Henry County, GA | Issue No. 182 |
Good morning, Henry County!
It’s Friday, and the weekend is almost here. Early voting is already underway, so if you haven’t made a plan yet, today’s issue will help.
Also inside: a student art contest that could land a local teen’s work in the State Capitol, a free walking group for cancer patients and survivors, and the story of how an international pageant found a home in McDonough.
Planning your weekend? Our Weekend Eye is your go-to source for what’s happening in and around Henry County, October 16 to 18. Check the Featured Events below.
Let’s get into it. 🦅👁️
Georgia Breaks Early Voting Record as Henry County Voters Face Long Lines
Georgia’s early voting is off to a record start. More than 188,600 Georgians voted in person on October 13, a 40% jump over the first day of early voting in 2022, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.
In Henry County, some voters waited more than an hour to cast their ballots Wednesday, according to Channel 2 Action News.
Early voting continues through Friday, October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Why it matters: Georgia’s record first day shows strong statewide participation, but long lines at one location don’t necessarily reflect turnout across Henry County. Before heading out, check the county’s early voting wait times and find your voting location at Georgia My Voter Page.
Henry County Students: This Art Contest Could Land Your Work in the State Capitol
HENRY COUNTY - Georgia State Parks is taking entries for its annual high school art contest through October 31. Students in grades 9 through 12 can submit a 2D drawing or painting of any Georgia state park or historic site. The top three winners get their work displayed at the Georgia State Capitol in 2027. Twelve honorable mentions get recognized too. One entry per student.
Mail entries to 2610 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281, or submit online.
Why it matters: It’s a rare shot at hanging a local student’s work in the Capitol. The deadline is October 31. Enter here.
Free Cancer Wellness Program Coming to Stockbridge
STOCKBRIDGE - Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness program is starting a free indoor walking group for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers on Monday, November 2. The group meets Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 12:45 PM at Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Rd. in Stockbridge. For more info call 678-289-7717.
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Philanthropic support keeps it free. The program also offers nutrition guidance, stress management, expressive arts, cooking demos, and connections to oncology social workers and nurse navigators.
Why it matters: This is a free, local support network for anyone touched by cancer. That means patients, survivors, and the people who love them. Call 678-289-7717 or visit piedmont.org/services/cancer-care.
LITTLE TOWN, BIG CROWN
How a Former Beauty Queen Brought the World to McDonough
For 11 years, an international pageant has called McDonough home. The story behind that unlikely connection begins with a crown won in Malaysia and a community that opened its doors.
Sabrina Pinion won the Mrs. Universe title in 2014 and now brings Universe Pageants to McDonough. Photo: Sabrina Pinion
MCDONOUGH - When Sabrina Pinion won the Mrs. Universe title in 2014, she never imagined she’d eventually bring an international competition to Henry County. But after years of visiting McDonough and building relationships with local leaders, the choice became obvious.
“The big draw to McDonough is the Henry County Performing Arts Center,” Pinion told the Eagle Eye Digest. “I call it my favorite little big city.”
Now in its 11th year, Universe Pageants brings women from across the globe to compete for international titles. But winning isn’t really the point. Pinion, who spent part of her childhood in foster care, built the pageant around a mission to empower women and advocate for survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
That mission has roots right here in Henry County. For nearly a decade, pageant delegates have visited A Friend’s House, a local organization serving children in crisis. They bring gifts from the wish list, spend time with the girls, and lead a leadership program. Pinion says the pageant also contributes financially when funds allow.
The international visitors get something unexpected too: a taste of small-town America. Pinion recalled a delegate from Latvia whose daughter became enchanted by McDonough’s Halloween decorations and went home wanting a witch costume.
Those moments, she says, are exactly why she keeps coming back.
“McDonough is my choice because of the reception of these women,” Pinion said.
A crowning moment on stage at a Universe Pageants finale. This year’s grand finale is Saturday, October 17 at 5:30 PM at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. Photo: Universe Pageants
The week culminates Saturday, October 17 at 5:30 PM at the Henry County Performing Arts Center, 33 N. Zack Hinton Parkway. The grand finale is open to the public and features international delegates, music, a flag presentation, and appearances by local officials.
A note on admission: The official press release lists admission as free with donations accepted for The Pledge Campaign Foundation. Confirm pricing at the door before attending.
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Kiwanis Henry County Fair: Last Weekend to Go
The Kiwanis Henry County Fair at Nash Farm Park runs through Sunday. Photo: Kiwanis Henry County Fair
📍 Nash Farm Park, 4361 Jonesboro Road, Hampton · 🎟 $10 admission · Rides and food cost extra
Friday, Oct. 16 · 5 to 11 PM Line dancing from 6 to 8, the band Hwy 54 from 8 to 10, plus a circus and dinosaur show.
Saturday, Oct. 17 · 1 to 11 PM Talent showcase day, with Melody Riser and Band on stage at 8.
Sunday, Oct. 18 · 1 to 9 PM Gospel groups from 2 to 6. It’s the last day of the fair.
Why it matters: It’s an easy, close-to-home plan for the weekend, and Sunday is your last chance.
Need more to do? The Weekend Eye has the full lineup.
FRIDAY • OCTOBER 16
Kiwanis Henry County Fair: TGIF Night📍 Nash Farm Park, Hampton | 🕐 5–11PM | 🎫 $10 Circus shows, a dinosaur show and soul line dancing tonight.
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 17
Pink Out: Beyond the Ribbon📍 New Hope Cathedral, Stockbridge | 🕐 8AM–3PM A community walk with a motorcycle escort, plus mobile mammograms by appointment. Online walk registration has closed, so call the church if you want to walk up.
Smoke & Mirrors Truck & Car Show 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ, McDonough | 🕐 9AM–1PM | FREE Trucks, cars, food, giveaways and raffles. It's free to watch.
SUNDAY • OCTOBER 18
Fall on the Farm at Southern Belle Farm📍 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough | 🕐 10AM–7PM Pumpkin patch, corn maze and fall activities. The patch is free to browse, and activities are extra.
That’s your Friday, Henry County.
Early voting runs through Friday, October 30, so make your plan. The pageant finale is tomorrow at 5:30 PM at the Henry County Performing Arts Center. And if you want a seat at the Eagle Eye Table on Thursday, October 29, grab it now.
And for everything else happening in and around Henry County this weekend, check out The Weekend Eye.
Stay sharp. Stay local. 🦅👁️