Good morning, Henry County.
Taste of Henry is back this Friday, and we're bringing you two stories about showing up. One honors the first responders who ran toward danger 25 years ago. The other celebrates a Henry County bus driver who's been showing up for local kids since 1976.
Plus, regular gas is averaging $4 a gallon in Henry County, diesel is near $5.80, and Georgia's record year for economic development is showing up right here at home.
And one more thing: Our Henry County Mayoral Profile Series kicks off next Monday, September 14. We're sitting down with the mayors leading our cities to talk about where they've been, where their cities are headed, and the people behind the titles. Stay tuned.
Let's get into it. 🦅👁️
One Night. 50+ Food Vendors. Taste of Henry Is Back
MCDONOUGH — What started with 10 vendors in 2001 has grown into one of Henry County's tastiest traditions. Taste of Henry returns Friday with 50+ food vendors and thousands of neighbors expected at Southern Belle Farm. Best of all, every bite supports A Friend's House and local foster children.
Come hungry. Leave full. Feel good about it.
📅 Friday, September 11 · 5 to 8 p.m.
📍 Southern Belle Farm, McDonough
🎟️ $50 adults · $25 kids ages 3 to 9
NEVER FORGET
Twenty-Five Years Later, Henry County Still Runs for Those Who Never Came Home
MCDONOUGH — Twenty-five years after September 11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is bringing its 5K Run and Walk to McDonough this Saturday to honor first responders and military heroes who sacrificed their lives.
Born in the aftermath of 9/11, the foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children.
Why it matters: The registration deadline falls on September 11. Register before midnight Friday. Run Saturday. Show up for the people who showed up for us.
🏃 Adults: $40 through Friday
🚒 First Responders & Military: $35
👦 Ages 13 to 17: $25
👶 12 and under: $15
📅 Saturday, September 12 · 9 a.m.
📍 McDonough Police Department · 50 Lawrenceville Street Register for the McDonough 5K →
DEVELOPMENT
Georgia Just Had Its Best Economic Development Year Ever. Henry County Was Part of It
HENRY COUNTY — Georgia closed Fiscal Year 2026 with a record $35.2 billion in project investments, 436 business expansions and new locations, and an expected 25,300 new jobs.
Henry County saw some of that growth firsthand. Amazon leased a 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse in McDonough. Highline Warren committed $170 million and 160 jobs. Sabert Corporation opened a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in Locust Grove.
Why it matters: Georgia's development boom is showing up close to home, bringing major investment, jobs, and new commercial activity to Henry County. Read the state's full announcement →
PUMP ALERT
Gas Hits $4 in Henry County. Diesel Is Near $5.80
HENRY COUNTY — Henry County drivers are feeling the latest fuel surge firsthand. Regular gas is averaging about $4 a gallon locally, while diesel has climbed to roughly $5.80 a gallon.
And that diesel number matters even if you don't drive a diesel vehicle.
Why it matters: Diesel powers the trucks that move food, furniture, and everyday goods. When diesel approaches $6 a gallon, transportation costs rise throughout the supply chain, putting additional pressure on what families eventually pay at the grocery store and beyond. Check current Georgia fuel prices at AAA →
WORTH THE TRIP
The Yellow Daisy Festival Is This Week. Here's Why It's Worth the Drive
STONE MOUNTAIN — One of Georgia's best-known fall traditions returns this week. The 58th Yellow Daisy Festival runs September 10 through 13 at Stone Mountain Park with more than 400 juried artists and craft vendors, live music, Vintage Village, a beer garden, and a Kids Fun Zone.
Festival admission is included with paid parking, currently $20 for a daily parking pass.
Why it matters: Handmade art, live music, food, and a full family day out, all about 40 minutes from Henry County. If you're ready for fall, this is an easy day trip.
