Friday, May 15, 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 combined June/July issue is June 5th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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LAST DAY FOR ADVANCED VOTING
Today, May 15, is the last day for advance voting. Primary voting will be held 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.
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 House of Representatives, 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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Read the May Bright Side.
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SMYRNA MARKET SEASON HAS BEGUN
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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MABLETON DAY FESTIVAL SET FOR MAY 30
Get ready for a fun-filled day of music, food, and community vibes at the 2026 Mableton Day Festival. The event will be held at the Mableton Town Square Park, 5315 Church Street. Mableton.
Come join the fun at on May 30, at 11 a.m. for a day filled with fun activities, delicious food, and live music. Get ready to celebrate with the community and enjoy a variety of vendors, games, and entertainment for all ages. Don’t miss out on this exciting event.
- Doors open at 11 a,m.
- Free admission for all.
- Free parking – First Baptist Church, Mableton Elementary School
- Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited from this event
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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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MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION SET FOR SMYRNA
Smyrna, Georgia’s classic annual Memorial Day ceremony is Monday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 2800 King Street, Smyrna. The immensely popular event and parking are free and beloved by people of all ages.
Memorial Day honors all who have served in the US armed forces, and, above all, those who died in the line of duty. This year’s theme features the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.
The event costars some of America’s future military leaders, namely the perfect precision of the impressive Campbell High School Army JROTC Honor Guard. You can look forward to the ceremonial playing of Taps, beautiful patriotic music, a memorial wreath laying ceremony, recognition of all Veterans, and vintage military vehicles and equipment.
Post-ceremony, come meet local veterans, support the American Legion and enjoy a delicious $19 BBQ lunch at the American Legion, 160 Legion Drive, Smyrna, Georgia.
If there’s bad weather, the Smyrna Memorial Day ceremony will be inside the Smyrna Community Center. Sponsors include the City of Smyrna, the Smyrna Veterans Committee and American Legion Post 160.
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SMYRNA HOSTS GUARDIANS OF THE JUKEBOX
The City of Smyrna will host its first summer concert on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Village Green Park featuring Guardians of the Jukebox. The Guardians of the Jukebox is a five-star nostalgic 80s juggernaut and ultimate ‘80s time machine experience! Their shows are packed with high energy and smash hits accompanied by a video backdrop of everything 80s featuring music, videos, music clips, and iconic television moments.
The concert will be held Saturday, June 6, from 7.p.m. – 10 p.m. in the Village Green Park, 1250 Powder Springs St SE, Smyrna. This is a free concert. However, reserved tables of 6 will be available for purchase on Monday, May 18 at 10 a.m. All tables cost $100 for Smyrna residents.
For more info and link to purchase tables, click here.
Just a reminder that there are some things that are not allowed on the lawn – no tents, tables, beach umbrellas, stakes (of any kind), tarps and no open flames (or appliance with fire or ember such as candles, grills of any size). Guests may bring low back lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Also, please note that all city events are non-smoking. |
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FOOD TRUCK TUESDAYS ARE BACK IN SMYRNA
Food Truck Tuesdays – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Tuesday through September 22 (weather permitting), except the week of July 4 and the week of Labor Day. This event is the best Food Truck event series around! Enjoy the offerings from a weekly gathering of quality mobile gourmet trucks and a bit of sweet mixed in and music, too.
An assortment of fabulous food trucks will gather in the lower parking spaces adjacent to the playground and mini amphitheater at Taylor-Brawner Park beginning at 5 p.m. for your enjoyment.
Let’s give a big “Thank You” to the Food Truck sponsor Cobb Travel & Tourism, Georgia Power and to South State Bank for the hospitality of use of their parking lot for each Food Truck Tuesday evening. Guests can park at South State Bank after 4:30 p.m. Read on for more instructions on where to park and how to get to Taylor-Brawner Park.
Parking: Please make plans to park after business hours at South State Bank, 3016 Atlanta Road. and at the Historic Reed House, 3080 Atlanta Road. Parking is available at Taylor-Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road, but fills up early and is monitored by security once full.
Guests may be asked to wait for spaces to open or motioned to proceed down Atlanta Road to the approved parking locations at South State Bank and the Reed House. Other adjacent options are not guaranteed. Please obey Police/Staff directions.
