Monroe County Recreation Department | | They Are Hitting It Out of the Park! ⚾ | |
Last year the Monroe County Recreation Department hosted 500 VISITING TEAMS representing multiple sports in addition to providing top-notch recreation facilities to the local community. These tournaments and invitationals bring visitors to Forsyth from all over Georgia and the surrounding states.
The Rec Department is embracing the opportunities that come from hosting these events while also expanding their programs for local families. Work is well underway on their brand new 18,000 square foot gymnasium which will include two full-size basketball courts and will allow them to host regional basketball tournaments. They are also breaking ground on a large covered arena which will expand their capability for hosting rodeos, barrel racing and other events.
| | Recreation Director, Landon Sparks, stated “With this expanded capacity we will be well situated to attract larger tournaments and invitationals”. The Rec Department is focused on future growth that will create opportunities for home teams and away teams alike! | | |
Savor the Flavor!
Savor Georgia is the premier culinary guide to Georgia’s delicious and unique dining experiences. Their contributors travel Georgia, sipping and dining all along the way, looking for the best of what our state has to offer.
We are delighted that the 2025 issue included two of Forsyth's food destinations —Congrats! Fox City Brewing Company and Queen Bee Coffee Company. Located next to each other in an historic icehouse, that chill vibe is set – slow down, relax, and enjoy.
| Meet Bob as in Bob's Burger, named after cofounder and brewmaster Bob Zellner of Fox City Brewing Company. The burger comes with a smorgasbord of ingredients: honey whipped peanut butter, raspberry coulis, applewood smoked bacon, and Gruyere cheese. A perfect pairing with a Fox City brew or another tasty beverage! | Speaking of tasty beverages, Queen Bee Coffee Company, family owned and operated, was recognized as a hotspot coffee shop. This cozy shop also offers gifts, sweet treats, and custom roasted espresso drinks. | | |
Two Local Voices Share Their Stories
The City of Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts a regular radio show featuring local stories on Monroe Today. Two recent interviews spotlight local fishing expert and guide, Jeff Mooney of All Seasons Guide Service, and local author, Steve Reece.
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Jeff Mooney
Jeff Mooney is the owner and operator of All Seasons Guide Service, located in Juliette and partner in the CVB's "Fish. Beer. Repeat." Getaway Package. He has a huge passion for fishing, meeting new people, and sharing the joys of fishing with newcomers. In our latest blog, Tight Lines at All Seasons Guide Service, our storyteller delves into Jeff's background and expertise, from being raised with the love of fishing to opening his business to take folks out on guided experiences on Lake Juliette!
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Steve Reece
Long-time crime reporter and columnist for the Monroe County Reporter Steve Reece is a familiar name in the Forsyth area, but did you know he has published two books, including latest release Fish From the Sky? In a recent blog, An Interview with Forsyth Author Steve Reece, Steve shares his story, from growing up as the grandson of a North Georgia moonshiner to working on sets for Hollywood before signing on to write for the Monroe County Reporter. You'll also get to hear him read excerpts from his new book!
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Help Us Welcome Biddy's to Forsyth!
One of America’s top foods—Fried Chicken! Who can resist the beloved comfort food, known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior?
That’s the specialty of Forsyth’s newest restaurant Biddy’s, located at 114 E. Johnston Street across from the Monroe County History Museum.
Biddy’s is a Georgia owned quick service restaurant serving hand-breaded chicken tenders, loaded fries, wings, tender sandwiches, wraps, salads
and more. They offer dine-in, drive thru, carry-out, and online ordering. Give them a try!
Check them out:
114 E Johnston St.
Forsyth GA 31029
(478) 992-0143
Website: biddyschicken.com
Instagram: @biddyschicken
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Tiger Plaza
The Hubbard Alumni Association kicked off their 40 Years celebration by laying the first round of 127 bricks for Tiger Plaza!
Grab a chance to be a piece of Forsyth’s history and make your mark with a commemorative brick. Your purchase entitles you to an engraved brick with your own personalized/special message. Commemorative bricks are a great way to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or recognize a significant milestone.
This is an ongoing project and an opportunity to create a lasting memory!
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Forsyth CVB Celebrates 10 Years!
The city of Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau is celebrating 10 years!
