Friday, April 24, 2026 • Just in time to plan your weekend
An “In-Between The Issues” look at events, people, dining, and entertaining in southern Cobb County, from the publishers of The Bright Side community newspapers of southern Cobb. Deadline for the May issue is April 25th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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SMYRNA JONQUIL FESTIVAL SET THIS WEEKEND
As the jonquils bloom and the weather turns warm, the city of Smyrna is ready to celebrate spring. The city’s Jonquil Festival has something for every member of the family with more than 175 Arts & Crafts booths, 20 food booths, an entertainment stage, multiple beer gardens, and a variety of children’s activities.
This year’s Jonquil Festival will be held in and around Smyrna’s City Hall and the Market Village for two days: Saturday April 25 and Sunday April 26. On Saturday; April 26, the events run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday the event runs from noon to 5 p.m.
For those who enjoy shopping, there is a vast array of items including jewelry, hand-crafted wooden items, and much more. There are food booths for different tastes. Artisans from all over the southeast feature their own hand-made crafts, paintings, clothing, furniture, jewelry and much more. The festival foods include: cotton candy, candy apples, corn dogs, hand-dipped ice cream, snow cones, polish sausage, chicken sandwiches, and BBQ. The huge interactive children’s area includes big and small inflatable activities, sand art, and more.
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Read the April Bright Side.
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PRIMARY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY
Georgians will be back to the voting booths on May 19 for the 2026 primary for a variety of state-wide and local elections. This election is used by political parties to choose their nominees for the November General Election. It also includes nonpartisan offices, including many judges, where the actual winner is decided on that day.
Early voting begins on Monday, April 27 and continues to Friday, May 15. Georgia’s 2026 Primary is May 19, and the General Election is November 3. The ballots will include, among other offices, state representatives and senators, Governor, Lt. Governor, State Attorney General, Public Service Commission, US Congress, and one US Georgia Senate seat.
To find the candidates in the state-wide primary go to https://thecurrentga.org/2026/03/07/candidates-for-georgia-state-offices-in-2026-primary-election/
Winners of partisan races will meet in the Nov. 3 General Election. You may register to vote by April 20. Check your Georgia voting status here. |
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Place your advertising in the Bright Side eWeekly for only $25 per week
(minimum of 4 weeks).
Contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or
by email at cslipsett@att.net for more information.
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SMYRNA’S GARDEN TOUR COMING MAY 2
Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s Garden Tour returns on Saturday, May 2, offering self-guided exploration of five of Smyrna’s most stunning gardens. This year’s theme “Homegrown Habitats,” celebrates gardens that support pollinators while making our city a more beautiful place to live.
“Expect to see gardens that support pollinators and be inspired to create the same in your yard,” says Garden Tour Committee Chair Dawn McLoughlin. “The five featured gardens range from a certified native garden, two well-established pollinator gardens, a bright and bountiful ornamental, and a well-designed pollinator garden growing within an HOA.”
Proceeds from the Smyrna Garden Tour support litter cleanups, environmental education, community events, and more. As Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s largest annual fundraiser, this event plays a vital role in sustaining local beautification efforts.
Guests at the Reed House can also browse a public plant sale, featuring a variety of perennials and annuals for sale, including a large selection of native plants.
Tickets are available Online at Eventbrite.com and In-person at Smyrna Recycling Center, Vickery Hardware, and Floral Creations. Advance Tickets: $20; Day-of Tickets: $25.
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JONQUIL CITY JOG SET FOR MAY 2
Lace up your sneakers and join us for the Jonquil City Jog on Saturday, May 2, beginning at 8 a.m. This jog features a 5K at 8 a.m., a 1-mile at approximately 9 a.m. with the Tot Trot to follow.
The race will begin at Smyrna City Hall in downtown Smyrna. As one of the best community races in the Metro Atlanta area, the Jonquil City Jog consistently draws a great crowd for this flat, fast and family-friendly course. Register here today! If you need to wait until the day of the race, registration will open at 7:00 am that morning.
Proceeds will benefit the Campbell High School Educational Foundation, Inc. and Support Smyrna. The Campbell High School Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial and community support to Campbell High School.
Throughout the pandemic, Support Smyrna was able to help feed hundreds of Smyrna families in need and continues to support the Smyrna community. They are expanding their mission within the Smyrna community to help veterans, seniors, students, and others in need. |
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TASTE OF MABLETON COMING MAY 2
The 2026 Taste of Mableton takes place at the Mable House Complex and features the flavors, people, artisans, and culture that makes the City of Mableton unique. The event features a parade, a kids zone, live music, performances, and more.
