TOGETHER WITH
Good morning, Fayette County.
Here is a pretty easy way to help with real scientific research this weekend: sit next to a flower for 15 minutes and count bugs. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census returns Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22, giving people across the region a chance to help researchers track pollinator activity.
Participating is simple. Find a flowering plant that insects are visiting, set a timer for 15 minutes, and tally each insect that lands on a flower. You do not need to know exact species. The census uses broad categories like bumble bees, honey bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and moths. You can print the official counting sheet here, then use the QR code on the sheet to submit your results when you are finished.
Those little 15-minute counts add up. When thousands of people across the Southeast do the same thing, researchers get a much better picture of where pollinators are active and how those populations may be changing. So grab a chair, find some flowers, and spend 15 minutes being the neighborhood’s unofficial bee accountant.
- Chad Stroud
Some people want a career with a corner office. Others would rather have a field, a greenhouse, a garden, or a few hundred acres. PlayInDirtJobs.com was built for the second kind.
It is for people who want to work closer to the land, connecting job seekers with opportunities in farming, gardening, horticulture, ranching, livestock care, nurseries, agricultural research, and more. From seasonal farm crews and apprenticeships to management and specialized agricultural careers, there are paths for people just getting started and for those who have spent years building their skills.
Maybe you grew up around agriculture. Maybe you have always wanted to trade fluorescent lights for fresh air. Or maybe you simply want work that feels tangible, useful, and connected to something real. Whatever brought you here, your next career might not be waiting behind a desk. It might be waiting outside.
Find your next opportunity at PlayInDirtJobs.com →
Fayette County has started work on the second phase of its animal shelter expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held August 13. The $3.37 million project will add a 3,218-square-foot building with 24 indoor-outdoor kennels and four larger animal pens. Plans also call for six additional outdoor dog pens, mulched walking trails, a gazebo, and a pavilion. The new space will be built alongside the existing shelter facility completed in 2024, giving staff more room to care for animals and expanding outdoor areas for exercise and visitors. County officials expect the expansion to be completed in April or May 2027.
McIntosh High School has selected three former standout athletes for its 2026 Sports and Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. This year’s class includes soccer player Kristin Jacobson Leeper, golfer Katie Dale, and distance runner Taylor Huntley. Each built an impressive career at McIntosh before continuing to compete at the collegiate level The trio represents three different sports but shares a lasting connection to one of Fayette County’s most successful athletic programs. Their induction will recognize both what they accomplished as Chiefs and the paths they followed after graduation. The Class of 2026 will be honored during McIntosh Hall of Fame weekend on October 23 and 24, when former athletes, families, and supporters will gather to celebrate the school’s athletic history.
Fayetteville is preparing to replace the small children’s playground at City Center Park following recent safety concerns and aging equipment. The City Council approved about $182,000 in SPLOST funding for new equipment designed for children ages 2 through 5. The current playground and a nearby swing set have been closed after two recent incidents involving children, including one that required help from the Fayetteville Fire Department. The replacement playground will include ADA-accessible features, ground-level activities, bonded rubber surfacing, and a new inclusive spinner capable of holding several children at once. The equipment will remain under the existing shade structure. Demolition and removal of the old playground will come first, with the new equipment expected to arrive in October.
Curly - Male - 3 years old
Adoptable at Fayette County Animal Control
4th Annual RoboGeorgia Summit
When: Thursday, August 20, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM; doors open at 8:00 AM
What: Robotics leaders, startups, manufacturers, and researchers will gather to explore physical AI and its applications in manufacturing, agriculture, and workforce development. The program includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, exhibitors, live hardware demonstrations, and an afternoon parade of robots. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Registration is required.
Where: Trilith LIVE, 175 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Ribbon Cutting: Fifth Third Bank
When: Thursday, August 20, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: The Fayette Chamber of Commerce is helping Fifth Third Bank celebrate the grand opening of its Peachtree City location. Guests can meet the bank’s team, learn about its personal and business services, and network with local business leaders. Free and open to the community.
Where: Fifth Third Bank, 993 N. Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, GA 30269
AARP Smart Driver Course
When: Thursday, August 20, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
What: Refresh your knowledge of the rules of the road and learn defensive-driving strategies that could help you qualify for an automobile insurance discount. Registration is required. The course costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers, payable by cash or check on the day of class.
Where: Peachtree City Library, Floy Farr Room, 201 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Design Your Dream Life: The 5 Types of Wealth Book Discussion
When: Thursday, August 20, 2:00 PM
What: A drop-in discussion of Sahil Bloom’s “The 5 Types of Wealth,” with conversation about building a more balanced life through time, relationships, purpose, health, and finances. Free, with no registration required.
Where: Peachtree City Library, Storytime Room, 201 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Southside Running Club
When: Thursday, August 20, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Join a relaxed one- to two-mile group run through downtown Fayetteville. Everyone is welcome, making this a low-pressure way to get moving and meet other local runners.
Where: Line Creek Brewing Bus Barn, 300 City Center Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Adult Anime/Manga Club
When: Thursday, August 20, 6:15 PM
What: Adults can watch and discuss anime, read manga, and learn more about Japanese language and culture. The club is open to ages 18 and older. Free, with no registration required.
Where: Peachtree City Library, Theater Room, 201 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Atlanta Trek Bike Ride
When: Thursday, August 20, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
What: Atlanta Trek hosts its weekly social ride from Line Creek Brewing. Pizza 360 will also be serving food from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for riders who want to refuel afterward.
