East Cobb Holiday Events

We Wish You A Merry Christmas, East Cobb! Happy New Year!

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We Wish You A Merry Christmas, East Cobb! Happy New Year!

Below is another clip from a concert last Saturday at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church featuring Coro Vocati, an Atlanta-based choral ensemble (previous videos here).

Here at East Cobb News, we’d like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Unless there’s major breaking news, we’ll publish again on Tuesday, the day after Christmas.

All of the past week’s news, calendar listings and more can be found on our newsletter, the East Cobb News Digest, which is published on Sunday.

It’s free and you can subscribe by clicking here.

To check on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in East Cobb, visit our special landing page for that information.

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office distributes toys via ‘Santa on Wheels’

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Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Submitted information and photos:

On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spread extra joy by distributing toys to chosen underserved communities in Cobb County through its annual program, Santa on Wheels, also known as Santa Sobre Ruedas. This initiative, a collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the Foundation, aims to provide free toys to households facing financial challenges during the holidays. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, and the generous contributions from Cobb County residents, thousands of toys were collected and passed out this holiday season.

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

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Cobb Police SWAT ‘Santa Project’ delivers holiday cheer

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Submitted information:Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

In 2018, officers from the Community Affairs Unit started the Cobb County Police Department SWAT Santa Project.  This now annual project takes place leading up to Christmas each year. It is a chance to give deserving families an opportunity to have an enjoyable and blessed Christmas. The SWAT Santa Project is a huge undertaking by Cobb County Police Department employees and volunteers that begins each October with the Cool Cars and Cops car show. The drawing for the SWAT Santa Raffle is held at the car show and the funds raised from the raffle are used to purchase gifts for the children at Christmas time. Over the years, raffle prizes and gifts have been donated by many generous businesses and individuals that help support this worthy cause. 

Children are identified with the help of local school counselors.  Each child creates a wish list that is compiled by the department’s Community Affairs Unit. Officers, non-sworn volunteers, and of course “SWAT Santa” himself, went shopping on December 14 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 6520 Ernest Barrett Parkway in Marietta. Oftentimes, the gifts the children put on their list are not for themselves, but for parents and siblings so that they can experience the joy of giving.  This daylong shopping spree always brings joy to those involved.

All the gifts purchased at Wal-Mart will be transported to Due West United Methodist Church located at 3956 Due West Road in Marietta, where volunteers from the congregation, the community, and department, will wrap the gifts.  On Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22, the gifts were delivered to the homes of the children taking part in the SWAT Santa Project

SWAT Santa will be adorned in a blue Santa suit with Cobb County Police patches to demonstrate the partnership with the police department and the community. Instead of a sleigh pulled by reindeer, SWAT Santa will be making his rounds in one of the department’s armored SWAT response vehicles, known as Bearcats. Santa cheerfully visits houses, apartment complexes, and hotels, bringing his helpers and an endless supply of ice cream with him.

Anyone seeking further information about the SWAT Santa Project can reach out to Lt. McCloskey or Sgt. Grimstead at (770) 499-3984.

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‘Bring One for the Chipper’ dropoff spots include Fullers Park

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tree recycling, Bring One for the Chipper, Keep Cobb Beautiful

Fullers Park in East Cobb will once again be a location for Keep Cobb Beautiful’s “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling drive.

Citizens can drop off their trees starting Christmas Day through Jan. 6, 2024 for conversion into mulch, beautification projects, wildlife habitats and other useful materials.

The locations include two Home Depot stores in East Cobb: at Providence Square Shopping Center (4101 Roswell Road) and Highland Plaza Shopping Center (3605 Sandy Plains Road)

There will be a limited supply of samplings at those Home Depot stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Trees must be dropped off in the designated areas of the locations only and all lights, ornaments and tree stands must be removed.

Flocked trees will not be accepted because they are harmful to wildlife. No other items will be accepted.

For more details about locations and addresses, click here.

Keep Cobb Beautiful also will be providing free mulch. E-mail keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org for information.

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To request free mulch please email keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org.

