🌱 Vendor Applications Open For Crabapple Fest + $154M Budget Approved

Good morning, Alpharetta-Milton! I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, today's weather:

A thunderstorm in spots. High: 87 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories today in Alpharetta-Milton:

1. Mark your calendars for Milton's annual Crabapple Fest on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rain or shine, join the community on Crabapple Road in downtown Milton for a bustling market featuring over 100 local antique and art vendors. Enjoy delicious food, watch football on a big screen, and bring your whole family (including leashed pets) to experience the festivities. Vendor and nonprofit applications are now open until Jun. 30, and businesses interested in sponsorship can find more information on the Crabapple Fest 2023 Sponsorship Application. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. During their Jun. 19 meeting, the Alpharetta City Council approved a $154 million budget for fiscal year 2024, maintaining the property tax millage rate at 5.75 mills. The budget focuses on 10 priorities established by the mayor and City Council, including strategic growth, community safety, infrastructure maintenance, and economic development. The budget includes investments in city infrastructure, such as street resurfacing and stormwater improvements, and introduces new initiatives like market-driven salary adjustments and a real-time crime center. For more detailed information, you can download the 2024 Capital and Operating Budget here. (The City of Alpharetta)
3. Play Me Again Pianos, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing more music to metro Atlanta, unveiled its latest donated piano, named "Ms. Jean," at the Alpharetta Arts Center terrace on Jun. 24. The event is open to the public, encouraging everyone to play the piano after the ceremony. Play Me Again Pianos aims to foster connections among people by placing public pianos throughout the metropolitan area, nurturing Atlanta's culture and community. You can find installations in various parks and cultural centers across the city. (Broadway World)

Business owners and marketers in Alpharetta-Milton: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

Saturday, June 24

• Rain Barrel Workshop With Public Works At Milton Library (10:00 AM)
• Free Food Saturday At St. James United Methodist Church (11:30 AM)
• Double Take 80s Live Experience At Joe's Sports Bar & Grill (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Fulton County School system is organizing a job fair at North Springs High School in nearby Sandy Springs today, Jun. 24, to recruit and hire operations support staff, including positions such as bus drivers, substitute teachers, food service workers, and more. The fair will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
• Nearby Marietta City Schools, in collaboration with the Marietta Arts Council and the City of Marietta, is launching "Art in our Parks," a city-wide art installation featuring student artwork in neighborhood parks. This initiative aims to increase access to art, promote creativity, and provide a platform for Marietta City Schools students to showcase their talents. Beginning in July, residents and visitors can enjoy the student artwork displayed at eight designated parks in Marietta. (MDJOnline.com)
• The City of Milton Fire Department is prioritizing the safety of horses and their habitats by introducing a free Barn Safety and Evaluation program. Milton residents can request an evaluation to identify fire hazards, such as faulty appliances, electrical wiring issues, and flammable materials, while ensuring the proper functioning of suppression systems. Further information and tips can be found on the city's website. (City of Milton, Georgia - Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Sidewalk SALE, Bounce House, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs! (June 24)
• Grand Opening Open House - a Stunning, Lakefront Estate Home on 2 Acres! (June 24)
• No Cost Boot Camp 4 Divorcing Women VIRTUAL Workshop (June 26)
• Cabinet Painting Workshop (July 7)
• Christmas in July Home Show at the Avalon in Alpharetta (July 23)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.