2019
in Forsyth What’s inside See a Christmas parade, a festival of trees, nativities from around the world, buy unique crafts, see a holiday performance and more.
FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS Christmas in Forsyth 2019 Page 1
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2019 in Forsyth
Inside Christmas Parade & Festival................................................Page 6 Sawnee Association of the Arts...................................Page 10 Find the perfect Christmas tree.............................Page 12 Christmas in Cumming.................................................Page 16 Deck the Stalls........................................................ Page 20 Local productions...........................................................Page 20 Forsyth Academy of Performing Arts..............................Page 22 7th Annual Lily’s Toy Drive............................................Page 24 Ashebrooke Night of Lights..................................... Page 24 Give back this holiday season..................................Page 26 Cover photo by Joanna Kosinska, Unsplash Page 4
Christmas in Forsyth 2019
CHRISTMAS IN CUMMING 2019
City of Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival – Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 - 8 p.m. Parade Route: Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road from Forsyth Central High School to the Cumming Fairgrounds through Downtown Cumming; Parade begins at 5 p.m. Festival: Following the parade, come to the Fairgrounds for plenty of holiday fun including Photos with Santa, hayrides through Christmas light displays, tree lighting, Christmas music presented by Mountain Lake Church, toy drive benefitting The Place of Forsyth County, and more! Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show – Friday, Dec. 13, 4 - 10 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Horton Hall at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Come shop a wide array of handcrafted arts and crafts! Follow us on
@CummingCityHall and
@CityofCumming
AT TAM’S SCHOOL STREET PLAYHOUSE
AT THE SAWNEE ASSOCIATION OF THE ARTS’ DOWNTOWN ART CENTER
“A Christmas Carol”– Nov. 29 – Dec. 15; 8 p.m. Thursdays – Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays “Christmas Classics” – Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. “North Georgia Barbershop Singers in Concert” – Dec. 19 & 20 at 8 p.m.
Festival of Trees – Nov. 16 – Dec. 8 (Closed Thanksgiving Day); Tuesdays-Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nativities of the World – Dec. 10 – Jan. 6 (Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day); Tuesdays – Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(SCHOOLSTREETPLAYHOUSE.COM):
(SAWNEEART.ORG):
City of Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival
Join hundreds of Forsyth County residents as they line the streets of Cumming to view a magical Christmas parade. The City of Cumming will have its 2nd Annual Cumming Christmas Parade & Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7. The lighted parade will begin at 5 p.m. and will make its way from Forsyth Central High School, down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road, through downtown Cumming, and end at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Parade-goers can then enjoy a Christmas festival at the Fairgrounds with vendors, hayrides, a tree lighting event, photos with Santa and more. When: 5-8 p.m., Dec. 7 Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road Cost: Free Contact: (770) 781-3491 or cityofcumming.net.
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Christmas in Forsyth 2019
Cumming Christmas Jingle Jog 5K The Cumming Christmas Jingle Jog is donating their proceeds to support and recruit foster families. Join them to spread awareness of child abuse. When: Dec. 7 Where: 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Cost: $25 race fee plus $3 sign-up fee Contact: (770) 205-1701 Sign up at: bit.ly/2qiOarC Christmas in Forsyth 2019
Page 7
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New Year’s Eve Night!
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MUSIC • FOOD • FUN Ticket includes party favors, hors d’oeuvres, full dinner, and champagne toast at midnight. Entertainment by Satellite Blvd. Band.
