Coming Up: Weekly thrills for free or nearly free

Mobile dairy to visit Atlanta-Fulton Central Library

The Mobile Dairy Classroom will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 10:30 a.m., at the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta.

The Mobile Dairy Classroom is a dynamic and fun educational program operated by the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk. A fully operational milking parlor with a live cow used for milking and feeding demonstrations will be inside of the classroom.

ATLANTA

Sixth annual Chastain Park Arts Festival set

The sixth annual Chastain Park Arts Festival, Nov. 5-6, will feature approximately 185 artists and artisans. The festival, which will be held at 4469 Stella Drive, takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be live entertainment from local acoustic musicians, fine art and crafts, a children’s area and local food and beverage concessions including gourmet food trucks.

This free event is organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and volunteer artists. For more information, visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com.

DEKALB

Fall color hike offers nature enthusiasts mini getaway

Enjoy the changing colors of fall leaves as you hike with guides up Panola Mountain, on Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Panola Mountain State Park Nature Center, 2620 Highway 155, S.W., Stockbridge.

The tip of Panola blooms yellow with Confederate Daisies. Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for this moderate to strenuous hike. Pack a snack and your camera. Pre-registration is required.

The hike will only be canceled only if the mountain is too slippery to hike. Hikes are led by park staff or members of Friends of Panola Mountain. No pets are allowed in the conservation area. For more information and to pre-register, visit www.arabiaalliance.org.

Stephenson High hosts basketball scrimmage

The public is invited to the Blue and White basketball scrimmage on Thursday, Nov. 3, 6 to 9 p.m., at Stephenson High School, 701 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. There will be a 3-point shootout, slam-dunk contest and cheerleaders and dance teams from neighboring schools.

Entry is $3 (cash only). DTLR clothing is sponsoring the event. For more information, call Jamie Mitchell 678-687-9820.

Super book sale, Scribes & Vibes set at Stonecrest Library

The Friends of Stonecrest Library will present a super book sale on Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.

The community is invited to buy used books, magazines, encyclopedias, video tapes and CDs at bargain prices.

The monthly Scribes & Vibes celebration, a blend of poetry, music and fine art through musical performances, and open mic and art exhibits will be held the same day from 1 to 4 p.m.

Funding is provided by the Friends of Stonecrest Library.404-482-3828

GWINNETT

Gwinnett church hosts free international Thanksgiving food festival

The public is invited to attend a free international food festival on Sunday, Nov. 13, 12 p.m., at Trickum Middle School, 130 Killian Hill Rd SW, Lilburn.

There will be lots of food, fun and music. Attendees can expect to try a variety of international fare from traditional American Thanksgiving foods, Mexican and Latin American foods, Indian, Chinese, Korean foods and others. Bring your favorite dish to share or just come and sample great food from all over the world.For more information, call 770-359-9022 or visit www.di.church.

Centerville Writer’s Group to meet

Writers seeking constructive feedback can join the Centerville Writer’s Group on Thursday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to noon. There will be a critique format. All genres are welcome.

No pre-registration is required. The cost is $1 per person.

The event is free for first-time visitors and $1 per meeting after that. The last meeting is Dec. 15. No pre-registration is required. For more information, e-mail cammie927@yahoo.com.

ROCKDALE

Mental health summit to provide community resources, Q&A

Rockdale County Probate Judge Charles K. Mays is hosting a community mental health summit Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers.

A diverse panel of professionals, advocates and elected officials will provide information and resources from the mental health community and conduct a Q&A session.

Topics will include medical care and treatment, mental illness versus developmental disabilities, lay affidavits, legal awareness, proper diagnosis, support for families, housing, support care, personal care homes and more.

The event is free and open to the public.

Olde Jail Museum offers tour

Join the Rockdale County Historical Society for tours of the Olde Jail Museum on Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 967 Milstead Ave., Conyers.

Built in 1897 to serve Rockdale County, this two-story red brick structure housed offenders until 1969. The lower floor was the residence for the sheriff and his family, and the upstairs comprised three rooms for prisoners: jailer’s room, drunk tank and maximum security.

Donations are welcome and benefit the efforts of the Rockdale County Historical Society. For more information, visit rockdalehistory.com.