Come out on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and try all things Mableton – additional events include Tours and Displays, Pillars of Mableton, Health & Wellness Village, Arts & Crafts Exhibits, Public Safety Zone, Service Row, DJ and Dancing, Education Pavilion, Faith Village, Civic Circle, All Day Concert at the Amphitheatre, Family Fun Zone, The Marketplace, and Foodies Court.
The festival starts at 9 a.m. with a parade that starts at Floyd Middle School and ends at the Mable House Complex. Following the parade is the Battle of the Bands, featuring the Pebblebrook High School Mighty Marching Machine, the South Cobb High School Blue Eagle Marching Band, and The Osborne Red Sea of Sound.
Admission is free. The Taste pf Mableton is set for the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Free onsite will be available at the Mable House Complex, with additional free overflow parking available at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Rd, Mableton. For more information, please email tasteofmableton@mableton.org or call (404) 997-2893.
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SMYRNA MARKET SEASON BEGINS MAY 3 TO OCTOBER 18
Discover something new at the Smyrna Market very Sunday, in the Market Village. This community gathering features 60+ unique vendors set up on W. Spring Street and along King Street (in front of city hall). Each Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you will find international foods, local honey, handmade soaps, baked goods, crafts and more! With new vendors each week, there is always something fresh to discover.
For announcements on weekly vendors or weather cancelations please follow the market on Facebook at Smyrna Handmade Market or on Instagram @SmyrnaHandmadeMarket |
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GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER
 Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities
Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.
APRIL
Get to Know Cobb: Meet Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens
Wednesday April 28 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Join us for an opportunity to meet Craig Owens, learn more about the Sheriff’s Office and its role in our community, and take part in an engaging Q&A session.
Intergenerational Memory Jars
Thursday, April 30 from noon – 1 p.m.
$5; Registration required
Intergenerational Memory Jars is a meaningful program designed to bring people together through reflection and storytelling. Open to participants ages 8 and older, seniors are encouraged to bring their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to share in this special experience. Participants will write down and exchange cherished memories, favorite traditions, and words of encouragement, preserving them in beautifully decorated keepsake jars. Through guided conversation and creative expression, the program fosters connection, mutual respect, and a strong sense of belonging across generations. Led by the dedicated staff of Freeman Poole Senior Center.
MAY
Guardrails for Preventive Measures: Cancer Awareness
Monday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required.
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in cancer prevention. Cancer Awareness: Guardrails for Preventative Measures is an engaging, informative class designed to help participants understand risk factors, early warning signs, and practical steps that can reduce cancer risk. This session breaks down evidence-based prevention strategies, like screenings, lifestyle choices, and environmental awareness, into clear, actionable guidance you can use right away. Led by Keith Mazonkey, Wellness Coordinator with Cobb County Human Resources.
Salsa Sensations: Salsa Tasting
Tuesday, May 5 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
$5; Registration required
In honor of National Salsa Month, join us for a fun and flavorful afternoon! Sample a variety of mild to medium salsas while socializing and learning about the unique flavors and ingredients that make each one special. This relaxed, interactive program is designed to spark conversation and delight your taste buds. Chips and refreshments will be provided. Led by the staff of Freeman Poole Senior Center.
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday, May 6 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Whether you are new or have been a long-time member of C. Freeman Poole, you are invited to come and learn more about our center, the programs we offer, meet our team, take a tour of our
center, and offer suggestions about activities, events, or seminars you would like to see offered.
Mother’s Day Tea Party
Thursday, May 7 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$10; Registration required
Join us for a delightful Mother’s Day Tea Party at our senior center, where we celebrate the love, strength, and cherished memories of the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our community. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon filled with warm conversation, soothing tea, and a selection of light refreshments including finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
Mindful Mile Walk
Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free; Registration Required.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this gentle one-mile walk brings together participants ages eight and up to promote mindfulness, stress relief, and emotional well-being. Guided moments of reflection encourage connection, movement, and community support in a calm, welcoming environment. We will meet at the Silver Comet bike shop. Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
Stronger Bones, Healthier You
Friday, May 8 from Free; Registration required
noon – 1 p.m.
Join us for an educational session focused on maintaining and improving bone health. Participants will learn practical strategies to strengthen bones, reduce the risk of fractures, and support overall mobility and balance. Presented by Zoe S. with the Cobb County UGA Extension.
Milk Carton Birdhouse Craft
Tuesday, May 12 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required.
