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Health & Fitness

Downtown a Good Place for the Fourth

Independence Day happenings, the Farmers Market and The Hive—they're all happening in the heart of Powder Springs.

This bookworm wonders: Where you will be on the Fourth of July? Did you know Powder Springs hosts a dynamic celebration downtown?

Each year, a spectacular show lights the night at what we affectionately call "dark thirty," which is sometime after 9 p.m.

But don't wait until then to come down. Folks start lining the street to get a good spot in the afternoon.

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Food, fun and activities start at 4 p.m., and we at the are open all day and close when the first firework explodes. Ice cold water and sodas will be available for just $1, and you may want to pick up some great kids books and Melissa & Doug Toys to keep yourself and the children busy while you wait for the show.

Fair warning: We will shoo you out so you don't miss anything. We like to watch this great show as well!

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To find out more, go to our Facebook page to see the list of events, and don't forget to "Like" us so you can be made aware of our daily specials, as well as Powder Springs and other in-store events.

Another downtown store that will hopefully be open for the Fourth is the , which is hoping to be regrouped and reopened for business for good by then. We are hoping for "smoothie sailings" for them by then, as we miss our daily ice cold frappaccinos and smoothies, which we so desperately need on these hot, hot days. Though, personally, I still love a cuppa hot coffee from their shop, since it is so awesome. 

Another hopeful opening will be the with their absolutely wonderful cookies and cupcakes. The finishing touches are being worked on for 10 to 15 hours a day, and they are planning on either being open (or at least really close) by Monday.

Maybe if we all go and stand there and wish them open, it will help.

Erin and Lindsay were kind enough to drop by last Saturday and bring us some smores cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies that had the store squealing with delight. If the attached pictures don't show you the deliciousness, then you don't like sweets or are a diabetic and, sadly, shouldn't have them.

Are you frequenting the on Thursdays? We can see the buzz going on each Thursday evening from our doorway and hope you are supporting your local farmers and crafters, as well as local merchants.

Downtown merchants open until 8 p.m. (when the market closes) include the Book Worm Bookstore, , , and the Powder Springs Coffee and Bake Shoppe, once its re-open. On Thursday, as with the last Thursday of each month of the market, there will live entertainment provided by some great musicians, The Mars Hill Porch Pickers.

So don't miss out on the freshness of the produce, the pickin' of the guitars and open shops awaiting you.

Lastly, I want to extend a fabulous and warm welcome to our favorite town funny lady, Lauretta Hannon, the Cracker Queen. Her across the street was more than just a success; it was standing room only and more well attended than imaginable.

We have copies of her book, The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life, back in stock, and if you haven't read this fabulous book, you are missing out. Stop in to the store and pick up a copy, as well as her schedule of writing workshops and events that will be held at The Hive or go to her website.  

See you soon!

Susan Smelser

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