🌱 It's Family Fun Night Downtown + Visit Lewis Park's Fairy Forest

Hello all. I'm back with your fresh copy of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• Family Fun Night downtown.
• The Fairy Forest at Lewis Park.
• Next week's Unwind Wednesday.

But first, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 92 Low: 75.

Here are the top stories in Woodstock-Towne Lake today:

1. It's time for the last Family Fun Night of the season, and the "Return to Hogwarts" themed evening will include tons of themed activities, costumed characters and food and drink specials. The party will be along Main and Chambers streets from 5 to 9 p.m., and there will even be a costume contest and a free showing of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" on The Green at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring the kids over to the face painting and temporary tattoo stations, I'll see you downtown! (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
2. The item of the day on the Cherokee Recreation & Parks July calendar is to explore the Fairy Forest at Lewis Park, it's free to do and great for all ages. The fairy forest was started in 2019 by a local high-school junior in her work towards earning the Girl Scout Gold Award and it's only grown in become more magical every year. Tiny creations made by the originator and residents line the trail, there's a sign pointing the way at the trailhead. The park address is 200 East Bells Ferry Road. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
3. The Unwind Wednesdays series is back next week with an "All American Scavenger Hunt," and you'll have a chance to help create a piece of community art at the event. Participants will paint rocks that will be placed together, forming a three-dimensional snake to be displayed at Cherokee Veterans Park. If you'd like to join in, supplies will be available at the Cherokee Recreation & Parks booth, you can watch for updates on the department's Facebook page. The Unwind Wednesdays series features food trucks, activities, vendors and more on the last Wednesday of the month through October. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
4. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) is looking for entry-level firefighters to join the team. The healthy benefits package includes time and a half for worked holidays, a degree incentive of $1,000 to $3,000 per year, paid time off and more. If you're interested, the application window will be open until Sept. 4, you can learn more about open positions and apply here. (CCFES via Facebook)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Thursday, July 20

• Doughnuts with a Dispatcher: Meet Cherokee County E 9-1-1 dispatchers at the YMCA in Canton for an informal chat or quick hello and delicious treats from Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts. The YMCA is located at 151 Waleska St. (9 - 11 a.m.)
• Baby Lapsit Storytime: For little ones 23 months or younger and their caregivers, enjoy songs, rhymes, books and playtime at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main St. (10:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
• Drop-In STEM, DIY Bubble Party: For school-aged children with an accompanying adult, experiment with bubbles at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
• Anna Shinholster Listening Room Session: Enjoy the delicious food and live music tonight at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)
• SKILLS, Gun Safety: Learn about gun safety, gun storage and options for further training with a Woodstock Police Department firearm instructor at the William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road. (6:30 - 7:45 p.m.)
• The Lasting Laugh: For ages 12 and up, enjoy clean comedy with host Jessica It's All Good at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, 8534 Main St. (7:30 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Tournament: A double-elimination tournament with prizes for the top three winners. The entry fee includes access to all arcade, pinball and board games at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. Registration starts at 7 p.m. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Benjamin Frank (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • On the Border - Eagles Tribute (7:30 p.m. and 9:55 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• It's Braves Trivia Night at The Daily Draft featuring Lights Up! Entertainment and sports radio personality Matt Chernoff. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and the grand prize is two tickets to a Braves home game, and The Daily Draft can be found at 8594 Main St. (Visit Woodstock)
• There's a Back-to-School party at The Outlet Shoppes all weekend, complete with music, crafts and more. On Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., there will be a DJ with giveaways, game stations, a kids' crafting station, face painting and a photo wall. Sunday's festivities will even include stilt walkers and a balloon artist. Check the link for more information. (Visit Woodstock)
• Downtown Woodstock: "For Family Fun Night 'Return To Hogwarts' Partners II Pizza - Downtown Woodstock will be giving away free sodas to kids 12 and under and will include free Harry Potter beverage straws while supplies last." (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Cherokee County Animal Shelter: "We've got pocket pets 🐹🐰 available for adoption. These babies are adorable and sweet. The guinea pigs are a little scared at first but get used to a new friend pretty quickly. This bunny boy is an absolute sweetheart ❣️ Stop in to meet them today." (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Bells Ferry Towne Lake: "Missing dog. Her name is Trixie. If you see her, please call 404-884-5136 or 678-525-3283. She went missing 7/19 from the Victoria Station subdivision off Bells Ferry." (Nextdoor)

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Featured events:

• Free Food (July 20)
• Cherokee Sheriff's Office Hiring Event (July 22)
• Rugs, Pillows, ottomans direct from wholesaler up to 80% off - 3 Days only (July 22)
• Family Summer Social: Back-to-School Bash (July 22)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com