Snellville Spirit - Special Edition 2026 by Snellville Spirit

America at 250: A Nation Still Becoming

In 2026, the United States marks 250 years since its founding —a rare milestone that invites both celebration and reflection. From a bold experiment in self-government to a diverse nation of more than 330 million people, America’s story has never been simple or finished.

The nation was born on radical ideas: that liberty belongs to the people and that government derives its power from their consent. Yet from the beginning, those ideals existed alongside deep contradictions. Enslaved people, Indigenous nations, women, and many others were excluded from the freedoms promised in 1776. Over time, Americans used the nation’s own words—liberty, equality, justice—to demand a broader, more honest democracy.

As the country expanded, innovation and immigration fueled growth, while conflict forced reckoning. The Civil War ended legal slavery, and later movements for civil rights reshaped the Constitution and the culture. Each era tested the nation’s willingness to confront its failures and move closer to its ideals.

By the 20th century, America had become a global power, influencing the world through industry, culture, and ideas. At home, progress came through protest, perseverance, and participation—proof that democracy depends not just on institutions, but on citizens.

At 250, the United States is more diverse and more debated than ever. Technology accelerates change, and questions about democracy, equality, and freedom remain urgent. Yet the nation’s strength endures in its ability to adapt, amend, and argue—openly.

The semiquincentennial is more than a birthday. It honors not only history, but possibility. America’s story is still being written, and its next chapter belongs to those willing to carry its ideals forward.

Because the American story has never been about perfection—it has always been—about the pursuit.

God Bless America!

Happy New Year from your friends at Experience Snellville!

We are looking forward to a great 2026 as we plan our events for the coming year and continue to serve the City of Snellville.

As we begin the new year, we welcome some new faces to the Experience Snellville Board of Directors and say thank you to board members whose terms have expired.

A special thank-you to CJ Pitt and Richelle Brown for their service on the Experience Snellville Board. While they are stepping away from the board, they are taking on an even greater role in our community as newly elected City Council members. We are proud of our volunteer base and love seeing volunteers step into leadership roles within our city. Experience Snellville is truly a great place to get involved.

I am excited to welcome Brian Urban and Eddie MacFarlane as our newest board members. We look forward to working with them and appreciate their willingness to serve.

We also could not be successful without our incredible staff. Executive Director Kelly McAloon and Farmers’ Market Manager Charlene Britt continue to make the day-to-day operations of our events and activities seamless and enjoyable for citizens throughout the year.

Thank you as well to our Keystone Sponsors - Piedmont Eastside and ER Snell. Their generous support, along with the support of all our sponsors, makes it possible for Experience Snellville to provide the highest quality programming for our community.

As we start a new year, we are excited to be part of this great community and to see the full opening of The Grove. It is truly a great time for Snellville.

Happy New Year,

Don

Don Britt, President, Experience Snellville

Special Edition 2026 - Volume 69

Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon

Editor: Brian Arrington

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

P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078

Website: www.snellvilletourism.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

Treasurer

Stephanie McDonald

Secretary

Traci Leath

Board Members

Deborah Jones

Rozeena Noorani

Jamie Parker

Brian Urban

Eddie MacFarlane

Executive Director

Kelly McAloon

Market Manager

Charlene Britt

City Council

Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Norman A. Carter Jr., Richelle Brown, Catherine Hardrick, Kerry Hetherington and Shaunte “CJ” Pitt

City Website: www.snellville.org

Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Kelly McAloon and pcoxcreative

Magazine Cover Photo by Kelly McAloon and pcoxcreative

Contributing

Writers and Photographers:

Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Charlene Britt, Barbara Bender, pcoxcreative, Meghan Meegan, Allison Hollingshead, Franchesca Thompson and Scott Hermel

Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender

The new year has started off with a bang with several restaurant locations opening in The Grove at Towne Center.

We have all been anxiously awaiting these openings for the area to become the fun and vibrant gathering space that was envisioned from the start.

Start your afternoon off with a wind-down beer at Crooked Can Brewery with dinner options from Pita Mediterranean and Keys Cakery. Other food vendors will be opening in the coming weeks: The Local Butcher & BBQ, MackinMike’s Mac & Chz Bar and Pizzeria Fiamma.