Ex-Kell basketball star’s holiday event assists 100+ families

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Ex-Kell basketball star's holiday event assists 100+ families

Submitted information and photos:

Portland Trail Blazers Rookie Point Guard Scoot Henderson and his fourth annual O.D.D Holiday, hosted by the Henderson family and Next Play 360 was a magical and festive-filled event for more than 100 families across Marietta, Georgia and Portland, Oregon on Monday December 18.

O.D.D Holiday stems from Scoot Henderson’s personal mantra, O.D.D (Overly Determined to Dominate). In an effort to be the best version of himself and impact others throughout his communities to do the same, Scoot and Next Play 360 started the first O.D.D Holiday in 2019. O.D.D Holiday operates under the idea that every family deserves the warmth of the holiday spirit, and the ability to create cherished memories.

“As someone who is a passionate advocate for community engagement, I’m excited to host Portland’s inaugural annual O.D.D Holiday event, and see my family continue the tradition back home in Marietta, GA at Next Play 360,” said Scoot Henderson. “My dedication to community service in the two places that I call home go hand-in-hand with my commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the court. This initiative represents love, unity and our family mission to help build up our communities, not just during the holiday season, but always.”, said Scoot Henderson about the event.

To prepare for the holiday celebration, on December 16, TedX Portland hosted a O.D.D Holiday wrapping event, where eight of the Scoot’s Suits participants were invited for a community giveback event, private tour and professional development workshop. Earlier this year, Scoot’s Suits was created in partnership with INDOCHINO, which provides custom suits to young professionals in Marietta and Portland. The participants wrote holiday cards and wrapped presents for the O.D.D Holiday event, and had the opportunity to hear from a TedX Portland speaker, take professional headshots, undergo a professional development workshop, and attend a NBA game.

On December 18, children and families were able to pick-up their holiday gifts. Scoot and Next Play 360 partnered with PUMA, Footlocker, and Ayesha Curry’s brand Sweet July to provide donations for more than 100 families. Donated items included coats, PUMA t-shirts, sweatshirts, winter hats, cookware and more.

Ex-Kell basketball star's holiday event assists 100+ families

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

Submitted information and photos:

East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is proud of its long history of community service. Its members freely give their time and energy to create quilts, placemats,

Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases for donation to area charities. This year it was decided that some of the placemats with a patriotic theme would be used by Cobb County Senior Services as gifts at their annual Veteran’s Christmas Luncheon.

“Our Veterans were so touched with having placemats that were especially made for them and loved being able to take them home as a keepsake. A heartfelt thanks from our Veterans and everyone at Cobb County Senior Services to the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild for their generous gift,” commented Andrea Rapowitz, Cobb County Senior Services Volunteer Services Manager.

In 2023, the Guild donated a total of 2,430 items to local organizations, an almost 100% increase compared to 2022. Donated items included: 344 quilts for Cobb County DFCS, for children who have been taken into foster care; 737 pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, for children in hospitals in the Atlanta area and around the state of Georgia; and 524 placemats for Cobb County Meals on Wheels program, for older adults and disabled individuals who receive home meal delivery. A new recipient this year was Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Guild donated 825 Beads of Courage bags to give to their patients who are coping with serious illnesses.

East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

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East Cobb artist to be featured in ‘Hop On A Cure’ concert

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East Cobb resident John Driskell Hopkins, founding member of the Zack Brown Band, is organizing another holiday benefit concert for his charity, Hop On A Cure Foundation, which is dedicated to research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).East Cobb artist featured 'Hop On A Cure' concert

Hopkins, who was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease two years ago, will be playing host to a “Sounds of the Season” concert Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.

He’s released his fourth annual holiday album, “Let’s Get Frosty!” and other entertainers on hand at the concert will include members of Yacht Rock Revue, and friends including, Ruby Velle, Emily Saliers of the The Indigo Girls, David Ryan Harris, Lily Faith Hopkins and more!

Available tickets start at $59 each and they can be purchased here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E005F6FBDAD3343.

