🎖️ Veterans Weekend Guide & Holiday Kickoffs Begin

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Saturday's shaping up to be one of those perfect East Cobb mornings—Veterans Memorial 5K at sunrise, then straight to the parade that starts at 10:40 AM.

If you're bringing kids, stake out a spot on Church Street by 10 AM. The high school marching bands and vintage military vehicles are the real showstoppers, plus the JROTC drill teams always get huge cheers.

For a quieter evening on Friday, First Friday Art Walk has 20+ galleries open late, or catch opening night of Sanders Family Christmas at The Strand (the matinees Saturday and Sunday tend to sell out fast).

The farmers market is absolutely loaded right now—peak fall produce, local honey, and those Amish baked goods that disappear by 10 AM.

Quick tip: look for parade parking on Cherokee Street. You'll thank me.

Planner's below—see you out there.

Best,
Andrew

Send tips & events: [email protected]

Marietta Square
99 S Park Square NE,
Marietta, GA 30060
Saturday, Nov 8
Parade starts at 10:40 AM
Free

The City of Marietta’s 2025 Veterans Day Parade steps off at 10:40 am on Saturday, November 8th at Roswell Street Baptist Church. 

The Parade travels west on Roswell Street, north on East Park Square, and ends at the intersection of Cherokee Street and Lawrence Street at precisely 11:11 AM—honoring the exact moment of the WWI Armistice in 1918. 

This year's Grand Marshal is WWII Veteran Charlie Duncan, US Army, who will lead the procession from the staging area on Roswell Street to the Square.

The parade route runs down Roswell Street before turning onto the Square, with the best viewing spots along Church Street and around Glover Park. Expect marching bands from Wheeler, Walton, and Lassiter high schools, plus middle school bands from Dickerson and Hightower Trail.

The Cobb County Sheriff's Honor Guard, Marine Corps League Detachment, and multiple veterans organizations will march alongside vintage military vehicles and first responders.

The ceremony in Glover Park immediately following features keynote speakers from local military organizations, a 21-gun salute by the Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps.

The entire event typically wraps by 1 PM. Street closures begin at 10 AM, so plan accordingly—the Cherokee Street parking deck offers the easiest exit route, though the Mill Street lot puts you closer to the action.

For families: Kids especially love the military vehicles and JROTC drill teams. Veterans receive special recognition, so encourage any veterans in your family to wear their service caps or pins. Local Scout troops also march, making this a great opportunity for kids to see community service in action.

Pro tip: BYO folding chairs and set up by 10 AM (or earlier).

For more details, click here to visit Marietta’s website.

A neighborhood favorite tucked into Paper Mill Village, Camps nails that comfy-but-polished sweet spot for date nights, family dinners, and everything in between. 

The menu runs from crispy small plates and garden-fresh salads to stone-oven pizzas and handmade pastas, so everyone at the table finds something good. 

The dining room is relaxed, the patio is roomy, there’s a nice cozy fireplace in their bar area, and they make weeknights easy with curbside pickup and delivery. My wife and I go there a lot.

Brunch fans: their Sunday Brunch Buffet runs 11am–2pm and draws a loyal crowd. 

Planning ahead is simple, and the address is an easy hop for East Cobb folks (255 Village Pkwy NE, Suite 310, Marietta). Daily hours are typically 4–9pm, which makes it a reliable “where should we go tonight?” answer.

For details and menu, click here to visit their website.

Across from The Avenue, Casabella is a beloved neighborhood home + gift boutique with a 10,000-square-foot showroom you can happily get lost in. 

You’ll find everything from lamps, art, and seasonal décor to jewelry, baby gifts, and Georgia-made specialty foods—perfect for early holiday gifting. Need a little design help? Their in-store decorators can guide you, or you can order custom furniture and upholstery tailored to your space. 

This place is great for those who love to browse. Me and my wife are always buying little tchotchkes here.

They’re also known for complimentary gift-wrapping, so you can grab a present and have it ready to go in minutes. 

Locals love that new arrivals hit the floor daily, making each visit feel like a fresh treasure hunt. 

To browse or plan a quick dash for a last-minute gift, click here to visit their website.

