LEON'S Full Service

Leon's Full Service new arbor/pergola covered patio.
Decatur, GA.
click photo to enlarge

Snow on Decatur Square Today

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The Decatur Square had snow this morning courtesy of a Little Shop of Stories event for The Wimpy Kid Rolling Blizzard.
The snow is still on the ground, and the kids are loving it.

Jeff Kinney, author of the HUGELY popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, visited today and he brought snow with him! -- snow on the Square was courtesy of the Wimpy Kid Rolling Blizzard!

The Plaza Theatre For Sale

Atlanta, GA -The Plaza Theatre - click photo to enlarge

From VAHI-PATCH

Atlanta, GA -Owners Jonathan and Gayle Rej said the cost to change over from 35mm to digital is just too expensive and they need to sell the 550-seat historic cinema to someone who can afford the conversion project.

"Day-today operations of an independently owned cinema are rife with challenges, but the death of 35mm film in the very near future is one hurdle they cannot overcome," a news release from the theatre said. "With film studios such as Warner Brothers and Twentieth Century Fox no longer booking 35mm repertory film prints and already destroying their film libraries, soon there literally won’t be film to run through the Plaza’s projectors. The Regal Tara Cinema has already converted to completely digital, the Landmark will follow shortly and the Plaza simply does not have the monetary funds to convert."

Jonathan Rej told Creative Loafing that they plan to keep the doors open as they hunt for new owners.

"We've worked too hard to just close the doors, we'll be open indefinitely," Rej said.

The Rej's are looking for "a college, museum, TV network, historical society or another entity" to take over the Plaza and "make the necessary investments."

The Rej family bought the theatre in 2006 after a significant renovation.

In 2009, the Plaza foundation recieved nonprofit status, which the owners hoped would help with the financial burden.

"Despite their stellar idealism, economic realities have finally caught up with the Plaza," the release said.

For more information about The Plaza Theatre, visit the Plaza website.

Bigger than your Average Waffle House to Open near Centennial Park

Photo from : http://www.lthforum.com
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By Fran Jeffries

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

This should gladden the hearts of Waffle House fans everywhere
The Atlanta-based national restaurant chain is planning to open an eatery near Centennial Olympic Park downtown, and it'll be bigger than your average Waffle House.

“We want to be in the heart of the city with the likes of Coke, the Georgia Aquarium and the Children’s Museum,” Pat Warner, vice president of marketing and communications for Waffle House told the AJC. "It's a great location for us."

The chain is in the process of closing on nearly an acre of land at the corner of Andrew Young International and Centennial Olympic Park boulevards, Warner said. Waffle House’s newest location could open by spring, if all goes according to plan, he said.

The new Waffle House will offer 43 seats inside as well as outdoor seats overlooking Centennial Park, Warner said. Typical Waffle Houses offer seating for 30 to 35. The Centennial Park restaurant will be the company’s third downtown location; there's one at Underground Atlanta and one on the Georgia State University campus.

Santa's Super Saturday Show @ The Plaza Theatre Dec. 3rd

SANTA'S SUPER SATURDAY SHOW!

Saturday Dec 3rd. 1pm @ 10:00pm

The Plaza Theatre

With Santa live in person!

Christmas on Peachtree Nov 25 -Dec 31, 2011

From: http://www.christmasonpeachtree.com/


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Christmas on Peachtree is the largest indoor Christmas festival in the Southeast. Located at 200 Peachtree Street (the former Macy's building) in downtown Atlanta, Christmas on Peachtree is a 70,000 square foot mix of family-friendly festivities, food and shopping.

Come see the stunning Symphony of Lights™ music and light show, let the kids play in the Cartoon Network Children's Adventure Area™ (which includes a life size toy train!), enjoy a meal in the North Pole Café and shop in our retail village. Get your child's photo made with Santa with a number of affordable packages available for purchase.

Take MARTA to Peachtree Center Station or enjoy the abundant, discounted parking available at our convenient parking deck.

Come experience Atlanta's new holiday tradition and remember that a portion of every ticket sold benefits Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Get your tickets now!