Since Driskell and his wife founded the organization in 2021, Hop On A Cure Foundation has raised more than $2.5 million, held more than 100 events and awarded more than $1.5 million in grants, including The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Emory University.

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Coro Vocati; Dance Spectacular; more

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Coro Vocati; East Cobb weekend events
The Atlanta-based professional singing company Coro Vocati will be performing Saturday at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church.

There are still a few holiday-related events taking place in East Cobb this weekend, largely of the performing arts variety.

On Friday, the East Cobb-based MDE Vocational Academy will be holding its annual Winterfest Market. Students from the special-needs school will be selling their homemade hot chocolate bombs, ornaments, Mason Jar cookie kits, pot holders, and other gift items, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are rumored to be making an appearance.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school (1523 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 200) and admission is free.

On Saturday is the 4th annual Dance Stop Company Holiday Spectacular, featuring performers from the East Cobb-based dance school. Two shows will take place at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road)—at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15, and Dance Stop students get a free ticket with every single ticket purchase.

On Saturday night, St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road) will be the venue for “Christmas with Coro Vocati,” with carols and songs to celebrate the season.

Coro Vocati is an ensemble of professional singers based in Atlanta, and the program includes traditional carols, arrangements by modern composers, and Christmas-themed standards.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and the public is invited to the free event, a presentation in the 12th Annual Friends of Music series at St. Catherine’s  Episcopal Church. A reception follows with opportunity to meet the artists.

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East Cobb fitness businesses holding holiday toy and gift drives

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Simple Needs GA

A couple of new fitness centers in East Cobb are collecting gifts and toys for children in need this holiday season.

The Strongvibe studio at Paper Mill Village (147 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 4110) is having a holiday party on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and is asking attendees to bring a gift for Cobb students who are experiencing homelessnesss.

Owner Erica Manning has started a wishlist spreadsheet (you can read it here) where you’re asked to indicate what items (and how many) you’ll be bringing.

The items include clothing, shoes, pajamas, coats and gift cards. Just sign up accordingly and you can bring your items during regular studio hours through the holiday party.

RSVP at erica@strongvibefit.com or 770-573-4010.

Stretch Zone East Cobb is pairing with East Cobb-based Simple Needs GA to collect holiday toys in a drive that continues through Dec. 15.

The studio (4371 Roswell Road, East Cobb Crossing Shopping Center) is accepting a variety of unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Stretch Zone will offer donors a free stretch session (up to two per customer) with a new or existing contract.

“Many of the families referred to us by school social workers and others have missed out on other local holiday programs because of unforeseen circumstances,” Simple Needs GA founder Brenda Rhodes said. “We want them to experience the spirit of Christmas just the same. In 2022, SNGA supplied Christmas gifts to about 300 Cobb County kids from over 100 families.”

Requested items include gift cards, Bath & Body Works products, art supplies, African-American baby dolls and accessories, Legos, VTech and Leapfrog educational toys, bike helmets, Fisher-Price play sets, board and card games, and gloves, mittens, hats and scarves in adult and older teen sizes.

For information email eastcobb@stretchzone.com or call 770-282-7941.

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East Cobb’s Fox Family holiday lights display returns through Jan. 7

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East Cobb home holiday decorations 2022

Starting Friday and continuing into the new year is one of East Cobb’s most notable neighborhood holiday lights displays.

The Fox Family of the Clary Lakes subdivision in Northeast Cobb will be turning on a dazzling array of lights, accompanied and synchronized by music and even an animated skating pond.

The display, which takes about a month to put together and test, runs through Jan. 7, which is the Orthodox Christmas (resident Karen Fox is Greek Orthodox).

The hours are from 6-11 p.m. at the Fox home at 2994 Clary Hill Court (accessible via McPherson Road, just north of Post Oak Tritt Road; see map below).

This is the 16th year for the display, and Fox said that Santa will make visits on Friday and/or Saturday evenings beginning Dec. 10, weather permitting.

