Things to do in Forsyth County

Lake Lanier

One of the biggest attractions in Forsyth County and the north Georgia area, Lake Lanier is a must see for anyone new to the county. Whether it be swimming at the beach at one of the parks, circling the lake in a boat or enjoying a day of fishing practically anywhere, there is no end of things to do at the lake. Find out more about where and how you can visit the lake by visiting the US Army Corps of Engineers at www.sam.usace.army.mil.

Hike Sawnee Mountain

No matter where you go in Forsyth County, it’s hard to miss Sawnee Mountain rising majestically out of the horizon. Just a short drive from downtown Cumming lies 11 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and visitor center at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve — A perfect day trip for hikers and nature lovers of any age or skill level. Dogs are not allowed at Sawnee Preserve. Find out more about the trails and programs at parks.forsythco.com.

Visit a farm

Sure, farms are fewer and farther between than they used to be in Forsyth County, but several of the ones left are more familyfriendly than ever.

Looking to pick fruit in the spring or pumpkin in the fall? Go to Warbington Farms, where there’s also a corn maze, petting zoo and a family fun park. Never cut down your own Christmas tree? Then head to Bottoms Tree Farm or Kinsey Family Farm where you can chop down the tree of your choosing, as well go on a hay ride or see a variety of farm animals. Each offers plenty for families to do year-round.

Warbington Farms: 5555 Crow Road, Cumming, GA, 770-889-1515, www.warbingtonfarms.com. Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm: 5880 John Burruss Road, Cumming, GA, 770-887-2728, Bottomstreefarm.com. Kinsey Family Farm: 7170 Jot Em Down Road, Gainesville, GA, 770-887-6028, www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com.

Check out the rodeo

The IPRA Rodeo is an annual Labor Day weekend event. The show features bull riding, bare back riding, barrel racing, cowgirl breakaway roping, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and saddle bronc riding.

The Rodeo will be at the Cumming Fairgrounds Covered Arena on at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 3; and at 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 4. The Cumming Fairgrounds is at 235 Castleberry Road in Cumming. Visit cummingfair.squarespace.com for more information.

Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade

The annual Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade will be at 10 a.m., Monday, July 4.

The parade starts at the Forsyth Central High School for floats and Webb Street for steam engines and continuing down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road to the Cumming Fairgrounds (235 Castleberry Road).

The Cumming Fairgrounds will host a fun-filled evening from 4-10 p.m., with a fireworks display to begin at 9:30 p.m. The celebration includes music, alcohol, food and vendors. Visit www. cityofcumming.net or cummingfair.squarespace.com for more information or follow the City of Cumming on Facebook.

The Taste at Cumming Fairgrounds

The Taste is an event in the spring showing off over 25 local restaurants in Cumming and Forsyth County. The event also features an Easter egg hunt, free entertainment, and more. Cumming Fairgrounds is at 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Visit cummingfair.squarespace.com for more information.

Cumming Country Fair & Festival

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival is back for 2022 at the Cumming Fairgrounds. It will run from Oct. 6 and continue through Oct. 16. The Cumming Fairground is at 235 Castleberry Road.

Pets, coolers, alcohol and outside food or drinks are not allowed in the Fairgrounds. Fair patrons are welcome to bring strollers, wheelchairs, and chairs for concerts.

For more information, call 770-781-3491, visit Cummingfair. net or follow the City of Cumming on Facebook.

Christmas parade

The City of Cumming will hold its fourth annual Cumming Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade features musical performances, floats and vehicles ranging from Jeeps to firetrucks to SWAT vehicles used by Forsyth County’s Sheriff’s Office leading to the festival at the Cumming Fairgrounds.

For more information, call 770-781-3491, visit Cummingfair. net or follow the City of Cumming on Facebook.