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Local North Alabama
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2008 North Alabama Local
Events
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January 2009
February 2009
9th Annual Dinner Theater
Feb. 13-15, 21-22 at 6:30 p.m.
The DeKaIb County Children’s Advocacy Center will be hosting its
9th Annual Dinner Theater production entitled Reunion Day, written
by Eddie McPherson. It will be held in the First United Methodist
Church Family Life Center located in Fort Payne. All proceeds
benefit the DeKalb CAC.
For more information contact Chad Garmany at 256-997-9700 or
chad@dekalbcac.org
Website: www.dekalbcac.org
Cottontails’s Village Arts & Crafts Show
Birmingham — Feb. 28 - March 2
Birmingham/Jefferson Convention Complex-Arts and crafts featuring
all original work, including woodwork, jewelry, clothing,
decora-tions. Easter Bunny available for pictures. Admission
charged. Contact Wendy Melvin at 205-836-71 78.
Cullman County Civic Center-Senior Expo
Cullman — Feb. 28 Sassy - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
focusing on the health and well-being of sen-
iors. Games, exhibits, food, and fun. No admis-
sion charged. Contact Beth Montgomery at
256-737-6028.
Boy Scout Pinewood Derby
Oxford — Feb. 28
Enjoy watching as area Boy Scouts race their
Pinewood Derby cars in this annual event. Hours
TBA. No admission charged. Contact Trisha
Johnson Humphrey at 256-831-4180.
Outdoor Auto Show
Feb 20-23, 2009
Location: Regency Square Mall Florence, Alabama
The latest in outdoor recreation can be found at this show.
Admission: Free
Information: (256) 766-2176
March 2009
Home and Garden
Show
SaturdayMarch 21 9:00 to
4:00
Sunday, March 22 - 12:00 to 4:00
The Northeast Alabama Home & Garden Show is held at the Dekalb
County Schools Coliseum, Rainsville, Alabama the third weekend of
March each year.
Website:
http://www.neahgshow.com/
April 2009
Fort Payne
Rappelling Basics Certification Class (Fort Payne) - Apr 11,
256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling
test. Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon
successful completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Decatur 3M River
City Run, 29th Annual
Point Mallard Park--10K and 1-mile runs. 10K on certified,
flat, and fast through Point Mallard park and adjoining
neighborhoods. Awards. 8-10:30 a.m.
Cabela's Crappie USA Invitational Tournament
(Sheffield) - Apr 12, Sheffield 800-344-0783, 270-395-4321.
www.colbercountytourism.org
www.crappieusa.com
Fee for participants only. Riverfront Park--Anglers compete for
the chance to fish in the Crappie Classic. Weigh-in, 3 p.m.
Raku Pottery
Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: Apr. 12, May 10, Jun. 14, Jul. 12, Aug. 9,
Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13. Bring the entire family and
experience how pottery is made. Glaze and fire your own piece of
Raku pottery. Reservations are required due to limited
spacing. Sessions at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fort Payne Rock
Climbing Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Apr 12, 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com Admission charged.—Come
experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides
who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic
instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. 10 a.m.-2
p.m.
Cullman
Walking-Racking Horse Show
(Cullman) - Apr 12, 256-739-4959. Admission. Cullman County
Agricultural Trade Center.
Moulton Alabama
Chicken and Egg Festival
(Moulton) - Apr 12-13, 800-974-1658.
www.alabamachickenandeggfestival.com Admission charged.
Lions Club Fairgrounds--Chicken clucking contest, karaoke for big
chickens, live bantam chicken display, chicken wing and hard
boiled egg-eating contests, entertainment, children’s activities,
and arts and crafts fair. Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5
p.m.
Thursday Hike
with Wild South
(Moulton) - This will be the first of a reoccurring monthly hike
into the Bankhead National Forest/Sipsey Wilderness. Every third
Thursday we will meet Janice Barrett at the Warrior Mountain
Trading Company at 10:30AM for a hike no longer than 3 miles.
Bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Due to the sensitivity of
the area, this hike will be limited to 20 children, plus parents
"Beguiled
Again"--The Songs of Rodger & Hart Annual Broadway Musical Revue
(Decatur) - Apr 18, Decatur "Beguiled Again"--The Songs of Rodger
& Hart 256-340-1778.
www.Princesstheatre.org Admission charged. Princess Theatre -
Annual musical revue featuring a local talented cast and Broadway
tunes featuring dozen of selections from the songbook or Rodger &
Hart, including "Bewitched," "Bothered and Bewildered," "My Funny
Valentine," and more.
High Adventure
Trip
(Fort Payne) - Dates: Apr. 17-19, May 8-10, Jun. 10-12, Aug.
14-16, Sept. 16-18, Oct. 23-25, Nov. 13-15. Three-day adventure
that begins with a wild cave tour on day one, rock climbing,
rappelling, and an extreme night hike on day two, and ends with a
relaxing canoe trip on day three.