Longtime Marietta Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin narrowly survived the closest challenge of his 16-year tenure Tuesday, defeating 24-year-old IT systems engineer Sam Foster by just 87 votes—6,762 to 6,675.

Foster, a Kennesaw State graduate who would have become Marietta's first Black mayor, actually won 7 of the city's 13 precincts but fell just short in the final tally.

The 54-year age gap between the 78-year-old incumbent and his young challenger highlighted the generational divide in this race, with Foster campaigning on addressing rising costs, improving walkability and transit, and making city government more responsive.

The razor-thin margin marks one of the tightest mayoral races in Marietta's recent history. 

Sources: EastCobbNews.com and AtlantaNewsFirst.com

In a significant shift for Georgia utility regulation, Democrats Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard both won their Public Service Commission races Tuesday with approximately 62% of the vote, defeating Republican incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.

These victories mark the first time Democrats will serve on the PSC since 2006, potentially impacting future decisions on Georgia Power rates and energy policy.

Both winners will serve out the remaining year of their terms before facing re-election in 2026.

The PSC regulates utility rates that affect every household and business in Georgia. Source: East Cobb 

Source: EastCobbNews.com

The Walton High School volleyball team claimed their 16th state championship Wednesday night with a thrilling 3-1 victory over top-ranked Alpharetta, marking their first title since 2021. 

After dropping the opening set 25-16, Walton rallied to win the next three sets, sealing the championship with a nail-biting 27-25 fourth-set victory.

The Raiders' championship run included stunning upsets over second-ranked Buford in the quarterfinals and a remarkable comeback from 0-2 down against fourth-ranked North Forsyth in the semifinals.

Sophomore outside hitter Addison Contestabile led the championship effort with 15 kills, while Coach Jones praised the senior class for their four-year dedication to the program.

This latest title adds to Walton's storied athletic tradition as one of Cobb County's most successful programs.

Source: Cobb County School District

The Georgia High School Association released proposed classifications Monday that would see significant shifts for Cobb County schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year. 

Kennesaw Mountain is set to move up to the highest classification due to its out-of-district student enrollment, while Kell will return to the same classification as East Cobb neighbors Lassiter, Pope, and Sprayberry after its 133 out-of-district students pushed it ahead in enrollment numbers.

South Cobb would drop from the highest classification back to Class AAAAAA, potentially creating new region alignments with schools from Paulding County. Schools have until Sunday at noon to appeal their classifications, with hearings beginning Monday. 

These changes reflect the GHSA's new enrollment calculation method that counts out-of-district students as double, significantly impacting school placement.

Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Lanie is an adorable 6-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy ready to wiggle her way into your heart. 

At 35 pounds and growing, this sweet girl has the classic Lab personality—friendly, playful, and eager to please. We just love her shiny black coat and soulful eyes.

This energetic youngster is at the perfect age for training and would thrive in an active household ready for puppy energy. Labs are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Lanie shows all the signs of being a quick learner who just needs consistency and patience. She probably does wonderfully with kids and would likely enjoy having a canine sibling to play with.

Lanie is available for adoption at Cobb County Animal Services (she’s referenced as Kennel #800) at 1060 Al Bishop Dr in Marietta. The shelter is open Wednesday 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Call 770-499-4136 or visit during shelter hours to meet this bundle of joy who's ready to become your loyal family companion.

View Lanie's adoption profile.

🙏 Mt. Bethel Day of Prayer — Mt. Bethel Church | 8:00 AM (drop-in) | Free | More
Quiet prayer spaces and guided prompts available throughout the day.

🎵 Learn Music with BoomBot (two sessions) — East Cobb Library | 4:00–4:30 PM & 4:30–5:00 PM | Free | More
Hands-on intro to rhythm and melody for kids; instruments provided; registration encouraged.

🎲 Screen-Free Games — Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center | 4:00–5:00 PM | Free | More
Drop in for board and card games — all ages welcome; materials provided.

🎨 First Friday Art Walk — Marietta Square | 5:00–9:00 PM | Free | More
Self-guided tour of 20+ venues. Pick up maps at Cool Beans or any participating gallery.

🎸 Avenue Live: Dylan Kight & The Nightbirds — The Plaza at Avenue East Cobb | 6:00–8:00 PM | Free | More
Outdoor concert; bring chairs; no outside beverages permitted.

