🍇 Small Town Love

TOGETHER WITH

What does Valentine's Day look like in a small town?

It looks like a Mardi Gras bar crawl through downtown Griffin on a Saturday afternoon. Like hidden hearts tucked into shop windows for kids to find. Like a 17-piece swing band filling a Moose Lodge ballroom while couples dance to music their grandparents loved.

It looks like a Chicago tribute band raising money for the Sheriff's Junior Deputy Program at the Opera House. Like two sisters making up on stage at Main Street Players while the audience laughs and cries in equal measure.

I'll be honest, when I first started putting this week together, I didn't expect Valentine's Day to generate this much activity in Spalding County. But here we are, and Saturday is absolutely packed with things to do.

However you spend this weekend, whether it's dancing, watching a play, or just enjoying the mild weather before Saturday's rain moves in, I hope it's a good one.

- Chad

PlayInDirtJobs honors America’s agricultural heritage by bridging the gap between passionate workers and the farms, gardens, and ranches that need them. As the premier platform for the sustainable agricultural community, they specialize in connecting dedicated individuals with meaningful careers that strengthen our local food systems.

From seasonal farm hand positions and livestock management to specialized roles in organic gardening and regenerative agriculture, PlayInDirtJobs makes it easy to find work that truly matters. They help job seekers discover unique opportunities. Many including housing and hands-on learning, all while providing farm owners with an affordable, streamlined way to reach a committed workforce.

Their mission is rooted in the belief that working the land is more than just a job. It’s a vital contribution to our future. By simplifying the hiring process, they allow farmers to spend less time behind a screen and more time in the field, ensuring that good farms and passionate people grow together.

Ready to get your hands dirty or grow your farm team? PlayInDirtJobs is the bridge to your next agricultural adventure. Browse open positions or post a job directly on their website at PlayInDirtJobs.com

Spalding County residents now have faster access to life-saving emergency care after Wellstar Health System stationed a new air ambulance helicopter at the Griffin-Spalding County Airport. The brand-new AirCare 2, an Airbus EC145C2, operates around the clock with flight nurses, paramedics, and pilots on-site. The aircraft can reach four Wellstar hospitals within 25 minutes and carries advanced equipment including blood products, a portable lab, and heart-lung bypass capability. Executive Director Zack Lancaster said the Griffin location was chosen strategically to reach patients faster across metro Atlanta and western Georgia. AirCare 2 joins AirLife, which has operated from the airport since 2004.

Griffin residents with outstanding warrants have a window of opportunity through the city's annual amnesty program, running now through April 30. Defendants with Failure to Appear bench warrants can visit the Griffin Municipal Court at 100 South Hill Street and pay their original fine in full. In exchange, the bench warrant will be dismissed and the $200 Failure to Appear fee plus state-imposed add-ons waived. The program does not include Violation of Probation warrants. The court office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with the last payment accepted at 4:30 PM. Call 770-233-4124 for more information.

Several Griffin families are working to recover after a fire damaged multiple homes along Pecan Drive on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 8. Local fire departments responded to the blaze, which impacted several residences in the neighborhood. The incident drew coverage from FOX 5 Atlanta. Community members and local organizations have begun organizing support for the affected families. Residents looking to help with donations or assistance for displaced neighbors can contact Spalding County emergency services for information on how to contribute to the relief effort.

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.

Bonnie & Claire at Main Street Players

When: Thursday–Sunday, February 12–15 (Thu–Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3:00 PM matinee)

What: Catch opening week of this touching new dramedy by Bo Wilson about estranged sisters reuniting for a road trip filled with grudges, secrets, and unexpected laughter. A heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and finding common ground. All ages welcome. Tickets at mainstreetplayers.org. Free parking and public restrooms available.

Where: Main Street Players Theatre, 115 North Hill St, Griffin, GA 30224

Galentine’s Girls Night at Myrtle's Plot Twist

When: Friday, February 13, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

What: Gather your best friends for a curated evening of friendship and creativity. Tickets include a welcome glass of champagne, a personal charcuterie box, and a flower-arranging workshop where you’ll design your own bud vase to take home using blooms from Garden Party. Materials for the workshop are included. Dress up in your favorite party dress and celebrate at Griffin's local bookstore and wine bar. Registration is required at myrtlesbooks.com.

Where: Myrtle's Plot Twist, 209 S 6th St, Griffin, GA 30224

2nd Saturday: Peace, Love & Mardi Gras

When: Saturday, February 14, 10:00 AM – late evening

What: Celebrate Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras in downtown Griffin with a full day of festive fun. Browse shop specials starting at 10 AM, search for hidden hearts in local stores to win prizes, then join the Tipsy Mardi Gras Bar Crawl at participating eateries and bars starting at 4 PM. Share appreciation for your favorite business through the Love Your Downtown campaign. Free and family-friendly, rain or shine. Call 770-228-5356 for details.

Where: Downtown Griffin, various locations along S Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

Chi-Town Transit Authority — Sheriff's Benefit Concert

When: Saturday, February 14, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (doors open 7:00 PM)

What: Enjoy an evening of classic Chicago hits performed by this high-energy 8-piece tribute band at the Spalding County Sheriff's 1st Annual Benefit Concert. All ticket proceeds support the Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program. Family-friendly, all ages welcome. Concessions available. Tickets at freshtix.com.

Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill St, Griffin, GA 30223

Valentine's Dance with Night Train Swing Band

When: Saturday, February 14, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

What: Dance the night away to the sounds of the 17-piece Night Train Swing Band at this Valentine's celebration hosted by Griffin Moose Lodge and the Friends of the J. Joel Edwards Public Library. Open to the public. Adults $20, students $10 at the door or online at gr8terfriends.com. Special needs guests and caretakers admitted free. Parking on-site.

Where: Griffin Moose Lodge 1503, 1435 Zebulon Rd, Griffin, GA 30224

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.

62°F 🌡️ 43°F | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 N 5 mph (4 knots)

65°F 🌡️ 42°F | ☀️ | 0% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)

65°F 🌡️ 53°F | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)

61°F 🌡️ 47°F | 🌧️ | 100% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)

Thanks for reading the Griffin Grapevine! If this edition put something on your calendar this weekend, forward it to a friend or neighbor who might enjoy it too. Every new subscriber helps us grow and keeps the local news coming.

Got a story tip, event, or local business we should know about? Hit reply and let me know about it. The best leads always come straight from the community, and I read every message.

If you haven't already, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates between editions. Happy Valentine's Day, Griffin. Go love on your people this weekend.