🎶 This Week in Griffin: A Concert for Russ, Big Economic News & What's Coming in May

Griffin Buzz | Week of April 27, 2026

If you've been holding off on making it out to support Russ Cobb, tonight is your night. Grammy-nominated country artist Jo Dee Messina is headlining a benefit concert for Russ — co-owner of Zoomies Pet Care — who has been battling a serious illness. It's a community rally in the truest sense of the word. Grab your tickets, bring a friend, and show up for one of Griffin's own. Keep an eye on local social media for venue details and any last-minute updates.

📈 Good News for Griffin: Spalding County Levels Up

Here's something worth celebrating. Spalding County has officially advanced to a Tier 2 designation in Georgia's 2026 Job Tax Credit Rankings. That means the state has recognized measurable improvements in employment, income, and overall economic stability right here in our community. Tier 2 status makes Spalding County more attractive to businesses looking to expand or relocate — and that means more jobs and more investment coming our way. That's a win for all of us.

🌉 GDOT Meeting Coming May 7 — Your Voice Matters

Heads up for anyone who travels State Route 16. The Georgia Department of Transportation will host a Public Information Open House on May 7, 2026, right here in Griffin, to share plans for a proposed bridge replacement over the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Residents will have the chance to review the plans, ask questions, and weigh in before a final decision is made. Community comments will be accepted through May 21st. If this affects your daily commute, this is the meeting you'll want to attend.

⏰ Last Call: Court Amnesty Program Ends April 30

One final reminder — if you or someone you know has outstanding fines with Griffin Municipal Court, you have until this Thursday, April 30th to take advantage of the Annual Amnesty Program. After that, the window closes. Don't sleep on this one. Call the court directly at 770-229-6400 to find out your options.

🌿 Looking Ahead: Harmony Hollow Fest — May 16

Start making plans now. Harmony Hollow Fest is coming to The Lake Pavilion on Saturday, May 16th. It's shaping up to be a great outdoor music and community event — perfect timing as spring hits its stride in Spalding County. More details coming soon, so stay tuned to the Buzz.

🌸 And don't forget — May Fling, Downtown Griffin's next 2nd Saturday celebration, is right around the corner on May 9th. Live music, an outdoor market, local vendors, shop specials, and all the good vibes you've come to expect from downtown. Mark it down.

Griffin Buzz is your weekly roundup of what's happening in the Iris City. Got a tip, event, or story worth sharing? Reply to this email — we'd love to hear from you.

🧠 Griffin History Trivia Challenge!

Test your local knowledge — answers below!

❓ 1. What year was Griffin founded?

A. 1825
B. 1840
C. 1865
D. 1901

❓ 2. Griffin was originally established because of what major development?

A. A gold rush
B. A cotton mill
C. A railroad line
D. A river port

❓ 3. Who was Griffin named after?

A. A Civil War general
B. A Georgia governor
C. A railroad official
D. A local farmer

❓ 4. What made the Fairmont community historically significant?

A. It was the first park in Griffin
B. It was a Civil War battlefield
C. It was the first African American neighborhood where residents could buy land
D. It was the first school district

❓ 5. Griffin played an important role during which historical event?

A. The American Revolution
B. The Civil War
C. World War I
D. The Great Depression

Answers at Bottom

Quote Of The Day

"Be brave enough to suck at something new." - Georgia, Griffin

🥣 Starter: Vegetable Broth Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• ½ cup diced carrots

• ½ cup diced celery

• ½ tsp thyme

Directions

1. Bring broth to a boil.

1. Add vegetables and thyme.

1. Simmer 10–12 minutes until tender.

🍗 Main Course: Turkey & Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice

• 1 cup cooked ground turkey

• ½ cup peas

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in skillet.

1. Add turkey and peas and cook 5 minutes.

1. Serve over warm rice.

🍓 Dessert: Strawberries & Cream

Ingredients

• 1 cup sliced strawberries
  
  
• ½ cup whipped cream or yogurt
  
  
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
  
  

Directions

1. Place strawberries in a bowl.
   
   
2. Add cream or yogurt on top.
   
   
3. Drizzle honey if desired.

Joke Of The Day

What do you call a grumpy Griffin from Georgia?

A peachy grouch!

Griffin Ballet's The Love Project featuring The Return Beatles Tribute Band

Get ready, The Love Project returns May 1 & 2, and this year we’re turning the whole evening into a full-on Sgt. Pepper’s celebration! With the brilliant Beatle tribute band The Return leading the charge, it’s a show bursting with color, heart, and that unmistakable British sparkle.

This concert style spectacular invites the audience to Come Together for a night celebrating every shade of love, fiery, joyful, tender, and delightfully unexpected. The dancers shine with Here Comes the Sun brilliance, filling the stage with warmth, radiance, and pure performance magic.

More Info

More Info

✅ Answers

1. B — 1840
2. C — A railroad line
3. C — A railroad official
4. C — First African American neighborhood for land ownership
5. B — The Civil War