The Henry County Fair took place from September 29 - October 5 at Windy Hill Park in McDonough. The fair featured rides for children, a horse race and demonstration, as well as food vendors. Local residents and businesses displayed crafts, jewelry, food and arts. One of the biggest features of the fair was a 330 pound pumpkin that has grown over the past year!

The Kiwanis Club has sponsored the fair for the past 25 years. All money raised at the event remains in the county to assist local organizations. Other organizations involved in making this annual fair occur include the Henry County 4-H Club, the City of McDonough and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office in McDonough.

This was a fantastic way for Heron Bay residents to enjoy the early fall weather. Along with local events, the residents of this Atlanta master planned community are also able to enjoy events within their own community.

For more information on the Henry County Fair contact 770-288-8421.

The Town Center at Heron Bay has a new addition that is something the entire family can benefit from - a hair salon. C Changes Hair Studio is  a full services salon that features a family atmosphere and specializes in haircuts for clients of all ages. The studio opened for business on September 1st, so it’s very possible that some of your neighbors have already been there. If you have gotten your haircut at C Changes Hair Studio, we’d love to know your opinion of the salon - why don’t you leave us a comment about your experience and whether or not you would recommend it to other Heron Bay residents.

In honor of the new opening, they are running a special of $9.99 haircuts throughout the month of September. Unfortunately, September is almost over, but it’s not too late to stop by this weekend and get yourself a new do. (more…)

The Henry Players are performing Treasure Island the Musical this week at the community theater. Fun for the whole family, Treasure Island will take you on the High Seas with daring sword fights, suspenseful rescues and cutthroat mutiny. It’s an exciting musical adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat for the duration of the performance. You have only four chances to catch this exciting theatrical event: Thursday, September 18th at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, September 19th at 7:30 p.m; Saturday, September 20th at 7:30 p.m; and Sunday, September 21st at 2:30 p.m. By purchasing your tickets in advance, you’ll save $1 - adults are $12 and Seniors/Children are $10 in advance. You can get your tickets online at the Henry Players website or visit the site for a list of vendors where where you can purchase tickets. Convenient access to Henry County performing arts groups like the Henry Players is only one benefit of living at Heron Bay Golf and Country Club.

Gather the kids and head to Panola Mountain State Park on Saturday night for their Nocturnal Treetop Excursion. This is a fun opportunity for your kids and you to learn a thing or two about what lives high in the trees. You’ll be aloft in a beautiful 90 foot Southern Red Oak, so if you have a fear of heights this might not be the best activity for you. However, if you can overcome that fear, you’ll be immersed in an interesting eco-system that you otherwise may never have the opportunity to explore. The nocturnal climb will include fluorescent lichen and other glowing critters of the night, as well as stargazing and night climbing activities. You may even get to see a barred owl on the excursion. Be sure to register in advance by calling 770-389-7801 - there is no same day registration. (more…)

With the chance of precipitation being less than 30%, it seems that this would be a great weekend to spend a day improving your game out on the beautiful Cannongate golf course at Heron Bay Golf & Country Club. Even if you aren’t a resident at Heron Bay, take advantage of the convenience of having an 18-hole golf course in Henry County. If you aren’t a member of the golf club and feel that a day on the green is out of your price range, then register to win a free round for four at the Heron Bay website. You can also register for the free golf at Henry Heron’s MySpace page.

This Atlanta golf course really is breathtaking. The course features state-of-the-art Tif Sport Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens.  Numerous golf holes have lake features, and the third and 13th holes offer breathtaking views of the Cole Reservoir. After the game, once you’ve worked up an apetite, stop by the clubhouse for a delicious meal. The clubhouse also features a full-service golf pro shop. Heron Bay members can also use the driving range and practice green.

