Snellville Spirit Fall 2024

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody FALL 2024

October 19 | 12-6 PM

International Taste of Snellville September 14 see pages 8 & 9

Fall Festival Uptown Funk Bruno Mars Tribute see pages 20 & 21

Latin Explosion: Tributes to Selina, J.Lo & More... see page 39

The Grove at Towne Center

Crooked Can Brewery in Winter Garden, Fla.

Award-winning Crooked Can Brewery and Market/Food Hall coming soon to Snellville

By Intrepid Marketing The City of Snellville along with their public-private partners CASTO, one of the country’s leading real estate companies, and MidCity Real Estate Partners, announces Crooked Can Brewing Company has signed a long-term lease at the recently completed signature Market Building within The Grove at Towne Center.

Located in the growing Atlanta suburb of Snellville, The Grove at Towne Center progresses toward final completion of the ninebuilding town center amidst exciting announcements, such as the award-winning brewery to call the $140 million town center home.

“From the beginning, our commitment has been to create a vibrant and dynamic gathering space for our community,” said Mayor Barbara Bender. “Having an amazing operator like Crooked Can decide to bring their first location in the state to Snellville and The Grove at Towne Center is so exciting to witness and be a part of.”

Crooked Can Brewing Company was founded in 2014 and strives 2

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

The Grove at Towne Center

The site of the new Crooked Can Brewery in The Grove at Towne Center. to consistently create quality craft beer while cultivating a social gathering place for friends and family with a free-spirited, laidback approach to the art of brewing. The company has two other established locations offering its unique brewery and market/food hall concept in Florida and Ohio and looks forward to expanding its reach to the Peach State.

“We are so excited to be a part of this wonderful new development and to position ourselves at the heart of the community of Snellville,” said Andy Sheeter, founder of Crooked Can Brewing Company.

Crooked Can prides itself on producing distinctive craft beer with consistent quality and unparalleled taste, as monitored by its award-winning brewmaster. As a testament to the company’s craftsmanship and fan-favorite reputation, Crooked Can beers are now sold in Publix supermarkets regionally.

“We are so pleased to announce this milestone addition to the signature Market Building,” said Kirk Demetrops, president of MidCity Real Estate Partners. “We see The Grove as a community hub where people can come together and socialize. Crooked Can shares our enthusiasm for fostering this atmosphere, and we’re excited for them to join the city and us at The Grove!”

Plans call for Crooked Can to open the brewery by the end of the year, followed shortly thereafter with several food vendors in the market/food hall.

“Our taproom and food hall concept has been a key part of the community redevelopment of Downtown Winter Garden in Florida over the past 10 years, and we are excited to have a similar impact on the City of Snellville in the years to come,” said Alan Delahunt, managing partner of Crooked Can Brewing Company.

More about The Grove This 18-acre Project recreated a City Center for the 100-year-old City of Snellville that had lost most, if not all, of its original buildings/structures. $140 million public-private partnership between MidCity Real Estate Partners, CASTO, City of Snellville and Gwinnett County. MidCity and CASTO served as master developers and owners of The Tomlin (multi-family housing) and retail.

The project centers around “The Grove” symbolic of a Chestnut Oak Grove, where businessmen met in the City of Snellville over 100 years ago, today a central park for Snellville, including outdoor tables/chairs, splash pad, pavilion, and a grove of mature trees.

Nine new buildings plus a 750-space parking deck The Grove serves as the destination for the completed first phase of the Snellville Greenway For more information on The Grove at Towne Center visit www.snellville.org/grove-towne-center

More about Crooked Can Founded in 2014, Crooked Can Brewing Company is located in Winter Garden, Florida. To learn more visit www.crookedcan.com.

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Fall 2024 - Volume 62 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

The fall experience in Snellville It has been a long hot summer, and we are looking forward to welcoming the fall season and all the activities that go with this time of year.

High school, college and professional football are back in action but there is more to fall than football games.

Experience Snellville has so much planned for the coming months.

The International Taste of Snellville will be hosted in September, and we already have more than 25 restaurant vendors lined up for you to try cuisine from many of our local eateries. The Fall Festival is just around the corner in October. If you are interested in having a booth for our annual festival please contact us through the website.

We have had a great concert series this summer and we have one more concert in September along with our popular Food Truck Friday.

The Farmers’ Market will continue every Saturday in September and we will continue the Extended Market into the Fall and Winter on the First and Third Saturdays each month beginning in October.

Make sure you check out what is happening at The Grove. It is growing and we will soon have some new places where we can meet up with our friends and neighbors.

Thanks to all the volunteers that help make it possible for Experience Snellville to continue to provide great entertainment for the city of Snellville.

If you want more information on how to be a volunteer or how to be a part of our organization, please visit our website ExperienceSnellville.com.

Don Britt,

Don

President, Experience Snellville

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association

P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.ExperienceSnellville.com Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville.

President Don Britt Vice President Kurt Schulz Secretary Liz Jackson Treasurer Stephanie McDonald Board Member Melvin Everson Board Member Traci Leath Board Member Richelle Brown Board Member Deborah Jones Executive Director Kelly McAloon Event Manager Annabelle Hammock Market Manager Charlene Britt City Council Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Tod Warner, Cristy Lenski, Gretchen Schulz, Kerry Hetherington and Norman A. Carter Jr. City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Kelly McAloon and pcoxcreative Magazine Cover Design by Kelly McAloon and pcoxcreative Magazine Cover Photo by Michelle Huggins Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Charlene Britt, Barbara Bender, Intrepid Marketing, pcoxcreative, Meghan Meegan, Tom Witts, Melvin Everson and Stephanie McDonald

CONTENTS 2

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE 6 Fall brings exciting times to Snellville.

BASKETBALL IS BACK 25 Popular church-city basketball league back for second run.

PUBLIC WORKS 6 Make keeping stormwater drains clean a priority.

COMMUNITY GARDEN 27 Girl Scouts lend a helping hand at Community Garden.

SNELLVILLE POLICE 7 Snellville police officers out and about.

BROOKWOOD BLURBS 29 What’s going on in Bronco Country?

A TASTE 8 AHAVE preview of the International Taste of Snellville event.

SCARECROW CONTEST 31 Show your scarecrow in this annual event.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 11 Who’s serving grub on the Towne Green?

GWINNETT IS GREAT 32 What makes our county such a great place to live?

GROOVIN’ AT THE GROVE 13 The Grove offers entertainment options.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 35 Bam! Business event dubbed a great success at local college.

FOCUS ON THE ARTS 15 Creative pastimes are abundant in Snellville.

THINGS TO DO 36 20 Get out and enjoy activities in our area!

COMET COMMUNICATION 17 The latest from South Gwinnett High School.

CHRISTMAS CHEER 38 It’s never to early to plan for Christmas fun.

FARMERS’ MARKET 19 Take the Snellville Farmers’ Market recipe challenge.

LATIN EXPLOSION 39 The Towne Green will sizzle during latino event.

IT’S FALL Y’ALL! 20 The Fall Festival is sure to be a fall favorite.