The Grove Taqueria at 2270 Oak Road opened in December and has quickly become a local favorite. The Dumpling Master is also open and is receiving rave reviews.

Another locally owned restaurant, Thai Delight Kitchen, Sushi & Bar just opened at 1142 Athens Highway. Beautifully decorated and terrific Thai dishes make this a must visit.

As we move into the new year, add a resolution to support the many locally owned restaurants in and around the Snellville area.

Snellville Public Works

Recycling rules and recommendations for 2026

The Recycling Center is located at 2531 Marigold Road. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Anyone can bring recycling items to the center for free, regardless of where you live.

City Limit Residents ONLY: One trip to the Recycling Center’s yard trimming area with a full pickup truck load is free of chargeone per day. A second load will be allowed per day for a $15 fee. A truck and a trailer will be counted as two loads and a $15 fee will be applied.

Please be prepared to show your license if you wish to utilize the junk container or yard debris area as these are only available to residents living inside the city limits of Snellville.

No businesses are allowed to utilize the junk container or yard debris area.

For more information call: 770-985-3539, Monday - Saturday.

They need you to survive and thrive in our community.

Our three new council members will be heading off to Newly Elected Officials training in February. They will be learning all the things we wished someone told us before running for office. This is a great opportunity to learn their new roles and connect with other newly elected officials from around the state.

The entire council and department directors will be holding the annual Council retreat in February. This will be a great opportunity for us to discuss and set our direction for the coming year.

As we move into the new year, add a resolution to support the many locally owned restaurants in and around the Snellville area. They need you to survive and thrive in our community.

Curbside Recycling: The Curbside Pickup Recycling Program is $144 per year and renews each year on May 1. You must renew by contacting Public Works at 770-985-3527. Payment is required in full by May 1 and no refunds or transfers are permitted. New residents may opt in after the enrollment period at a prorated fee based on the 12-month service. Visit Snellville.org to sign up for Recycling Program or sign up instructions. Sign up is March 1-April 30. Additionally, the city now offers a second garbage cart for $120 during the same 12-month service period as the Recycle Program.

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.

1. Thanks to generous donations and fundraising efforts from Walmart, the Georgia Cool Cruisers, and the Snellville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, officers were able to participate in the Shop with a Cop program. Their support helped create a meaningful experience, allowing officers to shop alongside children and bring joy to families in the community.

2. Our friends from Exceptional Futures shared holiday cheer by singing Christmas carols in the lobby of our police station. Their heartfelt performance filled the space with warmth and festive

spirit, bringing smiles to everyone present. We are grateful for their kindness and talent and the joy they shared with our community.

3. Officers engaged with senior citizens through informative presentations on scam prevention, fraud awareness, and understanding Artificial Intelligence. These discussions helped empower seniors with knowledge and strategies to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.

With

a new year comes new and exciting events, attractions and restaurants at The Grove at Towne Center.

We’re excited to see you this season at The Grove!

Bags, Bites & Brews

Cornhole is coming back to the Grove for 2026! Bags, Bites & Brews will be held on Wednesdays starting March 18. Do you live to play cornhole? Register today! Have you not held a bean bag since 3rd grade recess? Not a problem! There is room for everyone of all skill levels at Bags, Bites & Brews. The league is coordinated by CornholeATL and they will place players into one of three levels: beginner, intermediate, or expert. Each season runs for 7 weeks and is filled with fun, laughter, and good-natured rivalry. Follow the link and register to play. You can register teams or just register yourself. CornholeATL will be combining solo players of similar skills together for teams. Registration for the Spring Season ends on March 10. Visit www.cornholeatl.com to register.

Important Spring Dates:

Registration is ongoing and ends Tuesday, March 10. League Begins: Week of March 16 (BYE WEEK FOR SPRING BREAK)

Playoff Week: Week of May 4 (Typically a busier night that runs later than usual) Buffer Week: Week of May 11 (incorporates spring break week and unexpected cancellations/rain outs)

Downtown Tunes Concert Series – Third Thursdays in The Grove

Live music comes back to the Grove Pavilion starting Thursday, May 21. Concerts are scheduled for every Third Thursday between May and October. Bring your chairs or a blanket and grab something delicious from one of our 13 food and beverage spots in The Grove. Then settle back for an evening of live music covering a variety of musical genres throughout the six-concert season. Downtown Tunes begins at 6 p.m. and the music ends at 9 p.m.