Get creative and eco-friendly by turning an everyday milk carton into a charming birdhouse. Participants will cut, decorate, and personalize their birdhouses while learning simple tips for attracting backyard birds. All supplies provided; no crafting experience needed. Led by Hayley Dowell with the Cobb County Office of Sustainability.
Our Native Bees
Thursday, May 14 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free, Registration required
Join us for an engaging class led by a native bee expert, Elise McDonald, exploring the fascinating world of native bees. Participants will learn about the major bee groups, their behaviors, ecological roles, and social structures. The session will also include a hands-on component, teaching how to build and properly maintain a bee hotel to support local pollinators and promote a healthy ecosystem. Led by Keep Cobb Beautiful.
Freeman Foodies
Friday, May 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your own; Registration required
Picadilly, 536 Cobb Pkwy, Marietta.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, May 18 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required.
Freeman Poole’s Page Turners book club offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and discover new authors and genres. The book of the month is Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See.
Fire Safety Program
Tuesday, May 19 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
This Fire Safety Program educates participants on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and safe evacuation practices. Participants will learn how to reduce fire risks at home, properly use smoke alarms, and create a personal safety plan for greater peace of mind. Led by Nathan Smith from the Safety Village.
AARP Safe Driver
Wednesday, May 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
$20 AARP members; $25 Non-members; Registration required
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
April
25 & 26: SMYRNA JONQUIL FESTIVAL. The Spring Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna. There will be 150 arts and crafts booths, food booths, a beer garden, and plenty of children’s activities. The show will also feature a local entertainment stage. The show will draw crowds of around 25,000 people.
27: EARLY VOTING BEGINS for May 19 primary elections.
May
2: SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR: The Smyrna Garden Tour is back on May 2, connecting ticketholders to five of Smyrna’s most beautiful private gardens. This self-guided tour helps raise money to support the work of Keep Smyrna Beautiful, including litter cleanups, habitat rehabilitation, pollinator gardens, environmental education, and more! Sponsorships are available. Learn more at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/garden-tour/
2: TASTE OF MABLETON. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. The free festival starts at 9 a.m. with a 30-minute parade followed by a Battle of the Bands. Food Court with 20 plus vendors, Market Place with artisan and craft vendors, a kids fun zone, and much more.
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 220 (FOR BOYS) AND 1872 (FOR GIRLS). Come to Life Church to enjoy Scouting America’s (formally BSA) programs where we have both Boy and Girl Units. Combined with Pack 22 we provide Scouting for the whole family! Troops 1872 and 220 have monthly campouts/adventures and hold regular meetings located at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). Meetings for Troop 1872 are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 3:30 and for Troop 220 on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are focused on leadership, adventure, and established Scouting Values that have been around for 100+ years. For more information visit www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220smryna
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St. Smyrna,30080. All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.
SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com
TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027
SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.
GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
Groups
RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery.
Extra Bright Sides
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Vickery Hardware, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; and Kroger on South Cobb Drive, Smyrna. Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and the Mable House Arts Center. In Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website www.brightsidecobb.com sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday
E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the year, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE.
REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side.
Give me a call or email and let’s see how a Bright Side ad can benefit your business. I also welcome good news about people in the community. Give me a phone call at 770-426-9388 or email me at cslipsett@att.net. Deadline for the May Bright Side is April 25.
You can now read the print and the electronic editions of The Bright Side anytime on my website: www.brightsidecobb.com. In addition to direct mail delivery to homes, extra print copies of The Bright Side are available at the Smyrna Public Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Publix at Jonquil Plaza on Atlanta Road, Smyrna Kroger on South Cobb Drive and at Vickery Hardware. Also available at Cobb Hospital, the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger, Mable House Arts Center, and Mableton Pharmacy.
Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
The Bright Side Newspaper (for Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell) and the eWeekly are owned and published by Lipsett & Associates, Inc. Owner and publisher is Cathy Lipsett.
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Advertisers: Reach New Customers
Advertisers, the Bright Side is the best way to reach thousands of homes within a few minutes driving time of your business. The deadline for each issue is the 23rd of the month. Publication is the first week of the upcoming month. Send to news@brightsidecobb.com.
Notes And Notices
Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, in-home child care? We accept short reader ads (up to 50 words) for a fee of $25 per month.
Email the ad to news@brightsidecobb.com and send checks to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. (No copy accepted by phone) and received prior to our deadline of the 23rd of each month. Publication is in the first week of the following month. We also accept credit card payment. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. House for sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com.
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