PARKS AND RECREATION 40 There’s lots on tap at city parks.

VETERANS AFFAIRS 22 Valuable information for veterans.

PICTURE PAGES 42 Were you caught on camera at a Snellville event?

VETERANS DAY 23 Veterans to be celebrated during city ceremony.

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender It is hard to believe that the summer is winding down and we are moving into the fall.

It has been a very busy and productive summer for the city.

The most exciting thing to happen is the announcement of Crooked Can Brewery coming to the Market Building in The Grove at Towne Center. This has been in the works for a while, and we are all very pleased they agreed to come to Snellville.You can read more about this development in the magazine. They are on the hunt for a few good restaurants and other vendors to round out the space, so please e-mail me if you have suggestions on what you would like to see there.

The Splash Pad kept the kids entertained and refreshed during the hot days of summer. Some activities are starting to happen in The Grove now that a lot of the construction is substantially complete. We will be trying out different types of activities in the coming months, so please let us know what you would like to see.

Bonus points awarded if you provide names and phone numbers for musicians or entertainers that would be great to play during the evening.

Please check the city Facebook page for activities as they are planned. Currently, the Third Thursday of the month will be entertainment and food trucks and Fourth Fridays, we are trying out movies for the kids.

Our architects, Goodwin, Mills and Cawood, are continuing design work on the community center building at T.W. Briscoe Park. Our current plan calls for a gym with two basketball courts, indoor walking track, park offices and several activity rooms. We are working to secure grant funds to help with our budget gap so we can move into construction sometime in 2025.

Mayor Pro Tem Tod Warner, City Manager Matt Pepper and I have continued conversations with the folks at Gwinnett Department of Transportation as we continue to look for ways to improve traffic in and around the city. As a result, the county will soon begin some initial design work for a new roundabout at Mountain View Drive and Oak Road. We all know how hard it can be getting around, especially at peak traffic times. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for improving traffic flow in particular areas so we can include your ideas in our conversations.

As we head into the fall and the holiday season, I encourage you to support our local businesses and restaurants. If we desire to have locally owned shops and restaurants, we have to commit to frequenting them.

Snellville Public Works Help keep water supply free of pollutants Water flowing into the storm water drains along our streets is released directly into local streams, detention ponds and waterways. It is important to our environment that we strive to keep the water free from pollutants and waste that is harmful to our local waterways. Pollutants and non-storm water material flowing into the storm drains is called an illicit discharge.

The City of Snellville Public Works asks residents to understand and be mindful of the damaging effects of illicit discharges into our waterways TYPES OF ILLICIT DISCHARGES: •Improper disposal of auto and household chemicals.

•Spills from roadway accidents or vehicle leaks.

•Improper disposal of yard and pet wastes.

•Construction site sediment.

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•Laundry and car wash water.

•Septic tank discharge and sanitary wastewater.

•Chlorinated pool water.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: •Persons dumping liquids, animal waste, leaves, grass clippings, or anything unidentifiable into a storm drain.

•Unusual colors or odors in the surface water.

•Stains, unusual odors, or structural damage to street surfaces.

•Dead or distressed fish, plants, or other wildlife near surface water.

•Abnormal vegetative growth in water bodies.

•Sediment accumulation in water bodies.

•Pipes with flowing water during a dry period.

HOW TO HELP: •Never dump anything into a storm water sewer or storm drain.

•Wash your car on your lawn or at a commercial car wash.

•Report through “Report a Problem” link on City of Snellville website.

•Report any illicit discharges to Public Works by calling 770-985-3527.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Police Department The Snellville Police Department strives to create a bond with the community it serves. To that end, officers are constantly in the community, building relationships with residents, young and old alike.

Here are a few recent community-building endeavors.

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Citizens police academy to begin 35th session; spots available The City of Snellville Police Department is offering the 35th session of the Citizen’s Police Academy in order to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between our citizens and our police department.

The class runs 9 weeks and takes place Thursdays from 6 - 8 p.m. beginning on Sept. 19 and ending Nov. 7. The class will not meet Oct. 31 for Halloween.

The program is open to all Snellville area residents, 18 years and older. The academy is free and attendees do not have to live in city limits. An application can be found at www.snellville.org/ sites/default/files/uploads/police/scpa-application-revised.pdf or pick one up at the Snellville Police Department, 2315 Wisteria Drive. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants prior to acceptance in the academy.

For more information, contact Sgt. Scott Smith at 770-9853545 or ssmith@snellville.org.

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1. The Snellville Police Reserve Unit came together to support our community. They pooled funds to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students with donations going to Britt Elementary School and Fingerz Restaurant for their back-to-school drive. Ofc. Clark and Lt. Sullivan are pictured with Principal Madsen.

2. Officers with the Snellville Police Department, along with several special needs adults and Special Olympics Athletes, joined up with Dunkin Donuts to raise money for Special Olympics Georgia.

3. Sgt. Smith and Ofc. Hermel met with the City of Snellville Summer Camp kids at the Snellville Courthouse and Snellville Police Station. The children learned how the court and the legal systems work, about rules, laws, making good decisions and tips about how to stay safe while having fun.

Applications must be returned no later than Sept. 13. Space is limited and your application must be filled out completely and must be notarized.

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Join us for an unforgettable day of food, fun, and music at the International Taste of Snellville!

SEPTEMBER 14 | 4-8 PM

Savor the diverse flavors of many cultures as Snellville’s finest chefs, along with those from the surrounding area, showcase their favorite dishes at the annual International Taste of Snellville.

Local restaurants will feature traditional dishes from around the world, offering sample-sized portions available for purchase with tickets valued at $1.00 each.

Upon purchasing your tickets, you’ll receive a tasting card that lists all participating restaurants. As you explore the flavors of Snellville, be sure to mark off each stop on your card.

Visit at least seven restaurants and drop your completed card at the information tent for a chance to win fantastic door prizes, announced at 7:30 PM. Don’t miss this delicious celebration of our community’s rich culinary diversity!

Take home a memory with a free caricature drawing!

This is a FREE event to attend, however, our All-Day Kids Zone Activity Band is just $15, granting access to multiple inflatables, a rock wall, a train ride, a gaming bus, and a 9-hole mini golf course.

Chef David Humphrey will be hosting professional cooking demonstrations at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 PM — don’t miss out on the chance to learn from a great Chef!

DJ Lee will kick off the entertainment at 4 PM, along with a variety of cultural presentations. Then, starting at 6 PM, the PanSonics Steel Band will take the stage, filling the air with the sweet sounds of island music.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy a fun evening with us!

Participating Restaurants I Get Juiced

Dolphin’s Water Ice Ionie’s Caribbean Kitchen Bill Rhodes Bakery Crumbl Cookies Lorena’s Kitchen Outback Cuatro Amigos Millers Ale House A&H Provisions Nawlins Praline Candy Fratelli’s (Italian and Peruvian Food) City BBQ Culver’s Pressto Grecian Gyro Wing Suite Cultural Foods Market The Diner Mrs Jays Funnel Cakes Chick-fil-A (Hwy 78) La Placita Taqueria Ted’s Montana Grill ...and more to come.