Alabama Studio
Weekend
(Florence) - Apr 18-19, 2009 Event designed for the advancement
and preservation of Southern culture and food.
Athens Dogwood
Festival
256-233-8728.
www.keepathenslimestonebeautiful.com Free. Downtown
Athens, Courthouse Sq.—Arts and crafts, Do Da parade, womanless
beauty contest, fashion show and luncheon. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A View From Earth
(Collinsville) - Apr 19, Collinsville A View From Earth
256-844-8235.
www.dreamfieldproductions.net Admission charged.
Dreamfield Outdoor Theatre--A fun-filled day of music. 10 a.m.-10
p.m.
Earth Month
Celebration
(Florence) - Apr 19, Florence Earth Month Celebration 2567404141.
www.flo-tour.org Free.
Wilson Park--Come learn and be inspired to conserve and preserve.
The day's activities include educational speakers, guided nature
tours, and activities for children. 10 a.m.
-----
Spring Festival
of Flowers
Huntsville/(256) 830-4447
Imaginative topiaries, tulips of every description, daffodils,
pansies and azaleas bloom all over the Huntsville Botanical
Garden. The 100-year old dogwood tree, and wildflower trail are
beautiful! Special events on each weekend of the festival - check
web site for details.
www.hsvbg.org.
April, 2009. Admission.
Bloomin' Festival
Cullman/(256) 739-6682, Ave Maria Grotto - (800) 722-0999/www.bloominfestival.com
Over 150 exhibitors from around the Southeast display and sell
their works. Live entertainment by folk singer Kate Campbell and
the St. Bernard Prep School Music Ensemble. April 5-6, 2009, 9
a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission.
Houston Memorial Library & Museum Street Fair
Athens/(256) 233-8770
Arts, crafts, great food, entertainment, prizes & games
celebrating the life of two-time Alabama Governor and U.S. Senator
George Houston. Special encampment by the 50th Alabama Infantry
Civil War reenactors. Always third Saturday in April. April 19,
2009. Free.
A View From Earth
Collinsville, AL Directions on website.
April 19, 2009 Gates open at 10:30am.
Adults $12, Children 7-12 are $6.50, 6 and under are free! For
more information go to
www.dreamfieldproductions.net
There will be a demonstration of bio-diesel processor, Hybrid
Cars, Hydrogen Power, concert and puppet show for children.
Proceeds will go to Tigers For Tomorrow and the Dekalb CO. D.A.R.E.
Program.
Racking Horse Spring Celebration
Decatur/(256) 353-7225
The show season opening event is held in the spring for this
national breed. Features approximately 500 horses and more than
25,000 spectators and exhibitors from up to 20 states. Always at
the end of April. April 23-26, 2009. Admission. (Photos)
Panoply® Arts Festival
Huntsville/(256) 519-ARTS/ www.panoply.org
The premiere Arts Festival in North Alabama presented by The Arts
Council. This exciting event is one of Alabama’s largest and most
fun arts festivals, offering a variety of national and regional
talent in music, theatre, and dance. Visit Panoply’s Art
Marketplace where you can purchase original works of art by
artists from around the United States. Stop by the choreography
competition, where choreographers and dancers from across the
country compete for top honors. Always the last weekend in April.
April 25-27, 2009. Free.
Strawberry Festival
Cullman/(256) 734-3369
Vendors, car show, tractor pull, beauty pageant, kiddie rides,
entertainment, food, arts & crafts. Held at Sportsman Lake Park.
April 25-26, 2009. Admission.
Earth Month
Celebration
(Florence) - Apr 19, Florence Earth Month Celebration 2567404141.
www.flo-tour.org Free.
Wilson Park--Come learn and be inspired to conserve and preserve.
The day's activities include educational speakers, guided nature
tours, and activities for children. 10 a.m.
Essentials of the
Day Hike
(Pelham) - Join Wendi Merritt of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society
for a program about the essentials necessary for a day hike. Wendi
will cover what to take on a day hike, safety, how to not get lost
and what to put in a first aid kit. She will lead a hike at Oak
Mt. State Park following the program. Bring a sack lunch and water
for a picnic during or after the hike.
Georgia Glenn
Pioneer Fishing Tournament
(Alexander City) - Apr 19, Alexander City Georgia Glenn Pioneer
Fishing Tournament 256-329-0845. Free. Wind Creek State
Park--Enjoy the beautiful waters of Lake Martin as you pull for
your favorite fishermen and women.
