The Gordon Gazette updates the Community Calendar three times per week. The Community Calendar is a listing of events in Calhoun-Gordon County that the Gordon Gazette provides as free content.

If you'd like an event added, please email the information to staff@gordongazettega.com and we will add it free of charge!

ONGOING

VETERANS COFFEE TIME EACH FRIDAY AT THE CALHOUN-GORDON COUNTY LIBRARY: Veterans coffee hour is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Calhoun-Gordon County Library, located at 100 North Park Avenue in downtown Calhoun. Veterans are invited to enjoy coffee and chat in a relaxed environment.

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP: Bradley Wellness Center (BWC), 1225 Broadrick Drive in Dalton, is beginning a Parkinson’s Support Group on Oct. 2. Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long-term fighter or a caregiver, this group can help. The sessions will include tips, resources and encouragement to help with daily life. The meetings will be held in the upstairs classroom at BWC from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Please call 706-278-9355 to register.

SILVER SNEAKERS CLASS EACH TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: Make sure to join in on this fun Silver Sneakers class every Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9am. Silver Sneakers is a fitness and wellness program offered to seniors that helps you get active, stay fit, and connect with others. Some insurance plans cover the class, however anyone is welcome for a price of $4 per class.

For more information visit call 706-629-2599.

HAMILTON HOSPICE GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT GROUP EVERY FOURTH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH: Hamilton Hospice will begin a new grief and bereavement group every fourth Thursday of the month. The group meets from 12 noon - 1 p.m. at the Dalton-Whitfield County Library, 310 Cappes Street, Dalton.

MUSIC LESSONS AT HARRIS ARTS CENTER: The Harris Arts Center is offering a variety of music lessons with Lauren Talley and Stephen Hare. For more information call the Harris Arts Center, 706-629-2599.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP AT PEEPLES CANCER INSTITUTE: The local Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Peeples Cancer Institute (1215 Memorial Drive in Dalton) conference room. If you have questions, please call 706-226-8966.

ATRIUM HEALTH FLOYD HOLDING STROKE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP: Stroke survivors and caregivers can find support, camaraderie and education during a free monthly support group organized by Atrium Health Floyd. The Stroke Survivor Support Group will meet the first Thursday of each month at noon at Suite 101, 304 Shorter Ave., Rome. The first meeting will take place Nov. 6. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other stroke survivors, share experiences and learn how they can better navigate daily living. Topics include: – general stroke education – nutrition – disease management – physical therapy
– occupational therapy – speech therapy – spiritual support – emotional wellbeing – community – resources – peer support

For more information or to attend, contact Merrell at 706-509-5994. Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The certification recognizes that the hospital has critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

HARRIS ARTS CENTER TO OFFER MAKE & MINGLE MONDAYS: The Harris Arts Center is thrilled to announce their latest art offering! Every fourth Monday, the Arts Center will host their Make & Mingle class! This is your opportunity to work on whatever project you've got going on -- whether it's drawing, painting, crotchet, stitching, sewing, writing…you name it! Bring your materials and chat with other local artists and makers. You might even bounce ideas off one another. Don't have anything to work on but still want to socialize? That's perfect -- there is always something crafty to be done around the Harris Arts Center! This is completely free, however storage and supplies are not offered. Bring what you need and take what you brought! Don't miss out on this fun (& FREE) new avenue. The first Make & Mingle class will be on March 25th from 10 a.m. until Noon.

PUBLIC CAN NOW RECYCLE CANS AT GCF&R RANGER STATION TO ‘GIVE BURNS THE BOOT’: Gordon County Fire & Rescue’s Station 10 in Ranger invites the public to recycle their aluminum cans in the trailer outside of the station, located at 131 US-411, Ranger, to help the ‘Give Burns The Boot’ campaign through the Georgia Firefighter Burn Association. “Give Burns The Boot” is an annual campaign in which more than 100 fire departments throughout the State join together and collect funds to benefit the organization’s mission and programs. The trailer will be a permanent fixture at the fire station.