Mayor and Council formed the CVB as the official destination marketing organization in 2015, to help keep heads in beds coming and growing and bring an influx of outside dollars to invest in the local economy. In 2023 (latest figures available) travel in Forsyth/Monroe County supported 846 jobs (6.3% of county employment) generating $76.7 million in economic output and funding essential public services. Tourism strengthens every sector of the economy from restaurants and retail to tech, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Many thanks to the CVB Authority, a team of volunteer experts who keep us focused and strong!
Pictured (Left to Right):
- Paige Darden Bryson, Vice-chair and Retail Representative
- Denise Buff, At Large Representative
- Greg Tapley, At Large Representative
- Lois Allen, City Council Liaison
- Lesle Waters, Restaurant Representative
- Helen Walker, Chairwoman and Restaurant Representative
- Sam Patel, Secretary-Treasurer and Hotel Representative
- Gilda Stanbery, CEO/Executive Director
Not Pictured:
- Sunny Patel, Hotel Representative
- Tushar Patel, Retail Representative
Photo Credit: Monroe County Reporter
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The Greens Await: Forsyth City Golf Course Undergoing Renovation
As the Forsyth City Golf Course enters its 90th year, it is undergoing a major renovation aimed at improving its playability and making it a hub for both residents and visitors. The Forsyth Golf Club was originally conceived in 1935 as a 9-hole public course as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) program during President Roosevelt's era. Today, it boasts an 18-hole layout that provides golfers with an engaging challenge. With a par of 72, it spans an impressive 6,053 yards from the longest tees, offering ample room for players to test their skills while enjoying the serene surroundings.
The planned $700,000 renovation project is designed to revamp the entire 90-acre course, with changes ranging from redesigned greens to new amenities. The city’s investment will go toward a total redesign of all 18 holes. Improvements will include the removal of trees, the addition of new bunkers, and the smoothing of fairways to enhance the course's function and flow. The changes aim to make the course more enjoyable for golfers of all levels.
City officials are hopeful that the improvements will attract more golfers from across the state and beyond. "We get a lot of play from all over the state, all over the country, people traveling through, and this improvement is going to be very important," Mayor Wilson said. The project is slated to be completed by August—get ready to play!
Excerpts source: Jasamine Lee/published 5/6/25 from 13WMAZ
| | Telling Our Story: Black History Museum to Sponsor Special Juneteenth Celebration | | | | |
Telling Our Story: Black History Museum is sponsoring a special Juneteenth celebration again this year!
Juneteenth's origins lie in Galveston, Texas, where Major General Gordon Granger arrived with Union troops on June 19, 1865, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free, but its implementation was slow. Juneteenth is seen as a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday, recognizing its historical significance and cultural impact.
On Saturday, June 21st, bring your tents, chairs and picnic basket for music on the lawn at the W. M. Hubbard Complex. Starting at 4pm, join us for an evening of great foods, soulful music and excitement for the whole family!
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Hamlin Hills Opening Celebration
Hamlin Hills is Back!
They’re thrilled to announce their GRAND REOPENING this Spring 2025 — and they’re kicking things off in style! Join them for a live concert by Free Lance Ruckus on May 18th, 2025 from 1PM to 4PM and celebrate the return of your favorite roadside farm stop! From vintage tractors and military helicopters to homegrown produce, BBQ, and fun for the whole family — Hamlin Hills has something for everyone.
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Meadow Clay Sports May Flowers Shoot
Shoot your shot at the May Flowers Shoot at Meadows Clay Sports! This tournament takes place on Sunday, May 18, 2025. There will be two different events, Main and Super Sporting.
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Sri Maha Rudram & Sri Lalitha Sahasranaama Mahayagnam
Jai Karunamayi! Join us for a total transformation experience – Sri Maha Rudram & Sri Lalitha Sahasranaama Mahayagnam from May 31 through June 9th! This powerful world peace program offered / led by Amma Sri Karunamayi offers a daily homam / Vedic fire ceremony. The mantras chanted by a team of locally and nationally recognized priests will melt the meddling of the mind.
| | | | | To make sure you have all the information you need to plan a memorable visit to Forsyth, we gladly provide plenty of resources, guides and tools to help you along the way. | | | | |