Highlights from
Der Rosenkavalier
(Huntsville) - Apr 19, Huntsville, Highlights from Der
Rosenkavalier 256-539-4818.
www.hso.org Admission charged. Von Braun Center Concert
Hall--Richard Staus Opera Gala and Highlights from Der
Rosenkavalier with Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Magnolia Festival
(Gardendale) - Apr 19, Gardendale Magnolia Festival 205-608-1800.
www.magnoliafestival.org
Free. Gardendale Civic Center--Live entertainment, featuring
bluegrass, pop, Christian music; classic car show, carnival rides,
pony rides and inflatables for kids, arts and crafts booths,
business expo, great food, including barbecue, ice cream, funnel
cakes. etc. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mountain Brook
Art Association's 27th Annual Spring Art Show
(Mountain Brook) - 100 local area fine artists exhibiting original
two-dimensional works. Oils, acrylics, mixed media, watercolors,
pastels, pencil, ink, collage, etc. Many veteran artists and
always some newcomers. Artistic styles from classic to
contemporary, realistic to abstract and non-objective. Outdoors,
handicapped accessible, food vendors,
Mountain Longleaf
Festival
A Celebration of Arts & Environment, 4th Annual (Anniston) - Apr 19,
Anniston Mountain Longleaf Festival: A Celebration of Arts &
Environment 256-782-5697.
www.fieldschool.jsu.edu Festival designed to celebrate the
natural world and to benefit the children of the community. Enjoy
live music, nature and arts activities, arts demonstrations and
sales, food, children's activities & more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mullet Man
Triathlon, 12th Annual
(Orange Beach) - Apr 19, Orange Beach Mullet Man Triathlon, 12th
Annual 251-974-1510; 850-803-8740.
www.gulfshores.com
Admission charged. Flora-Bama--Swim 1/4 mile, bike 15 miles, run 4
miles. The Mullet Man Triathlon is a high quality event, promises
a great course, super volunteers, awards 3 deep and a post-race
party with fabulous food and fun. 7:30 a.m. until.
Old Howard 100
Bike Ride
(Marion) - Routes of 30, 50, 70 and 100 miles available; five SAG
stops at historic sites. Ride begins at 9 a.m. on the campus of
Judson College in Marion. Proceeds benefit Sowing Seeds of Hope
ministry.
Old Howard 100
Bike Ride
(Marion) - Routes of 30, 50, 70 and 100 miles available; five SAG
stops at historic sites. Ride begins at 9 a.m. on the campus of
Judson College in Marion. Proceeds benefit Sowing Seeds of Hope
ministry.
Re-Creation 5K
Run
(Huntsville) - Apr 19, Huntsville Re-Creation 5K Run 256-232-5659.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org Southwood Presbyterian Church--Get
back to nature during this fun-filled racing event.
Riverside Trash
Round-up, 3rd Annual
(Guntersville) - Apr 19, Guntersville Riverside Trash Round-up
256-571-5440.
www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com Free. Guntersville State
Park--The waters of Lake Guntersville are home to a variety of
fish, waterfowl, and other marine life. Join in this effort to
clean debris from the banks and help maintain the purity of the
lake by providing a sustainable environment for the wildlife. 2
p.m.
Spinners Park
Yard Sale
(Prattville) - Clean out your closets and attic and bring your
cast off items to Spinners Yard Sale. Booths $10.00. Includes
license fee and two 8 foot tables to display your sale items. Turn
your trash into cash at Spinners yard sale!
Sucarnochee
Folklife Festival
(Livingston) - Apr 19, Livingston Sucarnochee Folklife Festival
205-652-3752. www.uwa.edu Free
admisson. Courthouse Sq.--Art demonstrations, including pottery,
metal works, quilting and more. Live music, storytelling, Walking
Ghost tour, a c ornbread cook-off, and a Sucarnochee 5K run. 8
a.m.-7 p.m.
The Old 280
Boogie
(Auburn) - Apr 19, Auburn The Old 280 Boogie 334-826-6423.
www.standarddeluxe.com
www.waverlyalabama.com
Free admission. Downtown Waverly on the lawn near High Corner
Co-Op--Open air music festival featuring a variety of artists
booths, food vendors, family activities, including cake walks,
horse she toss, volley ball, and more. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
USAT Collegiate
Triathlon
(Tuscaloosa) - Apr 19, Tuscaloosa USAT Collegiate Triathlon
205-391-9200. Fee for participants only. Various
locations--Triathlon consisting of a .93-mi. swim in the Black
Warrior River, a 24.8 bike course on Jack Warner Pkwy. and a
6.2-mi. run on the Riverwalk and up Queen City Pkwy. Hours TBA.
Wilcox Area
Chamber Big Fish Crappie Tournament
(Camden) - Big Fish Crappie Tournament with 6 hourly weigh-ins
paying $175 total per hour for the top 3 largest fish. Largest
fish for the tournament wins $1000, 2nd largest wins $500, 3rd
wins $250. Two weigh-in stations along the lake for the hourly
weigh-ins. Main headquarters at the Miller's Ferry Marina.