MARCH 2026

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IS APRIL 1ST: Along with Gordon County Chief Appraiser Ashley Bailey, Gordon County Tax Commissioner Scott Clements reminds homeowners that NOW is the time to apply for the homestead exemption. The State of Georgia offers many varied homestead exemptions, and Gordon County offers five different local homesteads. These local homesteads offer significant savings and are available for 65, 70 and (new for this year) 75 year olds. If you already have the basic homestead exemption but turned 65, 70, or 75 years old last year, contact the Tax Assessor's Office for a homestead "checkup" as you may be eligible for a greater discount. Clements encourages everyone to claim their rightful savings. Applications will be accepted THROUGH APRIL 1ST, 2026, however, applications are also accepted during appeal time. The appeal window opens once the Assessors mail assessment notices, typically late May or early June. For more information regarding Homestead Exemptions, please contact the Assessor's Office at 706-629-6812 or online at https://gordontaxsessors.com

GORDON COUNTY 911 LOOKING FOR ADOPT A DISPATCHER SPONSORS: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is held the second full week of April this year, and in preparation, Gordon County E-911 is looking for interested donors to adopt one of their dispatchers during that week. Anyone interested in adopting a dispatcher by creating a basket of their favorite things is asked to reach out to Lt. Silvers. The deadline for donations is April 6th. To find out what the dispatchers’ favorite items are for donations, contact Lt. Silvers at macey.silvers@gordoncountyga.gov

DOWNTOWN CALHOUN’S 2026 FARMERS MARKET ANNOUNCED; APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED: The Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market is returning for an exciting 2026 season and will begin earlier this year. The market will open on Saturday, May 23rd and run through Saturday, September 19th, taking place every Tuesday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at City Park, 308 N Wall Street, Calhoun, GA 30701. After welcoming more than 10,000 shoppers last season, the Downtown Calhoun Farmers Market is preparing for an even bigger and brighter year filled with fresh local food, handmade goods, and meaningful community connections. The market is proud to be more than a place to shop. It is designed to be a true community gathering space. Signature programming such as Kids Day, Tomato Week, and other themed market experiences will return this season, with additional details to be announced soon. Vendor applications are now open and can be found on the market’s new website at DowntownCalhounFarmersMarket.com. Interested vendors are encouraged to apply by Wednesday, March 18th.

PAMPERED HEAD SPA & SKIN CO. DONATING $25 GIFT CARDS TO TEACHERS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: Pampered Head Spa, located on Peters Street in Calhoun, is giving away $25 gift cards for teachers in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. Text to book at 423-916-2233.

TEAM REFERRAL NETWORKING GROUP COMING TO CALHOUN: TEAM stands for Together Everyone Achieves More and is a business referral organization built for local sales professionals and business owners who grow through relationships and referrals.
TEAM works especially well for:
• Realtors & mortgage lenders
• Insurance & financial professionals
• Home service providers (roofing, HVAC,
lawn, trades)
• Services industries & consultants
By joining TEAM, you’re essentially gaining a dedicated sales team — a group of trusted professionals actively looking for opportunities to generate leads and business for you.
Each group is industry-exclusive, locally led, and focused on producing real, qualified referrals within our community.
Calhoun is leveling up in business referrals and growth. Fill out the link below to get more information.
https://link.agent-crm.com/widget/form/1XcbSZBx922S1G5iAWvJ

CALHOUN GORDON COUNTY LIBRARY WEEK OF EVENTS: Join the Calhoun-Gordon County Library for some free, fun events this March! | Acompáñenos en algunos eventos divertidos y gratuitos este mes de marzo.