Lincoln Fill Station will be on site with beer & wine for purchase.

For more information visit: www.ExperienceSnellville.com

PanSonics Steel Band | 6 PM

I CAN HELP WITH YOUR 401(k) OPTIONS Changing jobs? What should you do with the 401(k) money you’ve accumulated? You may have up to four options (and may engage in a combination of these options): leave the money where it is, roll it over to your employer’s new plan, roll it into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or cash it out.

I can help you explore these choices, and guide you through the necessary steps.

Call me today for information, or to schedule a consultation.

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Please Join Us for the Last Two Food Truck Fridays of the Season!

September 6

October 4

Hole in the Wall Love at Wurst Sight Atlanta Seafood The Patty Wagon Big House BBQ 6-Pack Subs Vietnamese Paradiso Wood-Fired Pizza Frozen Sweets Kona Ice

My Vietnamese Truck Gyro Chef Mediterranean Hole in the Wall Dot Bowl (Korean) Lobster Dogs The Patty Wagon Yaardie Eats Frozen Sweets Kona Ice

4-8 PM

4-8 PM

Join us for a wide variety of food trucks, music, and fun with DJ Lee! 2024 Keystone Sponsors:

Friend Sponsor:

Snellville Towne Green | 2342 Oak Rd. | 4 - 8 PM www.ExperienceSnellville.com | facebook.com/ExperienceSnellville

Do You Need Help Caring for a Love One? Right at Home offers caregiving services for almost any family and practically any situation.

Services We Provide: Safety Supervision

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The Grove at Towne Center

Music, cornhole, movies popping up at The Grove

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer Things are popping at The Grove at Towne Center.

City and development officials have been planning events at the new mixed-use development including musical performances, outdoor movie nights, popsicles, food trucks and a partnership to bring a cornhole league to the site.

The Fourth Friday Outdoor Movie Series coming to The Grove at Towne Center began Aug. 23, with other nights to follow Sept. 27 and Oct. 25.

The events are free and the movie will start at dusk. Beginning at 6 p.m., attendees are invited to enjoy the Splash Pad, check out King of Pops, and visit food trucks before the movie.

“We are excited to bring family entertainment to The Grove at Towne Center,” said City Manager Matthew Pepper. “We want to showcase The Grove and get families and visitors accustomed to coming to downtown Snellville for entertainment and soon, new restaurants and other businesses and activities.”

The outdoor movie series will run through October with “Elemental” playing Sept. 27 and a special Halloween-themed event with “Hocus Pocus” showing Oct. 25.

Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs or a blanket to sit on during the movie.

The city is also proud to announce a new partnership with Peach State Cornhole to bring the popular recreational game to The Grove.

“Peach State Cornhole is thrilled about the new partnership with the City of Snellville to host social cornhole leagues in The Grove at Towne Center in downtown Snellville,” said PSC co-owner Nick Boyers. “This space is poised to become the heart of the city and we look forward to drawing in the community to friendly competition on Thursday nights. We welcome all levels of players for a chance to toss bags, meet new people, and enjoy local restaurants and vendors.”

Peach State Cornhole hosts cornhole leagues throughout the state of Georgia, offering multiple skill levels in the favorite tailgate game. At the end of each eight-week season, top teams gather for a state tournament.

For more information about the league visit peachstatecornhole.com/snellville.

The first league night was Aug. 29. The season ends Oct. 17.

The Third Thursday music and food truck events are also scheduled to take place Sept. 19 and Oct. 17. Local musicians will play acoustic sets, while kids can play in the Splash Pad and enjoy popscicles from King of Pops. Food trucks will also be on site.

Monitor the city’s Facebook page for lineups.

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Early detection saves lives Schedule your mammogram today.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 and a yearly screening afterwards for women of average risk.

Empower yourself and book your mammogram today.

Call 888.843.8133 or visit piedmontmammo.org

Piedmont Eastside Breast and Diagnostic Center 1700 Tree Lane Rd., Suite 100, Snellville, GA 30044

Focus on the Arts School is back in, but local art scene is not out entertainment from DJ Lee and On The Border, the Ultimate Eagle’s Tribute Band! After all the fun, close out the night with a walk through Snellville’s Haunted Past – a spooky walking tour featuring guides and storytellers from Snellville Performing Arts!

By Stephanie McDonald Snellville Performing Arts School’s back in, but the sun is still shining, and Snellville’s arts community is just as packed with tons of opportunities for your family to indulge in the arts this Fall! We’ve got arts, music, dance, and theatre classes for the kids, treasure hunting and small business shopping fun, and outdoor concerts and events for everyone! We’re excited to tell you about the many ways you can get involved in the arts in our community and we can’t wait to see you out and around town experiencing it all this fall!

Start off this Fall with culinary arts experiences at our Food Truck Fridays or try diverse flavors from the greatest chefs in Snellville at the 7th Annual Taste of Snellville! Sept. 14, local restaurants will offer sample-sized food portions so you can try a variety of cultures and cuisine! Continue your fun with a visit to the Snellville Farmer’s Market! Established in 2010 and overflowing with incredible vendors, the Market hosts local artists every Saturday through Sept. 28 including ceramicists, crafters, culinary artists, florists, and more! The shopping fun doesn’t stop there, though - there are so many big ways to shop small this Fall while getting your arts and crafts fix!

Of course, the biggest gathering of artists in Snellville will be Snellville’s Fall Festival, featuring vendors, crafters, and culinary artists from all over the southeast!

Our Fall Festival also celebrates our residents with costume and scarecrow contests, a super fun kids’ zone, pumpkin decorating, and

If you’re looking for bargains and treasure hunting, Snellville has tons of options. Mark your maps and check out local treasure troves like Painted Tree Boutiques, the Five Forks Antique Mall, Unique Treasures, Peddler’s Emporium, and more! Painted Tree Boutiques is a creative community with hundreds of unique shops under one roof - stroll their booths to see all kinds of crafty gifts, fashion, and home décor! You can even register for body butter making class, Sip ‘n’ Shop events, Ladies’ Nights, and more or see local artist Donna London painting live as she transforms canvases, furniture, and more at the Painted Tree! Five Forks Antique Mall features not only antiques, but fun hand-made arts and crafts. Some vendors, like Steele Dorr Southern Décor, host crafts classes, including their upcoming decoupage class featuring glass and oyster shells - check out their Facebook page to register and join the fun! The Peddler’s Emporium and Unique Treasures both have over fifty unique vendors that carry antiques, collectibles, and vintage-inspired artisan pieces for the home! A new creative space, CoZ, just opened in August and features exclusive artwork, hand-crafted candles, and more!

Looking for more ways to get the kids involved in the arts?

Snellville is home to tons of classes, workshops, and opportunities for all ages and experience levels! These are just some of the ways that Snellville’s youth can take part in theatre, dance, learning a new instrument, drawing, painting, and more!

Snellville Performing Arts offers classes for all ages this Fall!