MAY 2009
First Baptist Rogersville 3rd annual Car & Truck Show. MAY
16th: Rogersville AL. Will be held in paved church parking
lot with indoor seating and restrooms available. All makes and
years welcome. Top 20 Participant Judging and 2 specialty awards.
Food, games for children, music & door prizes will all be apart of
this family event. All proceeds go toward the FBC Youth Mission
Events. Registration 8-11:30 am, Judging 11:30am - 1:30pm. For
more information call 256-247-5924 or email
FBCcarshow@bellsouth.net.
Annual UAH Student Art Exhibition
(Huntsville) - Apr 8-May 2, Huntsville Annual UAH
Student Art Exhibition 256-824-6114.
www.uah.edu (follow link or Art Dept.). Free. UAH
University Center & Unioin Grove Galleries--Juried selection of
the best student work of the year, including paintings, drawings,
prints, sculpture, graphic, website design, and digital video.
Univ. Center, open daily; Union Grove Gallery, afternoons and by
appt.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - May 2, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of
Manitou Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to
explore on your knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight
tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Mule Days in Alabama,
4th Annual (Albertville) - Apr 27-May 3, Albertville Mule Days in
Alabama 256-506-0137.
www.cullmanmuledays.com. Fee for
participants only. North Alabama Sand Mountain to Cullman Mule
Train site—Family fun the old timey way by horse and wagon. Event
features camping out every night with some musical entertainment.
Some meals are furnished. Food vendor available. Ride ends with a
mule and draft horse show in Cullman.
Homespun Arts & Crafts Show & Plant Sale,
28th Annual (Athens) - May 2-3, Athens Homespun Arts & Crafts
Show & Plant Sale, 256-232-3525.
www.athensbibleschool.org. Free admission. Campus of
Athens Bible School—Along with vendors, there will be nurseries
selling plants, flowers, trees and other garden items. Food
concessions. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; pancake
breakfast, 6-11 a.m.
Poke Salat Festival,
23rd Annual (Arab) - May 2-3, Arab Poke Salat Festival
256-586-6255. www.pokesalatfestival.com. Free. Downtown--Arts,
crafts, food vendors, children's games and activities, historical
display, street dances, display of art work of emerging artists
from Arab schools, parade, and more. Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9
a.m.-10 p.m
Recall LaGrange Reenactment (Tuscumbia)
- May 2-3, Tuscumbia Recall LaGrange 256-446-9324, 256-383-0783.
www.recall-lagrange.00me.com. Free. LaGrange College Park—A
vignette of Civil War life with skirmishes, a Civil War-era
funeral, a daily life camp, blaksmith and firearm demonstrations,
musical entertainment, including Shoals dulcimer and folk music,
hay rides, food, crafts, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WhistleStop Festival & Rocket City BBQ
(Huntsville) - May 2-3, Huntsville "WhistleStop Festival & Rocket
City BBQ" 256-564-8100.
www.earlyworks.com. Admission charged. Huntsville
Depot—Come on down for a toe-tappin', barbecue-eatin' good time.
The festival is a KCBS-sanctioned event with a professional and
amateur barbecue competition, entertainment, children activities,
and great music. Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
16th Annual Wildflower
Saturday at DeSoto State Park (Fort Payne) - May 3, Fort Payne
Wildflower Saturday 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free.
DeSoto State Park—Make this a weekend to rememeber. Stay at DeSoto
Lodge and enjoy a wildflower breakfast, lunch and dinner. Multiple
hikes throughout the day. 8:30 a.m.
Alabama Veterans Museum
Open Coffee Call (Athens) - May 3, Athens Alabama
Veterans Museum Open Coffee Call 256 771-7578.
www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.comb. Donations accepted.
Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives--Veterans, families and friends
are invited the first saturday of each month to a Coffee Call and
tour of the musem. Remarks, Star Spangle Banner, Taps and then
breakfast
Antique Car and Tractor Show and Street Fair
(Trinity) - Live country and bluegrass music all day featuring
Grand Ole Opry Star Mike Snider. Inflatables for the kids, and
plenty of food vendors. Very nice door prize drawings every hour.
50/50 drawing at end of day.
Bilingual Spanish-English Hike
(¡para los personas hablas Espanol!) (Fort Payne) - May 3, Fort
Payne Bilingual Spanish-English Hike (¡para los personas hablas
Espanol!) fieldschool.jsu.edu. DeSoto State Park and Lodge--This
program is led by Dr. Kelly Gregg and designed for individuals who
are fluent and learning Spanish. Wear appropriate shoes and bring
a camera, snacks, and water. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Day in the Park (Cullman)
- May 3, Cullman Day in the Park 256-734-9157.
www.cullmanrecreation.org. Admission charged. Heritage
Park--Day of fun for all ages, including games and a car show. 1
a.m.-3 p.m.
