Stone Mountain Park's Pumpkin Festival returns with all-new glow-in-the-dark attractions

Top Stories for September 9th Publish Date: September 9th PRE-ROLL: From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, September 9th and Happy Birthday to Ottis Redding I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Stone Mountain Park's Pumpkin Festival returns with all-new glow-in-the-dark attractionsGwinnett Democrats blast federal, state leaders over raid at Hyundai-LG plantBuford Dam Road temporarily closing near Lake Lanier on Sept. 11 All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Break 1: Kia MOG STORY 1: Stone Mountain Park's Pumpkin Festival returns with all-new glow-in-the-dark attractions Stone Mountain Park is about to feel like a storybook come to life. Starting Sept. 13, the Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night is back—and it’s bigger, brighter, and, honestly, a little more magical this year. At night, the park transforms. Picture this: Cinderella floating through the air in a sparkling gown, lighting up a massive pumpkin tree. Then there’s the glow-in-the-dark pumpkin parade—floats, fairy tale characters, and a dance party you can’t help but join. Oh, and the grand finale? The World’s Largest Pumpkin Drone & Light Show, complete with fireworks. By day, it’s all about family fun—rides, glowing pumpkins, and even mini-golf. This runs through Nov. 2. STORY 2: Gwinnett Democrats blast federal, state leaders over raid at Hyundai-LG plant Gwinnett County leaders didn’t hold back Friday, slamming federal and state officials over a massive immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG plant in Bryan County. Nearly 475 workers—many South Korean nationals—were arrested, sparking outrage in Georgia’s largest Korean-American community. Federal agents called it a criminal investigation, not an immigration raid, but the fallout is undeniable. STORY 3: Buford Dam Road temporarily closing near Lake Lanier on Sept. 11 Heads up, drivers—Buford Dam Road near Lake Lanier’s southern end is shutting down for a day. On Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close the road to patch potholes, fix guardrails, and handle some tree work. If you’re in the area, plan to detour via State Route 20. Oh, and heads up—parks along the road, like Buford Dam Park and West Bank Park, will also be closed. It’s just one day, but still, maybe pack a little extra patience. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: GWINNET FAIR STORY 4: Many Georgia teachers say they are overworked, underpaid and exposed to violence  Georgia’s teachers are burned out. Overworked, underpaid, and dealing with everything from disruptive classrooms to outright violence, many are questioning how much longer they can stay. A new survey from the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) paints a grim picture: two-thirds of educators feel exhausted, and a quarter report severe teacher shortages at their schools. Even worse? 8% say they’ve been physically assaulted by students—double that for special education staff. Low pay, second jobs, and unpaid college debt only add to the stress. Something’s gotta give. STORY 5: Buford Corn Maze opens Saturday Fall’s not officially here yet, but the Buford Corn Maze is already gearing up for its 17th season of autumn fun—and honestly, who’s complaining? The Maze started Saturday, the 32-acre farm on Bennett Road is bringing back all the classics: the corn maze (of course), pumpkin patch, hayrides, pony rides, and the Kid’s Corner. Oh, and don’t forget the Haunted Forest—it opens Sept. 26 with this year’s theme, “Into the Twisted Hollow.” Spooky, right? New this year? Expanded animal encounters, carnival games, and a bigger kids’ play area. Tickets? Online or at the gate. STORY 6: ART BEAT: Lionheart Theatre returns all-female cast production of 'Radio T.B.S. Trailer Park Broadcasting Scandals' “Radio T.B.S.” is a fan favorite, so of course it’s part of Lionheart’s 25th Anniversary Season. Running Sept. 12–28, this all-female comedy stars longtime anchors Debbie McLaughlin and Tanya Gilmer, who’ve been with the show since its first run. Set in the Luna Del Mar Manufactured Home Oasis (aka “The Penicillin Capital of Central Florida”), the play follows radio hosts Vesta Poteet and Dixie Mandrell as they dish on everything from the Miss Manatee Contest to a “Jesus and Elvis” tribute. Oh, and those “Gone with the Wind” collector plates? Scarlett O’Hara looks suspiciously like Ernest Borgnine. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Sundays and Sept. 27. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors,...