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Georgia Rivers Unveils 2026 Paddling and Fishing Adventure Schedule

Overview of the Upcoming Adventures

Georgia Rivers has officially revealed its exciting schedule for 2026, showcasing an impressive lineup of guided canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and fishing experiences. This program features over two dozen trips that span across the beautiful landscapes of the state. Registration for the weekend adventures scheduled for spring 2026 as well as day trips is now open and will remain available until all individual trips have been booked. For complete details, an easily accessible schedule is available on the Georgia Rivers website.

Exciting Offerings and Themes

The diverse lineup includes exhilarating excursions through the Okefenokee Swamp, thrilling whitewater float trips on North Georgia rivers such as the Toccoa and Broad, and special guided kayak fishing outings. For those new to the water, there are water safety and kayaking skills classes designed specifically for beginners. Most trips are capped at about 30 to 40 participants to ensure a personalized experience. Pricing varies, with day trips starting at $70 and weekend adventures costing up to $450, inclusive of youth discounts. Importantly, Georgia Rivers also provides both full and partial scholarships aimed at women, people of color, recent immigrants, and low-income residents; applications are conveniently accessible online.

In an effort to make cultural connections, two trips will be designated as America250-themed outings, merging fun time on the water with enlightening stops that reflect U.S. history. The season’s launch is set for February 28 and will continue through March 1, featuring a two-day journey down Spring Creek and the Chattahoochee River, located in Southwest Georgia.

In addition, Georgia Rivers has announced that the Paddle Georgia 2026 excursion will be a seven-day, 95-mile journey from Ellijay to Rome, scheduled to take place from June 13 to 20, with registration anticipated to open in February.

— Reported by Derek Prall

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Decatur Approves $113,316 in Small Business Grants; Application Window Reopens

Grant Approval and Allocation

The City of Decatur, in collaboration with the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, has graciously approved a total of $113,316 in small business improvement grants. This funding will be distributed across 27 grants awarded to 19 different businesses, enabled through three distinct programs: Commercial Facade Improvement Grants, Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants, and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants.

Officials highlighted that a full budget of $200,000 was allocated for these programs in the fiscal year that commenced on July 1, 2025. Following the latest approvals, an encouraging $86,684 remains available for future grants. A newly reopened application window began on January 5 and will close on January 23.

Programs and Impact

The facade improvement program, introduced in 2023, has led to the approval of $60,705 for 13 projects from 17 applications. The funded initiatives include mural creations, energy-efficient window upgrades, awning replacements, facade repairs, and new exterior signage.

The buildout program allocated $43,424 for nine projects from 12 applications, addressing essential interior improvements such as space expansion, lighting upgrades, HVAC repairs, flooring work, and restroom renovations. Meanwhile, the marketing and digital connectivity program awarded $9,187 across five projects from 11 applications, aiming to support initiatives in website development, social media content, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital advertising.

These grants cover up to 75 percent of approved project costs, requiring businesses to contribute at least 25 percent. For facade and buildout grants, contributions from the Downtown Development Authority range from $2,500 to $10,000; for marketing and digital grants, contributions range from $250 to $2,500. Importantly, all approved projects must commence within six months and be completed within an 18-month time frame.

— Reported by Derek Prall

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Whiplash Comedy: A Exciting New Addition to Ponce City Market in Summer 2026

Introduction of Whiplash Comedy Club

A new comedy venue named Whiplash Comedy is set to open its doors at Ponce City Market in the summer of 2026. This club promises a delightful atmosphere featuring stand-up comedy shows, diverse programming, comedy classes, and a full menu alongside a comprehensive bar. This venture is spearheaded by local comedy icon Marshall Chiles, known for elevating the Funny Farm Comedy Club as one of the region’s best and for founding the iconic Atlanta comedy venue, Laughing Skull Lounge, which he operated for an impressive 16 years.

Venue Features and Community Focus

Marshall Chiles expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I love Ponce City Market’s energy and sense of community." He acknowledged that the venue has been a focal point for Atlantans for numerous years. His vision includes turning Whiplash into a hub of laughter and connection, further solidifying the role of Ponce City Market in the local community.

The comedy club is expected to offer nightly performances featuring both national and local comedic talents. The main showroom, aptly named "Main Squeeze," will cater to about 130 attendees. A second, more intimate showroom called "Side Piece" will accommodate approximately 44 individuals for smaller-scale programming. Enhancing the experience will be a sizable outdoor patio, roughly 2,500 square feet in size, surrounded by greenery and equipped with a bar and seating.

