2012-09

The 80th Annual Superior Plumbing North Georgia State Fair will take place Thursday, September 20th, through Sunday, September 30th, at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Attracting nearly 300,000 people from throughout metro Atlanta, North Georgia and surrounding states, the North Georgia State Fair is the largest fair in metro Atlanta and the second largest in Georgia. With midway rides, shows, concerts, pageants, entertainment and food, there is sure to be something for everyone at the North Georgia State Fair.

The Georgia Lottery Concert Series for the 2012 North Georgia State Fair will begin at 8:00pm under the covered arena. This years concerts includes:

Newsboys, Building 429 and Luminate on Friday, September 21st
Casey James on Saturday, September 22nd
Sara Evans on Wednesday, September 26th
Thompson Square on Thursday, September 27th
Colt Ford on Friday, September 28th
Mark Wills on Saturday, September 29th

This year the fun and excitement continues with action-packed, family shows and

entertainment. New live shows that are free with paid admission include: Horses, Horses, Horses!, Atlanta Puppet featuring Peter Hart, and Al the Artist.

All-time favorite shows and attractions back again this year include: Kachunga and the Alligator Show, Keith King Bike Stunt Show, Oscar the Robot, and Wit Carson’s Petting Zoo. Other long-time traditions will continue, including sanctioned flower shows, non-commercial exhibits, and more than 40 amusement rides and games courtesy of the Great James H. Drew Exposition. Brian Ruth “Master of the

Chainsaw” will be back to transform raw logs into true works of art with only a chainsaw.

Regular tickets can be purchased at the gate for $7.00 for adults, with children 10 and under free. Ride tickets are $1 each, $20.00 for 22 tickets, and $50.00 for 55 tickets. Parking is $3.00. Discount tickets are available at all Metro Atlanta Walgreen’s through September 21st (Adult $3.50, 22 Ride Tickets $11.00). Unlimited Ride Specials are $15.00 Pay-One-Price Ride Special - on Monday, 9/24; $18.00 Pay-One-Price Ride Specials - on Thursday (opening day), 9/20; Tuesday, 9/25 and Wednesday, 9/26; NEW - $25.00 Pay-One-Price Ride Special - on Saturdays, 9/22 and 9/29 from 11:00am to 3:00pm (good till close). For fair and ticket information, visit www.northgeorgiastatefair.com visit the fair facebook page - facebook.com/thenorthgeorgiastatefair.

Cobb will host the 5th Annual Cobb Cheer Fest at the Cobb Civic Center. This competition will be held on Sunday, October 7th. The Cheer Fest is an opportunity for recreational cheerleaders ages 5-14 to compete in cheer and dance. Each team will have 2 minutes and 30 seconds to perform their routine that can be set to music. Awards will be given to teams and individuals of the top three teams in each age category. Spectators are encouraged to support their favorite teams. The entry deadline for teams to compete is September 21st. For more information, please contact Wendy Collins or call (770) 528-8885.

Come celebrate the outdoor activities available in Cobb County at the inaugural Outdoor Festival on September 15th from 12:00pm-2:00pm. There will be hunting demonstrations, archery shooting, bicycle activities, fishing demonstrations, birding activities and so much more! The festival will take place at Allatoona Creek Park (Corps Property) located at 5690 Old Stilesboro Road in Acworth, 30101. For information, contact John Purcell at (770) 528-8825 or email at John.purcell@cobbcounty.org.

Enjoy Jazz Festival Featuring The Sax Pack at Mable House

The fifth annual Atlanta Smooth Music Festival will be held Saturday, September 15th at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. Atlanta's only all day outdoor smooth jazz music experience will feature great music from headliners The Sax Pack featuring Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Marcus Anderson, as well as Brian Simpson, Jeff Golub, Marc Antoine, Matt Marshak, Jeanette Harris and Kevin Griffin.

Gates open at 12:30pm and concerts run from 1:30pm to 9:30pm. People may bring their own food and beverages or purchase concessions. Tickets range from $30 to $62 and tables that seat six directly in front of the stage are available for $510. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com. Mable House is located at 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. For more information, visit mablehouse.org or call (770) 819-7765.

Elton John Tribute Artist to Perform for Cobb County Crowd
Nationally acclaimed Elton John tribute artist Craig A. Meyer, returning home from a ten-month, nationwide tour in locales from Niagara

Falls to Honolulu, announces his ultimate concert of the season, an end of summer blowout to be held September 7th at the Mable House Barnes Theater in Cobb County, where he resides.

With his seven-piece Rocket Band, Meyer, a/k/a Almost Elton John, promises to take the hometown crowd on a spectacular musical journey, celebrating decades of chart topping hits by Sir Elton John, including “Benny and the Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and “Crocodile Rock.” The dynamic, local favorite 70s/80s cover band, Yacht Rock Schooner, will open the show.