See the Latest News about Christmas on Peachtree

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Christmas on Peachtree
Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10:00 AM - Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 5:00 PM (ET)
Atlanta, GA

Decatur Neighborhoods Worried about Suburban Plaza Walmart

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click photo to enlarge
From Decatur Patch

Though the development would be outside the city limits, the Decatur residents want the developer to know they're worried.
Decatur neighborhoods have gotten together to share worries about the proposed Suburban Plaza Walmart, which would be located just outside the Decatur city limits.

A committee from the Decatur Heights Neighborhood Association met Sunday with representatives from the Springdale Heights, Glennwood Estates, Sycamore Ridge, Sycamore Station and Glenlake Commons neighborhoods.

According to a list of concerns compiled from the meeting, residents are worried about traffic congestion, environmental impact, the spillover of parking into adjacent streets and many other issues that were listed in bullet point form.

"The idea," the summary of the neighborhood meeting said, "is to work with Walmart and Selig rather than against them, and let them know our expectations are high."

No date for a meeting has been announced. The developer met Nov. 2 with residents of the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association.

Selig Enterprises of Atlana, the developer, wants to build a Walmart as part of the renovation of the aging Suburban Plaza shopping center at North Decatur Road and Church Street. The firm is seeking a parking variance and would like to build an underground parking garage.

According to a Development of Regional Impact statement filed by DeKalb County, the project calls for the "Demolition of approximately 144,000 sf of existing commercial space and the addition of 149,000 sf for a new total shopping center square footage of 324,614 sf."

Create Memorable Holiday Events with Wahoo!

Create Memorable Holiday Events with Wahoo!
With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to book your upcoming private and corporate events at Wahoo! Grill. Our three sophisticated, venues feature the cuisine and personal attention of executive chef Christian Speigal with space parties of all sizes.

With superior attention to detail, from hors d’oeuvres to dessert and wine pairings to table settings, our talented team works in concert with you to ensure that every moment of your event is delicious and memorable.

Please click here to learn more about our private event capabilities or email events@wahoogrilldecatur.com.

Decatur's Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 1. @ 7PM

Photo from last years lighting.

From Little Shop of Stories:

Yes, we are putting another 25-foot tree on our roof! Come out and celebrate this new tradition as we sing carols and eat sweet treats and maybe get a visit from a jolly man in a red suit!

It's magical!

HOTEL CANDLER when it was GRAND

Hotel Candler was located at E. Ponce de Leon Ave & Church St.

Junktique Decatur is Nov. 12, 2011

From: http://junktique.wordpress.com/

Mark your calendars for Junktique’s 3rd annual fundraising event on Saturday, November 12th

from noon to 5pm at the Solarium in the Oakhurst Village. Junktique, hosted by the Oakhurst PTA, is part artist bazaar, rummage sale, cook-off and dance party. This unique community arts event benefits Oakhurst Elementary School’s teachers’ grants. Junktique: Wings, Swing and Hops promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family!

At Junktique you’ll find…

• A treasure trove of fabulous finds from Oakhurst attics, local antique and consignment shops, as well as hand me downs from our very own students.
• Community Artisan Boutique featuring, exquisite locally-made crafts
• A sizzling, spicy, hot wing cook-off
• Swing dancing demonstrations and lessons
• An all new kid “carnival” area
• And much, much more!

All proceeds will benefit Oakhurst Elementary teacher grants. These vital grants assist teachers in enhancing their teaching approaches and classroom experiences.

More Water Fountains In Decatur?

From Decatur Patch:

The city's Active Living Department is asking that question in a survey.
Cheryl Burnette in the Decatur Active Living Department sent out this press release:

The Decatur Active Living Board has formed a Water Fountain Committee to access Decatur’s public water needs.

Some of the issues they seek to address include water fountain access, the location of public water fountains throughout the city, the reduction of plastic bottles, the cost efficiency of adding new water fountains, fountain maintenance and a needs-assessment for future water fountains.
Ultimately, the goal of the committee is to increase access to public water fountains in order to support Decatur’s active lifestyle.

According to the 2010 US Census, the population of Decatur is 19,335 and currently Decatur has 14 water fountains. This works out to be approximately one fountain per every 1,400 Decatur residents. How do we know if this is enough to meet the needs of our active population?

This is where YOU come in! Please take a few minutes to complete a short five question survey on water fountains in Decatur at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F38PJRS.

Deadline for completing the survey is Jan. 15, 2012. We look forward to getting your ideas and opinions.

Looking Back at The Dekalb Theatre on E. Ponce

This is from the Dekalb Historical Society.
The photo is from the Maury Mable Family collection.
Maury Mable is leading the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Decatur.
The year was 1946, looking at the Dekalb Theatre marquee you can see the movie playing is "Week end at the Waldorf "(1945).
You can see F.W. Woolworth's next door and the Western Auto Store on the other side. the view is on East Ponce de Leon looking from Church St. toward Clairmont, east to west on Ponce de leon.


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circa 1940



I decided to post these from a comment on Decatur Metro about a theatre on Ponce.
Here are two photos of The Dekalb Theatre

Beltline condos for $150,000

From ajc
By Rachel Tobin

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Beltline Inc. has taken a turn into the condo business.
On Monday, Beltline launched a marketing campaign for 30 units in a Memorial Drive condo building that it quietly bought in September. It hopes to sell the 2-bedroom units fast for $150,000 each and then go back to building parks, trails and a transit loop.

The Atlanta organization paid $3.7 million for the Triumph Lofts, which sits along the Beltline's path in the Reynoldstown neighborhood east of downtown.

For sale by Beltline: $150,000 condos

The South Beach-style condos in a former motorcycle factory fell into distress during the real estate bust, leaving the $200,000 to $300,000 units unsold. Then a tornado hit the building in 2008, causing some water damage.

“The private sector was unable to complete it," said Brian Leary, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline Inc. "We it bought out of receivership and are basically serving as the developer of last resort.”

He said the move won't detract from Beltline's primary focus on greenspace and transit but fits with a mandate to spend some of its money on housing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to speak at Emory

From: ajc
By Shelia M. Poole

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak at Emory University during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Lillian Carter Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility.
The lecture will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Glenn Memorial Auditorium, 1660 N. Decatur Road. Tickets, which are required, are $10 for the general public and free for Emory faculty, staff and students.

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/robert-f-kennedy-jr-1219429.html
photo credit: exaimer.com

Jonathan Winters for Hefty Trash Bags

http://youtu.be/f2dHcuiuMs0

Mayberry After Midnight

1957 Was No time for horsing around in Decatur

Decatur Street scene in 1957: Decatur Policewoman giving a parking ticket to a horse.
Decatur had just installed double head parking meters and this was a photo op.
I guess farmer John came to town for supplies without change.
The horse was parked in front of City Hall on N. McDonough St.

James Bond is Back in Skyfall

From: www.newser.com
Newser) – James Bond is back for a 23rd time in Skyfall, which begins filming today and will be out next year after a four-year gap in the 007 franchise. Daniel Craig will reprise his role as the super spy for the third time, going up against Javier Bardem as the villain. Skyfall’s Bond girls are French actress Berenice Marlohe and British actress Naomie Harris, Reuters reports. Though some feared the new director—American Beauty’s Sam Mendes—might tone down the franchise, he assured reporters at today’s launch that the script includes “lots of action.”

In Skyfall, Bond will visit London, China, Turkey, and Scotland. His loyalty to spy boss M, played again by Dame Judi Dench, will be tested. Spy headquarters MI6 will face an attack. “There’s lots of surprises” in the “fantastic script,” Mendes says. The movie is out next Nov. 9 in the US; 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the film franchise. The BBC notes that only four unused titles from Ian Fleming’s James Bond stories remain, including one that isn’t all that exciting (“007 in New York”).

more photos

Next Stop for Walmart...Suburban Plaza

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If you are interested in the plans and want to see the concept drawings of how Suburban Plaza might look after Walmart moves in.
You need to check out medlockpark.org they have several of the drawings posted.
Here is one of them:


Suburban Plaza concept: refacing

Two Shredding Events Saturday

From the decatur patch
It's Gonna Be A Shreddin' Saturday

Two shredding events will be held in Decatur.
If you need to shred documents, you can get it done at two places Saturday.

SafeShred will hold a community Shred Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Glennwood Elementary School, 440 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. in Decatur. Donations are requested and will go to the Glennwood Parent Teacher Association. For more information call SafeShred at 404-772-7500.

The Community School and Eagle Secure Shredding will sponsor a Community Shred Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Donations of $5 per bankers box are welcome. Proceeds will support the Community School, a school for junior and high school students with autism spectrum disorders.

Mingei World Arts says : It really is that time again!

FROM: Mingei World Arts
Who can believe it is NOVEMBER?
It really is that time again!

The Halloween candy is still in the bowl by the door, and we are already thinking about Thanksgiving pie and holiday cookie recipes! Mingei will kick off this glorious season this week with the first of six Terrific Thursdays and the Decatur Wine Festival Art Walk! Keep reading to learn more!
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Terrific Thursdays
One of Decatur's favorite holiday traditions, Terrific Thursday, begins this week! All over Decatur, stores will stay open later, offer specials and special treats, and help you get your holiday shopping done in the most pleasant way! Join us this Thursday from 5-10pm and start ticking down your holiday list over a sip and a nibble. Plan now to shop on Terrific Thursdays-- in November until Thanksgiving, and the first three Thursdays of December.
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Decatur Wine Festival Art Walk!
Raise a glass, or several, at The Decatur Wine Festival, this weekend! The Festival, celebrating its tenth anniversary, is a fundraiser for the Decatur Arts Alliance. You can help support the arts, spend a lovely afternoon on Decatur Square and be dazzled by the selection of over 500 international and domestic wines!

Warm up for the festivities by strolling Decatur from 5-10pm on Friday, November 4 for a fun evening of art, and maybe a wee little bit of wine, too!

Mingei will be featuring TryCycle Glass, recycled glass from Spain, for the Art Walk. You can choose just the right stemware for the holiays to enjoy those new wine discoveries you are going to make on Saturday! You may have seen their beautiful, green glass in the store, but TryCycle will have more to see! Come check out the selection!


We are expecting a large shipment from India in the next week or so-- watch your email so you don't miss this! We have antique furniture, mirrors, vintage carousel horses and all sorts of other wonderful finds on the way. We'll let you know as soon as we crack open the crates!

Warmly--

Ellen and Ann
Mingei World Arts

DeKalb to borrow up to $500 million to start water/sewer upgrades

From ajc

By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

DeKalb County recently agreed to borrow up to $500 million to pay for the first phase of a $1.35 billion upgrade to its failing water and sewer system.
The county will issue bonds during the week of Nov. 14 to begin the work. Ground will be broken early next year on the first projects.

Halloween in 1958

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This is what it was like on Halloween in 1958

This is a reprint from the Atlanta Journal dated Oct. 31, 1958
BEWARE, ATLANTA! TONIGHT THE WITCHES COME CALLING
BY Laura McGregor

ATLANTA BEWARE!
Tonight the witches take to the air.
Bubbling brews will steam from black kettles,
witch-ridden brooms will swoop across the sky.
Ghosts will flutter overhead and for a few shorth hours Atlanta will become an eerie city filled with the supernatural from on high.
Halloween with all it's magical powers will capture the children turning them into frightening little creatures, punching doorbells and screeching loudly "Trick or Treat".
Bright orange pumpkins hollowed and carved into a variety of contorted faces will brighten porches and shine from windows.
And the howl of a lone black cat and the smell of burned autumn leaves will put a hypnotic spell in the crisp night air.
Amid the dancing neon signs downtown will roam the celebrants-blowing horns, rattling noise makers and belive bones.
While out from the city lights, little clowns, gypsies, skeletons and ghosts will douse their heads in washtubs filled with red apples and eat marshmellows from a string.
But at the stroke of 12 trick or treat bags will be empty again.
The last of the candied apples will be washed from dirty little hands and the last of the witches will point their brooms toward the land of spirits to await another magical night of Halloween.
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Pranksters prepare for Halloween in 1958 and include cat "P.J"
Rhonda, left and Charles Robinson are dressed for the occasion.

Decorate Decatur: Halloween Houses

Grand Prize winner this year "Scarecrow Army" @ 212 Adair St. Decatur, GA

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This one is at 252 Kings Hwy. Decatur, GA

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This cool looking house is at 429 Adams St. Decatur, GA
I love all those birds, It reminds me of the movie "The Birds"

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Another Decorate Decatur winner house at 123 Kings Hwy. Decatur, GA

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This is Nancy Wilkinson house, she won the grand prize last year.
watch this video about Nancy's passion for Halloween.
This one is on Adair St. Decatur, GA

Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol opens December 21st

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Ghost Protocol sees Cruise reprise his role as Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt, with Simon Pegg returning as computer expert Benji Dunn from Mission: Impossible III. Joining the sequel are newcomers Paula Patton, Josh Holloway, Vladimir Mashkov, Michael Nyqvist, Léa Seydoux, Anil Kapoor, and Jeremy Renner.
Next Showing: Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol opens December 21st
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From : http://www.reelz.com
Promotion for the upcoming sequel Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol has been pretty limited. So far, the scene where Tom Cruise is suspended from the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai is clearly a showcase piece, having been featured in the movie's first and only trailer as well as a newly released featurette.

If you didn't think Cruise was a little fearless before, you will after watching the actor run, jump, and climb the world's tallest building with nothing but a few cables holding him up. Director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) doesn't seem too nervous as watches and calls for Cruise to perform more takes. While the stunt itself is the sole focus, it does serve to show that the upcoming sequel is doing everything it can to push the action scenes to a whole new level.
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watch this trailer

Waffle House Museum open house schedule

Jerry Andrews sends in these waffle house links sent to him.


Thanks to Ed Hallman and Susan Penland Lee for the links. Enjoy!

http://www.atlantatimemachine.com/commercialbldgs/waffle.htm

http://www.wafflehouse.com/our-story/waffle-house-museum

Thanks to all three for the links.

Cow tongue shuts down Decatur Square

From ajc
By Christopher Seward

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Many suspicious packages have sent metro police agencies scrambling, but none like the one discovered Thursday on the Decatur Square.
Decatur Police were called to the grounds of the old historic courthouse around noon when a suspicious package was reported on the lawn.

The package was wrapped in duct tape, Deputy Police Chief Keith Lee told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After the area was cordoned off, Lee said, a MARTA explosives dog was called in, but the canine didn’t detect anything.

The package was then X-rayed, but nothing mechanical was observed, Lee said. The next step was to cut the package open.

Inside, authorities found a cow tongue. Yes, a cow tongue.

Lee said authorities haven’t identified the tongue’s owner or how it ended up on the courthouse grounds.

Decatur High Football Game Stopped with Parent Arrested

From the ajc

By George Mathis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Decatur High School's football game ended early Friday night after a parent rushed onto the field to defend his son, officials said.
Parent Dean Rodney was arrested for disorderly conduct after entering the field of play with 8:52 left on the clock. Rodney told Decatur police he "acted spontaneously" after seeing his son shoved by a larger Twiggs County player after a play ended, according to a police report.

With Decatur winning 48-0, the teams' coaches agreed to end the game early, said Decatur City Schools Athletic Director Carter Wilson.

Rodney's son was ejected from the game for his actions after the play and will be suspended for one game, said Wilson. It was the first suspension for the 3-5 team this year, said Wilson.

Wilson said he could not recall a game ending early because of a fan's actions.

"It's definitely unusual," said Wilson. "Nothing on the field seems any different, but there's a lot more going on with fans and people in the stands."