If you’ve got a budding actor, dancer, or singer in your family, SPA has something for everyone – including our new Mini & Me class for parents and babies! Check out their schedule of theatre classes, musicals, dancing classes, and acting classes! Website: snellvilleperformingarts.com/classes

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South Gwinnett High School Yes indeed, The South Gwinnett High School Band of Stars are once again on the move. Even having late summer band camp did not stop the Comets Band from excelling to higher heights. With daily practices after school, an embedded study hall hour before practice begins, it seems as if the SGHS Band is picking up momentum to becoming a force to reckon with.

Under the baton of newly appointed Director of Bands, Shawan M. Baptiste, Ed. S aka Mrs. BAP/Prof, Director Baptiste comes to SOUTH with years of experience as a music educator and advocate for Fine Arts.

Servicing music students is her true passion, and she will always make a conscious effort to provide South students with music opportunities Beyond the Core!

South Gwinnett hosts rising 9th grade summer camp The Rising 9th Grade Camp provided an invaluable experience for incoming freshmen, helping them transition smoothly into the high school environment. The camp offered a blend of academic previews, teambuilding activities, and essential resources, equipping students with the confidence and skills needed to succeed. Through engaging sessions led by experienced teachers and peer mentors, students gained insights into high school expectations and opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and readiness.

Meet Surai Williams, SGHS’s softball sensation As a senior, Surai Williams has proven herself to be the ultimate utility player, showcasing her versatility on the field by excelling at every position—from outfield to shortstop, pitcher to catcher.

Her remarkable skills and strategic mindset make her an invaluable asset to the South Gwinnett softball team. With a deep passion for the game, Surai has become a standout player to watch this season!

South Gwinnett High School Band of Stars is on the move Cosmic Sounds and whistle commands are blaring around the town of Snellville. It is that time of the year where spectators, fans and parents are jammin’ to the sounds and beats of band music. Who could it be?

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Snellville Farmers’ Market

Take the SFM recipe challenge

By Charlene Britt Market Manager Attention all Snellville Farmers Market warriors…it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity!

Are you ready to flaunt your culinary imagination and talents?

Whether you are a seasoned chef or home kitchen enthusiast, this is your chance to shine!

As we commemorate the end of the Summer Season Farmers Market, we invite you to honor the exceptional farmers and artisans who provide us with a diverse array of fresh, handcrafted, and locally sourced products each week by submitting your market-inspired recipe.

We encourage our loyal customers to share their most innovative farm-to-table recipes, suitable for any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, or desserts. We are particularly interested in dishes incorporating three or more ingredients sourced from our market vendors, such as meats, eggs, produce, herbs, spices, honey, pasta, fish, etc.

All entries will be evaluated based on their overall appeal, creativity, inspiration and presentation. The deadline for submission is Sept, 21 with contest winners to be announced live at the market on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Please ensure to include your name, complete recipe, the sources of your ingredients, photographs (both before and after preparation), and a brief description of your inspiration for the dish.

The top two recipes will be featured in the Winter issue of The Spirit Magazine, and a gift basket filled with farmers market products will be awarded.

We eagerly anticipate the delicious creations from our Snellville community!

How to participate in the Snellville Farmers’ Market Recipe Challenge 1. Snap a photo of ingredients purchased at the market.

2. Prepare your signature dish with love and creativity.

3. Snap a mouth-watering photo of your culinary creation.

4. Scan the QR code to submit your recipe, photos, vendor sources for ingredients, and a brief description about what inspired your dish by Sept. 21.

Join the Snellville Farmers’ Market Recipe Challenge.

Scan the QR code to submit your recipe, photos, vendor sources for ingredients, and a brief description about what inspired your dish.

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Georgia Veterans Benefits

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service is an agency of the state of Georgia government created for the purpose of advising, counseling, and assisting Georgia’s veterans and their families in receiving their rightful benefits under the vast and complex framework of veterans’ laws. Separate and apart from the Federal VA program it exists to serve the Veterans of our state, offering service that either compliment the federal program or offers exclusive benefits for Georgia resident Veterans and their families.

Who qualifies?

A person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

Tax exemptions and fee waivers

Georgia veterans are eligible for a certificate granting exemption from any occupation tax, administrative fee, or regulatory fee imposed by local governments for peddling, conducting business, or practicing a profession or semi-profession for a period of ten years, if they meet the condition s of being rated a minimum of 10% disabled and an honorable discharge.

Free Driver’s license

In order to obtain a free veteran’s driver’s license, the applying veteran must take their DD Form 214 and proof of residency, together with all required identifying documents (birth certificate or passport; Social Security card; two documents showing residential address; and, if applicable, name change documentation), to a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office.

Free Hunting/fishing license

The One Time Veterans Hunting and Fishing License is a full privilege sportsman’s license and includes all state paid recreational

hunting and fishing privileges (some additional no-cost state licenses may be required). After the One Time Veterans Hunting and Fishing License expires, veterans may apply for a discounted full privilege veterans lifetime license.

Employment Preference

A 5-point credit is extended to war veterans seeking employment with the State of Georgia. A 10-point credit is extended to veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more.

The above benefits are available to most Veterans residing in Georgia, however, there are other benefits that are available to both regular and disabled veterans. These include tax exemptions in property tax, ad valorem tax, and some sales tax.

Further information concerning what you qualify for can be obtained in the Government publication available to download at: Veterans.Georgia.gov/veterans-benefits

Other state agencies assisting Veterans

Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center offers career counseling, educational coaching, and workforce training for veterans entering Georgia’s public postsecondary educational systems and workforce.

Contact: 478.218.3900 A Full list of Other state agencies charged with helping Veterans can be located at: https://veterans.georgia.gov/rvtf

Hopefully this article will give you a small insight in to benefits available to American heroes who served our country.

It is by no means comprehensive in its scope. I strongly recommend, if you have served your country, that you take the time to investigate your availability to benefits.

Veterans Day Program November 11, 2024 | 3-4 PM

Held in front of the SNELLVILLE VETERANS MEMORIAL

H H H HONORING ALL WHO SERVED H H H Order Tiles, Pavers or Banners by September 27, 2024 to have in place for the Veterans Day program.

Tile

Paver

Current Pricing:

Banner

Current Price:

4x8 Paver .........$140.00

Replica.........$60.00

8x8 Paver .........$195.00

Replica.........$85.00

6X6 Tiles (Veterans Only)..... $140.00

Replica.........$60.00

Banners will be displayed on the light posts on Oak Road and Wisteria approximately 30 days prior the Memorial Day holiday and again 30 days prior to the Veterans Day holiday.

Direct delivery of Replica to home

Additional.....$10.00

$175.00 for two years

Order tiles & pavers online – https://www.thatsmybrick.com/snellville

Order the banners – email: kelmca@comcast.net

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Snellville Parks and Recreation

Parks, church b-ball league returns

By Meghan Meegan Program Coordinator The City of Snellville Parks and Recreation Department and Snellville Community Church teamed up last winter season to start a youth basketball league, a partnership that filled gaps for both organizations.

The winter season went so well that SPRD decided to offer a Spring season. Although the Spring is an off season for basketball, the league attracted 60+ children between the ages of 7 and 12.