A celebration of the character, costumes and charisma of the famed pianist and singer, Meyer’s fully produced show has captivated audiences throughout the United States and abroad, and now, area residents can enjoy the spectacle. Tickets are currently on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

New Program - Adult Volleyball League
A new league is forming - Adult co-ed volleyball is coming to the Ron Anderson Recreation Center. There will be an informational meeting at Ron Anderson Recreation Center on Thursday, September 20th at 7:00pm. Interested teams or individuals can call Jeff Abrams at (770) 528-8892 for additional information.

The Cobb Tennis League is a league where you compete against other players of similar ability. There are leagues available for adults and youth. For adults, levels range from NTRP 2.0-5.0. The 2.0 level is a great opportunity for players who consider themselves 'true beginners' and are experiencing league tennis for the first time. Players register individually and are matched against other players at their ability level. This is a flex league where you play when it is convenient for you and you can play anywhere in Cobb County where there are tennis courts (parks, clubs, or subdivisions). There are two seasons each year, a spring season and fall season. The fall season begins October 22nd. The Cobb Tennis League is a great way to enjoy fun competition and to meet new people!!! Registration for the fall league is currently in progress. The entry deadline is October 15th. For more information and registration brochure, see the Cobb Tennis League web site.

The Friends of Price Park, Inc. (FOPP) and Atlanta Audubon Society, sponsored by the Together Green Initiative, will be hosting The Big Weekend: Bird ‘n Butterfly-a-thon event

at Leone Hall Price Park on the weekend of September 22nd-23rd. Timed for the fall migration of birds and the park's spectacular meadow wildflower bloom, this event is the perfect time to explore the variety of wildlife habitats within this unique passive park. The purpose of the event will be to raise money to benefit Price Park while at the same time educating the public about bird and butterfly species in the park and in their own backyards. The event will work much like a walk-a-thon, but instead of raising money for every mile walked, participants will collect pledges for every bird and butterfly species spotted within the park and in their own backyards during the event’s 48 hour period. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. Master birders and Audubon Society volunteers will be on hand to lead guided walks, educate the public about birds and butterflies and help people identify what they’ve seen. Prizes will be awarded for several categories including most money raised by an individual, most money raised by a team, most species of birds spotted, most species of butterflies spotted, best photo of a bird, best photo of a butterfly, “fledgling” and “rookie” birder prizes and more! For more information and to register as a team, family or individual, please visit www.friendsofpricepark.org or email friendsofpricepark@gmail.com.

As you are out enjoying Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs parks and activities, be sure to bring your camera and capture the fun and memories of your sports activities, the beauty of nature and wildlife in the parks, and anything else that shows why you enjoy your day at the park. The 8th Annual "Fun in the Park' Photo Contest will be accepting entries through November 2nd. Enter up to 10 of your best shots for fun and awards! Open to all photographers. Digital and print photos accepted. See rules and download entry form below at the photo contest web page.

SPLOST Projects Update

On March 15, 2011, a referendum on a four-year SPLOST (Special Local Option Sales Tax) was approved by voters. This program will be in effect from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2015. From this SPLOST, Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will be utilizing $82,023,000 for revitalization, facility renovations and upgrades to parks and facilities. Planning, coordinating and scheduling projects are in their early stages, but you will now be able to see some of the work in progress or soon to begin. Here is a list of current projects:

Construction is continuing at the Mountain View Aquatic Center. Painting in the natatorium is complete. The new dehumidifier units and the bench evacuators have been delivered. Mechanical piping and the associated electrical work is moving forward. New marcite is scheduled to be installed in the fifty meter pool starting in early September. The pool will be closed until October 15 for the completion of the renovations.
At Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, the contract for the replacement of the fly system equipment has been awarded to Janson Industries. The equipment replacement will started in late August and be is scheduled to be completed in mid-September. The project is replacing old and worn equipment that supports and operates the theatre stage curtains.
Thirteen proposals were submitted for the design of the redevelopment of Wallace Park. The design for Wallace Park will include two new concession/restroom buildings, rehabilitation of the football and baseball fields and a new maintenance building. A recommendation will be sent to the BOC for consideration.
Proposals for the design of the redevelopment at Sewell Park were received July 26. The project will include a new concession/restroom building and rehabilitation of all baseball fields including converting two existing practice fields into one new 225’ field. The proposals have been sent to the evaluation committee for review.
Proposals for the design of the rehabilitation of the swimming pool and poolhouse at Sewell park were due August 23. The current schedule requires the construction to begin immediately following Labor Day weekend in 2013 and be completed by Memorial Day weekend in 2014.
The design/build proposals of the rehabilitation of playing fields at Noonday Park were received July 26th. The rehabilitation of the fields will include grading to provide a consistent playing surface, new irrigation systems and new sod. A recommendation of award of the design/build project will be sent to the BOC for consideration on August 28.
Qualifications packages from six historical architectural firms on July 26th for the Hyde Park project. The selected architect will provide guidance and design on the treatment of the remaining farm structures and agricultural resources within the park.
A kick-off meeting for the design of new tennis center buildings at Harrison, Terrell Mill and Kennworth parks was held with Long Engineering, Inc. and PRCA staff on August 9. The construction of these buildings will start in 2013.
The design/build contract for the replacement of crosstie retaining walls at Lions and Wallace Parks was awarded to Johnson Landscape, dba - Vertical Earth at the July 10th Board of Commissioners meeting. Construction of the walls is scheduled for late fall and early winter.
Fourteen design proposals for the design of Kennworth Park were received August 9, 2012. The project will include replacing two existing concession/restroom buildings with new buildings, rehabilitation of all softball fields including and replacement of wood poles at the tennis courts. The proposals are being distributed to the evaluation committee for review.
An RFP for the purchase and installation of scoreboards throughout the Parks system has been issued and proposals were due August 23.
An RFP for the rehabilitation of Sandy Plains Park has been sent to Purchasing and proposals will be received September 27. The project includes drainage improvements, irrigation repairs and replacement, field grading, replacement of sports field light fixtures and replacement of the “octagon” concession building,
An Invitation to Bid for the replacement of cross tie retaining walls and additional parking has been sent to Purchasing and the project will be bid September 27. Cross tie retaining walls will be replaced near the baseball fields, the tennis courts and the multi-purpose fields. Additional parking will be added in conjunction with the new walls near the baseball fields.