The weather could be an issue as the display gets underway, with a wet weekend in store. Fox said on a social media posting Thursday that “we are hoping to be at about 90 percent ready [Friday] evening, weather permitting. We will not put out any of our vintage items that can’t get wet if it is raining.”

She said a Facebook page dedicated to the display is providing weather and scheduling updates, including a playlist of the music that visitors can listen to in their cars on 88.3FM. Here’s what you’ll hear this year:

1. Amazing Grace-Yule
2. Christmas Canon-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
3. Christmas Eve Sarajevo-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
4. Deck the Halls-Mannheim Steamroller
5. Let It Snow-Dean Martin
6. Light of Christmas-Owl City
7. Little Drummer Boy-King and Country
8. Mad Russian Christmas – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
9. Miracle on 34th Street Overture-Bruce Broughton
10. Linus and Lucy-Vince Guaraldi
11. Queen of the Winter Night-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
12. Sleigh Ride-The Ronettes
13. Wizard in Winter-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
14. Candy Cane Lane-Sia
15. Merry Christmas-Ed Sheehan & Elton John

The Fox display has been nominated in the current Home Holiday Hunt competition through Dec. 27.

Fox Family Christmas Light Display

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Apple Annie; Holiday Lights; more

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2022 East Cobb Park Holiday Lights
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be back at East Cobb Park Sunday for Holiday Lights.

With the start of December comes a busy slate of holiday festivities in the East Cobb area, leading off on Friday with the return of the Apple Annie Arts and Crafts Show.

More than 100 vendors will be selling their wares from 9-6 Friday and 9-2 Saturday at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), along with food from an on-site café and treats at the bake sale.

There also will be the Artisan Gift and Handmade Quilt raffles and plenty of holiday music. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Overflow parking is at The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road), with free shuttle service.

Friday marks the first of a five-show holiday performance of an unusual twist on “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” at CenterStage North Theatre/The Art Place.

Subtitled “A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts,” this the 15th annual tour by the Styckes Upon Thump Repertory Company.

Shows are Friday and Saturday night, as well as Dec. 8 and 9, with a matinee at 2 p.m. this Sunday only.

On Saturday, holiday fun for the whole family is in store at tbe Sewell Mill Cultural Center’s Winter Festival.

It takes place from 10-3 at the library and cultural center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) amid the facility’s 12 Days of Christmas market, and will include holiday arts and crafts workshops, gift-wrapping, kids’ storytime and photos with Cobb PARKS. The event is free, but registrations is required for the photo sessions.

If you want holiday music to enjoy, the Cobb New Horizons Symphony is holding its annual Sounds of the Seasons Concert from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road). Admission is free.

An East Cobb tradition since 1992 returns Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. It’s the Bethlehem Walk display at Mountain View Church (2300 Jamerson Road), and the interactive event takes place from 7-9 p.m. each night.

Visitors walk through the streets of Bethlehem to recapture the atmosphere leading up to Christ’s birth, followed by treats and hot apple cider.

Putting a festive bow on the weekend will be the presentation of Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park as it turns dark on Sunday.

There will be music from local school children and a DJ and hot chocolates and other treats before the park’s trees are lighted and Santa Claus arrives on his sleigh. Kids can have their photos taken with St. Nick.

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Lassiter Bands Christmas tree sale continues through Dec. 9

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Lassiter Band Christmas tree sale

The Lassiter Bands annual Christmas tree sale is underway, and continues through Dec. 9. It’s one of the main fundraisers for the Lassiter Band Booster Program, and takes place daily.

The site is the same—the parking lot of the Highland Plaza Shopping Center on Shallowford Road at Gordy Parkway.

The trees are 6-12 foot locally source Frazier firs that are fresh-cut on site. Also available are 22′ or 32′ Frazier fir bough wreaths, tree stands and disposable bags.

The hours are Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Chattahoochee Tech distributes food pantry Thanksgiving donations

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Chattahoochee Tech distributes food pantry Thanksgiving donations
Chattahoochee Tech Student Populations Specialist Catherine Smith and Special Populations & Title IX Coordinator Shanequa Warrington at the Golden Eagle Food Pantry’s “Everything but the Turkey” distribution day.

