Canton Notes

If you have ever been to Ball Ground, you have likely visited beautiful Calvin Farmer Park. While there, you may have wondered — who is Calvin Farmer?

Calvin Farmer was born in 1877 to William J. and Polly Farmer. Calvin graduated from the Chicago Engineering Works on March 30, 1926. He married Arizona Lee Ingram, and they had seven children: two sets of twins and one set of triplets. Calvin owned and operated a hotel in downtown Ball Ground until 1965, at which time it was demolished. The land was vacant until, years later, the City purchased the property to be used as a park.

Despite all the rain delays experienced during the first quarter of 2020, construction of the Town Center Road Network Project has steadily been moving forward. The contractor has been able to complete the construction of Betty Barrett Way between Hickory Road and Walnut Street, widen Hickory Road east of the railroad, and build a new driveway access for Cherokee County Fire Station 8. The contractor has also constructed the new intersection of Betty Barrett Way and Walnut Street, built the southern half of the new roundabout on Hickory Road, and started work on the conversion of the northern section of Palm Street to a right-in/right-out configuration.

While working from home, I overheard a gentleman on television say, “I wish I knew today what I’m going to learn tomorrow.” Without a doubt, no one could have predicted the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our lives. Just a few weeks before we began sheltering in place, I gave my State of the City address and shared my excitement for Canton’s future. While we have been thrown a curveball of historic proportions, my optimism remains intact.

The impact of this disaster cannot be underestimated. Many people are afraid and suffering. Within this uncertainty, it is human nature to assign blame or direct anger toward others. None of us have ever experienced anything like this, and we all react in different ways. Some people share frustrations on social media where it’s easy to think with their fingers before common sense catches up, hurting and offending others who are just as fragile.

Despite all of the rain delays experienced this winter, the contractor was able to complete the construction of Betty Barrett Way between Hickory Road and Walnut Street, widen Hickory Road east of the railroad, and build a new driveway access for Cherokee County Fire Station #8. The contractor has also constructed the new intersection of Betty Barrett Way and Walnut Street, built the southern half of the new roundabout on Hickory Road, and started work on the conversion of the northern section of Palm Street to a right-in/right-out configuration.

Holly Springs has been ranked Georgia’s 2nd Safest City by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. This is the fourth year in a row that our city has appeared on the list. The Council analyzes the most recent FBI Crime Report statistics as well as population data and internal research. Cities are then ranked based on the number of reported violent and property crimes per 1,000 people.  I am very proud of the job our police department is doing to keep us all safe.

Do you know how Ball Ground got its name? Or how Cherokee County got its name? These questions and many more can be answered by attending a Ball Ground Historical Society meeting. While at the meeting, consider joining, so you can learn more about the history of where you live, work, and play.

The Ball Ground Historical Society is the brainchild of a reunion committee for Ball Ground Elementary School. The committee was originally formed to organize a reunion of people who attended or worked at Ball Ground ES. The reunion was a huge success! Everyone enjoyed visiting with old friends and reminiscing. After hearing so many stories and seeing historical pictures at the reunion, the committee thought it would be a great time to preserve the history of Ball Ground.

The citizens of Canton have often voiced their desire to have many recreational options. The City is committed to providing a means for our residents and visitors to walk the community through a trail system that borders the Etowah River and connects parks to the downtown area.

Many years ago, the City began the process of constructing Heritage Park and the YMCA. Boling Park offers residents walking paths and recreation fields. Additional trails at Boling Park were created by local scouts for hiking in the woods along the Etowah River.

Holly Springs offers exciting things to do all year long, so mark your calendars now. Additional details can be found at HollySpringsGa.us/events.

The future of Ball Ground looks as bright as ever! In 2020, projects will be completed, and new projects will begin.

Phase one of the Roberts Lake Project is anticipated to be completed by midyear. To date, three footbridges have been installed, approximately 1 mile of trail has been cleared, and markers have been placed. City staff is working to secure the old power generating building to make it safe for visitors. Stay tuned for exciting updates.

As the City of Canton’s new mayor, I want to thank you for your support and wish you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2020. This will be a pivotal year, as we continue our positive momentum with a new City Council, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to improving the quality of life and opportunities for all our citizens. While our progress is undeniable, it will certainly take a lot of work and political will to maintain our unique small town character and charm while enhancing accessibility to the modern conveniences that have a positive impact on the ways we work, live, and play in Canton.

I love when I have been assisting business owners, community activists, or residents over the phone or by email with a problem they are having, and then I finally get to meet them in person. There is just something about putting a face with a name that brings to life whatever project or problem we were working on together.

Over the past several years, the staff at the City of Holly Springs has been keeping citizens abreast of every step taken, as we get closer to breaking ground on the Town Center Project. In 2020, years of behind-the-scenes planning and preparing will finally give way to visible progress on this much anticipated project in downtown Holly Springs. I am happy to finally put faces with some of the names you have been hearing about for so long.

Before I reflect upon my first year serving as chairman, I must mention that it has been great to work with fellow members of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. We haven’t always initially agreed, but we’ve been able to compromise enough that, so far, all votes have been unanimous. Buzz Ahrens built that cooperative atmosphere during his 12 years as chairman, and I hope to continue it.

Looking back, 2019 has been a great year for Ball Ground. Rick Roberts, who has served as Ball Ground’s mayor for more than 28 years, has seen our community blossom into a thriving downtown. And, according to Mayor Roberts, two of the projects completed this year will have a lasting impact on the city.The Roberts Lake Project, a pristine property once home to a dam on Long Swamp Creek, was Ball Ground’s first source of power in the 1920s. Though it served the people well as a power source, this property will now serve the community as a place of recreation for many years to come. An initial pathway has been cleared, and footbridges are being constructed and put into place, making the area more easily accessible to hikers. The goal is to open the park to the public in July 2020.

