🍇 October Is Here

Good morning, Spalding County!

October is here, and the spooky skeletons are coming out of storage.

It starts with one pumpkin by the door. Then comes a scarecrow, a string of orange lights, and a skeleton sitting in a lawn chair like it’s waiting for somebody to bring it sweet tea. Before long, the house looks ready to charge admission.

A giant spider in the yard also makes a handy landmark. Nobody’s going to miss that turn, even if they’ve forgotten the street name.

I respect the people who can stop at one pumpkin. The rest of us are one clearance rack away from owning a fog machine.

- Chad

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For nearly 75 years, the Griffin Lions Club has helped neighbors see clearly, recover from disasters and meet everyday needs. Chartered Oct. 25, 1951, with sponsorship from the Barnesville Lions Club, the organization will reach its anniversary later this month. Spalding County recognized the milestone with a proclamation presented Sept. 21. The club’s work includes school vision screenings, health fairs and mobile vision clinics. Members also assisted after the tornadoes that struck the community in 2011 and 2023, joined neighborhood cleanups and helped build an accessible ramp for a veteran. President Anthony Gallman accepted the recognition alongside members Max Gallman and David Crawford. The club welcomes new members and meets on the third Thursday of each month at IHOP, 1341 N. Expressway in Griffin.

Griffin-Spalding County Schools is celebrating a 95.6 percent four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2026, exceeding Georgia’s statewide rate of 88.5 percent by 7.1 percentage points. A.Z. Kelsey Academy posted a 100 percent graduation rate. Griffin High School followed at 96.5 percent, while Spalding High School recorded 94.2 percent. Every high school in the district improved its rate from the previous year. The four-year measure tracks whether students earn a diploma within four years of entering high school. The latest results place all three Griffin-Spalding campuses above the state average. The district recognized students, educators, families and the wider community for their roles in the graduating class’s success.

Griffin High School’s girls flag football team heads into October unbeaten after adding wins over Luella and Spalding on Tuesday, Sept. 29. MaxPreps records list the Bears’ results as 1-0 against Luella and 2-0 against Spalding, bringing Griffin’s record to 6-0. Those victories followed a strong Sept. 24 showing, when Griffin defeated Kendrick 28-19 and Houston County 13-12. The Bears opened the season Sept. 22 with wins over Fayette County, 12-7, and Washington, 34-0. Next on Griffin’s schedule are Oct. 6 games against Howard at 5:30 p.m. and Sandy Creek at 8 p.m. The Bears will enter those matchups looking to build on six victories across their first three playing dates.

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 Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together. Now you can wear that spirit into the cooler months. This organic sweatshirt features a simple Griffin Grapevine logo, a relaxed fit, and comfortable midweight fabric. Pull it on for crisp mornings, Friday night football, or a weekend around town. It’s an easy way to stay comfortable while representing the community you call home.

Shop the Griffin Grapevine sweatshirt and wear your hometown pride.

Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Friday, October 2, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
What: Explore UGA’s fall garden display featuring handmade scarecrows created by local businesses, schools, organizations, and families. Admission is free and open to the public. The display continues on weekdays through October 30; regular visiting hours do not include this Saturday or Sunday.
Where: UGA Research and Education Garden, 129 West Ellis Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Clays for a Cause
When: Friday, October 2, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: This sporting clays tournament benefits The Joseph Sams School. Participants can enjoy a morning of shooting while supporting the school’s work. Online registration information is available through the school’s event page.
Where: Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays & Helice, 895 Baptist Church Road, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Farmer’s Market
When: Friday, October 2, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What: UGA Extension Spalding County hosts its weekly farmers market at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Shoppers can browse produce, honey, boiled peanuts, and other offerings from participating vendors.
Where: Kiwanis Fairgrounds, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Play Day Friday
When: Friday, October 2, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Children ages 18 months through 4 years can enjoy an informal play session with developmental toys, building blocks, music, and books. Families can attend without registering.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Mahjongg at the Library
When: Friday, October 2, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
What: Meet other Mahjongg players and practice your skills in a relaxed setting. Registration is required; call 770-412-4770 to reserve a place. The introductory Mahjongg 101 session is scheduled for later in the month.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Bears vs. Whitewater Wildcats Football
When: Friday, October 2, 7:30 PM
What: Griffin High School hosts Whitewater High School in a varsity football region matchup. Local fans can head to Memorial Stadium to cheer on the Bears under the Friday night lights.
Where: Griffin Memorial Stadium, 310 East Poplar Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Purple Madness at the Opera House
When: Friday, October 2, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What: Bobby Miller and Purple Madness bring their Prince tribute show to the Griffin Opera House. The performance recreates Prince’s music and stage presence with a backing group of musicians and dancers. Tickets are required and can be purchased through the event listing.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Spalding County Sheriff’s Office First Annual Car Show
When: Saturday, October 3, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Browse cars, trucks, Jeeps, and motorcycles while enjoying music, food trucks, awards, and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds support the Spalding County Junior Deputy Program. Spectator admission is free.
Where: Spalding County Leisure Services, 843 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Griffin Gun Show
When: Saturday, October 3, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, October 4, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What: GA Gun Shows brings vendors offering firearms, ammunition, optics, knives, hunting equipment, and accessories to Griffin. Adult admission is $10 at the door. Children 12 and younger enter free, and law enforcement personnel, military members, and veterans receive half-price admission.
Where: Kiwanis Club of Griffin, 1025 South Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

