Good morning, Gainesville.

Hall Co. Animal Shelter is offering half-off adoptions through May 16 under the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters campaign, with reduced fees for puppies, dogs, and cats and free options for seniors and urgent cases, while providing spay-neuter, microchip, and first vaccinations during Tuesday-Saturday hours.

A recent report by onlyinyourstate.com names Dahlonega the most walkable U.S. city and the only Georgia town on a list of 15 pedestrian-friendly spots; visitors can stroll its brick sidewalks, explore historic streets and visit the Gold Museum.

Foxfire Day will take place on May 9 at the Northeast Georgia History Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering hands-on Appalachian skills like blacksmithing, woodcarving, and flintknapping (proceeds support the Foxfire Village Museum and Mercantile in Rabun County).

Will Schofield, the Hall County Schools superintendent, said he will recommend Marla Lear as West Hall High principal at the Board meeting on Monday, May 11.

Lear, who currently leads Myers Elementary (and has served in Hall County schools since 2005), is known for building strong school communities.

Carroll Daniel hosted its ninth annual Carroll Daniel Golf Classic last Friday at Legacy Golf Course at Lanier Islands and raised a record-breaking $131,400 to support Hop On A Cure for ALS research (a nonprofit founded by Gainesville native John Driskell Hopkins).

Gainesville’s high school baseball team (the Red Elephants) was eliminated in the state playoffs when Glynn Academy swept a doubleheader at Ivey-Watson Field on Friday, May 1.

The Times is set to host the 2026 Athlete of the Year banquet on May 11 at the Gainesville Civic Center.

The banquet will honor local athletes with top achievements.

North Hall advanced to the quarterfinals in the high school baseball playoffs after defeating Whitewater on May 1 in Fayetteville as senior Jake Beard delivered key pitching and hitting.

Foodees Fest at Lakeshore Mall

1 PM - 7 PM — Lakeshore Mall — Free entry — Enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food, unique crafts, and family fun at this community festival.

Artist Showcase Reception – Gallery on the Square

5-7 p.m. — Main Street Market — Free entry — Discover the vibrant artistry from 13 local talents showcasing oils, acrylics, pottery, and more.

BlackHawk Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience timeless hits and heartfelt storytelling from one of country music’s enduring acts.

Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energy and timeless style of The Rolling Stones in this authentic tribute show.