Don’t miss the exquisite performance of Carmina Burana by the Atlanta Festival Ballet Company. Back by popular demand for one night only, this Henry County ballet company will retell this epic story with beautiful dancing choreographed by Nicolas Pacana. The performance is next Monday, September 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Henry Performing Arts Center. Tickets are only $15 for adults, and you can order your tickets by calling 770-507-2775 or send an email to atlantafb@aol.com.

Carmina Burana is a secular cantata composed by Carl Orff in 1935-1936, based on 13th century poems and songs. The original poems were written in Latin by traveling minstrels in the 13th century who decided to abandon their sacred beliefs in favor of all the secualar pleasures that life has to offer. The ballet, in five parts, is an abstract re-telling of their experiences. The opening song “O Fortuna” will grab your attention instantly, and the energetic dancing combined with the moving music will keep you enthralled throughout duration of this epic ballet. (more…)

The Goblin Gallop is exactly eight weeks from today, which means even if you start training today, you will be in perfect shape to complete the 6K run. Don’t believe me? There is an easy training schedule that will get you from the couch to a 5 K in only 8 weeks. I know that the Goblin Gallop is a 6K not a 5 K, but if you are in good enough shape for a 5 K, the Goblin Gallop will be an easy transition. Just follow this training schedule that promises a fun, easy transition into running. The whole point of this schedule is not to over-exert yourself so that you do enjoy your exercise. The best part is that by beginning your training now means cooler temperatures on the horizon and running will not be as painful as it would have in the heat of the summer. You also have eight full weeks to plan your costume. A great idea would be to get a group of friends together and dress up in coordinating outfits! Prizes will be awarded to exceptional costumes, so don’t procrastinate until the last minute. (more…)

Heron Bay’s Summer Mixed ALTA tennis team crushed the B3 division in their first year together.  The team made it to the third round of the city playoffs, and that only illustrates the type of community Heron Bay is. There is a true sense of community in the fact that they not only live together but also play together and work well as a team. Their team work has paid off and has brought glory to their tennis arena.

This fall the Heron Bay Tennis Club will be adding a Junior Boys team, 2 Men’s teams and 1 Ladies ALTA team. Since there is such a high interest in the club there should be two ladies tennis teams by the winter.  If you are a beginner or intermediate player there is no need to fret.  The tennis club will also be starting teams perfect for you to hone your skills very soon.  To increase you skill level, build team spirit, have fun, and bring home glory to your Heron Bay community contact Lisa Alexander at 770.898.0020 or email her at: lisaalexander01@yahoo.com.

Yes, summer has come to an end and the kids are back in school. You may be unaware, but Luella Elementary School recently won a national award. The article was posted on the Henry County Schools Web site and describes the prestigious recognition that the media center received. Luella Elementary School’s media center was awarded The American Association of School Librarians National School Library Media Program of the Year Award. Established in 1963, the National School Library Media Program of the Year Award honors school library media programs practicing their commitment to ensure students and staff are effective users of ideas and information, as well as exemplifying implementation of Information Power. The award recognizes exemplary school library media programs that are fully integrated into the school’s curriculum. So, when sending your children off to Luella Elementary in the mornings, know that they have exceptional resources available to them that will maximize their educational experience. Great Job Luella!

Brayson Homes is offering fantastic close out prices on the remaining three homes in the community Pinehurst. This is an ideal neighborhood in the Atlanta golf community, as it is located directly across from Heron Bay’s community lodge and aquatic center. In addition to the spectacular location, Pinehurst has its own private community park, to help increase a sense of community within the neighborhood. Pinehurst is a perfect fit for young families, single professionals and empty nesters alike with Henry County new homes priced from the $180,000s. Pinehurst features innovative ranch and traditional two story plans with up to five bedrooms and three and one-half baths from 2,000 to 2,600 square feet. These spacious homes by Brayson Homes offer brick or stone accents, vaulted ceilings, gracious owners’ suites, formal living rooms with fireplaces and formal dining rooms, island kitchens with cherry cabinets, kitchen and breakfast areas with hardwood floors, (more…)