These are just a few of the numerous projects that you will see in the next few years updating and revitalizing our parks' system. For a complete listing of projects and updates, see the Splost 2011 web page on the Cobb County website.

Shoe Boxes and Clothes Hangers Needed for Arts Programs
All sizes, all shapes and all colors - The Theater Project is collecting shoe boxes and clothes hangers. Please remember us when cleaning out your closets. Just bring your unwanted shoe boxes to the Mable House Arts Center (or any Cobb County arts center) and we will put them to good use. We are organizing our costume closet and need hangers and boxes. The Mable House Arts Center is located at 5239 Floyd Road, in Mableton. If you have any questions, our phone number is (770) 819-3285.

The Cobb County Radio Control Club was recently notified by the Academy of Model Aeronautics that CCRC has achieved GOLD Leader Club status for 2012. This accomplishment was achieved through the tireless efforts of the 2012 officers of the organization. It is through their leadership and dedication that makes CCRC one of the top clubs in the country for radio controlled aircraft. Each board member will receive a recognition pin in appreciation of their role in providing a quality program while enjoying an outstanding facility to operate their aircraft.

The Cobb County Radio Control Club was founded in 1962 and operates at the Cobb County Sports Aviation Complex at Pitner Road Park in West Cobb. The facility offers both paved and grass runways, separate helicopter flying area, and a covered pit area that can accommodate 18 fixed-wing and 12 rotary-wing pre-flight work stations. If you are interested in joining CCRC, please visit their website at www.ccrc.info.

Congratulations to the Cobb County Radio Control Club on this National recognition!

The Art Station - Big Shanty will be hosting an event that all artists can participate in. Everyone is welcome to enter their work in this all-age, non-curated show. Each artist can enter up to 3 pieces. All pieces must be 18”x24” or smaller. Pieces must be unframed, unmatted, and able to attach to the wall using no more than 4 pushpins. If the work is for sale, keep the price under $100. Also, the Art Station reserves the right to refuse blatantly offensive work. Drop-off date is Tuesday, September 4, 10:00am-5:00pm. For information on this show, contact The Art Station at (770) 514-5930.

Ward Recreation Center is offering exciting class this fall. Registration is in progress for Zumba, Hip Hop Dance, Choi Kwang-Do, Piano Lessons for youth and adult, puppy training classes, and traditional Shaolin Kung Fu classes. For more information on Ward programs, please contact Wendy Collins or call (770) 528-8885.

Youth Basketball Registration at Fair Oaks
It's that time of year again - registration has begun online for Fair Oaks Youth Basketball League. Please visit our website for registration infomation. Right now there is an early bird special for $99 dollars (through Ocotber 17th). For more information you may visit the website or call (770) 810-5239.

Fair Oaks Cheerleading Registration in Progress

The Fair Oaks Bobcats Cheerleading squad is preparing for the 2012-2013 season is and in the process of building their squad. After a successful season in 2011, we hope to continue in that direction. If you are interested in joining our squad and are between the ages of 6-15, please register and begin a season of fun, laughs and competitive cheerleading. For more information please contact Coach Gray at (404) 438-0112 or Fair Oaks Recreation Center at (770) 528-4333. Go BOBCATS!!!!!!!

South Cobb Arts Alliance to Host Summer Concert Series
The free Summer Candlelite Concert series will be held at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Shows include Kayla Taylor Jazz September 8th and Men in Blues October 6th . All concerts begin at 8:00pm and gates open at 7:00pm. Lawn seating is free, but tables in front of the stage are available for $50. Season tables for all five concerts are available for $225. For more information, visit southcobbarts.org.