Paws and Play

April 11 is National Pet Day and The Grove is hosting a new event just for dogs and their humans. Paws and Play will feature pet-themed vendors, activities for the kids and contests such as Biggest and Smallest Dog, Best Dressed Pooch, a Pet Parade, and much more! Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Paws and Play will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.

Splash and a Movie!

Calling all kids – come out and join us as Snellville ends summer with a splash on Friday, July 31. Cool off in the splash pad and then settle in for a movie night under the stars. Last year, ‘A Minecraft Movie’ was featured as the end of summer movie and this year, the movie will be just as fun. The movie starts at sundown so bring your chairs or a blanket and grab dinner or a yummy snack from one of the 13 food and beverage spots in The Grove and chillax under the stars.

Trick or Treat and a Movie

Calling all Ghoulies, Ghosties and Scary Wee Beasties! Wear your costume and have fun trick or treating in the Grove. Downtown businesses will have booths offering candy and treats for children. Then when the sun sets, get ready for a scary good time while we watch ‘Hocus Pocus’ on the big screen under the stars. Grab dinner or a snack at one of The Grove’s 13 food and beverage spots and enjoy the show. Trick or treating will begin at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at sundown. Date to be announced.

Santa’s in The Grove!

Santa is going to be under the pavilion at The Grove on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Have your photo taken with Santa and give him your Christmas wish list. There will also be crafts for the children to take home and a yummy candy cane. This event is free and open to the public.

Visit The Grove at Towne Center and take an adult beverage to go and tour the grounds and Greenway in the new Snellville Entertainment District!

Now open at The Grove at Towne Center:

Crooked Can Brewing Company

Great American Cookie and Marble Slab Creamery

Allure Nail Bar

Playa Bowls

Dumpling Master

The Grove Taqueria

The Towne Center Market

Keys Cakery

Pita Mediterranean Street Food

Elizabeth H. Williams Library

THIRVE Co-working

Northside Medical Center

Coming soon to The Grove at Towne Center:

Parkside at The Grove

Pizzeria Fiamma

MackinMike’s Mac & Chz Bar

Meltaway

The Local Butcher & BBQ

Follow The Grove at Towne Center’s Facebook page for news and event information.

The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center was the site of a grand opening for three businesses located inside the Towne Center Market - Crooked Can Brewing Company, Keys Cakery and Pita Mediterranean Street Food. More eateries are set to open soon. Stay tuned and we’ll see you at The Grove!

Kindergarten—5th

Hours:

Transportation

City News

Annual Cool Cruisers Car Show nets $2,700 for Shop with a Cop program

Snellville Parks and Recreation, partnering with Georgia Cool Cruisers, hosted their 8th annual Car Show at Briscoe Park in November. For the fifth year in a row the car show event has raised money for the Snellville Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program.

With donations from the November car show totaling $2,700 the Snellville Police Department, with help from the Snellville Citizens Police Academy Association, was able to include 12 more families in the program. Shop with a Cop offers families in need a chance to pick out Christmas gifts with the help of police.

“We love the partnership we have with Georgia Cool Cruisers to be able to put on an event that raises money for a great cause,” said Meghan Meegan, Parks and Recreation program coordinator. “We have been doing this car show together for eight years now!”

The annual November event has once again exceeded expectations.

“Snellville Parks and Recreation’s November Cool Cars at Briscoe event is always one of our favorites,” said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Platt. “Not just because it is well attended with great cars, but also with large grows of spectators. As with previous years the SPD Shop with a Cop program receives all donated funds received from this event! Snellville Parks and Recreation’s mission is to serve our community and giving these donated funds to the Shop with a Cop event allows more of our youth to have a better holiday season and impact their lives in a positive way.”

Snellville Parks and Recreation strives to serve all of our citizens and visitors, but the children of our community are the ones they want to cherish, Platt said.

Snellville Parks and Recreation will continue to have a spring car show in April and a fall car show in November. The 2026 spring car show event will take place on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25 at T.W. Briscoe Park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway.

Snellville Senior Center changes name to reflect accurate membership

The Snellville Senior Center is now officially the Active Adult Center.