Last season, the league of about 40 area children took place at the church’s gymnasium that winter, offering indoor space Parks and Recreation doesn’t currently have. In turn, dozens of children and their parents got to learn more about the church and utilize its vast recreation space.

“As a community church, our sense of identity - some call it mission - requires us to partner with our community,” SCC Senior Pastor Dr. Quincy Brown said. “We believe we’re called to inspire and transform young people and their families in South Gwinnett through partnerships. One of these partnerships is with city/government agencies, schools, non-profits, businesses, and neighborhoods. Our collaboration with Snellville Parks and Recreation meets one of our five focus areas as we work together to make a better Snellville. Because we have gym space,

and Parks and Recreation doesn’t have an inside facility, it made sense for us to partner in the youth basketball league.”

“Registration is now open for our 2024/25 Winter season and SPRD cannot wait to see the league continue to grow” said Meghan Meegan, program coordinator.

“City officials say that the T.W. Briscoe Park’s Community Center will be completed by the end of 2025 at Briscoe Park and we can’t wait to see the league continue to grow from the church into our new community center.

To be a part of the SPRD basketball family you can register your child at https://snellville.recdesk.com/Community/Home Snellville Parks and Recreation-T.W. Briscoe Park is looking a whole lot better after the former maintenance building and shed were removed recently.

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New trade show inventories have arrived.

Stop in to take advantage of the new sporting goods and special pricing for 2024!

Check out all our deals Watch our digital media board/store front sign for new arriving sporting goods inventories.

Hill Top Pawn and Gun

At Hill Top Pawn and Gun we want everyone to know we are “Large Enough to Handle your Needs and Small Enough to Care.”

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With over 50 years of combined experience in the Gold buying industry, we are confident that we can offer top dollar for your Gold and Silver.

Firearm Sales

In our Firearm department we have a wide variety of new and used firearms with a staff that is friendly knowledgeable and willing to help.

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Community Garden @Snellville

Girl Scouts lead pollinator census at Garden

By Charlene Britt Garden Administrator On Saturday, Aug. 24, the Community Garden@Snellville, in partnership with Girl Scouts from throughout the Brookwood Cluster under the leadership of Nicole Tilford, participated in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science project established by the University of Georgia.

The census is designed for citizens of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida of all ages. The pilot project launched in 2017 with 50 gardens and has grown every year since. The project is simple enough for anyone to pick up some basic entomology, get involved, and make a difference for pollinator conservation. The project is guided by three primary objectives: to create sustainable pollinators habitats; to enhance the entomological knowledge of citizens and to generate valuable data about our pollinator population.

This year’s event at the Community Garden@Snellville focused on educating students about pollinators and observing their behaviors. The Girl Scouts were working towards earning their Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey, which is an official badge program designed to teach girls how to think like a scientist and participate in real science projects. Throughout the event, the girls engaged in games aimed at teaching the different types of

pollinators being observed, sharpened their observation skills, learned about issues affecting pollinators, and developed a take action plan to help with these issues. Twenty-five students and six adults joined in, each choosing a pollinator plant to monitor and counting the number of pollinators that visited it during the 15-minute observation period.

Most students observed Zinnia flowers, but some chose to observe Garlic Chives, Marigolds, Mexican Sunflowers, Basil, Purple Woodsage, and Scarlet Rosemallow. Students discovered that butterflies and moths loved Zinnia plants. They would visit a plant, leave, and come back over and over again. Carpenter bees, on the other hand, preferred Garlic Chives. Altogether, students counted over 3,000 times that pollinators landed on different plants throughout the garden. The students had a great time learning about pollinators and watching them in action.

We wish to express our gratitude to our fellow community garden Master Gardeners, Kathleen Keyes, Karen Hanley, and Kathy Pittman for their commitment and effort in facilitating community education initiatives like these and ensuring their successful implementation. Should you have any projects, programs, or organizations that could benefit from our support, please feel free to contact a member of our Greenhouse Management Team. For further details, kindly visit our website at Community Garden@Snellville.com 27 27

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Brookwood High School Brookwood HighHOMECOMING School Homecoming PARADE Parade FRIDAY, 5:00 PM 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4 STARTING POINT BHS Student Parking Lot near the stadium (Lineup will begin at 4:30 p.m. in parking lot.)

1. LEFT out of the parking lot onto Holly Brook Road; pass Brookwood Elementary 2. LEFT onto Brentford Lane into Brookwood Manor subdivision 3. CONTINUE STRAIGHT on Brentford Lane 4. RIGHT onto Barnsley Walk 5. LEFT onto Bromley Drive 6. LEFT onto Blyth Lane 7. LEFT onto Dogwood Road 8. LEFT at the traffic light in front of BHS 9. ENTER Maroon Gym Lobby Parking Lot (ENDING POINT)

STARTING POINT

Entries are selected for awards without knowledge of the student’s gender, age, ethnicity, or hometown by some of the foremost leaders in the visual and literary arts.

Brookwood High School winners were Kiera Crean, Brooke Ablante, Camille Cooper and Rebecca Hinds.

This year there were over 300,000 entries in 28 categories with 2,000 entries receiving the highest Honors of Gold and Silver Medals. National Medalists and their educators are usually honored with a star-studded ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City, but this year there was a challenge with the new platform, so they had a digital program instead.

Watch here: youtu.be/bcCzrzT_Wsg?si=_zpczrnd0sZQdbQr

Reminders for football games Brookwood has a clear bag policy - please see the guidelines below. (image attached) Students should sit in the stands during the game.

Middle and elementary school students attending Brookwood High School football games are expected to be under the direct supervision of an adult and will not be allowed into the game without an adult chaperone. Students should be seated in the stands unless they are visiting the concessions or using the restroom. Thank you for helping ensure the best experience at Dave Hunter Complex for our Friday night games.

BROOKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 1255 DOGWOOD ROAD SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 www.brookwoodhighschool.net

Be a part of Brookwood community traditions this fall One of the special things about the Brookwood Cluster is our community activities that bring together adults and children of all ages as we celebrate our Broncos.

First up is our annual Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 4, at 5 p.m. Led by the Bronco Marching Band, the parade of clubs and teams from across the cluster walk from Brookwood High School, through the Brookwood Manor subdivision, and back. See the route above. The GCPS BookMobile will be located in the front of the school after the parade. Students are invited to climb on board to select a free book to take home! Be sure to come for the football game as well!

Brookwood Theatre is back for another great year Brookwood’s award-winning theatre program is ready to entertain again this year.The 2024-25 season will begin with “Working: The Musical,” a show that examines 26 people from all walks of life and proves that it’s more than just a job for the average working American.Shows are Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are available on GoFan. To keep up with all our shows throughout the year, visit www.bpaperforms.com.

Next up is our Community Pep Rally on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 5:308:p.m. Come out for food, music, games, jumpies, concessions, and more as we celebrate our Bronco athletes!

Four Brookwood students recognized with scholastic art and writing awards The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 and, for more than a century, have inspired bold ideas in creative teens throughout the country.

