🍇 Decades From Today

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Spalding County!

The other day, someone asked me why I started the Griffin Grapevine.

The truth is, it is surprisingly easy to live somewhere and still have no real idea what is happening around you. A new business opens, a road project begins, a community event gets planned, and somehow it all slips by unless you are digging through Facebook pages, city agendas, and scattered posts just to piece it together. Most people hear more about something happening thousands of miles away than what is going on in their own backyard.

That is why Griffin Grapevine exists. Local news matters because local life matters. I believe Griffin is at a crossroads, and the choices made here now will shape what kind of place it becomes decades from today. The businesses you support, the roads you drive, the events your family shows up for, all of it helps define what life in Griffin feels like. This newsletter is here to help you stay connected to the place you actually live.

- Chad Robert

There Are People Who Were Born to Work the Land. They Just Need to Find It.

Somewhere right now, an organic farm in Tennessee is short-handed at harvest. A family ranch in Montana needs someone who knows cattle. A permaculture garden in the Carolinas is looking for a dedicated apprentice willing to learn.

And somewhere right now, the right person for each of those jobs is still looking.

PlayInDirtJobs is America's job board built specifically for farming, gardening, and ranching. Hundreds of listings. Every type of operation, from CSA vegetable farms to biodynamic vineyards to working ranches. Many positions include housing, meals, and hands-on training from experienced farmers.

Job seekers browse and apply completely free. Employers post in minutes and reach thousands of people who are passionate about agricultural work, not just looking for a paycheck.

This is not a desk job site with a farming filter bolted on. It was built from the ground up for people who'd rather have dirt under their fingernails than fluorescent lights overhead.

Find your place on the land at PlayInDirtJobs.com.

Residents across Griffin's growing corridor will benefit from expanded water treatment capacity after the City of Griffin Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $62.7 million contract with Crowder Construction Company for the Shoal Creek Water Pollution Control Plant expansion. The project will double the plant's capacity, from 2.25 million gallons per day to 4.5 million, meeting both a 2023 state environmental consent order and anticipated growth demand through 2040. Funding comes from a $68.6 million bond issue approved last year. Engineers reduced the original $98 million estimate by more than $30 million through design changes. Construction is expected to wrap up by 2028.

Spalding County has moved from Tier 1 to Tier 2 in Georgia's official 2026 Job Tax Credit County Rankings, a meaningful step in the state's annual economic assessment. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs ranks all 159 counties on employment, income, and poverty levels; Tier 1 designates the most economically distressed. Spalding now ranks 72nd in the state. "The Tier 2 classification demonstrates that Spalding County is moving in a positive direction economically," said County Commission Chair Clay Davis. The updated rankings reflect conditions through 2024 and were delayed due to the 2025 federal government shutdown. Existing businesses planning expansions may preserve prior tax credit eligibility through DCA's Notice of Intent process.

Friendly competition and community spirit are headed to City Park this Sunday, April 12. Starting at 1 p.m., the Griffin Police Department and Spalding County Leisure Services will host a sports showcase designed to bring officers and residents together off the clock and on the field. The afternoon will feature two softball games, including one between Griffin and Thomaston police, followed by a flag football matchup. One of the softball games will also give local residents a chance to play alongside Griffin officers. Food vendors will be on site as well, making it an easy Sunday outing for families, sports fans, and anyone looking for a fun community event.

Monday & Thursday: Carver (610 Carver Rd) and Woodroof (4245 Old Atlanta Rd) 11am-7pm

Tuesday & Friday: Blalock (5756 Newnan Rd) and Cabin (3865 Jackson Rd)
11am-7pm

Saturday: All centers open 7am-1pm (plus Akin for bulky items only)

Sunday & Wednesday: Closed

Got big stuff? The Akin Collection Center (841 S McDonough Rd) is for bulky items only—no regular household garbage. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm.

All centers closed on county holidays.

Griffin Farmer's Market

When: Friday, April 10, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

What: Browse fresh produce, local honey, boiled peanuts, and seasonal goods from Spalding County growers. This weekly market is hosted by UGA Extension Spalding County and runs every Friday through the season. Free admission. Bring a reusable bag and arrive early for the best selection.

Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

IDEA Symposium: Issues of Substance, Addiction and Recovery

When: Friday, April 10, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

What: A public symposium focused on addiction and recovery. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Where: Student Learning Center, UGA Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Solomon Hill at The Garden Beer Garden & Venue

When: Friday, April 10, 8:30 PM - 11:30 PM

What: Live music from Solomon Hill at The Garden Beer Garden & Venue.

Where: The Garden Beer Garden & Venue, 314 East Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Ballet's 11th Annual Tutu 5K Run

When: Saturday, April 11, Registration 7:30 AM | Zumba warm-up 8:00 AM | Race starts 8:30 AM

What: Join runners and walkers of all ages for this beloved Griffin tradition through the Forest Hills neighborhood. Choose the 5K race or the one-mile fun run/walk. Tutus encouraged for everyone! Medals for top male and female finishers and age categories. Hydration stations on course. Proceeds support Griffin Ballet Theatre. Call (770) 228-1306 for registration details.

Where: 263 East Poplar Street, Griffin, GA 30223

2nd Saturday Hotrods & Hounds People's Choice Car Show

When: Saturday, April 11, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

What: Enjoy a free, family-friendly afternoon in downtown Griffin surrounded by classic cars, local shops, and restaurants. Dogs are welcome - leashed pups are part of the fun. Cast your vote in the People's Choice competition and explore downtown while you're at it. Hosted by the City of Griffin.

Where: Downtown Griffin, 100 S Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Southside Genealogical Society Meeting

When: Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

What: Explore your family history with fellow researchers at this open monthly meeting of the Southside Genealogical Society. Newcomers and beginners are welcome alongside experienced genealogists. Bring questions, share discoveries, and connect with others tracing Spalding County and Georgia roots. Free and open to the public.

Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Doc Holliday Shootout Pickleball Tournament

When: Sunday, April 12, time varies

What: A pickleball tournament continuing through Sunday as part of the annual Doc Holliday Shootout. Public listings confirm the event is happening April 11 through April 12 in Griffin, though I did not find a clean public Sunday start time listing.

Where: Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, 1301 Cowan Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Tea and Tiara’s

When: Sunday, April 12, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

What: Come enjoy some tasty tea, dress up with your favorite tiara, and hang out with friends. Whether you’re a tea lover or just in for the fun vibes, this is the place to be. Don’t miss out on an empowering panel discussion with authors, entrapenours and subject matter experts as you enjoy your tasty treats! A portion of the proceeds will be used to provide food, clothes, shoes and essential items for families in need. Get tickets here.

Where: 529 N Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223

Hard to Handle - The Black Crowes Experience

When: Saturday, April 18, 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)

What: The Griffin Opera House welcomes Hard 2 Handle, the area's only tribute to The Black Crowes. Featuring guitarist Steve O'Dell and a full band of Charlotte's best musicians, the group recreates the look, sound, and vibe of the Atlanta-born rock legends' live show. Expect all the hits from "Shake Your Money Maker," "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion," and beyond. Tickets available at the Griffin Opera House box office or online on Freshtix.

Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 N. Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

Camelot Theatre: The Prince of Egypt

When: April 17-19, 2026

What: Camelot Theatre Company presents The Prince of Egypt, the sweeping DreamWorks musical featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, including his Oscar-winning "When You Believe." Journey through Ancient Egypt as Moses and Ramses are torn apart by a secret past, one destined to rule as Pharaoh, the other to free his people. Tickets are $15 and available at camelottheatre.com.

Where: Griffin Auditorium, 234 East Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

74° 🌡️ 45° | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 ENE 5 mph (4 knots)

80° 🌡️ 50° | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 E 3 mph (3 knots)

82° 🌡️ 51° | ⛅ | 0% | 💨 SE 9 mph (8 knots)

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine. My goal is to make it easier to keep up with the stories, events, businesses, and changes shaping life in Griffin without forcing you to dig through a dozen different websites and social media pages to find them.

If you know someone who likes staying connected to what is happening locally, forward this newsletter their way. Every new reader helps the Grapevine become a stronger resource for the community.

And as always, if you hear about a news tip, event, new business, or something around town people should know about, just hit reply. I read every message myself. If your business wants to reach local readers through the Griffin Grapevine, feel free to reach out too.

Have a great weekend, Griffin!