The move was made official to match the age requirements for current membership since the center, located next to City Hall at 2350 Oak Road, allows anyone over the age of 50 to join and participate in all activities and programs offered.

“Our original building funding grant required that the building be labeled as the Snellville Senior Center,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Lisa A Platt, CPRP. “However, we have never felt that title was an accurate representation of the membership, as anyone over 50 is eligible to join. By officially changing the name to Snellville Active Adult Center we feel we will now have a more welcoming feel to all 50 and over who can benefit from the center‘s programs.”

The programs and activities will remain the same, it is only the facility title that is being changed, city officials said.

“We believe that by making this change, it will help those who are in their 50s and 60s to know that our programs and events are designed for them as well,” said Active Adult Center Supervisor Kathi Gargiulo. “So many of them need to be taking advantage of all these fun things that we are doing.”

The Active Adult Center has a membership of 811. The center offers 20 different programs and classes, day and overnight trips, five different groups that meet regularly and six special events throughout the year.

Annual membership at the Active Adult Center is:

Snellville city limit residents - $20 per person

County/non-city limit residents - $35 per person

Out of county residents - $45 per person

Additional persons from the same residence receive a $5 discount.

The Active Adult Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.4 p.m. Call 770-985-3580 for more information or visit https://www.snellville.org/active-adult-center.

A Walk for Peace, A Life of Compassion

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On a quiet road near Dayton, Texas, in November 2025, a journey meant to spread peace changed the life of a Buddhist monk from Snellville, Georgia—but not his purpose.

Venerable Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, the abbot of Wat Lao Buddha Khanti, a Lao Theravada Buddhist temple in Snellville, was walking as part of a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. The long pilgrimage was intended to inspire kindness, forgiveness, and unity across communities. Instead, it became a profound test of those very teachings.

On November 19, 2025, Phra Ajarn Maha Dam was struck by a pickup truck along the route. The accident caused devastating injuries, ultimately resulting in the loss of his left leg. He was rushed to Houston for emergency treatment and months of recovery. News of the incident spread quickly among Buddhist communities and supporters nationwide, many of whom were stunned by both the severity of the accident and the monk’s response to it.

Rather than anger or blame, Phra Ajarn Maha Dam met the tragedy with forgiveness.

In the days following the accident, he spoke not of loss, but of offering—describing his injury as a sacrifice made in the spirit of peace. For him, the walk was never about the distance covered, but about the hearts touched along the way. His response embodied core Buddhist principles: compassion for all beings, acceptance of suffering, and the belief that peace begins within.

That philosophy was reflected in the Walk for Peace itself. Along highways and city streets, supporters waved, offered flowers, and shared smiles. Others followed the journey online, drawing inspiration from the monks’ steady footsteps and simple message: peace is possible, one person at a time.

As one prayer shared during the walk expressed: May the peace that grows inside you shine outward, touching families, neighbors, and strangers alike.

For Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan, that peace remains his path—steady, unwavering, and offered freely to the world.

LAWRENCEVILLE - Looking for that unique, one of a kind gift? Come explore and have fun browsing over 30 dealer booths filled with extraordinary treasures. Check out the painted furniture and home decor!

LOGANVILLE - Now Open! Discover Pennsylvania

John’s Antiques & Stuff, featuring a huge collection of antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds!

Valentine Sweetheart Sale

Everyone who makes a purchase between Feb. 1st –14th will be eligible for the Gift Basket valued at over $250 (giftcards,chocolates,wine,storediscounts,etc.) One gift basket will be given away on February 14th at 4 p.m. Both stores will participate in the giveaway!

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.

Awarded Outstanding Parks and Recreation

USTA Georgia 2024 Tennis instruction, clinics, camps, and leagues by certified tennis instructors at Briscoe Park visit www.aetennis.com or call 470-417-4547.

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

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

Registration is open for spring youth basketball ages 7-12 starting in March. Registration fee starts at $125

Singles Tennis Flex League starting in March. Play on your own time! Fee starting at $45

Family Fun Day @ Briscoe Park is March 28th from 11:00am-3:00pm. FREE admission! Vendors, Bounce Houses, Games, Food AND MORE

Spring Car Show is April 25th from 11:00am-3:00pm. FREE spectator admission

For information on Youth Soccer at Briscoe Park visit www.allinfc.com.