Three Twiggs players were ejected during the game and will also miss at least one game per Georgia High School Association rules.

Decatur rarely plays Twiggs County, located east of Macon along I-16.

Parent's arrest ends Decatur football game

The 1st Annual HomeGrown Halloween Parade and Monsters' Ball

What happens when the 100+ local artists at HomeGrown Decatur put their fiendish heads together and cook up a witch's brew of Halloween fun?

Why, the 1st Annual HomeGrown Halloween Parade and Monsters' Ball, of course!

Join the ghastly revelry on Sunday, October 30th. All ages are invited to put on their most ghoulish costumes and come celebrate Halloween. The younger set can kick off the afternoon with a 3 o'clock Halloween story time at Little Shop of Stories. Then all the local zombies and goblins, old and young alike, will meet at the Decatur Bandstand at 4 p.m. for a walking parade around town.

At 5 p.m., come enjoy the haunted sounds of The Dammages (www.thedammages.com) as they claim the bandstand for the inaugural Monsters' Ball, an all ages costumed dance and band party. Set up a picnic dinner and enjoy live music followed by an adult costume contest sponsored by The Square Pub. See video below og The Dammages.

Stay tuned for more information at www.homegrowndecatur.com or www.facebook.com/HomeGrownHalloween.

The 44th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival 2011

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From dawson.org
The Moonshine Festival explores Dawson County's history during the prohibition era when liquor was illegal and the Great Depression of the 1930's when running moonshine through the foothills of the Northeast Georgia Mountains was a way of life. Thousands of tourists flock to the birthplace of NASCAR racing to hear about storied legends, Lloyd Seay, Roy Hall, Raymond Parks, and Gober Sosebee. These men loved the thrill of being chased through the ridges of Northeast Georgia Mountains. Bring the family and visit an old Moonshine still; listen to stories from both "Trippers" and Revenuers. On Sat., the 22nd, crafts, food and entertainment will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the square in Dawsonville. The parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. See a huge car show lining the streets, including vintage racecars and their drivers. Sunday October 23rd – Activities continue with music, dancers, kid’s games and rides, exhibits, crafts, food and cars, cars and more cars! Fun for the entire family.

The Decatur High School Homecoming Parade 2011

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Rocket 88 .. Gone with the Wind - Already Closed

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Rocket 88 just opened last month, and they have already closed
no sign in window, but the place is empty.

Their facebook page says:

Rocket 88

We no longer exsist. Thanks for yer patronage

The Decatur High School Homecoming Parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m Oct 21

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Photos from 2010 Homecoming Parade
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This is from Diane Loupe over at The Decatur Patch

You'd think that a gal who grew up in New Orleans would be parade jaded.

Nope, I love parades. And one of our community's loveliest little parades will run through town Friday afternoon.

The Decatur High School Homecoming Parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m., complete with a marching band, convertibles and home-made floats.

The Decatur Bulldogs will be playing the Twiggs County High Cobras in the 7:30 p.m. homecoming game, so you can expect to see floats representing huge caped Bulldogs constructed of chicken wire and papier mache wrestling, overpowering and generally trouncing chicken-wire cobras.

So this is fair warning to anyone who lives or works near downtown Decatur. Want to get home early on Friday? Make sure you get out of downtown before 5:30 p.m.

But if you're looking for one of the reasons that Decatur retains a nostalgic small-town feel inside a mammoth metropolitan area, stick around.

Stephanie Mealor Corder of the Dragonfly Design Studios blog (she also teaches art lessons!) and Dennis Whitefield, a Decatur native who writes the Next Stop... Decatur blog, have shared their pictures from last year's homecoming parage. Whitefield fondly remembers being a student at Decatur Junior High and going over to the high school to watch the DHS homecoming parade.

All this week, Decatur High students have been giving up their evenings to gather around a trailer and create a float. Mardi Gras, these aren't.

Having chaperoned many float-building evenings, I can attest to the fact that these homemade creations are totally and completely the idea and work of the students. We adults just sit around, make sure nobody gets funky with spray paint and trade gossip.