Coming Up: Events to go to in the metro

ATLANTA

Underground says farewell as host site of annual Atlanta Peach Drop

Ring in the New Year with the 2017 Peach Drop this New Year’s Eve on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama Street, Atlanta.

Atlanta has been ringing in the New Year with the Peach Drop since its conception in 1989. This year, locals and visitors will gather at Underground Atlanta for the site’s last year hosting as thousands gather to watch the 800-pound peach descend from a 138-foot tower of lights. The 2017 Peach Drop promises family fun entertainment, food, street performers, and more.

Don’t miss this significant annual event to celebrate the end of 2016 and welcome 2017. For more information, visit www.underground-atlanta.com.

DEKALB

Rep. Kendrick to host economic justice forum

State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), along with the Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Minority Access to Capital, Inc. will host an economic justice forum on Monday, Jan. 16, 4 – 6 p.m., at Lithonia City Hall.

The forum, entitled “Call to Action Under the Gold Dome,” will include a panel discussion on 2017 legislative incentives and legislation designed to help minorities access capital and wealth in Georgia. The forum will be moderated by Karyn Greer, Emmy award-winning journalist, and Attorney Mawuli Davis.

Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) will discuss minority contracting; Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta) will discuss minority participation in the film industry; other invited legislators and representatives from state agencies will discuss other issues. .

Registration is required to attend this event. For more information or to register, visit: https://repkendrickmlkeconomicjustice.eventbrite.com.

Kwanzaa celebration set at Porter Sanford Center

The 6^th annual Ujamaafest, a celebration of Kwanzaa, will be held Dec. 31, noon to 7 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture and African American heritage and is observed Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. The showcase will include cultural performances such as African drumming and storytelling along with the Kuumba Marketplace, a “Black Money Matters” financial literacy workshop, healthy cooking demonstrations, science/STEM and art activities in the Kijana Zone for children and a Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony.

Admission is free, but RSVPs are required for each adult attending. Only one name per RSVP will be admitted. To learn more, visit www.ujamaafest.com.

Stone Mountain hosts early NYE celebration for children

Because kids are just as excited to ring in the New Year as their parents—but need to be in bed before midnight—Stone Mountain Park is set to host an early New Year’s Eve Celebration during Stone Mountain Christmas on Dec. 31.

Stone Mountain Park will operate the Christmas event as usual (2 – 9 p.m.) and ring in the New Year with snowfall and an early countdown. Immediately after the Snow Angel Snowfall and Fireworks Finale, the New Year’s Eve activities will begin with costumed characters, music and dance-a-longs. At 8:59 p.m. the early countdown will begin and when the clock strikes 9 p.m. , snow and fireworks will usher in the New Year.

For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

Chamblee Library to host 5^th annual New Year’s Eve book drop

Celebrate the New Year at Chamblee Library onWednesday, Dec. 28, by making crafts, playing games, singing songs, winning prizes and more. Join the staff at Chamblee to “check out” of the old year and “check in” to the New Year with a countdown and the dropping of a big book.

Seniors and families are encouraged to participate in this intergenerational event.  Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is oppen to the first 35 participants. Funding provided by the Friends of the Chamblee Library. For more information, call 770-936-1380.

GWINNETT

Drop off your Christmas tree for recycling

When the holidays are over, drop off your live Christmas tree from Dec. 26 to Jan. 15 to be recycled at various locations in Gwinnett County.

The trees will be chipped into mulch and used for County parks and facilities. Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, in partnership with Gwinnett County, will host the annual “Bring One for the Chipper” event. Fire stations will accept trees 24/7 and other facilities will accept them during regular business hours. Visit www.gwinnettcb.org for a list of drop-off locations.

Lawrenceville Library hosts family game night

Bring the whole family to the library for an evening of games ON Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Lawrenceville Library Branch, 1001 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville.

There will be an assortment of board games for you to revisit favorites and discover new ones. This program is open to children ages 5 and up and their families. For more information, call 770-978-5154.

Community Christmas Eve candlelight service set

Bring in the Christmas holiday at New Life Praise Center’s free community Christmas Eve candlelight service Saturday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m., 587 Webb Gin House Road, Lawrenceville.

The evening will entail a live nativity scene recounting the story of Jesus, sing – along carols and communion. Special music by Sharon E. Wilson. Refreshments and fellowship to follow service. For more information, contact Cathy McDaniel AT 404-550-0775.

Rockdale/Covington

Free community bike ride

Families are invited for the first community bike ride of the year ON Sunday, Jan. 1, 3 p.m., in downtown Covington.

The ride starts and finishes at the Square. The first loop is a gentle, family-friendly 4.5-mile roll around historic Downtown Covington. Participants looking for an extra challenge are welcome to take a ride along the scenic Eastside Trail.

The New Year’s Day community bike ride is free and the first of a recurring series that will take place on the first Sunday of each month. The event is hosted by Newton Trails, Main Street Covington and the Covington/Newton County Visitors Center.

For more information, visit www.newtontrails.org/community-bike-ride.