Weekly Events:

- Mondays @ 10 a.m. - Workout with Nancy (18+)

- Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m. - Noni’s Nook Storytime (Birth - 5th grade)

- Tuesdays @ 1:00 p.m. - Board Games and Cards (18+)

- Thursdays @ 10:30 a.m. - Baby Lapsit (Birth - 2)

- Fridays @ 10:30 a.m. - Veterans Coffee Time (18+)

- Fridays @ 4 p.m. - Trivia! (18+)

- Tuesday, 3/31 @ 10 a.m. - Art with Emily (18+)

APRIL 2026

2026 CONCERTS SET AT THE GEM THEATRE: Additional Concerts will be Announced Throughout the Year! In April:

• Glen Templeton – Apr 11 at 7:30pm | $40–$50 | MORE THAN HALFWAY SOLD OUT
• JUMP!: America’s Van Halen Experience – Apr 17 at 7:30pm | $40-$55
• John Berry – Apr 18 at 7pm | $45–$50

Tickets are available at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=gemth

The GEM is located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun.

SHS AG PROGRAM TO HOLD PLANT SALE APRIL 1-4: Sonoraville High School Agriculture Program would appreciate your continued support! Of course, the plants will be even bigger and better by April 1st! 9 a.m. - 6 pm. April 1-3 and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. April 4th. For more info, email jstodghill@gcbe.org or call 912-309-4300.

GORDON COUNTY GOVERNMENT HOSTING SERVICE SPOTLIGHT ON APRIL 1ST: The public is invited to help Gordon County celebrate National County Government Month at the Service Spotlight event from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1st. The public can discover the programs, resources, and departments working every day to serve you and your family. Meet your local officials, ask questions, and see how we’re building a stronger community together. You can even file for a homestead exemption that day! Wednesday, April 1st at City Park (formerly BB&T Park) from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

EASTER AT MEADOWDALE TO BE HELD APRIL 3 - 6TH: Join Meadowdale Baptist Church, located at 1811 Rome Road NW in Calhoun, for Easter Services! Good Friday, April 3rd @ 6 PM (sign up required online by 3/29); Easter Egg Hunt, April 4th @ 1-3 PM; Sunrise Service, April 5th @ 7 AM and Easter Sunday Service, April 5th @ 10:45 AM.

SLAR'S 2026 EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA TO BE HELD SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH: Join Samantha Lusk & Associates, located at 208 North River Street in Calhoun, for their FREE Easter EGGstravaganza Event on Saturday, April 4th, 2026 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM!! FREE Professional Photos with the Easter Bunny himself! FREE Easter Bags! (while supplies last). SLAR will be collecting pet food, toys, treats, towels, etc. for our local animal shelters. There is a huge need this year, so please donate if you can. Parking at the VFW

AMERICA'S HOME PLACE TO HOLD EASTER EGG HUNT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH: Join America's Home Place, located at 309 Belwood Road in Calhoun, on Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for their Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Liberty Federal Credit Union. Bring your children and join a fun Easter Egg Hunt. You can also take the opportunity to meet the people who make it all happen, from the sales process to preparing your land and loan documents and what you can expect throughout a build of your new home, while answering frequently asked questions.

CRANE EATER COMMUNITY CHURCH EASTER SERVICE TO BE HELD APRIL 5TH: You're invited to celebrate Easter with Crane Eater! Easter is a time of hope, joy, and new life. Crane Eater would love for you and your family to join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the hope we have because of Him. Come experience uplifting worship, an encouraging message, and a welcoming community. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend! We can't wait to celebrate with you. 11 a.m. at 3168 Red Bud Road NE in Calhoun.

CALHOUN REC’S TOUCH OF CALHOUN IS BACK ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11! Bring the whole family out for one of Calhoun’s favorite hands-on events! Kids will have the chance to climb, explore, and interact with real trucks and emergency vehicles while enjoying a day full of fun. Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Calhoun Recreation Department. FREE Family Event. What to expect: • Climb & explore real trucks • Food trucks • Local vendors • Music. ***Sensory Hour: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM for a quieter, more sensory-friendly experience*** Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come experience a Touch of Calhoun! If you’re interested in setting up as a vendor, please contact Laura Carter at Lcarter@calnet-ga.net

PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TO HOLD FIRST EVER GOLF TOURNAMENT ON APRIL 17TH: Join Philadelphia Christian School at Field's Ferry Golf Course (581 Fields Ferry Drive in Calhoun) on Friday, April 17th for their first-ever Golf Tournament. $500 per team; $125 per player; $25 Mulligan Package. 8 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. Tee Time. Register by visiting pcscalhoun.org. Prizes: $500 - first place; $300-second place; $200-third place. Prizes for Longest Drive and Closest to Pin.

