Little ghouls and goblins, you've got options this year, and neither one costs a dime.

Spooky Skele-bration in Olde Town — Thursday, Oct. 29, 5–7 p.m.
Streets close off at 5 p.m. so families can trick-or-treat safely through the historic downtown Entertainment District, with a few ghostly surprises along the way. After 7, the grown-ups are encouraged to stay in costume and hit the Olde Town restaurants, bars and shops for spooky specials. Free admission, free parking, and pets are welcome. (901 Railroad St.)

Rockdale County Trunk or Treat — Friday, Oct. 30, 6–9:30 p.m.
The county's big one returns to the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office at 911 Chambers Drive. Expect a haunted hayride, a costume contest, face painting, a kids' zone, food trucks and, of course, plenty of decorated trunks full of candy. It's free and open to the whole family.

Buzz tip: Do Olde Town Thursday in a "starter" costume and save the full showstopper for Friday's contest.

Skele-bration details · County events calendar

Early voting for the Nov. 3 General and Special Election kicked off Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Rockdale has been showing up, just not quite in force yet.

According to Rockdale Board of Elections Director Cynthia Willingham, 3,050 people voted on day one, and by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, turnout had more than doubled to 6,622. That's real momentum, but with 66,389 active voters in the county, nearly 60,000 of us still haven't cast a ballot.

Statewide, Georgians turned out in record numbers on the first day, with more than 188,600 ballots cast.

If you haven't voted yet, early voting is the easiest way to skip Election Day lines. Check your polling location, sample ballot and hours on the Georgia My Voter Page before you head out.

Georgia My Voter Page · Turnout report (OCG News)

Here's one to brag about at the next PTA meeting: the Rockdale County Board of Education has once again been named an Exemplary Board by the Georgia School Boards Association, the highest governance recognition GSBA gives. This marks the board's 11th time earning the title.

It's a nice bit of momentum for Rockdale County Public Schools, which welcomed new Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Johnson this summer.

Thinking about a specialty program for 2027–28? RCPS is hosting Open House nights this fall, and families are strongly encouraged to attend before applying. Next up:

• Ray Davis Middle School, Academy for Performing and Visual Arts (Grades 6–8) — Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6–7 p.m.
• Rockdale Career Academy (Grades 9–12) — Tuesday, Nov. 10, 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Full RCPS Open House schedule

Good news for costume shopping and porch decorating: it's shaping up to be a gorgeous, dry stretch in Conyers. Expect warm afternoons in the upper 70s midweek, easing to around 70 by Saturday, with crisp mornings in the mid-40s. Keep a light jacket handy for early drop-offs and evening walks.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us this week, neighbor. Whether you're carving pumpkins, casting your ballot or cheering on our schools, you're what makes Rockdale feel like home.

Know about a local event, a new business, or a neighbor doing something great? Just hit reply. We read every message, and your tip could land in next week's Buzz.

Stay safe, stay sweet, and we'll see you next Wednesday!