Come for the rides and food. Stay for the shows and exhibits. The North Georgia State Fair is coming back this week with amusements for all interests Sept. 18 - 28. This year's shows include motocross, a demolition derby, monster trucks, bull riders, magicians, a circus, a hypnotist, racing pigs, and Frisbee dogs.
New traffic plans: All vehicles will be directed to County Services Parkway. Eastbound Al Bishop Drive will be closed to through traffic starting one hour prior to the fair opening each day. Westbound Al Bishop Drive will be two-laned for incoming fair traffic. Uber/Lyft pick-up and drop-off will be located at the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. This year, parking is free.
In addition, Cobb County Senior Services invites adults 55 and older to enjoy a morning of fun and entertainment at Senior Day at the North Georgia State Fair Friday, Sept. 19. Free admission and no registration required. More details about Senior Day here.
Branch expected to be closed for rest of year
The Joanne P. Stratton Library will be closed beginning today, Sept. 15, for a renovation project that is expected to last into early 2026. The library, located at 1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta, will receive a $500,000 interior makeover, including the addition of two study rooms, upgrades to the community meeting room, updated furniture and more. The project is funded from the county’s 2022 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
For updates and information on Cobb Library programs and services, visit cobbcounty.gov/library.
Senior class registration next week
Fall is the perfect time to try something new! Cobb County senior centers open fall class registration 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22. From fitness to lifelong learning, there’s something for everyone. Register in person or online. You can find details and class listings for all our centers here.
Sustaining the environment for everyone
Grab your chance to share your input at the Cobb County Sustainability Town Hall 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 in the Board of Commissioners’ second-floor meeting room at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. Hear directly from Cobb County Chief Sustainability Officer Kimberly White. Bring your questions, share your ideas, and take part in the conversation shaping a greener, more sustainable future for Cobb County.
The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will host a community briefing 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Academy in Austell. This event will feature updates by Sheriff Craig Owens on agency initiatives, recognitions of outstanding service, and the graduation of the Citizens Academy Class. The Cobb County Public Safety Police Academy is located at 2435 East-West Connector, Austell. Free onsite parking will be available.
Cobb County’s Communications Department has been nationally recognized for its creativity, innovation, and effectiveness in connecting with residents. The team brought home four awards at the 2025 Savvy Awards, presented by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association during its annual conference in Las Vegas.
The Savvy Awards are the top honor in government communications, celebrating outstanding local government achievements in marketing, public engagement, and storytelling. This year’s competition drew more than 1,100 entries from across the country.
Cobb County was recognized in four categories:
Best Use of Humor (pop. 75,000+) – Savvy Winner, Cobb Communications Year in Review
Interview/Talk Show/News Programming (pop. 100,000+) – Silver Circle Winner, Winter Storm Continues for Cobb
Publications Other – Savvy Winner, Cobb County Budget in Brief – FY 25/26
Other Marketing Tools (pop. 100,000+) – Award of Excellence Winner, Be Captivated by Cobb Campaign
“These awards are a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and creativity of our communications staff,” said Communications Director Ross Cavitt. “We are proud to represent Cobb County Government on the national stage and even prouder that our work helps strengthen connections with our community every day.”
In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, Cobb County Public Library is reminding residents that when you get carded, you get 10% off at local businesses through our Perks Program! Beyond this exclusive discount, a library card provides a world of books, resources, and services, including:
Borrow Technology: Check out Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots for home use or on the go.
Creative Studios: Use professional-grade studios and equipment for audio and video recording with your card.
Park and Museum Passes: Get free access to Georgia State Parks, the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art, the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art, and other local attractions.
Books By Mail: Get library materials delivered to homebound residents.
Throughout September, the library system will feature different Perks Program partners, showcasing how a library card can provide these discounts at local businesses like Marietta Proper, Warm Hugs Turkish Bakery, and others. You can find a full list of over 20 participating businesses here, giving you even more opportunities to save.
Kids take the wheels next month
Climb on and explore various types of trucks at a fun, family-friendly, and educational event 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Town Center Mall in Kennesaw. This event is rain or shine.
Explore police cars, SWAT trucks, fire rescue trucks, fire engines, heavy construction vehicles, dump trucks, military vehicles, and much more. Admission is $5 per person; maximum $20 per family (up to six family members). Children under 2 years are free. Cash or credit card accepted at the gate.
Find it all at the Town Center Mall in the back parking lot by the food court, 400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW, Kennesaw. All proceeds benefit the educational safety programs provided by the Cobb County Safety Village. For more information, call 770-852-3272.
Running to build their dreams
Lace up your fastest kicks and join us for the Cobb Make-A-Wish 5K 8 a.m Saturday, Oct. 4, starting from Marietta Square. This Peachtree Road Race qualifier is more than just a run — it’s a chance to make wishes come true for local kids with critical illnesses. Bring your friends and family – everyone’s a winner when wishes come true! Walk-up registration begins at 7 a.m.
The Community Emergency Response Team program helps residents learn disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their areas and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
To join Cobb County CERT, you must be over the age of 16, live, work or worship in Cobb, and pass a criminal history background check. The remaining training classes scheduled for 2025:
Oct. 4, 11 and 18
Nov. 1, 8 and 15
The classes are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on three consecutive Saturdays at Cobb County Emergency Management Agency, 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Go here for more information.
Discover love at a discount
The Cobb County Animal Shelter will continue its popular $25 "Adopt a Friend" special through September. Customers can adopt a dog or cat for just $25 or donate cat or dog food and the shelter will waive the $25 fee.
The Cobb County District Attorney's Office will hold a series of public meetings discussing "Law and Order: Behind the Scenes" starting with the first session 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Cobb Superior Courthouse in Marietta. A panel of experts including police officers, investigators, detectives, advocates, and prosecutors will provide in-depth information about what happens after you call 911.
Subsequent sessions at the same time and location will include:
Nov. 14 - "The arrest and trial"
Jan. 16 - "How it ends"
Information from these sessions cannot substitute for legal advice. The events will be held at the jury assembly room in the courthouse, 70 Haynes Street, Marietta.
Cobb County's International Airport celebrated its 65th birthday this month! Check out who came to visit the airport and how this facility has been one of the county's major economic engines!
The Cobb County Board of Commissioners honors 9-year-old Liam Johnston and his mother, Kaitlin, for their inspiring efforts to raise awareness about Lissencephaly — a rare brain disorder affecting 1 in 100,000 people.
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