BBQ AND BOOGIE MAKES ITS RETURN TO DOWNTOWN CALHOUN APRIL 24-25! Mark your calendars for Friday night, April 24th and all day Saturday, April 25th as Downtown Calhoun is transformed into a full-on celebration from one end of downtown to the other for the 2026 BBQ and Boogie festival. This isn’t just a festival… it’s a whole weekend experience. You can expect:

• Live music rolling all weekend long

Some of the best BBQ pitmasters in the state serving up serious flavor

• 100+ retail and food vendors lining the streets

• Cold beer trailers to keep you refreshed

• A fun-packed Kids Zone for the little ones

• Downtown shops and restaurants wide open and joining the fun

MOVIE NIGHT AT MANNING MILL PARK ON APRIL 25: Come and join us for a free, family movie night! Bring your family, friends and your lawn chairs! The movie "Pitch Perfect 2" will start at dark! Manning Mill Park is located at 163 Manning Mill Road in Adairsville.

MAY 2026

2026 CONCERTS SET AT THE GEM THEATRE: Additional Concerts will be Announced Throughout the Year! In May:

• Brian Bates – May 2 at 7:30pm | $40–$56
• Cledus T. Judd – May 15 at 7:30pm | $25–$35 | MORE THAN HALFWAY SOLD OUT
Tickets are available at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=gemth

The GEM is located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun.

CITY OF CALHOUN YOUTH PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT ON MAY 2ND AT CALHOUN REC PICKLEBALL COURTS: The City of Calhoun Youth Scholarship Pickleball Tournament is coming up, and you’re invited to hit the courts for a great cause!
This fun, high-energy tournament helps fund youth sports scholarships right here in our community — so every serve makes a difference. Will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Calhoun Rec's Pickleball Courts, 110 Recreation Drive Calhoun, GA 30701. $50 per player. Divisions: Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles. Competitive players welcome, Beginners encouraged. Family-friendly event. Awards & prizes up for grabs! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning the game, come out for a day of fun, friendly competition, and community support. Register today: www.calhounrec.com. Email: hamick@calnet-ga.net if you have any questions. Let’s keep kids in the game!

DOLLY DAY AND DASH TO BE HELD IN RINGGOLD ON MAY 2: Dolly Parton was married in Ringgold in 1966! Since then, the beloved Country singer has become an icon in Ringgold and has inspired an astounding event in her honor. With live music, food trucks, shopping, look-alike contests, line dancing, and more, this event has something for everyone to enjoy! Register for the 2026 Dolly Dash 5k, 10k, and 1-mile fun run here: https://www.phoenixraceocr.com/dolly-dash.html/. The day starts with the delightful Dolly Dash, which includes 1 mile, 5k, and 10k options for participants. Money raised from the Dash benefits The Rec Project, Lift, Lighthouse Ministry Trip, and Flourish Foster Care. Please visit the link below for more information on the race, including sponsorship opportunities, the race map, and runner applications. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. in downtown Ringgold, Georgia.

ALL STAR FIREWORKS ANNUAL DEMO DAY TO BE HELD SATURDAY, MAY 2ND: All Star Fireworks owner Scott Lunsford and his team will be holding their annual Demo Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at All Star Fireworks, located at 976 Hwy 53 WSW Spur, on the hill, in Calhoun. Food begins at 6:00 p.m., with demos of the fireworks that the store will carry this year beginning after dark. It is recommended for attendees to bring your own lawn chair.

