Friday, May 8, 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 June issue is May 25th. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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ADVANCED VOTING CONTINUES
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 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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Now Available! Read the May Bright Side.
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TASTE OF MABLETON POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST
A note from the officials at the Mableton Improvement Coalition: “We want to offer a heartfelt apology for the rescheduling of this year’s Taste of Mableton. Deciding to postpone an event of this scale was not easy, and by Friday at noon—faced with a 70% rain forecast we chose to reschedule to protect our vendors, performers, and parade participants
Mother Nature had other plans, and as many of you saw, Saturday turned into a gorgeous day. While we wish we could have predicted the 9 a.m. turnaround, we are now focusing all that energy into making our rescheduled date even better. Mark your calendars for August 29th.
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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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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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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
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
May
NOW – May 15. EARLY VOTING for May 19 primary elections.
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.
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.
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.
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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