The Budget's Set, the Trains Are Running, and the Weekend Is Calling

Happy Friday, Henry County.

It's a quiet news day, but the county still delivered two big announcements worth knowing about.

And while the news may be slow, the weekend absolutely isn't. Tonight, Heritage Park hosts its first ever Food Truck Frenzy Fundraiser right in McDonough.

Saturday brings KEM and Anthony David to VyStar Amphitheater in Stockbridge, and Conyers throws a Cajun block party just up the road…and that’s just a sample of what’s happening this weekend.

For the full lineup, check out The Weekend Eye.

Now let’s get into it. 🦅👁️

HENRY COUNTY - The Henry County Board of Commissioners passed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget Tuesday night in a 4-2 vote. The $294.2 million plan funds county operations from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, a 2.2% increase from last year, which is actually below the national inflation rate of 3.3%.

Public safety gets the biggest slice at 52% ($151.3 million), covering the Sheriff, Police, Fire Rescue, E-911, and Animal Care. Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services receive $17.9 million. $3.2 million is earmarked for the new Henry County Aquatic Center, which opens this summer. See the full budget breakdown

HENRY COUNTY - The Atlanta Regional Commission selected Henry County as one of five metro recipients for a $200,000 planning grant through its Community Development Assistance Program.

The county will partner with McDonough, Stockbridge, and Locust Grove to conduct a comprehensive study on housing affordability, rent burden, and housing instability across the county.

The goal is to give local leaders real data so they can make smarter decisions about where and how to invest in housing. In a county growing as fast as Henry, this one matters. Learn more about the CDAP program

GEORGIA - Georgia libraries are launching the 2026 Summer Reading Program "Unearth a Story" this Saturday with free kickoff celebrations from 4 to 6 PM.

Henry County Public Library is part of the statewide program running from June 1 through July 31.

Kids just got out of school, and this is the move for parents looking for free, screen-free summer activities. Find your nearest Henry County library branch

LOCUST GROVE - Most people blow past Locust Grove on I-75 without a second thought. That's a mistake. Just three miles off the highway, tucked into downtown Locust Grove, is a covered platform positioned just a few feet from an active Norfolk Southern rail line.

Over 40 trains roll through every single day. Sometimes 3 per hour, some stretching 168 cars long. The platform has a live scanner so you can hear conductors communicating in real time. There are benches, picnic tables, and restaurants right across the street.

Bring lunch, pull up a chair, and stay a while. It's free, it's wheelchair accessible, and it works even in the rain. Families drive from out of state for this. Your kids will love it. And you've probably never stopped. Plan your visit

📅 FRIDAY, MAY 29

Little Panda Golf Youth Golf Camp – Day 1 · 📍 TBD · 🕐 TBD · A two-day youth golf camp running Friday–Saturday — details and registration TBD from Chamber calendar.

MOTORBOAT – Classic Rock Tribute · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9PM · Doors 6PM · 21+ after 8PM · A tribute to the biggest names in classic rock closes out the weekend at Southern Roots.

Food Truck Frenzy Fundraiser · 📍 Heritage Park, 95 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕓 4–9PM · Free admission · Family friendly · Food trucks, live music, and Rec N Roll activities all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit A Friend's House, a local organization serving Henry County families in need. The first in a monthly series.

📅 SATURDAY, MAY 30

Community Job Fair · 📍 Stockbridge First United Methodist Church, 4863 N Henry Blvd · 🕐 10AM–1PM · FREE · Better Together nonprofit connects job seekers and employers in Henry County — register at BetterTogetherUS.org/StockbridgeFirstUMC or text JOBS to 844-987-3949.

KEM & Anthony David · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 Gates 6PM | Show 8PM · Part of the Heart & Soul Concert Series — smooth R&B under the stars at the Bridge.

Don’t let this short list fool you. There’s a full list of weekend events in The Weekend Eye

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

Why did the burger refuse to fight at the cookout?
It didn’t want any beef. 🤣

It's all happening this weekend, Henry County.

Food trucks tonight at Heritage Park, R&B royalty Saturday at VyStar, the last jousting tournament of the season in Fairburn, and a whole lot more in between.

The Weekend Eye has everything you need to plan. Get out there and enjoy it.

Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️