Frugal Family

Frugal Family Fun at the Fair

A BMX stunt show, petting zoo, alligator show, Oscar the Robot, puppets, concerts, horses, fair rides, discount admission tickets and more—take a closer look at the North Georgia State Fair and see how you can experience the fun a fraction of the price.

The 80th annual North Georgia State Fair is in town, and there are many ways to enjoy it at a discount or for free. Once you’ve paid the admission price, there are shows, concerts and children’s activities that are free of charge. Local businesses are featuring discount tickets, and the fair itself offers great discounts on certain days and times. Here is a “need-to-know” list that will help your family get the most out of your experience at the fair. The great James H. Drew exposition carnival midway is a cornerstone of the fair, featuring over 40 rides. Take I-75 to Windy Hill Road (exit #260). Go west approximately five miles on Windy Hill Road and turn left on Austell Road. Turn right on Callaway Road. Jim R. Miller Park will be on …

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State Fair Is This Weekend

The fair includes family shows and entertainment, flower shows, exhibits and more than 40 amusement rides and games.

It's that time of year again. The 80th annual North Georgia State Fair will begin Thursday and run through Sunday, Sept. 30 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Attracting nearly 300,000 people in years past, the fair is the largest in metro Atlanta and the second largest in Georgia. With midway rides, shows, concerts, pageants, entertainment and food, there is something for everyone. The Georgia Lottery Concert Series for the fair begins at 8 p.m. under the covered area. Concerts are included with paid fair admission. This year's concerts include: The fair also includes family shows and entertainment, flower shows, exhibits and more than 40 amusement rides and games. For fair and ticket information, visit northgeorgiastatefair.com. 2012 …

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Art, Cars, Antiques, Music, Education Fill the Weekend

Get out to the Blue Ribbon Classic Car Show, East Cobber Parade, Art & Design Show House, Constitution Day Festival, Marietta Grassroots Festival and the Marietta StreetFest.

1. On Sept. 15, the Marietta Museum of History presents Marietta StreetFest, a one-day event with a top-notch Arts, Crafts & Antiques Market, the Hubcaps and History Classic Car Show, the new Jewelry Row and a chance to visit the neighborhood restaurants, shops and historic sites found around the Square. The Marietta Grassroots Festival, featuring bands and singer/songwriters from throughout the metro area who will perform original music, will also take place on Marietta Square on Saturday. 2. The 3rd annual Constitution Day Festival takes place on Sunday, Sept. 16, at 12:30pm. Celebrate America’s birthday in Glover Park with musical performances including Banks & Shane as well as performances by local student groups. The Constitution Day …

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Get Out to Art, Music, Food and Family Fun Labor Day Weekend

Celebrate Freedom Atlanta, Art in the Park on Marietta Square, "Back to the Future" and "The Boarder" at the Strand, Holy Smoke BBQ and Music Festival and Nibble & Noshfest—don't miss out on the weekend fun.

1. The Celebrate Freedom Atlanta festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The free one-day concert will take place at Jim Miller Park. Parking is $5. 2. The 26th annual Marietta Art in the Park festival returns to Glover Park in Marietta Square from September 1-3. The annual art festival takes place each Labor Day weekend and features a juried exhibition with over 150 artists from all over the country as well as local artists from the Marietta area. 3. Join the Strand Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 1 for a showing of Back to the Future at 8 p.m. 4. Join the Strand Theatre for the Southeastern US Premiere of The Boarder, a movie about the struggles of a young boy and his adoptive family as they come to grips with his …

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Marietta Holiday Happenings

Here is a roundup of Christmas events in Marietta.

1. The Sanders Family Christmas at Theatre in the Square will run through Jan. 1. The perennial favorite holiday show has the sunny-voiced Sanders Family back just before the beginning of World War II. They're quirky, saintly and delightfully melodic as they interpret everybody's favorite bluegrass gospel music. Back for the 13th holiday season. Recommended for the entire family ages 10 and up. 2. The Artist Attic Holiday Show and Sale takes place at the Art Place Mountain View through Dec. 17. The event includes all hand made items by TAP students, instructors and staff. 3. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for the kick-off to the holiday season with the Christmas Tree Lighting, Thursday, Dec. 1. Festivities start at 5 p.m. in Glover Park in …

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Video: Donate Books, Support the Community

The Cobb County Library and Friends of the Library hosted their semi-annual book sale at Jim Miller Park Oct. 14 through Oct. 16. Around 200,000 items were for sale at the event.

Friends of the Cobb County Public Library System, a nonprofit group whose activities benefit the library system, is requesting that you recycle your gently used books by donating them to the Cobb County Public Library System. Donations from the public support the ongoing and special book sales held by the Friends, which in turn support the library system’s book budget. Some items are also added to the library’s collection. Items in high demand include popular fiction titles and children’s books. Items may be dropped off at any location of the Cobb County Public Library System, and all donations are tax-deductible. The Cobb County Library and Friends of the Library hosted their semi-annual book sale at Jim Miller Park Oct. 14 through Oct. …

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26th Annual Thanks for Giving

Join a food distribution program that will provide 1,500 Cobb needy families with boxes of food items needed to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at home.

The Center for Family Resources has been providing Thanksgiving boxes to families in need in Cobb County for 26 years. As families prepare for a holiday with loved ones surrounding a Thanksgiving feast, many of our Cobb neighbors must stretch their budgets, making it difficult to afford a Thanksgiving meal for their families.  It will take nearly 70,000 food items to ensure every family served will receive everything they need for Thanksgiving. The coordination of Thanks for Giving 2011 would not be possible without the support of local individuals, schools, businesses and civic organizations. CFR relies entirely on these groups to make the Thanksgiving food distribution possible. Please consider helping the effort by hosting a food drive…

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Silent Film, Helicopter, Dog Show

With so much to do in Marietta, how will you decide to spend your weekend? Here are some suggestions.

1. Marietta Tree Keepers and the Rotary Club of Marietta are joining forces to raise money for tree-planting with the Oktoberfest Party at Historic Oakton Friday at 7 p.m. The Oktoberfest Party will feature fire-grilled bratwurst and a festive, German buffet, plus  ice-cold beer. The goal is to raise enough money to plant 2,000 trees at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The event is open to the public for $50 a person or $75 a couple at 581 Kennesaw Ave. For more information call 770-424-4664. 2. Get a fresh look at Marietta. Take a helicopter ride with BlueRidge Helicopters Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Marietta Museum of History is hosting rides from S. Cobb Drive and Atlanta Road for $35. Contact the Museum of …

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Get Out to Animal Fun, Fundraising

This weekend is full of fun events for the family, including the four-legged members. A dog run, pet costume contest, training tips, canine agility demo and adoptions—you'll find it all.

1. The Humane Society of Cobb County will celebrate and promote a "dog run" in Lewis Park and will also have information on the shelter, services for the community and animal welfare issues. Dog training demonstrations will be provided by K-9 Coach, named the Outstanding Small Business of 2011 by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. The event runs Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. 2. The Boxerstock 2011 music festival brings Cobb County a day of fun for the whole family, including four-legged members. In addition to seven great bands, Victoria Stilwell from Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog” will make a special appearance. Other activities include vendor booths, a silent auction, concession stand, children's activities, dog costume contest, canine …

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Melissa Kory

12:12 pm on Thursday, October 20, 2011

This city is AWESOME! There are so many animal-related activities to enjoy.   more ›