Submitted information and photo:

The Chattahoochee Tech Golden Eagle Food Pantry is making the Thanksgiving holiday better for nearly 100 college students and their families in need.

On Thursday, Nov. 16, the Golden Eagle Food Pantry distributed “Everything but the Turkey” Thanksgiving food packages, which included items ranging from canned corn, green beans and cranberry sauce to boxes of potatoes, stuffing and gravy packets. The food pantry’s mission is to directly serve college students who suffer from hunger and food insecurity, which is a lack of consistent access to enough food. An estimated one in three students experience food insecurity on college campuses across the country, according to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE). Food insecurity may impact not only college student health but also their ability to perform well academically and stay in school.

“It’s hard for students to be successful in class if they’re hungry and struggling to pay for food,” said Shanequa Warrington, the college’s Special Populations & Title IX Coordinator. “We want our students to focus on studying and not worry about being hungry. It’s vital for us to provide them with the resources they need in order to succeed.”

The Golden Eagle Food Pantry was established at Chattahoochee Tech four years ago to help college students who struggle with paying for food. All supplies are based upon donations and are available to students as long as supplies are continually received. For more information about the food pantry and how to help, visit: www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/Golden-Eagle-Food-Pantry/

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Friends for the East Cobb Park details Holiday Lights festivities

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2022 East Cobb Park Holiday Lights

The Holiday Lights celebration is just a couple weeks away, and today the Friends for the East Cobb Park released some details about the festivities.

The date is Sunday, Dec. 3, from 5-7:30 p.m., and follows a familiar schedule from past years. The main sponsors are Wellstar Health System and the Rotary Club of East Cobb.

Music will kick off the event at the concert stage, with Director John Jeffries and the Dodgen Pops performing, followed by Director Thomas Chafin and the Wheeler Chorus.

2022 East Cobb Park Holiday Lights
State Rep. Sharon Cooper and Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson at Holiday Lights in 2022.

At 6 p.m., the annual tree lighting will be done by this year’s East Cobb Citizen of the Year, Irene Barton, a member of the East Cobb Civitan Club.

Shortly after 6, Santa will arrive in his sleigh with Mrs. Santa and Rudolph, and will be on stage to meet every child who wants to see him. Parents will have the opportunity to take pictures of their children with Santa.

Elected and other public officials also will be on hand and will be introduced.

Admission is free, but the Friends group will be selling festive items. Alumni Cookie Dough, one of the event’s sponsors,  will be selling cookie dough delicious treats and hot chocolate will proceeds going to the Friends group.

The group also will have a table with membership information about the organization, which puts on special events at East Cobb Park and has also recently started a garden club.

Like other events at East Cobb Park, including concerts, you’re free to bring chairs/blankets and your own food. Public parking will be available in the upper lot only.

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Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland coming to Cobb PARKS

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girl dressed up waving

Submitted information:

Infuse your holiday season with a mega dose of Christmas cheer as Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland makes its grand debut at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center. This all-new, award-winning drive-through light show is sure to be a highlight of your festive celebrations. Take a magical journey through custom-built light displays perfectly synchronized with Christmas musical favorites nightly 6 – 10 p.m. Nov. 17 – Jan. 7, including holidays, rain or shine.

This dynamic show features a 300-foot tunnel that surrounds you in a kaleidoscope of colors, Christmas trees sparkling at 50 feet tall, towering walls of lights and much more! Also along the tour, you’ll catch a glimpse of how the elves, reindeer, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus live at the bustling North Pole.

After the show, visit Santa’s Village and engage in activities, enjoy tasty treats and take photos with Santa. So load up your sleigh, tune in your radio, and prepare to be amazed!

More information and advanced discount tickets available here.

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2023 Apple Annie Arts and Craft Show dates announced

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Apple Annie

Submitted information:

Get ready for a delightful start to the holiday season as the Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show returns to St. Ann’s Catholic Church on December 1 from 9 am – 6 pm and December 2 from 9 am – 2 pm, 2023. This beloved community event promises to bring an array of unique, handmade items and festive spirit to make your Christmas season bright.

