🌱 Christmas Parade + Ribbon Cutting + Holiday House Donations

Hi all. Phil Giltman here with your fresh copy of the Cumming Daily. Keep reading to find out all the things you need to know about what's going on locally, including updates on...

• Downtown Cumming Christmas parade
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for new Juvenile Court Building

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Today's newsletter is sponsored by Heart & Hammer Realty

How is the Atlanta-area real estate market changing? The numbers are in.

We all know the real estate market in the Atlanta area has been slowing. But in October, the market hit the emergency brake.

Consider:

• Home sales dropped by 35 percent vs. October of last year
• 4,415 homes sold in October — the lowest October number since 2011
• Active listings are up nearly 80 percent

Fortunately, demand in Cumming hasn't fallen as much as in the greater Atlanta area. But in a more challenging market, your agent matters more than ever. And if that Realtor comes with a homebuilder who can help you evaluate a property, odds of seller concessions — and buyer success — go up.

Fortunately, Amanda Shelton and her husband Andy Shelton of Heart & Hammer Realty have you covered. She's a Top 20 percent Keller Williams agent. He's a top-notch builder who knows houses from the inside out.

To get a read on your home's value or to learn about current market opportunities, call or text Amanda today at 770.572.0722 or email her at amandashelton@kw.com.

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Now, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 57 Low: 32.

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💚 Are you a local business looking to increase awareness and affinity in your community? Our newsletter sponsorships can help you stand out from the competition and grow your business in Cumming. Click here to learn more.

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Here are the top stories today in Cumming:

1. It's the most wonderful time of the year. The City of Cumming is hosting a Christmas Festival with a parade starting at 5 p.m. this Saturday. The parade route travels south on Tribble Gap Road, starting at Forsyth Central High School and ending at the Cumming Fairgrounds. There will be a Christmas festival after the parade, including a tree lighting, vendors, Christmas crafts, pictures with Santa and more. (NewsBreak Original)
2. Forsyth County Courts will host a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the new Juvenile Court Building. The Bell-Forsyth Judicial Court's Juvenile Court System is approximately 70,000 square feet and includes two courtrooms, conference rooms and administrative offices. "Juvenile court facilities are unique in that special accommodations must be made for juveniles and their families that are not required at the main courthouse," said Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley. (Press Release Desk)
3. 'Tis the season of giving, and there's still time to donate to The Place of Forsyth's 8th annual Holiday House. The Place will be accepting donations until Dec. 7 to help families in need prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Those interested can help by donating items to one of about 220 donation boxes found throughout the county or by making a monetary donation online. Donation box locations and instructions on how to donate are available at www.theplaceofforsyth.org/holidayhouse. (Subscription: Forsyth County News)

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Today in and around Cumming:

• "Never Stop Learning" Exhibit at Cumming Arts Center (11 a.m.)
• Christmas Marketplace at Cumming Arts Center (11 a.m.)
• North Atlanta Business Networking Lunch at Black Diamond Grill (11:30 a.m.)
• Food Truck: Draztic Aztec at NoFo Brewery (4 p.m.)
• Up on the Rooftop at Avalon (5 p.m.)
• Post Road Writers' Group at Post Road Library (6:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office would like to remind motorists that with the hustle of the holidays, it's important to remember to buckle up every trip, every time. There is no excuse for not wearing your seatbelt. (Forsyth County SO via Instagram)
• Whitlow Elementary would like to congratulate Zoeya in Mrs. Kidd's class who the "Principal for the Day" raffle. (Whitlow Elementary via Facebook)
• Students from Matt Elementary's 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades have enjoyed adding decorative touches to the gingerbread house in the media center. (Matt Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Public Library is proud to serve once again as an official collection spot for Forsyth County Fire Department's Aerial's House Toy and Coat Drive. Bring new, unwrapped toys and coats to any of our Libraries through Dec. 9. (Forsyth County Public Library via Facebook)
• The Forsyth County Education Foundation is honored to partner with the Denmark family for the Dr. Leila Denmark Memorial Student Scholarship. (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• North Point Christmas Tree Lighting (December 1)
• Big Psychic Fair (December 3)
• 3hr Bachata Boot Camp Atlanta Saturday, Dec. 3 (December 3)
• Santa on the Farm (December 6)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra — A Kids' Christmas (December 17)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra — Christmas Pops! (December 17)
• Add your event

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Phil Giltman

About me: I've lived in Cumming since 2010. I'm married with two kids, both in Forsyth County Schools. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I love solid news reporting, scoring baseball games, playing golf, watching movies, reading books, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, competing in fantasy leagues, commissioning said fantasy leagues, playing poker, trying new foods, traveling, and hanging with friends and family. I appreciate you stopping by.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cumming Daily? Contact me at phil.giltman@Patch.com