Devil’s Race Track at Wade Mountain Preserve
(Huntsville)
- Several species of rare plants can be observed along the
Racetrack. Join us for an amazing view of NE AL from Devil’s
Racetrack atop Wade Mountain. Bring a sack lunch and water and we
will picnic on the mountain.
King Kat Invitational (Sheffield)
- May 3, Sheffield King Kat Invitational 800-344-0783,
270-395-4381.
www.cobertcuntytourism.org ;
www.kingkatusa.com.
Fee for partipants only. Riverfront Park--Anglers converge on
Pickwick and Wilson Lake, also known as the Catfish Capital of the
World. Weigh-in, 3 p.m.
Purple-Gold Day (Cullman)
- May 3, Cullman Purple-Gold Day 256-796-2623.
Free. Campus of Fairview High School--Arts and crafts, games for
all ages, 5K run, Miss Cullman County Pageant and a gospel
singing. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rappelling Adventure (Fort Payne)
- May 3, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Come experience the thrill of rappelling down
the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama. No previous experience
necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sacred Harp Singing in the Old Country Church
(Huntsville) - May 3, Huntsville Sacred Harp Singing 256-533-4118.
www.burrittmuseum.com.
Free. Madison Baptist Church on the grounds of Burritt on the
Mountain--Come hear the music from the movie "Cold Mountain." This
singing attracts performers from around the Southeast. Sacred harp
is a shaped-note religious folk music, which is sung acapella.
Senior Cup 5k and One-Mile Fun Run
(Decatur) - May 3, Decatur Senior Cup 5k and One-Mile Fun Run
256-303-1046.
www.shoalstrac.com/ calendar. Admission charged. Decatur
Baptist Church--5k run/walk on certified, super flat and fast
course with long straightaways, limited twist and turns. Great
door prizes, shirts, and pizza. 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
SoulStock
(Athens) - May 3, Athens SoulStock 256-232-5990.
www.soulstock.com.
Free admission. Athens State University, Beasley Field--A
Christian event with Christian music and performers, arts, crafts
and food vendors. 2-10 p.m.
Mentone
Rhododendron Festival
Mentone/(256)634-4664
First Weekend in
May... always!
Enjoy the beautiful
Mentone Brow Park and the festivities including entertainment,
local and regional arts and crafts, and food. The festival is
planned during the blooming of the rhododendron and mountain
laurel, always the third full weekend in May. Don't miss the
riverboat rides on the Little River where the flowers are the most
astounding.
May 5, 6, 7 2009.
Butterfly House
Huntsville/(256) 830-4447
The air in the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Butterfly House is
filled with over 30 species of North American butterflies flying
free in their own secret garden. Stroll through the Butterfly
House and witness a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis on the
‘birthing tree,’ look for caterpillars munching on parsley, and
catch them taking a dainty drink of nectar. Plants in the
Butterfly House are specially selected to appeal to specific
tastes of butterflies, so you can learn what to plant in your own
garden to attract these winged beauties.
www.hsvbg.org.
May through September, 2009. Admission.
Antique and Strawberry Festival
Moulton/(256) 974-8813
Fresh strawberries grown on the farm at Classical Fruits, 70
antique and craft vendors set up under the pine trees, homemade
strawberry fried pies, four greenhouses full of plants and flowers
on sale for these two days only. May 5-7, 2009, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free.
Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic
http://www.alabamajubilee.net
Decatur/(256) 350-2028, (800) 524-6181
31st Annual Hot-Air Balloon Classic
MAY
24-25th, 2009 DECATUR, ALABAMA
MEMORIAL
DAY WEEKEND
Event features up to 70 colorful hot-air balloons from across the
country. Other activites include a Sunrise Coffee Club,
marketplace, children’s activity area, sand sculpture contest,
photography contest, antique tractor show, classic car show, arts
& crafts, motorcycle show, and an extreme sports area with sport
kite demonstrations, rock climbing & skateboarding. Always on
Memorial Day weekend. May 27-28, 2009. Free. (Photos)
Annual UAH Student Art Exhibition
(Huntsville) - Apr 8-May 2, Huntsville Annual UAH
Student Art Exhibition 256-824-6114.
www.uah.edu (follow link or Art Dept.). Free. UAH
University Center & Unioin Grove Galleries--Juried selection of
the best student work of the year, including paintings, drawings,
prints, sculpture, graphic, website design, and digital video.
Univ. Center, open daily; Union Grove Gallery, afternoons and by
appt.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - May 2, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of
Manitou Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to
explore on your knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight
tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Mule Days in Alabama,
4th Annual (Albertville) - Apr 27-May 3, Albertville Mule Days in
Alabama 256-506-0137.
www.cullmanmuledays.com. Fee for
participants only. North Alabama Sand Mountain to Cullman Mule
Train site—Family fun the old timey way by horse and wagon. Event
features camping out every night with some musical entertainment.