📅 Thursday to Sunday · September 10 to 13
🕐 Thursday & Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🕐 Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plan your Yellow Daisy Festival visit →
HENRY PEOPLE
She's Been Driving Henry County Kids to School Since 1976. She's Not Done Yet
Darlene Campbell celebrates 50 years behind the wheel for Henry County Schools.
HENRY COUNTY — Darlene Campbell climbed behind the wheel of a Henry County school bus on August 30, 1976, looking for extra income for her growing family.
Fifty years later, she's still driving.
Over five decades, Campbell has driven field trips, worked special needs routes, and transported generations of Henry County children, including families whose children now ride the bus too.
"As long as the man above gives me the help to do it, and they'll let me do it... I enjoy being out and about," Campbell told FOX 5 Atlanta.
Why it matters: Darlene Campbell didn't just do a job for 50 years. She showed up for Henry County families every day. That's worth celebrating.
GOOD TO KNOW
Crack the Code: Understanding Egg Quality and Safety
MCDONOUGH — Ever stood in front of the egg case wondering what all those grades and labels actually mean?
Henry County UGA Extension is hosting a two-hour workshop on September 14 covering egg candling, USDA grade stamps, and egg safety from hen to shell to table.
📅 Monday, September 14 · 10 a.m. to noon
📍 Henry County Extension Office · 97 Lake Dow Road
💵 $5
📞 Tracey Saxton · (770) 288-8421 See Henry County Extension events →
THINGS TO DO
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
True Crime Book Club: Slenderman by Kathleen Hale · 📍 Fairview Public Library · 🕐 1–2pm · FREE
A different true crime case discussed each month.
Percy Jackson Club · 📍 Cochran Public Library · 🕐 4–5pm · FREE (ages 12+)
(no URL available)
All About Resumes & Cover Letters · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library, Meeting Room · 🕐 4–5pm · FREE
Tips and tricks for creating a resume and cover letter.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Wildlife Wednesday ·📍Cochran Public Library · 🕐 1–2pm·FREE (ages 5–12)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Yellow Daisy Festival (58th Annual) · 📍 Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain · 🕐 Thu & Sun 9am–5pm, Fri & Sat 9am–6pm
AI Awareness Workshop · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · 🕐 3–4pm · FREE
WHODUNIT: Teens Cold Case Club · 📍 Fortson Public Library · 🕐 5–7pm · FREE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
NASCAR Driving Experience · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, Hampton
Comic Book Bookmarks · 📍 Locust Grove Public Library · 🕐 4:30–5:30pm · FREE
Taste of Henry 2026 · 📍 Southern Belle Farm, McDonough · 🕐 5–8pm
Signature fundraiser for A Friend's House, a local nonprofit serving foster children. 55+ food vendors, zero vendor fees.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk — McDonough · 📍 McDonough Police Department, 50 Lawrenceville Street, McDonough · 🕐 9am
NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, Hampton · 📅 Sept 12–13
Locust Grove Farmer's Market · 📍 Locust Grove Train Viewing Platform · 🕐 9am–1pm
Introduction to Archery · 📍 Panola Mountain State Park · 🕐 11am–12pm · $20/person (ages 8+)
3rd Annual Highschool Art Contest · 📍 Panola Mountain State Park · 🕐 3–5pm
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Crack the Code: Understanding Egg Quality and Safety · 📍 Henry County Extension Office · 🕐 10am–12pm
Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop — Spanish Version · 📍 McDonough Public Library, Meeting Room · 📅 Monday, September 14, 2026 · 🕐 6–7:30pm · FREE, registration required (12 seats remaining)
Poke-Monday: Pokémon Battle · 📍 Fortson Public Library · 🕐 5–7pm · FREE
That's your Tuesday Eye!
Know someone doing something remarkable in Henry County? A neighbor, business owner, teacher, volunteer, or everyday person whose story deserves a little more attention? Send them our way.
We'll keep watching. You keep us looking. See you Friday.
Stay sharp. Stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️