🎶 Sanders Family Christmas — The Strand | 8:00 PM | $35-47 | More
Opening night of bluegrass holiday musical. Two hours including intermission.

🕯️ Shabbat Evening Service — Temple Kol Emeth | 8:00–9:30 PM | Free | More
Welcoming, music-filled service; visitors are welcome.

🏃 American Legion Veterans Memorial 5K — Marietta Square | 7:30 AM | $35-45 | More
USATF-certified course, chip timing. Tot Trot at 8:30 AM ($15). Benefits veterans organizations.

🛍️ Lassiter Craft Fair — Lassiter High School | 10 AM–5 PM | Free | More
Over 100 local, talented vendors selling holiday gifts, jewelry, wood working, and more. Raffles and bake sales included!

📚 Saturday Family Storytime — Gritters Library | 10:30–11:30 AM | Free | More
Stories, songs, and activities for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and caregivers.

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Parade — Marietta Square | 10:40 AM | Free | More
21st annual parade with ceremony following. Best viewing from Church Street.

🛍️ Farmers Market — Mill St. Lot | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More
65+ vendors with peak fall produce. Parking fills by 9:30 AM.

🎨 Artisan Market — Mill Street | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More
Juried market with handmade goods. Different from farmers market vendors.

🎭 Sanders Family Christmas — The Strand | 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM | $35-47 | More
Matinee and evening shows. Matinee popular with seniors and families.

🎖️ “Say Their Names” Reading — Marietta National Cemetery | 12:00 PM | Free | More
Community volunteers read the names of veterans interred in Marietta; all are welcome to join or listen.

🎶 Sanders Family Christmas — The Strand | 3:00 PM | $35-47 | More
Sunday matinee, popular with church groups.

🎉 Fall Fest (after services) / Transit Fall Fest (11:00 AM) / Fall Vibes (5:00–7:00 PM) — East Cobb Church | Free | More
Family festival after morning services; middle-school flannel-themed fun at 11 AM; high-school hangout 5–7 PM.

🇺🇸 Honoring Jewish Veterans with Flags of Remembrance — Temple Kol Emeth | 10:00–11:00 AM | Free | More
Community gathering placing flags and honoring service; open to the public.

🎭 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels — New Theatre in the Square | 8:00 PM | $28-45 | More
Broadway con-artist comedy in an intimate 225-seat venue. Two hours with intermission.

🧠 Team Trivia by The Robys — Glover Park Brewery | 7:00 PM | Free | More
Teams of 2-8 compete for gift cards. Reserve tables online for groups over 4.

👻 Ghost Walk of Marietta — Departs from Square | 7:30 PM | $15 | More
90-minute guided tour of haunted history. Advance tickets recommended. Weekly event.

This 20-acre gem at 3322 Roswell Road offers way more than just a playground. Start at the upper playground (best for ages 5-12) with its climbing structures and swings, then explore the 0.33-mile paved creekside trail that connects to Fullers Park—making it nearly a mile if you do the full loop.

Morning strategy (8-10 AM): Wildlife is most active along Sewell Mill Creek. Look for herons, turtles, and if you're lucky, the resident beaver family. The lower playground stays shaded until 10 AM, perfect for toddlers. Bring a net and bucket for creek exploration—kids can safely wade in the shallow areas near the wooden bridges.

Afternoon plan (2-5 PM): The large open field is ideal for kites (steady breeze from the west), frisbee, or soccer. The outdoor amphitheater provides shade and often hosts impromptu music—bring instruments! Pavilion #1 near the parking has eight picnic tables and two grills (first-come basis, or reserve for $75 through Parks & Rec).

Hidden features: The nature trail behind the lower playground leads to a quiet meditation bench. The wooden bridge crossing has become an informal "Pooh Sticks" spot. During fall, the massive oak near the amphitheater drops hundreds of acorns—perfect for crafts or squirrel watching.

Parking tips: Main lot fills by 11 AM on weekends. Overflow parking available on grass during events. Bathrooms are cleaned daily at 7 AM, so mornings are best. Water fountains at both playgrounds, plus a dog fountain near the trail entrance.