Some meals are furnished. Food vendor available. Ride ends with a
mule and draft horse show in Cullman.
Homespun Arts & Crafts Show & Plant Sale,
28th Annual (Athens) - May 2-3, Athens Homespun Arts & Crafts Show & Plant
Sale, 256-232-3525.
www.athensbibleschool.org. Free admission. Campus of
Athens Bible School—Along with vendors, there will be nurseries
selling plants, flowers, trees and other garden items. Food
concessions. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; pancake
breakfast, 6-11 a.m.
Poke Salat Festival,
23rd Annual (Arab) - May 2-3, Arab Poke Salat Festival
256-586-6255. www.pokesalatfestival.com. Free. Downtown--Arts,
crafts, food vendors, children's games and activities, historical
display, street dances, display of art work of emerging artists
from Arab schools, parade, and more. Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9
a.m.-10 p.m
Recall LaGrange Reenactment (Tuscumbia)
- May 2-3, Tuscumbia Recall LaGrange 256-446-9324, 256-383-0783.
www.recall-lagrange.00me.com. Free. LaGrange College Park—A
vignette of Civil War life with skirmishes, a Civil War-era
funeral, a daily life camp, blaksmith and firearm demonstrations,
musical entertainment, including Shoals dulcimer and folk music,
hay rides, food, crafts, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WhistleStop Festival & Rocket City BBQ
(Huntsville) - May 2-3, Huntsville "WhistleStop Festival & Rocket
City BBQ" 256-564-8100.
www.earlyworks.com. Admission charged. Huntsville
Depot—Come on down for a toe-tappin', barbecue-eatin' good time.
The festival is a KCBS-sanctioned event with a professional and
amateur barbecue competition, entertainment, children activities,
and great music. Fri. 4-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
16th Annual Wildflower
Saturday at DeSoto State Park (Fort Payne) - May 3, Fort Payne
Wildflower Saturday 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free.
DeSoto State Park—Make this a weekend to rememeber. Stay at DeSoto
Lodge and enjoy a wildflower breakfast, lunch and dinner. Multiple
hikes throughout the day. 8:30 a.m.
Alabama Veterans Museum
Open Coffee Call (Athens) - May 3, Athens Alabama
Veterans Museum Open Coffee Call 256 771-7578.
www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.comb. Donations accepted.
Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives--Veterans, families and friends
are invited the first saturday of each month to a Coffee Call and
tour of the musem. Remarks, Star Spangle Banner, Taps and then
breakfast
Antique Car and Tractor Show and Street Fair
(Trinity) - Live country and bluegrass music all day featuring
Grand Ole Opry Star Mike Snider. Inflatables for the kids, and
plenty of food vendors. Very nice door prize drawings every hour.
50/50 drawing at end of day.
Bilingual Spanish-English Hike
(¡para los personas hablas Espanol!) (Fort Payne) - May 3, Fort
Payne Bilingual Spanish-English Hike (¡para los personas hablas
Espanol!) fieldschool.jsu.edu. DeSoto State Park and Lodge--This
program is led by Dr. Kelly Gregg and designed for individuals who
are fluent and learning Spanish. Wear appropriate shoes and bring
a camera, snacks, and water. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Day in the Park (Cullman)
- May 3, Cullman Day in the Park 256-734-9157.
www.cullmanrecreation.org. Admission charged. Heritage
Park--Day of fun for all ages, including games and a car show. 1
a.m.-3 p.m.
Devil’s Race Track at Wade Mountain Preserve
(Huntsville)
- Several species of rare plants can be observed along the
Racetrack. Join us for an amazing view of NE AL from Devil’s
Racetrack atop Wade Mountain. Bring a sack lunch and water and we
will picnic on the mountain.
King Kat Invitational (Sheffield)
- May 3, Sheffield King Kat Invitational 800-344-0783,
270-395-4381.
www.cobertcuntytourism.org ;
www.kingkatusa.com.
Fee for partipants only. Riverfront Park--Anglers converge on
Pickwick and Wilson Lake, also known as the Catfish Capital of the
World. Weigh-in, 3 p.m.
Purple-Gold Day (Cullman)
- May 3, Cullman Purple-Gold Day 256-796-2623.
Free. Campus of Fairview High School--Arts and crafts, games for
all ages, 5K run, Miss Cullman County Pageant and a gospel
singing. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rappelling Adventure (Fort Payne)
- May 3, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Come experience the thrill of rappelling down
the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama. No previous experience
necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sacred Harp Singing in the Old Country Church
(Huntsville) - May 3, Huntsville Sacred Harp Singing 256-533-4118.
www.burrittmuseum.com.
Free. Madison Baptist Church on the grounds of Burritt on the
Mountain--Come hear the music from the movie "Cold Mountain." This
singing attracts performers from around the Southeast. Sacred harp
is a shaped-note religious folk music, which is sung acapella.
Senior Cup 5k and One-Mile Fun Run
(Decatur) - May 3, Decatur Senior Cup 5k and One-Mile Fun Run
256-303-1046.
www.shoalstrac.com/ calendar. Admission charged. Decatur
Baptist Church--5k run/walk on certified, super flat and fast
course with long straightaways, limited twist and turns. Great
door prizes, shirts, and pizza. 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
SoulStock
(Athens) - May 3, Athens SoulStock 256-232-5990.
www.soulstock.com.
Free admission. Athens State University, Beasley Field--A
Christian event with Christian music and performers, arts, crafts
and food vendors. 2-10 p.m.
Antique & Strawberry Festival
(Moulton) - May 2-4, Moulton Antique & Strawberry Festival
256-974-5067.
www.lawrencealabama.com. Admission charged. 8483 Ala.
Hwy. 157--Fried strawberry pies cooked on site, homemade
strawberry bread that will melt in your mouth, and sinfully good
homemade strawberry fudge along with fresh ripe juicy
strawberries. Crafts and children's activities. Fri. & Sat., 9
a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ellis Homestead Days
(Valley Head) - May 3-4, Valley Head Ellis
Homestead Days 800-843-5098.
www.sequoyahcaverns.com
. Free. Ellis Homestead--Experiance life on a family farm that has
been in operation since 1841. See oxen, horses, antique tractors,
and equipment and learn how farm life has progressed over the last
167 years. Local craftsmen, food vendors, and live bluegrass music
both days. 9 a.m.-5 p.m
Heritage Weekend
(Blountsville) - May 3-4, Blountsville Historical
Park Heritage Days 205-429-2338. Admission charged. Blountsville
Historical Park, U.S. 231 N.--Weekend of living history
activities, Civil War reenactment, touring of the Historical Park
and entertainment. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Native American Festival
(Bridgeport) - May 3-4, Bridgeport Native American
Festival 256-495-2672.
www.nps.gov/ruca. Free admission. Russell Cave National
Monument--Bring your lawn chair or blanket for storytelling and
dancing. Also, food and living history demonstrations, including
pottery making, Cherokee encampment, flute music, archery, flint
knapping, woodcarving, etc. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll
(Huntsville) - May 4, Huntsville Maple Hill
Cemetery Stroll 800-772-2348.
www.huntsvillepilgrimage.org. Admission charged. Maple
Hill Cemetery--200-year-old cemetery brought to life as more than
60 costumed vounteers tell the stories of the famous and infamous
buried there who helped to shape our state and nation.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - May 5, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour
256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of
Manitou Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to
explore on your knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight
tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Paddling Tour of Terrapin Creek
(Centre) - May 8, Centre Paddling Tour of
Terrapin Creek 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Admission
charged. Terrapin Outdoor Ctr.—Join JSU Field School staff and
seasoned paddlers for this 4-mi. float down lovely Terrapin Creek.
USO and the American Spirit
(A Musical Revue) (Guntersville) - May 1-10,
Guntersville "USO and the American Spirit" 256-582-7469.
www.wholebackstage.com.
The Whole Backstage--A musical revue featuring standard and
patriotic music from the 1930s and 40s, including "Simeine ti
Watch Over Me, I Got Rhythm, Ain't Misbehavin', Night and Day,
Stormy Weather, Bewitched, America the Beautiful" and many more.
7:30 p.m.; except Sun., 2 p.m.
Storytelling Festival
(Pisgah) - May 4-10, Pisgah Storytelling
Festival 256-495-3614.
www.gorhamsbluff.com. Admission charged. Gorham's
Bluff—Gorham's Bluff Institute presents America's best
storytellers. Events include a youth teller celebration, Stories
'Round the Table benefit dinner and performance, a day of teller
sessions and workshops, and "The Tale End" concert. Lunch provided
with Sun. admission.
old below..
High Adventure Trip
(Fort Payne) - Dates: May 8-10, Jun. 10-12,
Aug. 14-16, Sept. 16-18, Oct. 23-25, Nov. 13-15. Three-day
adventure that begins with a wild cave tour on day one, rock
climbing, rappelling, and an extreme night hike on day two, and
ends with a relaxing canoe trip on day three.
Fantasies and Fairy Tales
: Star Wars to Disney (Huntsville) - May 10,
Huntsville Fantasies and Fairy Tales: Wars to Disney 256-539-4818.
www.hso.org. Admission
charged. Von Braun Center Concert Hall--Music of John Williams,
Disney's Alen Menken and more with exclusive appearances by Jodi
Benson, soprano, the voice of Ariel in Disney's The Little
Mermaid, with Broadway stars Gary Mauer, tenor, and William
Michals, baritone. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
International Migratory Bird Day
(Fort Payne) - May 10, Fort Payne International
Migratory Bird Day 256-845-9605.
www.nps.gov/liri. Little River Canyon National
Preserve-- Preserve staff members hand out materials and talk to
visitors about this area's importance to migratory birds. Little
River Canyon is a great place to watch birds.