Martial arts is held at Briscoe Park on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. Call 770-354-1510 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.

Snellville Parks and Recreation - Active Adult Center

The Active Adult Center is for adults 50 and older and is located next to Snellville City Hall. Annual Membership is $35 for Gwinnett County Residents, $20 for City Limit Residents and $45 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 (All classes in person-no zoom classes offered) Offered for Beginners, Spanish One (advanced beginners), Intermediate and Conversational Spanish classes are from SeptemberMay.

Also:

Daytrips and overnight trips

Pinochle

Devotional study

Book Club

Greeting card-making class

Card and board game playing groups

Chess

Paint for fun classes

Piano lessons

Billiards

Bingo (First Fridays)

Exercise and weight room

Line dancing

Twist & Tone

Stretch & Strength

Tae Chi (Every Tuesday at Briscoe Park.)

Crooked Can Brewery - 0.2 mi

Towne Center Market at The Grove - 0.2 mi

Come experience world-class craft beer, the energy of a vibrant new food hall, and a lineup of incredible local vendors, including Philly G Steaks, Pita Mediterranean Street Food, and Key’s Cakery along with many more to come.

2265 Wisteria Dr., Snellville, GA 30078

Creekwater Alpaca Farm - 4.6 mi

The Honey Dome Treehouse - 7.3 mi

2 3 4 5 7 6 8 9 10

Come immerse yourself into the life at Creekwater Alpaca Farm! The Alpaca Farm in Snellville offers a safe, close up, hands-on experience. You’ll get a chance to interact with Alpaca’s. Purchase tickets for interactive farm tours, pony rides, or Alpaca and pony parties.

Call 404.849.9305

creekwateralpaca.com

The Honey Dome Treehouse AirBnB at New London Farm offers a unique getaway on this magical urban oasis just minutes from Atlanta. Book your tour experience or overnight stay call 404.849.9305

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.

Your local destination for Craft Beer, Community Events & Good Eats. Crooked Can is all about crafting amazing beers that celebrate flavor and creativity. The lineup includes everything from classic favorites to exciting seasonal brews. 2265 Wisteria Dr., Snellville, GA 30078

fromSnellvilleCityHall

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds - 5.6 mi

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds offers a wide variety of events every weekend. Some of the upcoming events include: Vintage Market Days, Gun Show, Southeast Exotic Bird Fair, Gem and Mineral Show 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.”

Atlanta Botanical Garden - approx 20 mi

Stone Mountain – Lunar New Year February 14, 2026 – March 1, 2026

Stone Mountain is proud to host the Lunar New Year Festival featuring Fire Drones, a Light Show, cultural craft activities, storytelling, puppetry, dance and drum exhibitions, parades, and other cultural elements.

Since the Garden opened its doors in 1976, it has become the emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture. The Garden is an ever-evolving destination where the horticulturally-minded, nature-inspired and fun-seeking families come together to fell human again.

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.

Slow Pour Brewing - 7.8 mi

Book your tour experience or overnight stay call 404.849.9305 or go to newlondonfarm.horse 11 12 13

The

Grove Taqueria - 0.2 mi

Niko’s Wine Corner - 0.9 mi

Come visit Niko’s Wine Corner in Snellville. 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.

Rooted in Mexican Tradition Served with Style – Inspired by the richness of Mexican cuisine, The Grove Taqueria blends traditional recipes with a contemporary touch. Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients, bold spices, and a passion for creating memoriable moments around the table.

Illuminarium - approx 20 mi

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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.

New London Farm Tours - 7.3 miles

Experience the magic at New London Farm and escape to another time, another place where the energy comes not from your phone notifications, but from the sounds of horse’s hooves, alpacas humming and roosters crowing.

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.

Call 678.965.5707

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.

Gwinnett Veterans Memorial Museum - 7.5 mi

Established in 2005 by the American Legion Post 232, Snellville and Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation - A tribute to the brave men and women who defended our land and liberties from the Revolutionary War to present. Located at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse on the square in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Third Rail Distillery - 7.8

Downtown Lawrenceville’s Depot District, Third Rail Distillery offers craft cocktails made from our signature spirits and fresh ingredients. From home brewing to opening our own storefront, we could not be more excited that you are here.

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 openair pavilions, outdoor pool, 1.2 mile paved walking trail, a beautiful 6-acre lake, tennis courts, and much more!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Check out all the 2026 New Year’s 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.”

Hill Top Pawn Inc. 1882 Athens Highway Snellville, GA 30078

770-978-7079

Hilltop@bellsouth.net

New trade show inventories arriving in late February. Stop in to take advantage of the new sporting goods and special pricing for 2026!

WE BUY GOLD!

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.

$Cash Loans$

At Hill Top Pawn we specialize in loaning out cash! We loan money on just about anything with amounts up to $10,000

Gold, Guns, Electronics, Tools, Instruments, Sporting Goods, Cars, Trailers, Boats, Motorcycles and more. (All loans are collateral based)

HelloCommunity.We’re a wine shop and more. Visit us for all of your wine needs. We have a large selection of wines, sake, beer, and CBD-THC.

Join us for our ribbon cutting

We’re re-naming and re-branding on the Thursday, March 26th starting at 4:30 p.m. We will have finger foods, snacks and of course taste wine.

Fridays are for happy hour, we add half of your money back on a card for you, getting more for your money. You can bring in friends and food and have a great time.

You can plan events for date night, girls’ night out, birthday parties.

* Every Thursday we have wine tastings; we taste about 5 different wines.

Community Garden @ Snellville

Our garden, re-imagined: new logo, same heart

By Charlene Britt Community Garden Manager

As the Community Garden @Snellville continues to flourish, we are proud to introduce a refreshed garden logo that reflects our mission of growth, community connection, and sustainability. This new design symbolizes the spirit of collaboration and care that has shaped our garden from the beginning. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Stephen Brust of Webkat Design, LLC, who thoughtfully designed the new logo, capturing the spirit and growth of the garden.

“Your

unwavering care and behindthe-scenes dedication are the heart of this garden—transforming tiny seeds into thriving plants and helping our community bloom with purpose. Thank you for growing more than food; you’re growing community, hope, and joy.”

This season also provided an opportunity to recognize the remarkable volunteers who make the Greenhouse Team such an essential part of our success. Their behind-the-scenes commitment nurtures thousands of healthy plants annually, enriching community garden beds and supporting local projects and outreach programs. To honor their contributions, each member received custom Community Garden outerwear—an expression of gratitude for their commitment and the countless hours they invest in nurturing what grows here.

We are grateful to recognize the following members of our Greenhouse Team; Wes and Lucy Nettleton, Brian & Ellen Hughes, Kathy Pittman, Karen Hanley, Martha Whitman, Maggie VanBuren, David Tate, Valisha Griffin, Rob Stewart, and Kathleen Keyes.

Your unwavering care and behind-the-scenes dedication are the heart of this garden—transforming tiny seeds into thriving plants and helping our community bloom with purpose. Thank you for growing more than food; you’re growing community, hope and joy.

And with heartfelt appreciation, we honor our founders, Kurt & Gretchen Schulz, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for all that the Community Garden @Snellville has become and continues to shape its lasting impact on our community.

The Community Garden @Snellville is more than a shared space—it is a reflection of what can grow when neighbors come together with purpose. With gratitude for our volunteers, we look forward to another year of growing, giving, and cultivating community together.

Brookwood High School

Ag-STEM innovation is under way at Brookwood High School

Brookwood’s Ag-STEM program is moving closer to full greenhouse operation as students work to bring FarmBot 2 online, showcasing hands-on, student-driven learning.

According to Ag-STEM teacher Dr. Carrie Settles Livers, the project has been years in the making.

“The process has truly been a multi-year, student-driven journey,” she said. “Each group of students has contributed through construction, troubleshooting, and innovation.”

Students Angel Sena and Kaden Molina are currently leading the effort to repair and restore the FarmBot, which had been installed for several years but never fully used. “Getting FarmBot 2 up and running was definitely a learning curve, but one I thrive on,” Angel said. “It’s exciting to see a tangible change happening in our class program.”

Kaden added that seeing the FarmBot move for the first time made the challenge worthwhile. “We still have more work to do, but once the greenhouse is fully operational, everything will run much more smoothly. We’re excited to see how much simpler the

process will be once everything is set up.”