AN EVENING OF SOUTHERN CHARM, CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT…TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE UNITED WAY OF GORDON COUNTY’S BLESS YOUR DERBY HEART EVENT: Put on your finest Derby hat or sharpest bowtie and join United Way of Gordon County for Bless Your Derby Heart, a brand-new signature fundraising event inspired by the timeless tradition of the Kentucky Derby. The event will be held on May 2nd. Set against the beautiful backdrop of 2400 On the River, this unforgettable evening will blend Southern elegance, festive fun, and heartfelt purpose — all in support of the programs and partnerships that strengthen our community.

Guests will enjoy a lively night filled with:

•Derby-inspired décor and Southern charm •Signature cocktails, including classic mint juleps •Bourbon Tasting (add-on to ticket)

•Delicious Southern bites •Casino and Derby Games with chances to win raffle prizes •Silent and Live Auction •A Derby hat and style contest •Opportunities to give back and make a lasting impact •A shared viewing and celebration of the Kentucky Derby race

Whether you come for the fun, the fashion, or the mission, Bless Your Derby Heart promises a night to remember!

Why It Matters: Proceeds from Bless Your Derby Heart support United Way of Gordon County’s mission to improve lives and strengthen our community. Funds raised help local partner agencies address critical needs, including education, food insecurity, health, and financial stability for families right here in Gordon County. When we come together, United is the Way we create opportunity, hope, and lasting change. Tickets are on sale now. There is a $15 coupon for tickets purchased before March 31st if you use the code EARLYDERBY15. Visit https://www.gordoncountyunitedway.org/derby to purchase tickets. This event is presented by Mohawk.

DANCING WITH THE STARS-CALHOUN RETURNS MAY 15-16: “Dancing with the Stars – Calhoun” returns for a fifth consecutive season but with a new format and the largest cast of dancers to date: 34 local high school students! Seventeen couples will fill the stage to provide the biggest show to date on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 2026. Purchase your tickets online (dwtscalhoun.ludus.com) beginning Sunday, March 29th when ticket sales open to the public. You can also email info@dwtscalhoun.com for more information!

RUN FOR HOPE TO BE HELD AT THE CALHOUN REC ON MAY 16: Run For Hope coming May 16, 2026! Sign up with the link to run, walk or sponsor https://raceroster.com/events/2026/107267/run-for-hope-5k. Proceeds go towards Rocky Top Foster Care, providing stable and caring compassion for neglected and disadvantage youth referred State wide from the Department of Family and Children Services.

THE ROCK GARDEN AND STRAWBERRY PICKING ON MAY 22: Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on May 22nd, enjoy this two part trip. Come explore the beautiful miniature monuments at The Rock Garden in Calhoun then go to pick strawberries in Rome!
The Rock Garden is behind the Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church on Rome Road, so drive to the back of the church to park. The strawberries are at LCCL in Rome. You will pay per pound to LCCL for berries. They take cash only. Please remember lots of cash for your berries if you choose to go to that part of this field trip. (The Rock Garden is free.) You MUST email us at wildwoodnatureacademy@gmail.com to confirm attendance

LAFAYETTE HONEYBEE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD SATURDAY, MAY 30TH: An annual festival whose theme is the honeybee, highlighting arts/crafts vendors as well as food and entertainment. Free Musical Entertainment will be a big part of the day long event, with many top local groups performing. Other activities will be a Kids Zone, a BBQ Competition, a Baking Contest, a Pageant, and a Cruise In including antique tractors, along with other activities. An education area will be filled with lots of learning opportunities. This is a FREE Event to attend and enjoy for the entire family! 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. For festival information or applications please visit our webpage at https://www.myhoneybeefestival.com

JUNE 2026

2026 CONCERTS SET AT THE GEM THEATRE: Additional Concerts will be Announced Throughout the Year! In June:

• Confederate Railroad – Jun 13 at 7pm | $45–$50
Tickets are available at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=gemth

The GEM is located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun.