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Hey Neighbor,
I'm writing today's email from Los Angeles, at my mom's kitchen table. So welcome to those who are new here.
I'm out here visiting her until Thursday, and then I fly to Texas to be with Nick for our KPI Summit. It's a full week. But I made myself a promise before I got on the plane: when I'm with my mom, I'm with my mom. Phone down. No half-listening. Just time.
Funny thing is, being 2,000 miles away makes me miss Gwinnett more. The festivals, the neighbors, the corner of the county where others know your kid's name. And of course my wife and my four boys!
So here's the plan: be intentional with family out here, and send you a short one today. Two things. One is happening at noon.
By the way, it’s officially the first day of fall today!
Let’s get into it…
⏰ Last Call: Today at Noon With Me & Jim
This is the one I'd clear my lunch for.
How does a normal person buy their first rental?
A live, 30-minute conversation with Jim Stern of HSG.
📅 Today, Tuesday, September 22
🕛 12:00 PM sharp
⏱️ 30 minutes, max
💻 Online + free
Last month, the question I got asked most was: "Okay, but how would someone like me even start?" This call is Jim answering that, for people who've never done it. No portfolio needed. No sales pitch.
🎁 And here's the fun part: the giveaway
Sign up before noon and you're entered to win one of THREE free seats at October's GwinnettBest Dinner Club.
That's a full seat at the table for you to enjoy the dinner, the room, and the neighbors you haven't met yet.
And even if you don't win, everyone who shows up gets a free download from Jim and HSG. You come, it's yours.
It takes about 30 seconds to sign up. After noon today, the drawing closes.
This Week in Gwinnett: The 4 Big Ones
These are the county-wide days, the ones that pull people from every corner of Gwinnett. All four are free to walk into. Pick one, grab your people, and go.
🌍 Around the World in the DTL — Lawrenceville
Friday, Sept. 25 · 5:00–10:00 PM
Saturday, Sept. 26 · 2:00–10:00 PM · FREE
Lawrenceville Lawn, 210 Luckie Street, Lawrenceville
Downtown Lawrenceville turns into a world tour for two nights, with international food, live music, and performances from cultures all over the globe. Friday is also the big finale of this year's LIVE in the DTL concert series. The city's putting it on with the Atlanta International Night Market.
Why I'd send you here: Gwinnett is one of the most diverse counties in the whole Southeast, and this is the weekend you get to taste that. Bring the kids and let them try one thing they can't pronounce.
______
Duluth 43rd Annual Fall Festival — Duluth
Saturday, Sept. 26 · 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sunday, Sept. 27 · 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · FREE
Downtown Duluth
The same weekend, and the big one. The parade steps off Saturday at 10:00 AM and streets close at 9:45, so if the parade is why you're coming, get there early. Then it's two days of booths, food, and entertainment.
Why I'd send you here: you can do Duluth in the morning and Lawrenceville at night. That's a full Gwinnett Saturday, and it costs you nothing but gas.
______
🎨 Norcross Art Splash — Norcross
Saturday, Oct. 3 · 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday, Oct. 4 · 10:00 AM–5:00 PM · FREE
Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross
Over 100 artists fill Thrasher Park: paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, and metalwork. There's live music both days (The Epics, an Atlanta soul band, headline Sunday), a free Kidz Zone with face painting and sand art, and a food court on Park Drive. Leashed dogs are welcome. It happens rain or shine, and parking is free in lots around downtown.
Why I'd send you here: it's the easiest date in October. Walk the booths, buy one piece of local art for your wall, and grab dinner in downtown Norcross after.
______
Photo by Jessie Maxwell on Unsplash
🎃 17th Annual Snellville Fall Festival — Snellville
Saturday, Oct. 24 · 12:00–6:00 PM · FREE to attend
2342 Oak Road (in front of City Hall), Snellville
Craft vendors line Oak Road, a DJ plays from noon to 4, and a Chicago tribute band (Chi Town Transit Authority) closes it out from 4 to 6. There's a costume contest for all ages at 1:30 and a dog costume contest at 3:00. The Kids Zone armband is $15 for the whole day, and pumpkin decorating is $2.
Why I'd send you here: a dog costume contest. That's the whole reason. Put the dog in a costume, bring the camera, and thank me later.
Before You Go
Sitting with my mom yesterday reminded me of something: the people in front of you are the assignment.
Not the inbox. Not the next thing. Them.
So this weekend, whichever festival you pick, go with somebody you love and actually be there. Put the phone in your pocket.
See you back home in Gwinnett soon.
— Gus
Founder and Local Neighbor at GwinnettBest