The show will feature nearly 100 local artisans and their exceptional handmade creations. From stunning jewelry and clothing to intricately crafted home decor and more, you’ll find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just looking for some inspiration, this event offers something for everyone.

Outside of shopping, attendees can also indulge in delicious food from the on-site café and pick up some mouthwatering treats at the bake sale. The event’s warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with live music, cheerful vendors, and the best volunteers in Marietta will put you in the holiday spirit. Don’t miss the Artisan Gift and Handmade Quilt raffles for a chance at one-of-a-kind gifts. Parking will be at St. Ann’s, with overflow parking at The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, located at 1795 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, where free shuttle service to Apple Annie will be provided.

Tickets are $5 for ages 13 and up and can be purchased at the door, with proceeds going to local charities. We regret that we don’t allow strollers at this event. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local artisans and start your holiday season with joy and creativity.

For more information, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/appleanniecraftshow

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Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing for the holiday season—Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s and more.

If you’ll be having public events, or wish to pass along photos or other items after the fact, we’ll be glad to publish them and let the community know.

Pass along your materials to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

 

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Boo Bash; Music in the Park; more

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Boo Bash Halloween fun

With Halloween right around the corner, several events in the East Cobb area will be rounding out the final weekend before Tuesday’s All Hallows Eve.

For the second year in a row, Avenue East Cobb and East Cobb Church are teaming up to present the Boo Bash, a kid-oriented carnival. It runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shopping center (4475 Roswell Road), and will have some expanded space due to the newly opened plaza.

There will be trick or treating, groovin’ music and two costume parties, along with games, balloons, face-painting and other activities.

If you’re inclined to take part in a dressy Halloween event for adults, our sponsor Elegance Events (2080 Lower Roswell Road) is having its first Masquerade Ball on Saturday from 6:30 to midnight. There will be food, dancing and more, with tickets at $50 a person or $75 for the VIP treatment. Call (813)817-4659 for tickets and information.

The last of the fall concert series Music in the Park takes place from 4-6 Sunday at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road), this time featuring musicians from the Bach to Rock music school in East Cobb.

You can bring food, blankets and chairs and spread out on the back quad as the sounds come alive in the concert stage.

Halloween isn’t the only festive occasion that is celebrated on Oct. 31. That’s also Reformation Day, and from 4-6 Sunday there will be a special Reformation Day Concert and Oktoberfest Dinner at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (4678 Paper Mill Road).

Music from J.S. Bach will be performed by the church’s choir and chamber orchestra, and the food is classic German fare—bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels and more from a local bakery. The event is free and open to the public.

Back at Avenue East Cobb on Sunday is a special Relay for Life Fundraiser from 4-8. It’s done by the American Cancer Society, and Panera Bread will be donating a portion of its sales during that time to the Cobb County Justice League.

On Monday, another family-oriented Halloween event is on tap, the 3rd annual East Cobb Library Spooktacular. It’s from 4-5 at the library branch (4880 Lower Roswell Road) and includes crafts, games, and the chance to win the first two illustrated Harry Potter books. Kids 10 and older are welcome to show up in their costumes.

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Mabry Middle School Foundation to hold haunted house event

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Submitted information:Mabry Middle School Foundation haunted house

Did you know East Cobb’s very own Mabry Middle School has a Haunted House? It’s their 2nd annual event full of thrills, laughter, and unforgettable memories for family and friends!

Come one, Come ALL! Check out the most terrifying experience under the Big Top at the CarnEVIL of Screams Haunted House – where the terror comes to life!

Two nights only at Mabry Middle School – Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st from 7pm-10pm. But beware of the sinister ringmaster and his macabre crew of carnival misfits.

From creepy clowns to freakish fortune tellers, you’ll encounter creatures that defy the laws of nature and reason. See if you can escape from the ghastly hall of mirrors and survive the Games of Misfortune.

