If you were ever curious if anything spooky or mysterious has ever happened in Henry County, well, now is your time to find out. Every Saturday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. you can participate in a haunted history tour of the McDonough Square. Specific building will be highlighted, and I am sure that once you hear the stories associated with each, you won’t be able to pass the building without getting a shiver that runs down your spine. This is a perfect way to spend a Saturday evening in October, as it is the Halloween season and you are supposed to partake in creepy activities such as this. The tour will be hosted by a McDonough native that will be sharing the haunted memories of the historic buildings. Reservations are required because space is limited, so call 770-957-1880 to reserve your spot. Adults are $10 and children are $5. The group meets at Bell, Book & Candle used book store and ventures out from there. See you for a spooky-fun time around the McDonough Square.

Henry County is full of unique community events like these on the weekend. (more…)

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.

Heron Bay’s most popular resident, Henry Heron, is working hard to get ready for the Goblin Gallop which is only one month away. Of course you can read about his goals for the race this year on his journal or on the blog on his MySpace page. However, the bottom line is that he is excited to be participating this year, and wants many of his neighbors to participate as well. The race is at Heron Bay, through the lovely wooded streets of the community, so convenience is not a problem. All proceeds benefit the Hands of Hope Clinic in Henry County, so you are running for a great cause. Last year, the Goblin Gallop raised more than $20,000 for the medical and dental clinic, and, while that is definitely a number to be proud of, we would love to see it increase this year. Don’t worry about missing the UGA/LSU game because the game will be shown on a Plasma TV screen at the event. (more…)

Saturday night McDonough is hosting Music on the Square featuring the Northface Band. If the weekend weather is anything like it has been this week, spending Saturday night outside listening to great music sounds like a perfect evening. Bring chairs, blankets or just sit on the green grass, and of course pack yourself a picnic to enjoy with Northface provides the entertainment. Music starts at 7:00 p.m. and will continue to 10:00 p.m., which means it isn’t too late of a night for the kids. Children and pets are welcome to share in the experience, so be sure to bring the entire family. The event is hosted by the Main Street McDonough Program, which strives to revitalize downtown McDonough. See you Saturday night in the McDonough Square.

Go ahead and book the babysitter for next Saturday night, September 27th, because the Heron Bay social committee is hosting a Music by the Pool event. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to unwind and relax with an adult-only crowd. That’s right, next Saturday night the pool is a no-kids zone - meaning nothing but peace and quiet, well except for the mellow Blues music provided by Jason Lee. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other adults in the community, and is incredibly cheap date night - only $10 per person. You won’t have to worry about wasting gas by driving to a nice restaurant, movie theater or club, as the amenities area is a quick walk or drive from your front door. This Music by the Pool event is brought to you by your neighborhood social committee, who works extremely hard to make sure life at Heron Bay Golf and Country Club is above and beyond what you expected when you purchased your new home in Locust Grove. Thanks to our spectacular social committee, and we’ll see you next Saturday night!

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…)

The Southern Belle Farm in Henry County, Georgia will be hosting the Corn Maize beginning September 19 and running through October. The design of this year’s maize (maze) will feature the face of the well-known and loved announcer of the University of Georgia Bulldog’s Football team, Larry Munson. Visitors to the Corn Maize will be able to enjoy a pumpkin patch, hay rides, pig races and a corn cannon. There will also be pedal-carts, or manually-run go-carts, for the kids. A Bluegrass concert is schedule for October 18 and military appreciation day will follow on October 25.

In 2007, Southern Belle Farm experienced over 13, 000 visitors to the Corn Maize. The farm also hosts educational programs throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.southernbellefarm.com

Residents of the Atlanta master planned community, Heron Bay Golf and Country Club, are just a short drive from this fall attraction in Henry County.

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…)