🛶 Noticing The Names

Good morning, Forsyth County.

It is easy to drive around here and stop noticing the names. Forsyth County. Cumming. Sawnee. Coal Mountain. McGinnis Ferry. Browns Bridge. Keith Bridge. They show up on road signs, school signs, shopping centers, parks, subdivisions and directions we give without thinking twice. But every one of those names came from somewhere.

Forsyth County itself was created in the early 1830s when land that had been part of Cherokee territory was being divided into new counties. The county was named for John Forsyth, a Georgia politician who served as governor, U.S. senator, diplomat and later U.S. secretary of state. That is a lot of history hiding in a name most of us say without blinking. And maybe that is part of what makes local life interesting. You can pass the same sign a hundred times before finally wondering, “Wait, who was that?” or “Why is this place called that?” Suddenly the county feels a little less like a map and a little more like a story. So today, as we catch up on what is happening around Forsyth County, consider this your small reminder that even the familiar stuff has a backstory.

- Chad

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A new neighborhood restaurant is getting ready to move into the former Pies on Post space in west Forsyth County. Duke’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill is planned for 3310 Drew Campground Road, where Pies on Post closed earlier this year. The new spot is expected to open later this summer with a family-friendly bar and grill menu built around pizza, wings, and craft cocktails. The owners are making several changes to the building before opening, including plumbing and electrical work, new flooring, a larger bar area, more TVs, and a newly poured patio for extra outdoor seating. One familiar feature will stay: the pizza oven. Duke’s plans to be open seven days a week, with lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday and dinner-only hours the rest of the week.

Developers behind The Gathering at South Forsyth appear to be moving closer to construction at the planned mixed-use arena site on Union Hill Road. Krause Sports and Entertainment, the group behind the proposed $3 billion project, has received a land disturbance permit from Forsyth County and is preparing for early site work. The next steps are expected to include grading and leveling the property, which sits near Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The project is still tied to the possibility of an NHL expansion team, though the league has not made a final commitment. County leaders expect more clarity in the coming months. Separately, Forsyth County is moving ahead with plans for a community hockey and skating facility at the South Forsyth soccer complex property. That facility could also serve as a professional practice site if an NHL team comes.

Drivers in south Forsyth County are expected to have a new way on and off Ga. 400 today as the McGinnis Ferry Road interchange opens to traffic. The project replaces the former overpass with a full diamond interchange, giving drivers direct access between McGinnis Ferry Road and Ga. 400. The work also adds auxiliary lanes along the corridor, including northbound and southbound lanes toward Windward Parkway and northbound lanes toward McFarland Parkway. Some finishing work will continue after the opening and is expected to wrap up later this summer or early fall. The interchange is also part of a larger effort to widen McGinnis Ferry Road, with added lanes, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and a multi-use path planned on both sides of Ga. 400.

Summer Cornhole League at Cumming City Center
When: Thursday, June 25, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
What: Cumming City Center’s summer cornhole league continues as part of its seasonal tournament series. The league includes multiple skill levels, prizes, and weekly play, with registration handled through Georgia Cornhole Events.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Perfume & Cologne Making Experience
When: Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28, 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
What: Guests can create their own custom scent using essential oils and fragrance blends during this hands-on perfume and cologne making experience. The workshop is beginner-friendly and lets participants leave with a personalized fragrance.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Friday Mood: Jazzercise Move & Groove on the Lawn
When: Friday, June 26, 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
What: Cumming City Center is hosting a free Friday morning fitness class on the lawn. All fitness levels are welcome. Bring water, a mat, and handheld weights if you have them.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Summer Fridays in Forsyth
When: Friday, June 26, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
What: The Collection at Forsyth continues its Summer Fridays series with live music, summer vibes, and to-go drink specials from participating restaurants. It is a casual Friday evening option for dinner, shopping, and a little outdoor music.
Where: The Collection at Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041

Groovin’ on the Green at Halcyon
When: Friday, June 26 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
What: Halcyon’s free live music series continues on the Village Green. Guests can grab dinner, drinks, or dessert from Halcyon restaurants and enjoy acoustic music outside. Outside food and coolers are not allowed.
Where: Halcyon Village Green, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

The LeFevre Quartet at Cumming City Center
When: Friday, June 26, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
What: The LeFevre Quartet will perform at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater as part of Cumming City Center’s summer concert lineup. The group is known for Southern gospel music and energetic live performances.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Cumming Farmers Market
When: Saturday, June 27, 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
What: The Cumming Farmers Market returns Saturday morning with farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams, plants, arts, crafts, and other local goods. The market is set up in the Vision Parkway parking lot.
Where: Vision Parkway parking lot at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Independence Day 5K and 1K
When: Saturday, June 27, registration begins at 6:30 AM, 5K at 8:00 AM, 1K Fun Run at 9:00 AM
What: The 11th annual Independence Day 5K and 1K takes runners through downtown Cumming ahead of the July 4 holiday. The event includes a 5K, 1K Fun Run, and Tot Trot, with proceeds helping local disadvantaged adolescents participate in local and school running programs.
Where: Downtown Cumming, 136 Almon C. Hill Drive, Cumming, GA 30040

CT Cantina & Taqueria Watch Party
When: Saturday, June 27, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
What: CT Cantina at Halcyon is hosting a World Cup watch party with games shown throughout the restaurant. The event includes shareable appetizer platter specials and draft beer specials, making it a good stop for soccer fans looking to catch a match with dinner.
Where: CT Cantina & Taqueria at Halcyon, 6365 Halcyon Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Guardians of the Jukebox
When: Saturday, June 27, 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
What: Guardians of the Jukebox will bring an 80s tribute show to the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Expect hits inspired by artists like Toto, Hall & Oates, Depeche Mode, Lionel Richie, Foreigner, Starship, Bon Jovi, and more. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Where: Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band Patriotic Concert
When: Sunday, June 28, 3:00 PM
What: The Sounds of Sawnee Community Band is hosting an afternoon of patriotic music at Sexton Hall. The concert will feature patriotic favorites and concert band selections honoring America’s history and traditions. Families and friends are invited to come enjoy the program together.
Where: Sexton Hall, 2115 Chloe Road, Cumming, GA 30041

Slide into Sundays with Jump N Jacks
When: Sunday, June 28, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
What: Cumming City Center is hosting a family fun day with bounce houses, water slides, and games. Admission is $10 per child.
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040

An Afternoon with Mary Kay Andrews
When: Sunday, June 28, 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM
What: Bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews will be in conversation with author Colleen Oakley to discuss her newest release, Road Trip. The event is hosted at Sharon Forks Library and is a good pick for readers, book clubs, and anyone who enjoys author talks.
Where: Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041

85° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph SE

87° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph SW

91° 🌡️ 72° | 🌤️ | 10% | 💨 9 mph W

90° 🌡️ 72° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 8 mph WNW

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

Thanks for reading today’s Forsyth Flyer.

One thing I like about local news is that it makes the familiar feel a little less ordinary. A road you take every week suddenly has a story behind it. A name on a sign starts to mean something. A place you pass all the time starts to feel connected to the larger story of how Forsyth County became what it is, and how it keeps changing.

Most of the time, local news is not loud. It is just sitting there in plain sight, waiting for somebody to notice. So if you see something around Forsyth County that makes you pause, send it my way. It does not have to be polished. Sometimes a simple “what’s going on here?” is where the story starts.

And if you know someone who likes keeping up with what is happening close to home, forward them this issue. Be sure to follow Forsyth Flyer on Facebook and Instagram for updates between emails.

Have a great weekend!