Learn more East Cobb Park on the official website here.

Turn off interior shut-off valves (check basement or crawl space), then open outdoor faucets to drain completely. Install foam covers ($3 at Home Depot) or wrap with towels and duct tape as a backup. Garage faucets freeze first—don't skip them. A single burst pipe averages $5,000 in damage.

Replace filters now and set monthly reminders through February. For heat pumps, clear debris and trim vegetation 2 feet back from outdoor units. Schedule fireplace chimney cleaning before the Thanksgiving rush ($150-250 typical). Test your damper now—a stuck-open damper equals a 24/7 open window all winter.

✓ Insulation depth: Need 10-14 inches for North Georgia (can you see ceiling joists? Add more) 

✓ Daylight check: Look for gaps in roof boards

 ✓ Pest prevention: Check for wasp nests before they become winter surprises 

✓ Seal entry points: Use spray foam around pipes/vents (mice need only a dime-sized hole)

Handyman M.D. (East Cobb)
See their website here or call (770) 744-9714

Hickory Handyworks (Roswell/East Cobb)
See their website here or call (470) 617-3109

Mr. Handyman (Marietta/Canton/Woodstock)
See their website here or call (404) 369-7497

MUST Ministries Holiday Help — Sort and restock for MUST’s Christmas Toy Shop serving 6,000+ kids; family-friendly (ages 10–17 with a parent). Shifts posted throughout December.
Sign up: https://mustministries.volunteerhub.com
More info: https://mustministries.org/services/christmas-toy-shop/
Phone: (770) 427-9862

Meals on Wheels (Cobb Senior Services) — Drivers needed for Mon/Wed/Fri morning routes delivering meals to seniors; background check required via county application.
Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cobbcounty/jobs/4296826/senior-services-volunteers
Program info: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/senior-services/services/nutrition

Center for Family Resources — Thanks for Giving — Help pack and distribute Thanksgiving food boxes for Cobb families. Shifts available mid-to-late November.
Volunteer calendar: https://give.thecfr.org/volunteer_calendar
Program info: https://thecfr.org/events/

Keep Cobb Beautiful — Join monthly cleanups and recycling events across the county; supplies provided and community service hours available.
Event listings: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/keep-cobb-beautiful/events
Volunteer info: https://www.cobbcounty.gov/keep-cobb-beautiful/volunteer
Note: Trail work at Kennesaw Mountain is run by the park’s volunteer team on the 2nd Saturday (Nov 8 this year): https://www.nps.gov/kemo/getinvolved/volunteer.htm

Friends of East Cobb Park — Volunteers needed for the Holiday Lights Celebration (early December) and setup the week prior.
Sign up: https://eastcobbpark.org/volunteer
Calendar: https://eastcobbpark.org/calendar
Email: [email protected]

Holiday Shopping Local — Small Business Saturday is Nov 29.
Always the Saturday after Thanksgiving (which falls on Nov 27 in 2025).
Source: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/merchant/shop-small/
https://www.calendardate.com/thanksgiving_2025.htm

Winter Camps — YMCA registration is open now for December break.
YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s School Break Camps (including Winter Camp) are open for sign-ups.
Source: https://ymcaatlanta.org/youth-development/camp/school-break-camp/
https://ymcaatlanta.org/youth-development/camp/

Outdoor Burning Permits — Open burning allowed Oct 1–Apr 30 in Cobb County.
Source: https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-safety/fire-ems/fire-safety/open-burning

Santa Photos:
• Avenue East Cobb — Select dates starting late November.
Source: https://avenueeastcobb.com/events/santa-at-avenue-east-cobb/
• Marietta Square Winter Wonderland — Santa sessions through December.
Source: https://mariettawinterwonderland.com/
https://mariettawinterwonderland.com/pictures-1

Thanksgiving Dessert Orders:
• Gabriel’s Desserts (Marietta) — Order by Nov 13.
Source: https://www.gabrielsdesserts.com/holiday-order-form-2025
• Pie Bar (Marietta Square/Woodstock) — Pre-orders close Fri Nov 21, 9 p.m.
Source: https://orderpiebar.com/pages/thanksgiving-information-2025
https://orderpiebar.com/collections/thanksgiving