Party hours: 8:00 p.m. December 31, 2019 1:00 a.m. January 1, 2020 See you at: The Venue at Friendship Springs
7340 Friendship Springs Blvd,• Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Tickets on sale now! gainesvilletimes.com/nye2020 Tickets are $85.00/person Overnight stay at a local hotel and Limo package is available at special price. Ask for details! Cash bar is available for your favorite drinks served by awesome bartenders. Parking is free. You must be 21 years of age and No Admittance without valid photo ID. (ID’s will be checked at the door)
Contact Leah Nelson for more information at lnelson@gainesvilletimes.com
Cumming Art Center
Festival of Trees The Sawnee Association of the Arts will sell (through a silent auction process) decorated table-top Christmas trees with various themes to raise money for SAA programs and Cumming Home Ministries. Themes will include Georgia, pink poodles, unicorns, retro and more. The tabletop trees are 18-inches to 4-feet tall. When: Through Dec. 8; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays Where: Sawnee Association of the Arts Cumming Art Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road Admission: Free, visit sawneeart.org for more information
Nativities of the World The Sawnee Association of the Arts presents its 2nd Annual Nativities of the World event, featuring displays of dozens of unique types of nativities from various time periods and parts of the world. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help support SAA programs. When: Dec. 10-Jan. 6; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays Where: Cumming Art Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
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Christmas in Forsyth 2019
Where Memories Are Made Public Skate Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday $7 Adults $5 Children (Ages 5 & Under) $3 Skate Rental 10th Annual Christmas at The ICE "Holiday Revue" December 14, 2019 | 4:30pm - 6:30pm Toys for Tots Drive December 1st - 14th Donate a toy and get one FREE Skate Rental
There’s Always Something Happening At The ICE Public Skate, Birthday Parties, Skate Classes and More
Visit Us at www.theice.info for a full listing of Events at The ICE 1345 Atlanta Hwy Cumming, GA 30040 (678) 845-0103 | www.theice.info Find us @theicecomplex on
Find the perfect Christmas tree Bottoms Tree Farm This year’s Christmas tree season begins soon. Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm is selling them for $7 per foot. They’re also hosting visits from Santa for holiday meet and greet and pictures. When: 3 p.m. to dark, Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to dark, Saturday Santa Meet-and-Greet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 7 Where: 5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming, GA 30040 Contact: (770) 887-2728 or visit bottomstreefarm.com
Kinsey Family Farm Kinsey Family Farm will have over 4,000 trees available to choose from. The farm offers a variety of ways to harvest a Christmas tree including choose and cut your own, pre-cut, and living trees in containers. When: Noon to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends Where: 7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, GA 30506 Contact: (770) 887-6028, kinseyfamilyfarm.com.
Big John’s Christmas Trees A 70-year-old Atlanta tradition, still familyowned and operated, Big John’s serves the metro Atlanta area with the highest quality, hand-picked, fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, roping, stands, lights, ornaments and more. Where: 503 Lakeland Plaza Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (Lakeland Plaza) Contact: bigjohnstrees.com
B.L. Mullinax Landscaping & Shrubbery B.L. Mullinax Landscaping & Shrubbery is a local, family-owned business that has been doing business in Forsyth County for over 27 years. Where: 1886 Peachtree Parkway Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday Contact: (770) 781-9823 Page 12
Christmas in Forsyth 2019
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Christmas in Cumming
Christmas in Cumming Arts and Crafts Festival has been held since 1999 and has attracted more than 7,500 visitors. There will be 100 booths in the show and other Christmas activities will be held throughout the Cumming Fairgrounds. When: 4-10 p.m. Dec 13, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec 14 Where: Cumming Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road Cost: $1 general admission, free for ages 12 and under Contact: (404) 606-0268
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Christmas in Forsyth 2019
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Christmas in Forsyth 2019
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Deck the Stalls
Save the Horses, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing neglected and mistreated horses, is hosting their annual December event to raise proceeds that will support the needs of the organization. Family activities such as hay rides, pony rides, games, and stable tours will be offered. When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 7 Where: 1768 Newt Green Road, Cumming, GA 30028 Cost: Free parking and admission Contact: (770) 886-5419 or visit savethehorses.org
Local productions ‘a Christmas Carol’
MK Baker & Sherouse/Riley Productions present a musical retelling of this classic Christmas favorite, which depicts Scrooge and his fateful visits with holiday spirits. When: Through Dec. 15; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Where: School Street Playhouse, 101 School Street, Cumming, GA 30040 Admission: $30 Buy tickets: schoolstreetplayhouse.com
Sounds of Sawnee Band
Christmas at The iCe
Christmas concerts: • 3 p.m., Dec. 15 at Sexton Hall • 8 p.m., Dec. 21 at School Street Playhouse For more info, visit soundsofsawnee.org
The ICE presents ‘Holiday Revue!’ When: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Dec. 14 Where:1345 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming Contact: (678) 845-0103
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Christmas in Forsyth 2019
Thurs-Sat 8 pm Sat matinee 2 pm Sun matinee 3 pm
TUESDAY, DEC. 31 8PM
770-781-9178 schoolstreetplayhouse.com 101 School street cumming, ga
Forsyth Academy of Performing Arts The Bullies’ Christmas Carol
This timeless holiday classic is creatively retold by our seventh- through 12th-graders with a unique twist by having every actor — both male and female, young and old — take turns playing Scrooge. Jacob Marley’s ghost and three other spirits take Scrooge on a journey through time and space, as Scrooge confronts his misdeeds and awakens to a deeper purpose in life.
This hilarious play is presented by our fourthand sixth-grade actors. Terrible twins Ebbie and Neezer bully their classmates, steal toys from homeless children, and do everything they can to ruin the school’s annual all-inclusive, nonspecific holiday celebration. But when three goofy ghosts show the siblings the past, present and future consequences of their awful deeds, they take another look at their choices. Will the badly behaved duo change their ways in time to save the big show — and themselves? A twist on a classic holiday tale sure to delight naughty and nice kids alike.