In recent months, a lot has been happening in Holly Springs. Here’s an update on projects and initiatives:A resolution from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to raise the speed limit on Interstate 575 within the Holly Springs city limit from 65 mph to 70 mph was approved during the council’s August business meeting. GDOT changed the speed limit signs in early September.

Construction on the Hickory Road and Palm Street intersection improvements is underway. Georgia Development Partners has started grading for the new roadway between Walnut Street and the new roundabout on Hickory Road just east of Cherokee County Fire Station #8. This project will take approximately 12 months to complete. The project will include an additional western travel lane on Hickory Road, elimination of the stop sign on Hickory Road east of the railroad, and the conversion of the intersection of Palm Street at Hickory Road to a right-in/right-out configuration.

Now that fall has arrived, it’s a great time to pack up the family and head to Ball Ground to see what’s happening! The beautiful Ball Ground Botanical Garden and Calvin Farmer Park make the perfect spot for a family picnic or those long overdue family photos.As you travel through downtown, don’t let the seasonal “visitors” give you a fright. It’s Ball Ground’s annual Invasion of the Scarecrows contest! Each year, Karla Weaver and the Ball Ground Main Street Board sponsor this event, along with the Ball Ground Business Association. The contest is open to individuals, businesses, organizations, and clubs with a Ball Ground address. If you are interested in participating, please contact Karla Weaver at 770-735-2123 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The winners will be announced at the Spooktacular event Friday, October 25.

Town Center Road Network Project Update
The city council approved the contract with Georgia Development Partners on May 20 for the construction of the Town Center Road Network Project. The project includes the construction of a roundabout on Hickory Road east of Cherokee Fire Station #8, the addition of a westbound travel lane from the roundabout to Holly Springs Parkway, the construction of a new roadway from Palm Street to Hickory Road starting at Walnut Street, and the conversion of the end of Palm Street to a right-in/right-out intersection. Construction began in late July with an estimated completion of fall 2020. 

At its June meeting, the Ball Ground City Council voted unanimously to approve the purchase of properties from five different landowners and to seek funding for the purchase from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, administered by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, for the Roberts Lake Park Project.The idea to purchase this beautiful gift from nature began on a hot summer day in July 2008. City Manager Eric Wilmarth and City Council Member John Byrd laid their eyes on something they knew about but had never seen. Each had heard of the beauty of Roberts Lake and how it once supplied power to Ball Ground in the 1920s but had never had the opportunity to visit. After reaching their destination, only accessible by an all-terrain vehicle or on foot, they were in awe. They immediately knew this property would offer something great for Ball Ground.

As Laine Wood sat in a film festival with friends in her old hometown of Sanford, Florida, a year ago, a seed began to germinate, and an idea was born. Fast forward to May 24, and welcome to the inaugural Etowah Film Festival (EFF) in Canton.Wood found a business partner in Brent Lambert-Zaffino, and the two began contacting filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and sponsors to promote their product, and submissions began arriving.

Several people reviewed the submissions, spending about 100 hours judging entries. Genres included Documentary, Domestic Violence, Subject Narrative, Feature Narrative, Student Short, Horror Film Short, Georgia High School Film, and Animated Film. Though it’s an international film festival, many of the entries were created locally by native Georgia writers, producers, crews, and actors.

By Hannah Mitchell

Former Holly Springs Mayor Johnny Brackett passed away April 15, 2019. To honor his years of service to the City, we would like to dedicate this month’s column to his memory. This eulogy was written by Mayor Brackett’s granddaughter, Hannah Mitchell. — Erin Honea, Main Street Director, City of Holly Springs

Johnny was born February 12, 1943 at home in the North Canton Mill Village to Cecil and Ruby Brackett. The doctor gave the wrong date when he filled out the paperwork and put down February 14 instead. He was married July 23, 1961 to Barbara “Bobbie” Williams in a secret ceremony in Dallas, Georgia, and kept it a secret until Thanksgiving of that year.  

Spring has sprung, and the first official day of summer is only a few short weeks away. Time to hit the road to enjoy all life has to offer. Each waking moment is precious time God gives us to spend with family and friends. Take advantage of that time and head to Ball Ground. Though small compared to other cities, what Ball Ground has to offer is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.Downtown Development/Main Street Director Karla Weaver invites you to take advantage of a unique shopping and dining experience. Our calendar of events lists the season’s first Concert in the Park featuring the Local Legends band on June 1. Greg Henderson and his band will provide you with an evening of your favorite rock and country tunes.

Spring has sprung, and the beautiful weather means outdoor activities. Kicking off the season will be the Canton Festival of the Arts in Brown Park on May 4-5, which is always a fun event with an artist market, children’s activities, live music, food vendors, and this year’s new addition — a Chalk Walk. Preregistration is suggested for the Chalk Walk, but walk-up entries are welcome if space and supplies are available. There is a small fee to register. For more information, visit CantonArtFestival.com, or call the Arts Center at 770-704-6244. The festival is a rain or shine event that goes from 10:00am-5:00pm both days.With all the spring cleaning surely to occur, remember that Canton has Dumpster Day the first Saturday of every month, 8:00am-12:00pm, at 151 Elizabeth Street. Dumpster Days are provided for City of Canton residents only. Please bring proof of residency when dropping off items. The following items are NOT accepted: CRT TV or monitor (old style tube televisions or computer monitors), refrigerators, fuel tanks, motor oil, fuel drums, household hazardous waste, antifreeze, wet paint, paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals, or commercial waste. If you have any questions, contact Code Compliance Manager Merrick McClure at 770-704-1554, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..