Handicap Parking spaces may be found at the entrance of Taylor-Brawner House (3182 Atlanta Road) while available – expect security at the entrance or seek marked spaces at Brawner Hall (3180 Atlanta Road) while available. These spaces tend to fill early.
*Please do not park in neighborhood/residential areas and do not park in lots of open businesses. Check our Social Media pages Facebook.com/CityofSmyrnaGa or Instagram/CityofSmyrnaGa for weekly updates and a list of scheduled trucks. |
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BOY SCOUT TROOP 22 HOLDS LITTER CLEANUP
Boy Scout Troop # 22 scheduled their litter cleanup of their adopted mile of Cooper Lake Road to coincide with the Boy Scout Environmental Week so that they could earn their Environmental Science Badge. With a little help from the South Cobb Lions Club, they removed 16 bags of litter.
To make the event even more exciting, new innovative snack items were awarded to the scouts who found the largest, most unusual, grossest, and most valuable items.
If an individual or group is interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program, please contact Dawn at Keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.gov. She will order signs to be placed at each end of the mile as well as furnish you with all of the supplies such as grabbers, safety vests and gloves.
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WATCH THE WORLD CUP ON THE VILLAGE GREEN
Grab your blankets, chairs, and your favorite jerseys. The city of Smyrna will have the big screens ready as the world’s best teams go head-to-head. Join other fans in Village Green Park for a summer of fun with games, music, food, giveaways, and more.
The first game is Saturday, June 6 from noon – 1 p.m. Global World Record Attempt. We’re kicking off Cup Daze with a world record attempt on June 6th, 12:30 p.m. at Village Green Park.
Participate in breaking the current world record for most soccer balls juggled at the same time. We’ll be linking up with cities across South America, Europe, and North America for a simultaneous record-breaking attempt. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, every single person counts toward our 20,000-person goal. Register now at footballworldrecord.com
For the schedule of games on the big screen, visit Cup Daze on the City of Smyrna website. |
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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.
MAY
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
JUNE
Intro to Watercolor Paint Class
Monday, June 1 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$20; Registration required
Learn the history of Watercolor painting and what sets it apart for other paint mediums. You’ll also learn paper & brush techniques plus the color wheel. Last hour, you’ll paint a masterpiece to take home, along with your supplies. All supplies provided. Led by volunteer Denise Cardin.
$20.00 Supply fee paid to the instructor the day of class.
Welcome to C. Freeman Poole Senior Center
Wednesday, June 3 from 11a.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.
Stroke Prevention
Wednesday, June 3 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Join us for an informative session focused on understanding stroke risk factors, recognizing warning signs using the FAST method, and learning simple lifestyle habits that support heart and brain health. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take proactive steps toward prevention.
Led by Cobb and Douglas Public Health.
How to Defend Yourself from Foodborne Illnesses
Thursday, June 4 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Learn how to protect yourself and your family from foodborne illness in this informative and practical session. This presentation covers essential safe food handling practices, including proper storage, cooking temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, and kitchen hygiene. Participants will gain easy-to-follow tips and everyday strategies to keep meals safe and healthy at home. Perfect for anyone looking to build confidence in the kitchen and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Presented by Cobb County UGA Extension.
First Friday Films (Call center for title)
Friday, June 5 from 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free; Registration required. $1 Concessions
Join us at the center for a fun movie in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on freshly popped butter popcorn to make this Friday a fun one!
Beadmaking Workshop
Monday, June 8 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$8; Registration required
Join us for a fun and creative craft workshop where you’ll design your own beaded keychains and silicone beaded bracelets! While we’ll feature holiday-themed inspired options, you’re free to choose any colors and styles that inspire you. Whether you’re crafting for the holiday or just for fun, this hands-on workshop is a great way to relax, get creative, and make something uniquely yours. Led by Katie Felgate. $8.00 Supply fee paid to the instructor the day of class.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
May
May 15. EARLY VOTING ENDS for May 19 primary elections.
16: BOOK SALE. The Friends of Smyrna Library will hold its spring book sale Saturday, May 16 (10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and Sunday, May 17 (1 p.m. to 4) in the library meeting room.
19: PRIMARY ELECTION DAY. All voters must vote at their registered polling location.
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. NOTE: The next print edition will be a combined June and July edition with a deadline of June 5.
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.
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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