• 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 7
• 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7
A Christmas Carol
Hallmark Christmas of a Lifetime
Frozen JR Our middle and high school students are excited to present this beautiful re-telling of the Disney favorite. When faced with danger, Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor, Frozen JR is sure to thaw even the coldest heart. • Wednesday cast: 5 p.m. Dec.14-15 • Thursday cast: 8 p.m. Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Dec. 15
FAPA is proud to partner with Amanda Rountree and Friends to present this hilarious evening of improvised holiday entertainment. Take a break from the craziness of the season and get back to the true meaning of Christmas — corny movies! Amanda Rountree and Friends will wrap you up in the holiday spirit by improvising an entire story based off of your suggestions in the style of corny, made-for-TV Christmas movies. Guaranteed to warm even the scroogiest of hearts. Rated PG: Appropriate for students and adults ages 10 and up. • 8 p.m. Dec. 20 and Dec. 21
For more information, visit forsythapa.com Page 22
Christmas in Forsyth 2019
We offer special discounts for
The 7th Annual Lily’s Toy Drive
The Live a Yes Foundation is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Lily’s Toy Drive, to be held in Vickery Village from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. The annual Lily’s Toy Drive started in 2013 honoring the memory of Lily Anderson who passed away in 2012. In 2019 the Live a Yes Foundation was created to continue honoring her memory. It is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s largest toy drive and supplies toys to three main hospitals: Scottish Rite, Egleston, Hughes
Spalding, along with 27 neighborhood locations. This year’s event, which is expected to be the biggest ever, will feature an artisan market, holiday activities and performances, a Kendra Scott Pop Up Shop, an art gallery and Santa. Lily’s Toy Drive is also actively recruiting local businesses to be Santa Stops and collect toys during the holiday season. For more information, contact Sandi Staiti, social media manager at liveayesfoundation@gmail.com or by calling (678) 362-4651.
ashebrooke Night of Lights Every December, the Ashebrooke community puts on a display of magnificent festivity in their Night of Lights. Organized by dedicated homeowners, the donations received from this event are put towards a local charity or a member of the community in need. When: 6-10 p.m., Dec. 15 Where: Enter at 3905 Northridge Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 Cost: Free, donations are welcome. Contact: (619) 204-4331
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Christmas in Forsyth 2019
www.forsythperforms.com
Give back this holiday season Aerial’s House Toy Collection The Forsyth County Fire Department is asking for residents’ help in making the holiday season brighter for children in need with the annual Aerial’s House toy collection. When: New, unwrapped toys for local children in need, between newborn and 18 years old, may be dropped off through Dec. 11 at any Forsyth County fire station, the Fire Department headquarters at 3520 Settingdown Road or the lobby of the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St. More information: To receive information regarding the distribution of toys collected through Aerial’s House, call The Place of Forsyth County at (770) 887-1098. For any other questions or to make a large donation, please call Firefighter Jeff Lyons at (678) 513-5899.
Holiday House — The Place of Forsyth When: Dec. 16-19 Where: Freedom Tabernacle Church, 2160 Freedom Parkway, Cumming Phone: 770-887-1098 Email: HolidayHouse@theplaceofforsyth.org Website: theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse
Other organizations to remember this season Forsyth County Family Haven Inc. P.O. Box 1160, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 889-6384 www.forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info
Marcus E. & Sharon B. Gunter Foundation/ the MSG Foundation (fighting food insecurity) www.msgfound.org
Forsyth County Humane Society Inc. 4440 Keith Bridge Road Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 887-6480, www.forsythpets.org
Ninth District Opportunity Inc. 133 Samaritan Dr. Suite 112 Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 889-9420 www.ndo.org or forsyth@ndocsbg.org
Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelter 5235 Union Hill Road Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 613-0880 www.furkids.org
The Place Of Forsyth County Inc. 2550 The Place Circle, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 887-1098 www.theplaceofforsyth.org
Georgia Mountain Food Bank (770) 534-4111 www.gamountainfoodbank.org
There’s Hope for The Hungry Inc. 2160 Freedom Pkwy., Cumming, GA 30041 www.thereshopeforthehungry.org
Meals By Grace Inc. • 5025 Atlanta Hwy., Alpharetta, GA 30004 • 432 A Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (404) 426-4055, www.mealsbygrace.org
United Way of Forsyth County Inc. P.O. Box 1350, Cumming, GA 30028 (770) 781-4110 www.unitedwayforsyth.com
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