R.P. Shapard Jr. Griffin City Championship
When: Saturday, October 3, shotgun start at 10:00 AM; Sunday, October 4, tee times begin at 8:00 AM
What: Griffin’s longstanding golf championship features 36 holes of individual stroke play, with flights determined after the first round. Divisions include non-seniors, women, seniors 60 and older, and super seniors 70 and older. The posted registration deadline was September 20; contact the golf shop at 770-229-6615 for participation questions.
Where: Griffin Golf Course, 625 Camp Northen Road, Griffin, GA 30224

The Griffin Growth Lab: Adult Literacy Lab
When: Saturday, October 3, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: NALO Spalding provides individual and small-group support with reading, writing, math, GED preparation, computer skills, and career readiness. Appointments are required. Call 770-412-3979 to schedule a session.
Where: NALO Spalding, 222 Meriwether Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Cemetery Ramble 2026
When: Saturday, October 3, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Local volunteers portray figures from Griffin’s past during this annual walking event at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitors hear stories about the people who helped shape the community while exploring historic monuments and gravesites. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Tickets are required, and participants should be comfortable walking over grass, dirt, and pavement.
Where: Oak Hill Cemetery, 797 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223

Paint and Sip Van Gogh Pumpkin
When: Saturday, October 3, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Create a pumpkin-themed acrylic painting with step-by-step instruction designed for beginners. The class costs $42 and welcomes participants ages 13 and older. Guests 21 and older may purchase alcoholic beverages at the studio; snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are also available. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
Where: Stache Studio, 116 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30223

Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop
When: Sunday, October 4, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Claire of Garden Party leads participants in creating an autumn centerpiece using a live pumpkin, succulents, preserved flowers, and moss. The $75 registration fee includes all materials, and beginners are welcome. Myrtle’s food and beverage menu will be available during the workshop.
Where: Myrtle’s Plot Twist, 209 South 6th Street, Griffin, GA 30224

On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute (Friday Show)
When: Friday, October 23, 8:00 PM
What: On the Border brings its Eagles tribute show to the Griffin Opera House, performing favorites such as “Desperado,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “Heartache Tonight.” The band recreates the group’s sound with multiple lead vocalists, detailed guitar work, and six-part harmonies. Hosted by the Griffin Opera House and Classic Kingdom Entertainment LLC. Tickets are available through the event page.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223

86° 🌡️ 70° | ⛅ | 25% | 💨 3 mph S

81° 🌡️ 66° | ⛈ | 75% | 💨 3 mph S

72° 🌡️ 63° | 🌧 | 90% | 💨 6 mph ENE

Thanks for spending a little of your morning with the Griffin Grapevine!

Let me know if your Halloween decorations are up. I love to see the pumpkins, scarecrows, and skeletons taking over porches around Spalding County.

You can also hit reply with a local news tip, a new business, or a neighbor who deserves some recognition. Those notes help me keep up with what’s happening around town.

Pass this issue along to a friend who’d enjoy it, and have a great weekend!