Cobb County Government offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day. We wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July. Many county services will remain available on our website here.
Celebrate the fourth in Cobb
Celebrate Independence Day in Cobb on Wednesday and Thursday. Surround yourself with thrilling fireworks, concerts, parades and more at one of Cobb County’s Independence Day celebrations.
► Kennesaw’s Salute to America - Rock out to live music at the pre-Independence Day celebration 6 - 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at Depot Park, 2829 Cherokee Street. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. More information here.
► Marietta’s Fourth in the Park Festival - Celebrate Independence Day 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the Marietta Square. The parade starts at 10 a.m., followed by live music, an arts and crafts show, and fireworks. More information here.
► Powder Springs 4th of July Celebration - Take in a car show, food vendors, two live bands, and amazing fireworks 6 - 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Thurman Springs Park, 4485 Pineview Drive. More information here.
► Acworth July 4th Concert and Fireworks - Enjoy live music and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Acworth around 9:30 p.m. Festivities run 4 - 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Cauble Park, 4425 Beach Street. More information here.
Be safe with pyrotechnics
Using sparklers and setting off fireworks at home can be fun, but it's also risky. If you choose to set them off on your property, be aware of state and county laws regarding their use -- as well as the safety precautions you need to follow. Cobb County allows fireworks to be discharged until midnight July 3 and July 4.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited at all county parks. This includes historic sites, recreational areas or state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.
You must be 18 or older to purchase or ignite fireworks. It is illegal to let young children play with them.
Other safety tips:
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Prepare pets for noise
Fireworks can be great fun for people. But all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away.
Walk your dog earlier in the day.
Keep pets indoors in a safe space.
Close the curtains and play music to drown out the noise.
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.
Reel in the fun at Fishing Rodeos
Round up your gear and saddle up for the annual Cobb PARKS Fishing Rodeo. You have four chances to cast your line at our fishing ponds. Catch the big one and earn bragging rights. Winners will be awarded at each event.
Parents - just register the kids who are fishing, $5 per child.
Bring your own gear, bait, water, snacks, etc.
All events are 9 - 11 a.m., rain or shine.
🐟 Hyde Farm Park ( registration code #38598) Saturday, July 6 (East Cobb)
🐟 Lost Mountain Park (registration code #38597) Saturday, July 13 (West Cobb)
🐟 Ebenezer Downs Park (registration code #38599) Saturday, July 20 (North Cobb)
🐟 Furr Family Park (registration code #38600) Saturday, July 27 (South Cobb)
Learn more about Cobb County Government in Cobb 101, The Citizen's Government Academy. Apply now to enroll in the eleven-week course offering an in-depth look at the many facets of county government. Sessions will be held at different government buildings, offering participants a firsthand look at how the government serves its residents.
The class is limited to 32 Cobb residents or business owners who are at least 18 years old. Applications are available online through July 24. The tentative start date is Aug. 8.
Seniors over 60 can get some food relief starting in July. Cobb County Senior Services is hosting farmers markets around the county for qualifying seniors who will receive $50 on a market benefit card for produce. One voucher per household per summer. Space is limited, so you MUST call to reserve your market benefit card at 770-528-1060. Upcoming markets:
• Friday, July 19 - 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street, Acworth
• Tuesday, July 30 - 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna
Get free products, food, resources and services at Cobb and Douglas Public Health Farmers Market and Resource Fairs in July and August. There will be fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.
• Markets are open to the entire community.
• WIC participants: bring a WIC ID to receive $30 free per eligible WIC participant per season.
• Events run 8 a.m. - noon at two locations:
• July 10 and 24 and Aug. 7 and 21
1738 County Services Parkway, Marietta
• July 16 and 30 and Aug. 13 and 27
875 Riverside Parkway, Austell
Go green this summer with Keep Cobb Beautiful
Volunteer, recycle and create at Keep Cobb Beautiful events this summer
• Litter Survey - Ride around with Keep Cobb Beautiful and help identify areas in communities that can benefit from beautification and restoration using the Litter Index Survey. Join them 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on July 11 at Jim R. Miller Event Center, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. Breakfast will be provided. To volunteer, email KCB at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org.
• Recycling pop-up event - Drop off your everyday recyclables - cans, glass and plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, etc. at Al Bishop Softball Complex 1 - 4 p.m. Friday, July 12. More information here.
• Recycled Art Contest - Students in grades 6 - 12 can enter the Keep Cobb Beautiful annual Recycling Craft Contest. Make an art piece out of recycled materials. Bring the art to Switzer Library on July 17 and prepare to tell a panel of judges about your art. There will be prizes! Read more and enter here.
• Volunteer for Keep Cobb Beautiful's Green Team event collecting recyclables at a Braves game between innings and cheering on the team. Upcoming opportunities for adults only are on Aug. 1 and Sept. 5. Space is limited. Information and registration here.
Permitting fee changes take effect today, July 1. Due to state legislation, Cobb County is changing the way permitting fees are calculated. Fees will no longer be calculated solely based on job costs. In accordance with House Bill 461, the updated fee schedule is calculated based on square footage and flat fees.
Cobb Police Athletic League is still taking applications for its free Football and Cheer Camp, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., July 10 - 12 for kids of all skill levels ages 5 - 18. Camp meets on the football field at Osborne High School, 2451 Favor Road, Marietta.
You can get experience as a naturalist with the Cobb UGA Extension. The Fall 2024 cohort of the Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding Georgia Master Naturalist program is taking applications now. For more information email Daniel Price or call 770-528-4082.
CobbTV brings you coverage of public meetings, events, and stories of interest to those who live in Cobb. Visit www.cobbcounty.org/CobbTV and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Listen to Cobb's Emergency Medical Services Director update a quarterly opioid council meeting on the challenges first responders face while dealing with new and more powerful drugs making their way into Cobb.
Cobb County's Fire Department has done a series of videos warning about the dangers of fireworks and how to be safe over the Fourth of July holiday. Check out their highlight video and don't lose your head!
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 9
Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 16
Meetings take place at 100 Cherokee Street, 2nd floor unless otherwise noted. Many public meetings and hearings are broadcast live on CobbTV and YouTube and are available on demand on YouTube.
Events are subject to change.
Budget and millage rate public hearings
Public hearings on the budget and millage rate will be held:
9 a.m. Tuesday, July 9
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16
7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23
All hearings will be in the Board of Commissioners meeting room located at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta and streaming on CobbTV
There's a lot going on in Cobb County that doesn't fit in one newsletter. Keep up with what's going on around Cobb County with the help of other emailed publications and social media. You'll be informed of new events and programs, cancellations/delays, emergencies, disruptions to services and more.
Budget and millage rate public hearings