Information and Registration at: FundRacers.org and Facebook event page: Crews SGA 5K

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•Free Hot Breakfast •Suites and Jacuzzi Rooms •100% Non-Smoking

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•Heated Indoor Pool •Fitness Center •Meeting Room

SCARECROWS ARE COMING ...

TO SNELLVILLE! 12th Annual Scarecrow Contest Calling all business owners, schools, churches, and residents to join in the fun! Great advertising for businesses too! Entrance fee is $20.

How will this work? You create a scarecrow and put it on display outside your business, school, church, home or club. We’ll make sure that there is a map of all locations where Scarecrows are on display for voting. Patrons will be encouraged to visit your location and vote on who has the BEST SCARECROW in Snellville.

Contest is available to everyone in Snellville.

The deadline to enter is September 20, 2024 to ensure your scarecrow is on the map.

Voting will run online from September 30 through October 18 at 10 p.m. You will bring your scarecrow to the Snellville FALL FESTIVAL on the Towne Green on October 19 for display. Contest winners will be announced at 3:45 p.m. during the Fall Festival and then your scarecrows will be auctioned off to the highest bidder with bids starting at $10. Scarecrows need to be able to stand on their own; delivery is to be made to the designated spot left of the stage on the Towne Green on Saturday, October 19 by 10 a.m. Please include a 3.x 5 card clearly marked with the scarecrow’s name, your name and business information. The top three scarecrows will be presented a trophy and cash prizes (lst-$100, 2nd- $75 and 3rd- $50) and also receive recognition in our Winter Snellville Spirit Magazine, ExperienceSnellville.com and our Facebook page. The winning scarecrow will be judged on creativity, overall presentation. BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN! All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-op.

(Detach and return below.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of Business:_____________________________________Date:__________________________________ Contact Person:_____________________________________________________________________________ Scarecrow Name:____________________________________________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________$20 Entry fee:___________ (check payable to STAT) Telephone Number:__________________________________________________________________________ Last year’s winners of the Scarecrow Contest! Visit www.ExperienceSnellville.com to get in on the fun!

31 Send payments to Snellville Tourism and Trade - PO Box 669, Snellville, Ga. 30078

Gwinnett County Spotlight

Briscoe Park, Snelville

Gwinnett: A county of endless opportunity

By Mayor Barbara Bender While Gwinnett County certainly has issues like traffic, development and growth, and rising housing costs, just to name a few, it is important we not let these challenges overshadow the good things that we sometimes take for granted.

offering bachelor’s degrees in 21 majors with 60+ programs of study. It is built for student success from day one and offers a convenient location in Lawrenceville for on-campus living or commuters.

It should be said that every one of Gwinnett’s issues and challenges are not Gwinnett’s issues alone. Gwinnett is not the only county, nor Snellville the only city, in Atlanta, that has traffic issues. High housing costs are an issue across the country.

Explosive growth has happened in many states and areas that are desirable places to live. This is not the only place these challenges exist but as we deal with them on a sometimes-daily basis, it is so easy to lose sight of the really great things in the county.

Education Gwinnett county offers a vast array of educational opportunities from pre-school through medical school. Not only is Gwinnett home to the Gwinnett County Public school system offering education for K-12, it offers specialized learning schools and one charter school. High schools are offering career academies and technical education programs at Grayson Tech in Grayson.

Gwinnett Technical College is another gem located off Highway 316 offering career-focused education and training with more than 140 programs – degree, diploma and certificate options – that can be finished in two years or less. It is a technical school that is working to educate the workforce the region needs right now.

Georgia Gwinnett College, Gwinnett’s first 4-year college, 32 32

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – PCOM Georgia – located in Suwanee offers many doctoral and graduate degree programs for those pursuing a career in medicine.

Medical services Gwinnett is home to not just one, but two full-service hospital systems with Piedmont and Northside operating in the county.

With a local hospital comes specialty doctors and other medical professionals and support services conveniently located close to home. Snellville is home to Piedmonts full-service hospital and many support services. And Northside has made a significant investment for out-patient surgery and hospital affiliated doctor offices in the city as well. The also have an urgent care office on Wisteria Drive.” Many people that leave Gwinnett wind up coming back time and again for doctors and medical services they cannot get in communities further out of Atlanta.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Gwinnett County Spotlight

Georgia Gwinnett College Parks and Recreation Gwinnett County has invested heavily in preserving greenspace and providing recreational areas and parks for people to enjoy.

There are miles of walking trails, football and baseball fields, pools and water parks, basketball and tennis courts, and many other amenities offered in the park system. Snellville not only has three near-by county parks – Alexander Park on Highway 124, Lenora Park on Lenora Church Road and South Gwinnett Park on McGee Road – but we are also home to city-owned T.W. Briscoe Park with a pool, tennis and basketball courts, soccer and softball fields with a walking trail and lake.

Water Clean, reliable drinking water is something we all expect and often do not give it a second thought. However, a sustainable water source is a challenge for many county governments.

Gwinnett County leaders had the forethought back in the 1990’s to develop a world-class sustainable water system that was put into operation in 2001 as the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center in Buford. This treatment plant cleans wastewater and returns it to Lake Lanier cleaner than when it left. The plant uses Ostara Nutrient Recovery technology that recovers phosphorus from wastewater and turns it into a slow-release fertilizer. The plant produces more than a ton of fertilizer per day and helps the facility meet its extraordinarily low limit on phosphorus discharge required by the Clean Water Act permit.

The design of the facility also allows operators to recover energy from treatment byproducts to supplement the power needs of the plant. Capturing both heat and energy from methane gas

has reduced energy costs by more than 20 percent and minimized the plant’s carbon footprint.

The design and operation of this facility has won numerous awards and often hosts visitors from across the globe to learn best practices for water treatment.

Gwinnett cities Each of Gwinnett’s sixteen (soon to be seventeen) cities are transitioning to more urbanized environments that promote community gathering space and walkability. Each has developed a personality of its own and provides an incredibly long list of opportunities to experience free concerts, festivals and other happenings to get out in the community and enjoy. The urbanized city environment is a change from the broad-based sprawl that Gwinnett has been famous for. Concentrating development in a smaller downtown area helps with providing infrastructure and other services while providing real opportunities to live, work and play in a walkable environment.

These are just a few of the things that make Gwinnett Great.

Yes, a lot has changed over the past forty years. Yes, not all the change has been good. Not all the change has been bad either.

The county offers lots of convenience with shopping, doctors, recreation and job opportunities close by regardless of where you live. There are a multitude of options for children’s programs, restaurants and entertainment, too. So, as we lament the pain of traffic and everything else there is to complain about, let us be reminded of the things that are good.

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Masquerade Business After NEWNetworking BUSINESS Party Hours Presented by: Experience Snellville Hosted by: THRIVE Coworking A five-story, 102-room Hampton Inn & Suites will be built in the 2245 Wisteria Dr. | October 17, 6-8 PM city following a unanimous vote by the Mayor and Council earlier

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

this year.

The 64,400-square-foot building will be located in Park Place, a development located at the corner of Pharrs Road and Scenic Highway which recently saw the grand opening of Cracker Barrel, Freddie’s, Zaxby’s and Aspen Dental.

There had been concerns the hotel would cause traffic issues at the busy intersection, but, according to the developers, daily trips would be reduced by nearly two thirds of what was previously approved for a 12,000-square-foot restaurant.

Inn & Suites by Hilton within the city. Finally, Hampton Inn & Suites, under the Hilton (Hotels) umbrella, has a reputation for being Prthe a high-quality brand and product that would be an asset to izecity BEST for for many years to come.”

M

ASK!

And just this month, paperwork was filed to bring an Outback Steakhouse to Park Place.

“There is a need in the city for a quality limited-service hotel in the Scenic Highway Commercial Corridor as there are very few options for travelers to utilize while staying in the area,” said Planning and Development Director Jason Thompson. “Eastside Medical Center, adjacent restaurants, retail businesses and Great networking, foodfrom andhaving dooraprizes!

For more information visit www.ExperienceSnellville.com neighboring residents could all benefit nice Hampton ■ Affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates ■ Average suite features over 300 square feet of comfortable living area ■ Each room includes a separate living area, ample work space with desk, remote control cable tv with HBO or Showtime, iron and ironing board, and in-room hi-speed Internet access ■ Apartment size kitchen with refrigerator, two-burner stovetop, full size microwave, in-room coffee maker, in-room toaster, dishes, cookware & utensils, and a well-lit kitchen table/work area ■ Interior corridors with key card access for added security and always clean & friendly service

Crestwood Suites

■ Clean, well-lit property with beautiful grounds and plenty of free parking

■ Exclusivebehind in-lobby coffee bar across from of Snellville Located off Scenic Highway Target

Eastside Medical Center

I T

S

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1784 Presidential Circle 30078 n ■ Snellville, own Georgia uITeS

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770-982-5250 770.982.5250 1785 Circle • Snellville, Georgia 30078 www.Presidential CrestwoodSuites .com

Economic Development

BAM! event praises builders, stakeholders at GTC

By Melvin Everson Vice President of Economic Development Gwinnett Technical College On April 19, Dr. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, spoke to a crowd of builders, manufactures and community stakeholders at the College’s inaugural BAM (Builders & Manufactures appreciation event).

This inaugural event spearheaded by the Economic Development and Continuing Education Department highlighted the importance of strong collaboration to GTC as we work with our builders and manufactures in our service area. Builders and manufactures are crucial in shaping our communities and driving economic growth through their dedication to innovation, quality, and workforce development.

GTC recognizes the importance of collaboration with these industry leaders to ensure our students have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the modern workforce. The synergy with these entities ensures that our work force will be ready to meet today’s and future workforce demands that’ll lead to greater economic prosperity. GTC is very thankful to the many sponsors, that made the event a very special and successful one.

Although he wasn’t able to attend, Governor Brian Kemp sent a video expressing his thanks to Cannon, myself and the entire GTC Team for our endless and dedicated work towards making

sure the workforce in its service area is well educated, trained and prepared for today’s job market. The governor thanked those builders and manufactures for investing in Gwinnett/North Fulton Counties. You’re investing in Georgia is one of the main reasons, Georgia continues to be the number one state to do business for ten consecutive years.

The Keynote Speaker was TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier who shared with those in attendance the importance of TCSG and its twenty-two colleges and the critical role they play in ensuring Georgia has a qualified, educated and trained workforce to meet the industry needs. Gwinnett Technical College has been a driving force behind developing and equipping the qualified and wellprepared workforce, he said.

Three businesses were recognized for their long working collaborative partnership with Gwinnett Tech. WIKA Instrument Corporation was recognized as the Legacy Industry Partner, Porter Steel was recognized for its Service to Students and Siemens was recognized for its Innovation and Emerging Technology EV Charging Systems Technical Project.

All GTC’s programs educate and prepare the workforce for current and future employment opportunities that leads to even greater economic opportunities for those in our service area and beyond.

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Play by Day and Glow

by Night as you enjoy family-friendly park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring some of your favorite classic storybook characters!

from Snellville City Hall

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For tickets, visit fearworld.com NETHERWORLD is notable for its custom movie quality special effects, amazing actors, and extremely detailed sets. Voted #1 Haunted House in America.

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SEPTEMBER 14 - NOVEMBER 3, (FRIDAY – SUNDAY)

NETHERWORLD Haunted House - 7.2 mi

NETHERWORLD Haunted House is a walk-through dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects, and incredible monsters! 2024

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Stone Mountain Pumpkin Fest - 8.4 mi

Creekwater Alpaca Farm - 5.6 mi The unique farm in Snellville, Ga. has been home to over 50 alpacas since 1993. We offer a safe, close up, hands-on experience unlike any other.

Bring the family and enjoy petting the alpacas in their pen and seeing the bunnies and goats too! Guinea Fowl and Tolouse Geese also call Creekwater home. Enjoy it all with public or private tours. Visit our gift shop!

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Saltville Grotto & Spa - 0.2 mi Saltville Grotto & Spa will be your salty oasis in Snellville. We offer both wet and dry salt therapies such as floatation and a salt cave. In addition, you can get a massage, foot massage or ionic foot detox.

Or maybe a session in our infrared sauna is more your style.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - 11 mi Welcome to our castles! It is our honor to provide you with an unforgettable experience of rivalry, feasting and fun!

Epic battles of steel and steed, beyond the strength lies the power of charm.

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Urban Air Adventure Park- 3.7 mi If you are looking for the best year-round indoor amusement park in the Snellville and Gwinnett County area, this is it. Come have fun on the GoKarts, Trampolines, Wipeout, and zip line.

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Gwinnett County Fairgrounds - 5.6 mi Gwinnett County Fairgrounds offers a wide variety of events every weekend. Some of the upcoming events include: Repticon, Intergalactic Bead Show, Dog Shows, South East Plant Show, Gun Show and Kidsignment Sale and much more.

For more information: gwinnettcountyfair.com/events Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary - 5 mi Explore one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks. Located in central Gwinnett alongside Yellow River, just minutes from Snellville. We are home to the original Bison herd, beautiful peacocks, albino wallabies, babydoll sheep, alpacas, fallow deer, spider monkeys, and much more.

Snellville Veterans Memorial - 0.1 mi The Snellville Veterans Memorial is a state-of-the-art Memorial where locals and visitors stop by to reflect and pay homage to those who fought so selflessly for our freedom.

“FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE.”

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Stone Mountain Park - 8.4 mi One of Atlanta’s favorite destinations for the entire family. Nestled in 3200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreational activities. Seasonal events are offered throughout the year that will definitely delight every member of the family.

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Lincoln Fill Station - 0.9 mi Based in Snellville, we are north Georgia’s prime destination for craft beer and fine cigars. Whatever the weather, our covered patio and indoor lounge is the best place to enjoy delicious craft beers 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We have food trucks on site Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.

