Gainesville
Morning News
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 4Elephants (at 5521 Main St.) closed permanently in Flowery Branch due to lease termination; the family-owned restaurant was known for its authentic Laotian dishes including kalapaos, tom kha and laab with sticky rice. The Gainesville Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hall County School District announced the winners in the Young Georgia Authors Writing Competition on Wednesday, Feb. 25 — the district finalists will now compete with winners from other local school systems in the Pioneer RESA Region contest. 97.5 Glory
- ➤ Lanier Technical College students medaled in 21 of 23 SkillsUSA contests last week in Atlanta—29 students earned 13 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals. The 13 gold medalists will compete at the National SkillsUSA Conference during June. 97.5 Glory
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A small earthquake rocked east Georgia on Feb. 25 near Gainesville. Local officials reported no injuries or major damage and are monitoring for aftershocks. WSB-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Eat More Empanadas, a Venezuelan restaurant in Gainesville, received a failing health inspection score of 68 on Monday, Feb. 23 from the Hall County Department of Public Health. The Gainesville Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ East Hall boys won their first-round playoff game over North Clayton, marking their 10th win in the last 12 games. The Class 3A state tournament matchup took place on Feb. 25 in Gainesville. The Gainesville Times
- ➤ The top-ranked Gainesville boys basketball team defeated Chamblee to open state playoffs on Feb. 25 at Davis-Hill Gym. Charlie Gersmehl led the team with 23 points as the Red Elephants pushed forward. The Gainesville Times
- ➤ Lakeview Academy girls won their GIAA state semifinal game on Feb. 25 in Columbus, while the boys lost theirs. The Lady Lions will play for three straight state championships Friday in Columbus. The Gainesville Times
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Interstellar Echoes - Pink Floyd Tribute
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the sounds of Pink Floyd with the Southeast's premier tribute band.
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The Seven Wonders - Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost Info Not Provided — Replicating the sounds of one of the world’s best-loved bands, The Seven Wonders reconnect fans with the music they love.
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North Georgia USAWE Licensed Show
8 a.m. — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — In-person event — Saddle up for two days of thrilling USAWE action in Gainesville, GA.
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Dempsey Dash 2026
9-11 a.m. — Brenau Amphitheatre — Registration fee applies — Participate in the annual 5K and 1K Fun Run in memory of Wayne Dempsey.
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Chamber Chase 5K and 2 Mile Wellness Walk
6-8 p.m. — Riverside Preparatory Academy — Registration fee applies — Celebrate fitness with a fun run and wellness walk in Gainesville's community event.
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Cinderella – Gainesville Ballet Company
7:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Pearce Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting ballet adaptation of the beloved Brothers Grimm tale with magic and beautiful performances.
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Cinderella – Gainesville Ballet Company
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pearce Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting ballet production of Cinderella, showcasing whimsical fairies and captivating performances.
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Don’t Be Cruel: Elvis Tribute Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the magic of Elvis with hits from his legendary career.
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Monster Truck Wars
12 PM — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling action with monster trucks, mud racing, and tractor pulling at this family-friendly event.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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