There will be a haunted house, kids area, concessions, and food trucks!
Pre-sale tickets are NOW ON SALE and available for purchase online. Click here –https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/7dff562e-6891-46e7-9f99-56d31172f352

Pre-sale tickets are only $10, if purchased online before 10/20. After that, ticket prices will increase to $15 and you may run the risk of standing in a long line.

For additional information, visit our website at https://www.mabrymiddlefoundation.com/.

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Junior League of Cobb-Marietta announces 2023 Mistletoe Market

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Submitted information:2023 Cobb-Marietta Junior League Mistletoe Market

Premier Night—the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta’s kick off to its annual Mistletoe Market—will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta.

“Premiere Night is a fun event that gives Mistletoe Market shoppers a first glance at some amazing specialty holiday gifts,” says Cristin Kennedy, JLCM’s 2023-24 VP of Fund Development. “It is a fun evening out with friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and more to help kickstart the holiday season.”

Mistletoe Market, the Marietta-headquartered nonprofit’s fall fundraiser, brings together more than 50 specialty merchants from across the Southeast for the premiere holiday shopping experience in our area. The market features locally created, premium goods, and shoppers also have access to on-site monogramming, holiday décor, jewelry and much more!

The 2023 event will be held from Thursday, Nov. 9, to Saturday, Nov. 11. Tickets for Premier Night and Market Day, which will be sold separately, will be available online starting Friday, Sept. 1, at jlcm.org. Tickets for Premier Night will be $25 each, and Market Day tickets will be $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

2023 Mistletoe Market Shopping Days and Hours

  • Premiere Night: Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m.
  • Mistletoe Market Days:
    • Friday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2023 Premiere Night, which is always a fan-favorite among guests and merchants, will be held Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m. Join us for a festive night with your friends and family, and be the first to shop this year’s merchants. Guests will also enjoy light bites, beverages and entertainment, and the first 100 guests will receive an exclusive swag bag filled with goodies and discounts from many of our vendors, as well as local donors and sponsors.

Thanks to proceeds from the 2023 Mistletoe Market, JLCM awarded scholarships to Cobb-Paulding County Adult Education so that 10 women could graduate and receive their GEDs. We also provided period products to every Cobb County public school that requested them, among other initiatives.

“Mistletoe Market is not just a reason to have fun while shopping for you and/or your loved ones,” says Tammy Thorpe, 2023-24 JLCM President. “This an event that truly makes a difference in our community. Your support of the market allows of League of incredible women to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”

The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta is still accepting merchant applications for this year’s market, and interested artisans and businesses can email JLCMMistletoeMarket@jlcm.org for more information about participating in this year’s event.

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Marietta renews July 4 celebration; Cobb issues fireworks rules

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The all-day 4th in the Park Celebration will take place in Marietta on Tuesday, with a familiar schedule.Cobb fireworks New Year's Eve

The “Let Freedom Ring” parade begins at 10 a.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church and traverses westbound on Roswell Street to the Marietta Square, where a festival continues until 6 p.m.

There will be arts and crafts, a kids’ zone, food and free musical concerts.

A concert featuring the Patriarchs Band begins at 7 p.m., followed by a concert by Boogilicious from 8-9:30 p.m.

That’s the run-up to a fireworks display.

The City of Marietta has issued a temporary street closure map (click here).

Parking in downtown Marietta will be available; there are some free lots and others are paid lots run by Cobb County government (see map).

Other nearby communities will be having their own July 4 events, including the City of Roswell, the City of Sandy Springs and the City of Woodstock.

Cobb Travel and Tourism has more options, including celebrations in Acworth, Kennesaw and Six Flags.

For those wishing to set off their own fireworks, Cobb County government sent out a reminder this week that fireworks may be discharged until midnight both Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4.

Here’s more from the county about when and where you can use fireworks, and other restrictions and safety tips:

Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited at all county parks. This includes historic sites, recreational areas or state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.

You must be 18 or older to purchase or ignite fireworks. It is illegal to let young children play with them.

Other safety tips:

  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
  • Keep pets indoors, close the curtains and play music to drown out the noise. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

 

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