Where: Line Creek Brewing, 150 Huddleston Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Mahj for Meals
When: Friday, August 21, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
What: Midwest Food Bank Georgia and the Fayette Mahj Social Club are hosting an American Mahjong fundraiser with social play and raffle prizes. Players are encouraged to bring canned food donations, with an additional raffle ticket awarded for every five cans. Tickets and sponsorships are sold out, so this listing is mainly a reminder for registered players.
Where: The Venue at 240 Glynn Street, 240 Glynn Street S., Fayetteville, GA 30214
Andy Bray Live
When: Friday, August 21, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Andy Bray provides the Friday-night soundtrack as Line Creek releases Riwakaflockaflame, a new New Zealand-style pale ale. Eggroll Daddy will be serving food from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Where: Line Creek Brewing, 150 Huddleston Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Tim McGee Live at the Bus Barn
When: Friday, August 21, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Settle in for an evening of live local music from Tim McGee at the Bus Barn, conveniently located beside City Center Park.
Where: Line Creek Brewing Bus Barn, 300 City Center Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Summer Movies in the Park: “Little Giants”
When: Friday, August 21, at sunset
What: Fayetteville closes its summer movie series with a free outdoor screening of the family football comedy “Little Giants.” Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic, or purchase dinner and treats from Hog Pit BBQ, Ms. Pizza, and Scoops. Adults 21 and older can pick up beverages from the neighboring Bus Barn.
Where: City Center Park, 210 Stonewall Avenue West, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Poetry Workshop with Deborah Rutherford
When: Saturday, August 22, 11:00 AM
What: Local author Deborah Rutherford leads a workshop featuring discussion, reading, writing exercises, and an opportunity for participants to share their work. The event also includes an author talk and signing for her debut collection, “Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones.” Free; registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
Where: Peachtree City Library, Room 2, 201 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
American Mahjong Open Play
When: Saturday, August 22, 1:45 PM – 4:00 PM
What: Experienced players and adults who have completed an instructional session can spend the afternoon playing American Mahjong. The program is free and open to ages 18 and older, but registration is required because seating is limited.
Where: Peachtree City Library, Storytime Room, 201 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
GreekFest Fayette 2026: A Night in Greece
When: Saturday, August 22, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Spend an evening enjoying an all-you-can-eat Greek buffet, appetizers, an open bar, live traditional music, and Greek dancing. Tickets are $125 in advance or $140 at the door, subject to availability. The event benefits St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church’s building fund and local philanthropic work.
Where: Town Stage at Trilith, 125 Shepperton Way, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Kai McAlvin Live at Line Creek
When: Saturday, August 22, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Kai McAlvin performs an evening set at Line Creek’s Peachtree City taproom. Mr. Perro’s Hot Dogs will be serving food from noon until 9:00 PM.
Where: Line Creek Brewing, 150 Huddleston Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
Pete Fodero Live at the Bus Barn
When: Saturday, August 22, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Pete Fodero brings live music to the Bus Barn for a casual Saturday evening in downtown Fayetteville.
Where: Line Creek Brewing Bus Barn, 300 City Center Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Led Zeppelin Tribute Experience
When: Saturday, August 22, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM; show begins at 7:00 PM
What: Zoso recreates the sound and spectacle of Led Zeppelin, with Bad Co. Experience opening the show. Food, craft beverages, and concessions will be available, and guests may bring a small cooler or picnic basket. Tickets are required and prices increase on the day of the show. Free parking is available at Fayette County High School.
Where: Fayetteville Amphitheater “The Ville,” 301 Lafayette Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Metro-Atlanta Princess Ball
When: Sunday, August 23, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
What: Southern Belle Princess Parties and Glendalough Manor are bringing Aurora, Tiana, Elsa, Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, and Moana together for a day of royal fun. Children can meet every princess, pose for photos, learn a dance, enjoy live sing-alongs, and show off their moves during a dance party. Costumes are encouraged. Parking is included, and snacks, juice, and adult cocktails will be available for purchase. Doors open 15 minutes before each session. Tickets are required.
Where: Glendalough Manor, 200 Glendalough Court, Tyrone, GA 30290
The Flourishing Summit
When: Thursday, September 3, 8:00 AM
What: The Trilith Foundation and Trilith LIVE bring together scientists, researchers, storytellers, athletes, artists, musicians and community leaders for a day focused on what it means to flourish in work, relationships, health and personal purpose. The summit will explore how research into human well-being can connect with the people shaping culture and creating stronger communities. Advance tickets are available online.
Where: Trilith LIVE, 200 J. Arthur Rank Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Fall will be here before we know it. Get your favorite little copilot ready with the Fayette Flyer Kids Hoodie, cleared for playground takeoff and every big adventure ahead. Available in Blue, Pink, and Grey.
Order yours before cooler weather lands.
94° 🌡️ 71° | 🌦️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph WNW
89° 🌡️ 69° | ⛈️ | 55% | 💨 6 mph WNW
92° 🌡️ 69° | 🌦️ | 55% | 💨 5 mph WNW
93° 🌡️ 67° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 7 mph NW
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 92ºF
Temperature readings taken from Lake Peachtree the night before publication
As always, thanks for spending a few minutes with me and staying connected to what is happening around Fayette County. If something in today’s issue was useful, interesting or worth passing along, send it to a friend or neighbor. That is still the best way the Flyer grows.
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Have a news tip, event or something happening around town I should know about? Just reply to this email. I read every message. And if you happen to spend 15 minutes counting insects this weekend, I hope they at least put on a good show.
Have a great weekend!
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