Good morning, Gainesville.

The 28th Annual Duck Derby is on May 2 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., featuring duck adoptions and a $10,000 prize; Hall County Financial Services won its 10th award, and a Red Cross blood drive runs in Gainesville from April 3–10 with free T-shirts.

A fire (reported at 5:00 p.m. Monday) destroyed a house on the 4100 block of Warren Road in Flowery Branch and left four adults homeless, with first responders quickly controlling the blaze while the cause remains unknown.

A house fire in Flowery Branch displaced four adults Monday afternoon and left no one injured, according to Hall County Fire Rescue.

Mauricio Gonzalez, a first-generation junior from UNG, earned a fully funded fellowship at the PPIA Junior Summer Institute to prepare him for graduate school.

He will join the seven-week program this summer (hosted at the University of Michigan) as he looks forward to community service.

A West Hall High School student's odd social media post led the district and law enforcement to send a late-night message to parents Sunday, saying no threat was made.

The school has reached out to the student and family to address the matter.

Officials in Gainesville have suspended burn permits today due to high fire danger from low humidity, dry fuels, and winds.

Residents are urged to avoid burning items (which could spark wildfires) until conditions improve.

Gainesville-based Longstreet Clinic became part of Northeast Georgia Health System last year.

The integration took place on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 to expand local care options.

Mimi Collins, the longtime CEO of Longstreet Clinic (with over 30 years of service) announced her retirement today, setting the stage for a leadership transition.

Learn to Sew with Ana Whitfield: Pleats, Gathers, & Elastic

12-3 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — Bring your own supplies — Dive into sewing basics and complete your first projects with expert guidance.

R&B, Inc. Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check local listings — Experience the vibrant sound of an all-star R&B band featuring the vocal mastery of Keith Eatmon.

Women of the Woods Club

3-5 PM — Elachee Nature Science Center — Free admission — Empowering women to explore the outdoors and build skills in nature.

Bingo Loco - Early Show

5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check the event page for pricing — Experience a wild, interactive bingo show featuring dance-offs and exciting prizes.

Diamond Art Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — Supplies provided — Create an abstract landscape diamond art masterpiece in a relaxed setting.

Sewing Workshop with Ana Whitfield: Zippers & Closures

12-3 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — Supplies required — Learn essential sewing skills including zippers in this hands-on workshop series.

Kiss The Sky - The Jimi Hendrix RE-Experience

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets from $51 — Experience the electrifying tribute to Jimi Hendrix live in Gainesville.

Paint a Watering Can DIY Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — All materials provided — Get creative painting a mini ceramic watering can for your plants or decor.

2026 Happy Hippy Llama Show

April 17-19 — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Costs vary — Experience the excitement of double ALSA and ILR-SD points at this vibrant llama show.

Iron Beast II Powerlifting Competition

11 AM – 8 PM — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — Admission details not specified — Witness exciting powerlifting feats at this regional competition.