Welcome to your weekly dose of what’s happening in the "Iris City." If you woke up feeling a little extra proud of our zip code today, there’s a good reason for it: today marks the official kickoff of Georgia Cities Week (April 20–25). This year’s theme is "Love Your City," and frankly, between the blooming azaleas and the hum of new construction, Griffin is making it pretty easy to do just that.

Digging into the Future

While the weekend’s Food Truck Fly-In at the airport was a massive success (shoutout to anyone who managed to finish that "Mega-Burger" without a nap), we’re shifting gears to Downtown.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, at 10:00 AM, grab your hard hats (or just a coffee) and join us for the Downtown Playground Groundbreaking. Located right in the heart of our historic district, this project is a huge win for local families and a cornerstone of the ongoing effort to keep Downtown Griffin the vibrant, walkable hub we love.

Play for a Steal

If you’re reading this and "feeling a cough coming on" that requires a trip to the green, you’re in luck. In honor of Georgia Cities Week, the Griffin Golf Course is offering 18 holes for just $25 all day today, April 20. It’s a great way to enjoy the spring weather and celebrate our municipal services—even if your swing is more "public hazard" than "pro."

Party in the Park & Giving Back

The festivities don't stop mid-week. Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 23, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The city is hosting "Party in the Park with Public Safety." It’s a rare chance to hang out with our local first responders in a relaxed setting, see the trucks up close, and maybe even find out if our Fire-Rescue team’s grilling skills match their ladder drills.

To wrap up the week, the Griffin Gives Back Earth Day Cleanup takes place this Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We’re calling on all volunteers to help keep our streets as pretty as our namesake irises.

Business Buzz: What's Brewing?

The secret is out—the old Checkers site on W. Taylor Street is officially getting a caffeine injection. Caribou Coffee is moving in, bringing their signature Northern-style brews to our Southern heat. We’re also keeping a close eye on the progress at the shopping centers for the arrivals of Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ulta Beauty, and Panda Express. It’s clear that Griffin isn't just growing; it's thriving.

The Quick Hits

• Amnesty Month: Don't forget that the Griffin Municipal Court’s Annual Amnesty Program is running through April 30. It’s the perfect time to clear up any lingering citations without the extra fees.

• Save the Date: The Iris City In Bloom event is set for June 6, 2026, at the Historic City Hall. It promises live music and enough floral décor to make a florist weep.

• A Local Anthem: If you haven’t heard it yet, give "The Eye in Spalding" a listen. It’s officially been recognized as our county song, and it’s a great reminder of the heritage we share.

Stay safe, Griffin, and don't forget to show a little extra love to your neighbors this week. We live in a pretty special place.

See you around the Square!

Which of these events are you most likely to attend this week—the playground groundbreaking or the Earth Day cleanup?