February 2026 Community Life - Canton Metro Atlanta Film Summit Returns Following a successful inaugural year, the Metro Atlanta Film Summit (MAFS) returns for its second annual event on March 13, hosted at the YANMAR EVO//Center. The one-day summit welcomes professionals of all skill sets across the metro region for a dynamic experience centered on meaningful connections and actionable education. In addition to networking, attendees will have the opportunity to gain both practical skill development and forward-looking perspectives through workshop-style breakout sessions and inspiring keynote and feature presentations from industry standouts and thought leaders. Last year’s topics included camera tools, voiceover, accessibility in film, motion capture, film finance, and more.The team behind MAFS passionately believes that the diversely talented people who make up the metro region’s film workforce are the heartbeat of Georgia’s film production. Created as a beacon for inspiration, perspective, and connection, MAFS convenes creatives and industry leaders to ignite conversations that empower the metro filmmaking community and help chart a path forward together.As one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, Atlanta’s influence extends well beyond the city core. Its surrounding counties represent a deep pool of talent, resources, and opportunities for major productions and independent filmmakers alike – making the metro region a compelling, competitive market on a national and global scale.“MAFS brings together informed leadership from across the industry to foster conversations that keep Georgia’s film sector strong,” said Molly Mercer, director of film at the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. “That strength translates into economic opportunity – not only for filmmakers, but for the many businesses, support services, and communities impacted statewide.”Driven by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), MAFS evolved from the Cherokee Film Summit. The expansion to a metro-wide summit reflects the growing importance of collaboration across communities. More information is available at MetroAtlantaFilmSummit.com. ——————————————————————————————————Georgia Police and Fire Games Coming to Cherokee County For 42 years, the Georgia Police and Fire Games have provided an opportunity for law enforcement and public safety professionals to come together in camaraderie, proudly represent their departments while they compete in Olympic-style games, and network with fellow public safety employees from across the nation. Cherokee County has committed to hosting the games for 2026 and 2027. The games are open to active and retired law enforcement and public safety, as well as support staff, 9-1-1 dispatchers, and others. Qualification rules are posted at CherokeeCountyGa.gov/GPFG/index.php. Registration is now open.The games will be held June 8-14. The last day of the games is a rain contingency. Events include Toughest Firefighter, Toughest Cop, bench press, powerlifting, singles and doubles pickleball and tennis, skeet shooting, mountain biking, cycling, pistol match, marksman competition, motorcycle rodeo, and archery. Team events include golf, bass fishing, 3v3 basketball, softball, soccer, and flag football. ——————————————————————————————————Visit Woodstock GA Announces 2026 Event DatesDowntown Crawl Series Themed afternoon events focused on promoting visits to local food establishments, each featuring delicious food and drink specials. Dates for 2026 are February 7, Mardi Gras; March 14, Shamrock; May 2, Dos de Mayo; October 3, Oktoberfest; December 5, Cozy Crawl. Sip + Shop Series Festive evenings with specials and treats offered by retailers. The Spring Sip + Shop is March 26, and the Holiday Sip + Shop is November 19.Farm. Fresh. Market Returns for its 13th season beginning April 18, and runs every Saturday morning from 8:30am-12:00pm until December 19. Georgia Craft Brewers Festival This ticketed event returns to Woodstock on April 11.Family Fun Night Series Returns on the third Thursday of each month, May through August. Discover Woodstock Scavenger HuntWill run from June 12-July 12. Summer Scratch Off This shopping event returns with its lottery of fun on August 1-31.Taste of Woodstock Returns on September 10 on the Woodstock Arts Event Green and Market Street, bringing restaurants from throughout the city into one space to highlight their cuisines in small bites. Scarecrow Invasion Returns October 1-31, with registration for scarecrow designs beginning on September 1. Ghouls Night Out Returns October 30, for downtown trick-or-treating.Walking Tour SeriesThese engaging, informational small-group tours are scheduled for the last Thursday of each month, April-October.For up-to-date Visit Woodstock GA annual event information, please log on to VisitWoodstockGa.com/annual-events.——————————————————————————————————Cherokee Awarded $7.6 Million for Highway 92 Safety Improvements As part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, Cherokee County submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for funding assistance last June. The county was awarded $7.6 million for the Highway 92 Multimodal Safety Project. Cherokee County was one of 521 communities nationwide that secured part of the $982 million in federal funding and one of only five counties in Georgia to secure funding.Specific safety improvement project areas include Highway 92 at Bells Ferry Road, Highway 92 at Kellogg Creek Road, Highway 92 at Trickum Road, Highway 92 at Woodstock Road, Highway 92 at Lovejoy Lane, Highway 92 from Bells Ferry Road to Lovejoy Lane, Highway 92 from Main Street to Trickum Road, Highway 92 from Kellogg Creek Road to Woodstock Road, Highway 92 from Woodstock Road to Wade Green Road NW, and Highway 92 from Kellogg Creek Road to Trickum Road (corridor-wide).While improvements for each specific project area vary, they include LED lighting installation, emergency vehicle pre-emption equipment, evaluation of median openings to determine if conversion to directional openings is needed, traffic light timing, pedestrian signalization, and improved signage.To view the full safety action plan, visit CherokeeCountyGa.gov and click on “Comprehensive Safety Action Plan” on the homepage.