With improved access to Wi-Fi, water, and power, students will soon be able to focus more on automation, experimentation, and data-driven growing. Dr. Settles Livers is especially excited for students to use the greenhouse for plant propagation, entrepreneurship, and expanded plant sales. “Students are truly in charge, and I’m there to support their ideas and help bring them to life,” she said.

The FarmBot and greenhouse project highlights Brookwood’s Ag-STEM mission: blending agriculture, technology, and real-world problem-solving through meaningful, student-led experiences. As Angel states, “I really enjoy being able to work and use my mechanical/engineering talents on real projects that combine engineering, problem-solving, and agriculture, and it’s rewarding to see how much potential the program has as it continues to grow.”

Brookwood Theatre brings exciting slate of shows this spring

Brookwood Theatre is offering something for everyone with their spring lineup!

First up, BHS has the play “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory. This drama is based on the true story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory’s radiumbased paint. Join us for a powerful exploration of the commercialization of science, the ruthless pursuit for wealth and power, and the fight against injustice in the workplace.

Shows will be March 19, 20, 21.

The season will close with the spring musical Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Bring the whole family to experience this beautiful love story filled with the classic songs you know by heart and a few new ones! We are excited to welcome you Under the Sea April 23, 24, and 25.

Be sure to join us in Brookwood’s Ken and Patty Lindahl Theatre. All tickets are on GoFan.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

... In Snellville

If you are opening a new business in Snellville, give us a call, we’d like to meet you and welcome you to Snellville! Call 770-985-3517 for more information. Our ribbon cutting events are open to the public, so please join us at our next one.

City of Snellville and Experience

Snellville officials welcomed a new business to The Grove at Towne Center and the city, The Grove Taqueria Jan 5. The Mexican restaurant is located at 2270 Oak Road SW and is one of the new eateries opening in the mixed-use development. For more information visit thegrovetaqueria.com Welcome to Snellville!

City of Snellville, Experience Snellville and Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce officials took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 8 at Manor Lake Independent Living, Assisted Living, & Memory Care - Snellville, located at 1642 Athens Highway. For more information visit manorlakesv.com

Welcome to Snellville!

See more ribbon cuttings on Page 29.

■ 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

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

■

in-lobby

bar

Snellville Farmers’ Market

One trip, one bag: A week’s worth of possibilities

By Charlene Britt Market Manager

By the time the farmers market winds down and the tents begin to fold, most of us head home with a full bag—and a full heart. But the real magic of the market doesn’t end on Saturday morning. It unfolds quietly over the days that follow.

One Saturday trip to the market sets us up for the week— healthy meals, easy planning, and momentum to tackle the days ahead. We set our market bags on the counter and take inventory: a bundle of greens, a carton of eggs, root vegetables still dusted with soil. Add fresh bread and sweet treats from our many artisan bakers; Arpeggio Coffee and Bakery, Petersen’s Bakery, Legacy Bakers, Mrs. M’s Homemade Baked Goods, Small Sweets, Handcrafted Desserts, Gluten Free Haven, and Danie Bakes Bakery, or decadent handcrafted chocolates from DOMA Chocolates and Georgia Pecan Toffee. Without realizing it, we’ve already started crafting our weekly meal plan.

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated. Washing and chopping greens as soon as we get home means salads, stir-fries, and quick snacks are ready all week. Eggs easily become a highprotein frittata with fresh seasonal vegetables from Tyco B Farms, The Horti-Culture and Martin’s Back Acres. Adding a scoop of cottage cheese gives an extra protein boost. Finishing it off with exquisite Chilean Salsa Verde or Pebre sauce from Lorena’s Kitchen is pure magic.

Did you know? Not all eggs are created equal!

Several vendors offer farm-fresh eggs—and some go beyond the basics. Travelers Respite Farm brings chicken, duck, and even goose eggs to market, each with its own flavor and texture. Duck eggs are rich and ideal for baking, while goose eggs are a seasonal specialty prized for their size and bold yolk. It’s just one more way the market offers choices you won’t find on a grocery store shelf.

Roasted vegetables are another weekly staple. Prepared once, they appear alongside eggs for breakfast, tucked into wraps for

Snellville Farmers’ Market

lunch, or stirred into pasta or soup for quick dinners. Proteinpacked farm-raised meats and seafood from Presley Farm and Garden, Sausage World, and Dancin Salmon pair perfectly with vegetables, turning them into fast, satisfying weeknight meals.