Chiles envisions Whiplash as a community gathering space centered around comedy, offering mixers, socials, and other events designed to foster connections. He intends for the venue to serve as a vital part of the community fabric while delivering entertainment.

— Reported by Megan Anderson

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Adventure Playhouse: Interactive Children’s Theater Experience Debuts at Dad’s Garage

Family-Oriented Interactive Show

An exciting interactive theater experience named Adventure Playhouse, aimed at children aged 3 to 8, is set to run every Saturday from January 17 through March 7, 2026, at Dad’s Garage. This engaging show invites young audience members to play an active role in shaping the narrative each week, encouraging imagination and participation.

Organizers have highlighted the importance of involvement, enabling children to build the adventure’s world, assuming roles as characters, and participating in songs and dances that propel the story forward. Featuring Quinn and the Playhouse Pals, the show also includes "Marlowe’s Musical Mayhem," a segment designed to integrate kid-created music and movement.

Special Features and Experience

Attendees can anticipate pre-show activities specifically designed for children as well as enjoyable pre-show drinks for accompanying adults. The performance will extensively feature the use of puppets to maintain a lively atmosphere. The experience is crafted to be family-friendly, focusing on directly engaging children, allowing them opportunities to perform, sing along, or contribute ideas directly from their seats. Scheduled performances will begin at 3 p.m., with the lobby opening at 2:30 p.m.

Ticket sales can be made via the theater’s events page, inviting families to come together and enjoy a uniquely interactive theater experience.

— Reported by Derek Prall

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Wild Heaven Beer to Revive EATS Brand with 2026 Relaunch in West End

Strategic Acquisition of EATS

Wild Heaven Beer has officially acquired the EATS brand, a beloved Atlanta restaurant known for its exceptional jerk chicken and meat-and-three plates. Plans are underway to reintroduce this concept at Wild Heaven’s West End brewery location in 2026. This acquisition demonstrates Wild Heaven’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the EATS brand while capitalizing on its culinary heritage.

Community Engagement and Continuity

Wild Heaven’s leadership stated that they would take on the responsibility of maintaining the EATS name while ensuring that the brand’s essence continues to resonate. This move comes after the taproom’s current food partner, El Tesoro, decided to cease operations in the kitchen at Wild Heaven West End. While El Tesoro intends to find a new location within the Lee + White development, both businesses will continue to exist as neighbors.

"EATS has been part of Atlanta’s culinary DNA for decades," stated Nick Purdy, co-president of Wild Heaven. He emphasized the goal of preserving the aspects of EATS that customers hold dear, all while creating a sustainable environment for the brand at the taproom. Encouraged by longtime friends and customers, Wild Heaven’s leadership, including EATS founder Bob Hatcher, expressed excitement about keeping the brand’s legacy alive with involvement from EATS’ longtime manager, Levi Nichols.

Guests can expect a revitalized EATS experience that retains the original flavors and ethos of the brand. More details will be provided in the coming weeks, including menu updates and special events.

— Reported by Derek Prall

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Hands On Atlanta Announces Naomi Green as New President and CEO

Leadership Transition

Hands On Atlanta has appointed Naomi Green as its new president and chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition following a comprehensive national search process. Green comes with a wealth of experience that stands to benefit the organization in its mission.

Adrienne White, the board chair of Hands On Atlanta, noted that Green’s leadership style, background, and commitment to community engagement truly shone during the selection process. White highlighted that Green combines strategic insight with operational prowess while remaining grounded in the organization’s mission and values.

Organizational Focus and Future Aspirations

Under Green’s leadership, Hands On Atlanta aims to reinforce its focus on mobilizing volunteers throughout the region, with the intention of deepening their engagement and commitment to service. The organization formulated a guiding strategy framed as "More People × More Commitment = Greater Impact," indicating a clear path forward for enhancing civic participation and strengthening community outcomes across metropolitan Atlanta.

— Reported by Derek Prall

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Leveraging AI legalese decoder

In situations like these, navigating the complexities of regulations, grant applications, and terms can be overwhelming for businesses and organizations. This is where AI legalese decoder comes in. By simplifying legal language and making complicated documents easier to understand, this tool helps users navigate the rules around grant applications, contracts, and compliance more effectively.

For those looking to apply for the small business grants in Decatur or explore opportunities with Georgia Rivers, using AI legalese decoder can help clarify requirements, enhance understanding of funding agreements, and streamline the application process. Ultimately, this removes barriers and empowers individuals and businesses to seize exciting opportunities in their communities.

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