——————————————————————————————————City of Woodstock Officials Sworn InJudge Robert Tidwell administered the oath of office to the mayor and City Council Members Warren Johnson (Ward 1), Colin Ake (Ward 3), and Brian Wolfe (Ward 5).The mayor and the City Council then voted to affirm several reappointments to advisory and planning bodies. Mayor Caldwell administered oaths to Lisa Morton, Spencer Nix, and Melissa Madigan for the Downtown Development Authority and Rob Hogan, Ali Najafi, and Chase Roth for the Planning Commission.The meeting also included council business such as board appointments and reappointments including the Ethics Board and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Council Member Colin Ake was appointed mayor pro tempore, City Manager Jeff Moon was reappointed to the Cherokee County Development Authority, and Cherokee County Appointee David Moody was ratified as Land Bank Board Member.For agendas, minutes, and videos of Woodstock City Council meetings, visit WoodstockGa.gov/meetings. ——————————————————————————————————Woodstock Resident Wins TV Game Show Grand PrizeWoodstock resident Demetria Lane competed on Game Show Network’s Flip Side with her best friend Biannka Walker, and they won the grand prize of $10,000. Lane and Walker plan to use their winnings to take a girls trip.——————————————————————————————————Cherokee Elections Wins National Communicator Award The Cherokee County Elections & Voter Registration Office has earned national recognition for excellence in voter communication and outreach. The office recently received the Communicator Award from the Partnership for Large Election Jurisdictions, honoring outstanding efforts to provide clear, accessible, and accurate election information. The award recognizes the success of the county’s Voter Education and Community Outreach initiatives, led in large part by Community Outreach Specialist Donna Kosicki (pictured), which have strengthened public understanding of voter registration, voting options, and election integrity.——————————————————————————————————Woodstock Middle School Student Wins Regional Essay Contest Seventh-grader Eden Amosa is the Cherokee County winner and the regional runner-up for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s 24th annual essay contest, which is open to all metro Atlanta middle school students. Her essay, entitled “The Importance of the Wastewater Treatment Process,” is posted on CCSD’s website. Amosa was recognized at the regional awards ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol. ——————————————————————————————————Small Business Advancement Series Offered in Cherokee CountyThe 2026 Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Advancement Series is hosted to help small businesses grow. It consists of a dynamic four-part, in-person program that is delivered quarterly through a series of expert-led workshops. Participants will gain invaluable insights into business growth strategies, management best practices, and industry trends. Sessions include• February 10 - Digital Marketing Mastery: Strategies That Convert• May 12 - QuickBooks Made Simple: Financial Tools For Entrepreneurs • August 11 - Leadership That Works: Skills for Owners & Managers• November 10 - Financial Fluency: What Every Business Owner Should Know The sessions are free to attend, but registration is required. All programs are from 9:00-11:00am, at Thrive Canton at The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200, Canton. Hosted by the City of Canton and the Cherokee Office of Economic Development through the Small Business Development Center at Kennesaw State University, please scan the QR code to register or for more information.——————————————————————————————————Newly Elected and Reelected Council Members Take Oath of Office At the first City Council meeting of 2026, newly elected council member Darrell Rice, Ward 1, and reelected members Bryan Roach, Ward 2, and Dwayne Waterman, Ward 3, were sworn in to Council by taking the Oath of Office as presented by Mayor Bill Grant.At the ceremony, Rice, Roach, and Waterman each emphasized the importance of listening to their constituents, being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and making decisions that keep Canton moving forward. For Council meeting agendas and minutes, visit Canton.Legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.——————————————————————————————————Mark Your Calendars — Canton’s Signature Annual Events Announced These free-to-attend celebrations highlight Canton’s culture, creativity, and strong sense of community throughout the year. Events that don’t currently have specific dates will be announced as they are solidified. Please visit ExploreCantonGa.com/events/annual-events for updates.West Main Arts Festival (March 7) Enjoy a fine arts market featuring local artists, live music throughout the day, and engaging street performances.Wing & Rock Fest (March 21–22) The Southeast’s largest wing festival brings together top local wing vendors, live music, and high-energy entertainment for a crowd-pleasing event.First Fridays (May–October)On the first Friday of each month, downtown Canton comes alive with live music, food trucks, and family friendly fun. Main Street closes to traffic, creating a lively block party atmosphere.River Rock Concert & Festival (Summer) Held at Etowah River Park, this outdoor music festival features nationally recognized artists across multiple genres. Riverfest (September 26-27) This popular arts and crafts festival attracts more than 25,000 visitors to Etowah River Park. With hundreds of vendors, it’s the perfect place to shop for unique, handmade items while supporting the Service League of Cherokee County with an entry fee donation.Canton Multicultural Festival (Fall) Enjoy food tastings, music, dance, and performances representing cultures from across the globe.Denim Fest (Fall) Celebrate Canton’s rich textile history at The Mill on Etowah, once home to one of the world’s largest denim producers. The festival features live music, a BBQ cook-off, and family friendly activities.Christmas in Canton (December) Historic Downtown Canton transforms into a festive winter wonderland. Enjoy the downtown tree lighting, visits with Santa, holiday parades, and seasonal shopping.——————————————————————————————————Cherokee High School Student Places in Statewide Art ContestSenior Grace Dai earned second place in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest. Her entry, The Fall of the House of Chief Vann, will be displayed at the Georgia State Capitol during the 2026 legislative session. Dai has also been selected for the Governor’s Honors Program for Visual Arts and inclusion of her artwork in the Atlanta High School Art Exhibit.
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