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Niko’s Wine Corner - .9 mi

Dragon Queen Winery - 1 mi Veteran owned and operated. Has a large selection of wines that can be shipped to Georgia customers only.

Stop in and try our new wines and the delicious wine slushies. Wine tastings end 30 minutes prior to closing.

Come visit Niko’s Wine Corner in Snellville and meet owners Regina Koranteng and Seth Wiredu. They carry exotic beers that are not available in many package and grocery stores. In addition to the very extensive selection of great wines and craft beers, they have Gwinnett County’s first wine bar. Three Enomatic wine tasting machines provide an extensive and changing array of 32 amazing white and red wines. Weekly wine tasting events available.

Slow Pour Brewing - 7.8 mi Gwinnett County’s first brewery features the beautifully inviting tasting room and beer garden beckoning friends to sit and chat, in a family friendly atmosphere.

Slow Pour offers delicious, innovative and original beers.

Several nights a week there will be live music with food trucks on site. Dog friendly brewery.

Tucker Brewing - 13 mi

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Illuminarium - 23 mi

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Southeastern Railway Museum - 14 mi

Proud to be named #4 Best Beer Garden in America

by USA Today! Tucker Brewing Company is Georgia’s premium lager brewery, dedicated to making easyto-drink, flavorful lager beers. This is a family owned lager brewery inspired

by German brewing traditions and honors the Southern roots of its owners. We strive every day to create a warm environment where family and friends can come together to appreciate beer, food and life.

Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center/Bowling - 5.4 mi This family entertainment center boasts over 30,000 sq. ft. of fun! Guests are greeted at Stars and Strikes with upgraded bowling, an exciting arcade and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Illuminarium is an experience like no other. It immerses guests with innovative multi-sensory content where sights, sounds and sensations come together in a 360º - 30,000 square feet sensory space. It’s virtual reality, but not as we know it.

Georgia’s Official Transportation Museum - featuring the largest collection of “rolling stock” in Georgia.

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The Complex Sports & Entertainment - approx 20 mi The Complex offers over 30 different sports games and activities all under one roof.

From cricket to baseball, experience numerous sports like never before and new ones for the very first time.

T.W. Briscoe Park - 1.6 mi Visit beautiful Briscoe Park and check out all the things it has to offer including two softball fields, two indoor rental rooms, four outdoor open-air pavilions, outdoor pool, 1.2 mile paved walking trail, 6-acre lake, tennis courts, basketball courts, and much more!

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November 30, 2024 | 5:30-6:30 PM

The Snellville Lighted Christmas Parade is part of the Snellville Christmas Tree lighting and is held the first Saturday evening after Thanksgiving. This is a festive holiday parade that will go through the Grove this year. Show off your school, organization or business in a big way by creating a float that lights up as you ride down Wisteria and Oak Road in front of thousands of people. Who will be tapped as having the best float in the parade this year?

Parade applications are online at ExperienceSnellville.com.

9th Annual Snellville Festival of Trees

Snellville City Hall will host the 9th Annual Snellville Festival of Trees from November 23rd through December 20th. This is a great way for local businesses, churches, schools or residents to showcase their creative side by decorating a tree to be displayed at Snellville City Hall while helping their community during the holidays.

Stop by City Hall, enjoy the trees and vote for your favorite by donating money, canned or dried food or toys.

Each item placed under the tree of your choice will register as a vote for your favorite tree. To make a monetary vote, go to the ExperienceSnellville.com website and vote. The tree with the most donated items and monetary donations will be awarded BEST CHRISTMAS TREE. Help us embrace the true meaning of the Christmas season and make a difference in the lives of others by decorating a tree and/or voting for your favorite. Trees may be viewed at Snellville City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

All money, canned goods and dried food will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op to“Give Hunger the Boot” and all toys will be donated to the “Toys for Tots” program.

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For additional information contact Kelly McAloon at Kelly@experiencesnellville.com.

*Featuring tributes to Gloria Estefan, Selina, J.Lo and Santana

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Snellville Parks and Recreation T.W. Briscoe Park is open daily 2500 Sawyer Parkway 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

770-985-3535

Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road (Passive neighborhood park)

Park office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (closed 12-1 p.m.). For more information on registration and classes, check out the Parks and Recreation Department on Snellville’s website at www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

Registration for programs, leagues and rentals is now online at www.snellville.recdesk.com.

Please “like” our Facebook page for more information on our upcoming events and happenings: www.facebook.com/SnellvilleParks.

Tennis instruction, clinics, camps, and leagues by certified tennis instructors at Briscoe Park visit www.aetennis.com or call 470-417-4547.

Adult sports information visit www.quickscores.com/snellville.

Generals Athletic Club, offers sport programs and mentorship to the Snellville and Shiloh community. Information: www.gac-sports.org.

Parents Night Out! How about a night out, parents?

Let us entertain your children.

On Sept. 28 and Oct. 26, in the former library building, there will be dinner, games, crafts and more for kids from 4 to 9 p.m.

The cost is $20 for city residents and $25 for all others.

To register visit snellville.recdesk.com or call 770-985-3532.

For information on youth soccer at Briscoe park visit www.allinfc.com For more information on youth flag football visit www.falconsflagfootball. com Jazzercise is held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5-6 p.m. at Briscoe Park. For more details email: jazzercisesnellville@ gmail.com.

Martial arts is held at Briscoe Park on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. Call 770-3541510 for more information.

Outdoor tennis courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis or can be rented at Snellville.recdesk.com. Not all of the courts may be available at all times if tennis Instructor or ALTA teams are utilizing the courts.

Fall Break Camp Oct. 10, 11 and 14, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., starting at $90 per child. Lunch included. Call 770-985-3535.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Parks and Recreation - Active Adult Center

The Snellville Active Adult Center is for adults 50 and older and is located next to Snellville City Hall. Membership is $25 for Gwinnett County Residents, $15 for City Limit Residents and $30 for those outside of Gwinnett County. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For class times, dates and fees, call 770-985-3580. Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/ snellvillescactiveadults.

Aerobics Free with membership Mondays and Thursdays 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Yoga $5 per class Tuesdays 10 a.m.

Crochet and knitting Free with membership 12 p.m., Tuesdays Spanish classes Offered for Beginners, Spanish Level 1 Intermediate and Conversational Spanish classes will start back up in September Also: Daytrips and Overnight Trips Pinochle Devotional Study Bowling Greeting Card-making class Card & board game playing groups Piano Lessons Billiards

Bingo (First Fridays) Exercise and weight room Line Dancing Twist & Tone And much more

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Summertime Fun in Snellville ...

Ray Howard Band - Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute

Third Thursdays at The Grove

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Many thanks to Team Snellville Volunteers,

... Were you Caught on Camera?

Star Spangled Snellville - Fourth of July

Food Truck Friday

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

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POSTAL CUSTOMER

Snellville Tourism & Trade P.O. Box 669 Snellville, GA 30078

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID LILBURN, GA ABC DIRECT

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

Attorney Richard Griffin 2336 Wisteria Dr., Suite 540, Snellville, GA 30078 404-999-9991 / GriffinLawFirmPC.com