Friday, July 10, 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 August edition is July 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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Still celebrating America250. This photo from the Marietta 4th of July parade was submitted by Barry Krebs of Mableton. The parade included groups from throughout Cobb County. |
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Read the June/July Bright Side
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 Photo from the 2025 Rotary 5k race
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY 5K RACE
Put on your running shoes and get ready to Run for the Kids. On August 8, an anticipated 2,000 runners will gather in Vinings to compete in the 2026 Vinings Downhill 5K race. This is the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club’s 29th year of hosting this race to benefit children in need.
Thirty years ago, the Rotary club named it a “Run for the Kids” This annual race, a Peachtree Race qualifier, has raised over $1.5 M for children’s causes. Registration is open and organizations or individuals can become a sponsor to help in this worthy cause. Please visit viningsdownhill5k.com to register and to learn more.
The Vinings Down Hill 5K course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds around the Cumberland Mall area, and ends at the Lovett School (280-foot net drop). 5K Race Day registration will begin at 7a.m. at the Printpack Building. The cost is $55 for the 5K race, $30 for 1K Run and $30 for the Doggie Dash. The 1K Run and Dog Dash registration begins at 8:15a.m. at Vinings Jubilee.
Despite the name of the race, well, it’s “not quite” all downhill…there are 3 hills to climb throughout the race – at the half-mile mark, during the second mile and during the last half-mile. There are also 3 really amazing downhill sections that make up for those climbs.
There is also a Kids 1K Fun Run and a fun Doggie Dash & Costume Contest. This worthwhile event includes a huge post-race party at Vinings Jubilee with awards, music, great food and expo.
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SMYRNA JULY CONCERT TOMORROW
Join the fun on Saturday, July 11 in Village Green Park from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. for a great night of music featuring Yacht Rock Schooner. Admission is free!
Summer concert link: https://www.rec.us/organizations/city-of-smyrna
The Yacht Rock Schooner throws the smoothest dance party on the high seas, taking you and your guests on a journey to a time when good-times music had heart and musical integrity.
The 7-man Schooner Specializes in smooth sounds of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. It’s a party that spans generations, and the band is composed of some of Atlanta’s top players with a dual keyboard set up, multiple ace vocalist and (of course) a sax man.
Yacht Rock Schooner has performed hundreds of shows across the country and into the Caribbean Sea since their inception in 2009. As one of the longest running soft rock tributes, second only to the OG’s in Yacht Rock Review, Schooner has spread the smooth sounds of the late ‘70s & early ‘80s to sold out audience across metro ATL.
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). Acceptable are low back lawn chairs, blankets and coolers. Also, please remember that all city events are non-smoking. |
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CAMPBELL HIGH 40th YEAR REUNION
The Campbell Class of 1986 will hold its 40-Year Reunion on August 8 at Stillfire Brewing in Smyrna. Campbell and Wills graduates are welcome. Click here to register: https://square.link/u/VPZJ6uUz |
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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.
For the schedule of games on the big screen, visit Cup Daze | News | City of Smyrna, GA |
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TASTE OF MABLETON SET FOR AUGUST 29
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 kid’s zone, live music, performances, and more.
The festival starts 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. Come out and try all things Mableton ON August 29.
The schedule for the event at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton is:
9 a.m. Parade
9:30 a.m. Battle of the Bands
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taste of Mableton
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NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
The City of Smyrna has tentatively adopted a 2026 millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 1.77 percent.
All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at 2800 King Street SE, Smyrna, Georgia, Smyrna City Hall Council Chambers on Monday, July 13, at 6.p.m.
Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are at 2800 King Street SE, Smyrna, Georgia, Smyrna City Hall Council Chambers on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. and at 7 p.m.
This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 8.990 mills, an increase of .156 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 8.834 mills. The proposed tax increase for a homestead property with a fair market value of $525,000 is approximately $31.20 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $800,000 is approximately $49.92.
