New Year Party at Reflections
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What: An inclusive, family-oriented celebration featuring multicultural elements, music, and food. This event is designed for families who want to stay together for the midnight countdown in a festive event space.
Where: Reflections Event Space - 215 Advantage Drive, Suite 100, Cumming GA
New Year’s Eve Bash at NoFo Brew Co
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 12:30 AM
What: A laid-back brewery celebration featuring live music and a special holiday menu from the Kitchen of Dana. It’s a great spot for those looking for a "no-fuss" countdown with local craft beer and a community atmosphere.
Where: NoFo Brew Co - 6150 GA-400, Suite A/B, Cumming GA
NYE Disco Bash at The Crooked Culture
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
What: A retro-themed dance party at Cumming’s newest brewery. Expect plenty of disco balls, groovy tunes, and specialty craft beer releases. They will be hosting a countdown to midnight with a complimentary glass of "bubbly" beer.
Where: Crooked Culture Brewing - 421 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Cumming GA
Children’s New Year’s Eve Party at Stars and Strikes
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: A "prime-time" party for families featuring unlimited bowling, pizza, laser tag, and arcade game cards. It is designed to give kids the full NYE experience with a special prize-filled balloon drop at 8:00 PM.
Where: Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center - 133 Merchant Square, Cumming GA
Thursday - New Year’s Day
New Year's Day "Recovery" Brunch at Billy Howell
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
What: A local favorite for a casual start to the year. Enjoy a full Southern brunch menu featuring chicken and waffles, bloody mary specials, and live acoustic music to help ease into 2026.
Where: Billy Howell BBQ & Spirits - 703 Atlanta Rd, Cumming GA
First Day Hike at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Start your fitness resolutions early with a ranger-led hike to the Indian Seats. This is a moderate 2-mile trek offering the best panoramic views in the county to watch the first sun of the new year.
Where: Sawnee Mountain Preserve - 4075 Spot Rd, Cumming GA
New Years Day 5K & Half Marathon
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | 8:50 AM (Half Marathon) & 9:00 AM (5K)
What: Kick off your fitness resolutions with a chip-timed race through North Forsyth. The event features a flat and fast course, finisher medals for the first 500 participants, and music to keep the energy high. Virtual options are also available for those who prefer to run from home.
Where: North Forsyth Middle School - 3645 Coal Mountain Dr, Cumming, GA
New Year's Day Brunch at Nido Cafe
When: Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
What: A charming European-inspired brunch featuring "Spanish-Southern" fusion. Expect high-quality coffee, churros, and seasonal omelets in a cozy, neighborhood setting. It's a great spot for a quiet, sophisticated start to the new year.
Where: Nido Cafe - 5755 Clarion St (Vickery Village), Cumming, GA
WEATHER
Monday
56 🌡️ 28 | 🌦️ | 60% | 💨 W 23 mph (20 knots)
Tuesday
43 🌡️ 23 | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 NW 11 mph (10 knots)
Wednesday (New Year’s Eve)
50 🌡️ 23 | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 W 9 mph (8 knots)
Thursday (New Year’s Day)
51 🌡️ 29 | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 60ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Sidney Lanier the night before publication
THANKS!
Thanks for reading the Forsyth Flyer today. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend! You can reply to this email if you have any suggestions, upcoming events you know about, or any other tips. I will steer this newsletter based on what I hear back from you!