From Chili Cook Off To St. Patrick's: Upcoming Gwinnett Events

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Here are some upcoming events in Gwinnett County, ranging from a Chili Cook off to World Thinking Day.

Transit Referendum Open House Sessions

In preparation for the March 19 Transit Contract Referendum, the County will host a series of open house education sessions. Here are some upcoming dates:

• Thursday, Feb. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
• Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville
• Tuesday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to noon, Georgia Gwinnett College Student Center, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville
• Thursday, Feb. 28, 6 to 8 p.m, Gwinnett Fire Academy, 3608 Braselton Highway, Dacula

Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. Join Gwinnett County Government and the United Ebony Society as we celebrate Black History Month. This reception and celebration will feature performances, speakers, and special presentations. The reception begins at 6:00pm with the program starting at 6:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Nicole Love Hendrickson at 770.822.8877 or by emailing [email protected]. Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center atrium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

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Chili Cook-off and Concert
February 22 from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Warm up with our annual chili cook-off while you chill out with some great music. Competitors provide a gallon of their best chili. Additional chili fixings, bread, crackers, dessert, and drink will be provided. For ages 50 and older. Cost: $6 per person; the first 10 competitors are free. Preregister online by February 20 with code BEP12908 or by calling 678.277.0179. Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

Greenwood Culture Fest | FREE!
February 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the whole family for a day filled with food and fun, and visit with local businesses while we honor the past and celebrate the future during Black History Month. Vendor spaces available. Cost for vendors: $16 for a 6-foot table or $11 without a table. Preregister online with code LSP11404 or by calling 678.277.0860. Lucky Shoals Park, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross.

World Thinking Day
Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Travel around the world in less than three hours. Join local Girl Scouts as you sample culture and cuisine from around the globe. For all ages. Cost $2 per person; separate charge of a dime per beverage/food item and swap. Preregister online with code EHC11608. For more information, call 770.904.3500. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford.

Love Your Ticker! Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. February is American Heart Month, so enjoy a health presentation by Live Healthy Gwinnett and sample a recipe by UGA Extension Gwinnett. Cost: $6 per person. For ages 50 and older. Preregister online by February 21 with code BEP12909 or by calling 678.277.0179. Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.

Pop Talks March 1 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bring your knowledge and passion for music, movies, social media, and technology to this pop culture discussion led by Parks and Recreation staff. For ages 14 to 18. For more information, call 678.277.0875. Lilburn Activity Building, 788 Hillcrest Road, Lilburn.

Parknership | FREE!
March 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Give back to your community while having fun! Individuals, families, scout groups, and service organizations are welcome to join Gwinnett Parks Foundation with a park cleanup. Parknership is a rain or shine event. Bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle. Lunch will be provided. Preregister at www.volunteergwinnett.net or by calling 678.277.0900. Little Mulberry Park, 3800 Hog Mountain Road, Dacula.

Tiny Titans Exhibit | FREE!
March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don't miss the premier of the newest traveling exhibit,Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Learn about dinosaur eggs and nests collected from around the world. Watch "Jurassic Park" in the Blue Planet Theater and enjoy guided tours of the GEHC, and much more. For all ages. Preregister online with code EHC11609. For more information, call 770.904.3500. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford.

March 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. Let the good time roll! Enjoy festive entertainment and a tasty traditional meal. Preregister online

Dinner and Cinema: Leave No Trace
March 8 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy a catered dinner, popcorn, and mock-tails while watching the powerful award-winning drama film "Leave No Trace" in the historic Superior Court Ballroom. For ages 18 and older. Cost: $20 per person. Preregister online by March 1 with code GHC11602. For more information, call 770.822.5450. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.

Quince Girl EXPO | FREE!
March 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Are you getting ready to celebrate your 15th birthday? Join the ultimate party showcase featuring fashion shows, interactive exhibitor demos, budget party planning tips, and door prize drawings. Free swag bag for the first 50 Quince girls! Vendor spaces available. Cost for vendors: $55. For more information or a vendor packet, call 678.277.0920. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake.

Fix-A-Leak | FREE!
March 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn how to become more efficient in your water usage and to conserve water inside and outside the home. Topics include leak detection, do-it-yourself water audits, and the County's toilet rebate program. You will receive a water conservation kit for either indoor or outdoor fixtures. Preregister online or by calling 678.376.7193. Suwanee Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library, 361 Main Street, Suwanee, or March 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, Conference Room C, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

St. Patrick's Luck O' the Irish Lunch

March 15 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Celebrate all the Emerald Isle has to offer: music, laughter, and a traditional Irish meal! The Ling sisters will perform traditional Irish music. For ages 50 and older. Cost: $12 per person. Preregister online with code GPP12903. George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.