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SMYRNA MARKET OPEN EVERY SUNDAY
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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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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ENJOY FOOD TRUCK TUESDAYS EVERY TUESDAY
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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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.
JULY
Tie-Dye Party
Monday, July 13 from noon – 1 p.m.
$7; Registration required
Get ready to unleash your creativity at our Tie-Dye T-Shirt Craft Program! Join us for a fun, hands-on session where you’ll learn the art of tie-dyeing and create your own vibrant, one-of-a-kind t-shirt. Whether you’re a first-timer or a tie-dye pro, you’ll enjoy the process of mixing colors and designing your unique pattern. Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
The Coffee Circle
Tuesday, July 14 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Join our Coffee & Conversations group—a relaxed gathering where friends and neighbors come together over a warm cup of coffee to discuss a variety of interesting topics. From music and books to hobbies and community issues. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, share your ideas, or just enjoy good company and great coffee, this group is the perfect place to connect and engage in meaningful conversations. Led by C. Freeman Poole Staff.
Skin Health & Sun Safety
Wednesday July 15 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Discover easy tips for healthy skin and sun safety, including sunscreen use, hydration, and protecting your skin from sun damage. Led by Jennifer Wright with Family Skin Specialists.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, July 16 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: The Queen’s Crime by Marie Benedict.
How to Save Money by Going Green
Thursday, July 16 from 11 a.m. -noon
Free; Registration required
Join us to learn practical, everyday strategies for saving energy, shopping smarter, reducing waste through recycling, and adopting sustainable habits that benefit both your budget and the environment. Participants will leave with simple, actionable tips to create a greener, more cost-effective lifestyle. Led by Keep Cobb Beautiful.
Osteoarthritis Awareness
Friday, July 17 from 10 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
This educational presentation will review the basic facts about osteoarthritis, including risk factors, symptoms, and evidence-based treatment options. Participants will gain practical information to better understand joint changes that come with aging and how to manage them safely and effectively. Presented by a retired Nurse Practitioner and certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist through B.E.S.T (Broadening & Enriching Seniors Together).
Freeman Foodies
Friday, July 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your own; Registration required
Capers
1635 Old 41 Hwy NW unit 403, Kennesaw.
Core Power Hour
Monday, July 20 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free; Registration required
This class focuses on strengthening the abdominal, back, and hip muscles that support balance, posture, and everyday movement. Participants will engage in gentle, joint-friendly exercises using chairs, mats, and light resistance. Led by Freeman Poole Staff
Emergency Preparedness
Thursday, July 23 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free, Registration required
Learn how to stay safe and ready in case of emergencies. This class covers creating a simple emergency plan, building a supply kit, and responding to situations like severe weather, power outages, and medical emergencies. Gain practical tips to help you stay calm, prepared, and confident when it matters most. Led by Sarah Delk from Cobb Emergency Management Agency.
UNO Together: Grandparent & Me Game Day
Friday, July 24 from noon – 2 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Enjoy quality time and friendly competition in this fun, intergenerational UNO class! Grandparents and grandchildren will learn the basics of the game, practice strategy, and play together in a relaxed, supportive setting. Perfect for all skill levels, this class encourages bonding, laughter, and a little playful competition. Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
Festive Flag Fan Craft
Wednesday, July 29 from noon – 1 p.m.
Free, Registration required
Come celebrate summer by making one-of-a-kind fans. We will use mixed media to decorate fans. This program is offered by Cobb County Public Library. All supplies are provided.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
July
4: INDEPENDENCE DAY. Celebrations in Marietta and Powder Springs.
August
8: ROTARY RUN FOR THE KIDS.
8: CLASS REUNION. The Campbell Class of 1986 will hold its 40-Year Reunion on Aug 8 at Stillfire Brewing in Smyrna. Campbell and Wills graduates are welcome. Click here to register.
29: TASTE OF MABLETON at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
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. We are now working on the August print edition of the Bright Side. Deadline is July 24. Please send your news and advertising to me at news@brightsidecobb.com or cslipsett@att.net
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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