A little extra flavor goes a long way. A drizzle of Snellville Honey, a sprinkle of Original Wellness spice blends, or a spoonful of artisan sauce from Ronnie Tei’s, or O.A.K. Fresh can elevate any meal with almost no effort. These vendors also offer locally made canned and jarred items jams, sauces and preserved vegetables that make weeknight cooking even easier. Keeping a few jars on hand means meals come together quickly. These shelf-stable staples bring market flavor to the table with minimal prep.

Some nights, even the best intentions give way to exhaustion. When we’re too tired to cook, the farmers market still has us covered. Ready-to-enjoy meals from JR & Son’s BBQ, Lil Pizza Truck, Noori’s Kitchen, and Beatrice Cuisine, along with other market favorites, make winter evenings stress-free, offering comforting, flavorful options that can be taken home and enjoyed with zero prep. It’s the same quality and local care—just without the work.

Unlike grocery store shopping, the farmers market invites us to cook with the seasons, letting what’s fresh guide the week ahead. It keeps meals flexible, interesting, and enjoyable. In a time when many of us are trying to eat better.

Come visit the Extended Season Market, held from 9:00 a.m. until noon in the Snellville City Hall parking lot on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month through May. For weekly market highlights, vendor lineups, and special announcements, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at snellvillefarmersmarket.com. We can’t wait to see you at the market!

South Gwinnett High School

South Gwinnett sends sonic boom to Chicago

Snellville recently came together in spectacular fashion to send off the South Gwinnett High School Cosmic Boom Band as they embarked on an unforgettable journey to Chicago to perform in the 91st Annual Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Families, friends, and community members lined the streets, waving with pride as the band rolled out under a special Snellville Police Department escort.

The moment was made even more meaningful with a formal proclamation from Mayor Barbara Bender, recognizing the band’s achievement and honoring them as ambassadors for Snellville and Gwinnett County.

This send-off was a powerful reminder that it truly takes a village. From city leadership and public safety officials to parents, neighbors, and local supporters, the South Gwinnett community showed up to celebrate these talented students. As one of only two bands

selected from the state of Georgia - and the only band representing Gwinnett County Public Schools - the Cosmic Boom Band carries the pride of an entire community with them to the national stage. Snellville couldn’t be prouder to cheer them on as they share their music, spirit, and excellence with the world.

Future Georgia Educators lead successful annual canned food drive

The SGHS Future Georgia Educators (FGE) organization once again demonstrated its commitment to service through its Annual Canned Food Drive.

This year’s initiative was a tremendous success, with members collecting more than 2,000 canned goods and non-perishable food items to support the local community.

This yearly service project is led by FGE Sponsor Mrs. Y’Shakaa Durham, whose guidance and dedication continue to inspire students to serve others. Through the collective efforts of FGE members, donations were distributed to a local church and food pantry, ensuring families in need received vital resources. In addition, members answered a special call for support by assembling and providing boxes of food to 20 families at Britt Elementary, helping to make a meaningful impact beyond the high school campus.

The SGHS Future Georgia Educators organization remains committed to leadership, service, and community engagement, and this year’s food drive stands as a powerful example of students making a difference through compassion and action.

Promo Code: Holiday26SS

• 5K/10K/Half-marathon/1 mile

• Dri- t shirts for all runners

• Medals to age group winners & half-marathon nishers

• Join a team & earn money for your school or non-pro t

• Once a year chance to run on Ronald Reagan Parkway

Fabulous Fun in Snellville ...

Tree Lighting and Lighted Chistmas Parade

Many thanks to Team Snellville Volunteers,

... Were you Caught on Camera?

Tree Lighting and Lighted Chistmas Parade

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

10th Annual Festival of Trees

St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church Wins 2025 Best Tree in annual contest

Many thanks to all those who participated in the 10th Annual Festival of Trees and to all those who Gave Hunger the Boot by generously donated food items and toys that registered as a vote for each tree. We were very excited to donating a grand total of 6,074 items to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op and Toys for Tots program this year. Congratulations to St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church ‘Holy Family Ministry’ as its tree received 4,225 votes, receiving the award for best tree.