Murdock's Hidden Trails & Extreme Hike
(Fort Payne) - May 10, Fort Payne Murdock's Hidden
Trails & Extreme Hike 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Admission
charged. Little River Canyon National Preserve—Join Dr. Chris
Murdock, biologist, for this experience on hidden trails to the
river, hiking, and swimming. Transportation from JSU to River
Canyon will be be provided. Recommended for children 16 yrs and
older. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Raku Pottery Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: May 10, Jun. 14, Jul. 12,
Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13. Bring the entire
family and experience how pottery is made. Glaze and fire your own
piece of Raku pottery. Reservations are required due to limited
spacing. Sessions at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Russell Cave
(Bridgeport) - Russell Cave provides clues to the
daily lifeways of early North American inhabitants dating from
6500 B.C. to 1650 A.D. The cave shelter archaeological site
contains the most complete record of prehistoric cultures in the
Southeast. Bring a picnic lunch and a drink.
United Way Garden Tour
(Moulton) - May 10, Moulton United Way Garden
Tour 256-974-5955. Admission charged. Various gardens--Self-guided
tours of beautifully landscaped gardens throughout Lawrence County
to benefit the Lawrence County United Way agencies.
Indian Artifact Show
(Fort Payne) - Come and view many Native American
artifacts from all over Alabama in this special display.
Mother's Day Lunch on the Porch (Mentone) -
May 11, Mentone Mother's Day Lunch on the Porch 256-634-4040.
www.mentonespringshotel.com. Mentone Springs Hotel--The
rhododendron are in bloom on top of Lookout Mountain and your
mother deserves the best Sunday lunch in the state of Alabama.
Call ahead for reservations. 11 a.m.-2 p.m
Rappelling Basics Certification Class
(Fort Payne) - May 14, Fort Payne Rappelling Basics
Certification Class 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling
test. Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon
successful completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday Hike with Wild South
(Moulton) - This will be the third of a reoccurring
monthly hike into the Bankhead National Forest/Sipsey Wilderness.
Every third Thursday we will meet Janice Barrett at the Warrior
Mountain Trading Company at 10:30AM for a hike no longer than 3
miles. Bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Due to the
sensitivity of the area, this hike will be limited to 20 children,
plus parents.
Campfire Talk: Leave No Trace for Children (Fort Payne) -
May 16, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Leave No Trace for Children
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Join park ranger, Josh Hughes and learn how to be
gentle when hiking through natural areas. 8-9 p.m.
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - May 16, Fort Payne Extreme Night
Hike 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Intended for a large group team-building
exercise, this hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some
spelunking, and a whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and
guide included. 7-9:30.
"I Hate Hamlet"
(Huntsville) - Andrew Rally seems to have it all:
celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television
series; a rich beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent;
the perfect New York apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in
Central Park. There are, however, a couple of glitches in
paradise.
Children's Nature Weekend at DeSoto State Park
(Fort Payne) - May 16-17, Fort Payne Children's Nature Weekend
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. DeSoto State Park/Lodge-- A fun
family weekend. Join park naturalist Brittney McAlister for
Campfire Talks on Friday (Children's Leave No Trace) and Saturday
nights (Children's How Useful are Plants?), register for the
children's edible plants workshop on Saturday.
Florence Wagon Works Festival
(Florence) - May 16-17, Florence Florence Wagon
Works Festival 256-740-4141.
www.flo-tour.org. Free. McFarland Park--Celebration of
Florence Wagon Works Co., the second largest producer of wagons in
North America from 1889 to 1941. Musical entertainment, Civil War
re-enactors, arts, crafts, wagon parade, antique tractors/cars,
book sale, and Wheeler Rifle Drill Team. Fri., noon-6 p.m.; Sat.,
10 a.m.-until.
Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo, 26th Annual (Athens) -
May 16-17, Athens Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo 256-232-0111.
www.limestonesheriff.com.
Admission charged. Limestone Co. Sheriff's Arena, Hwy.
99—Sanctioned rodeo with bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull
riding, calf roping and rodeo pageant. Festivities begin with a
downtown parade the previous Saturday followed by a street dance
on Tuesday before rodeo.
Red Hot Rodeo
(Boaz) - May 16-17, Boaz Red Hot Rodeo
256-593-8154.
www.boazchamberofcommerce.com. Admission charged. King
St.--Professional Cowboy Association rodeo, food and more. Gates
open at 6:30 p.m.; event begins at 8 p.m.
Shoals Dulcimer & Folk Music Festival
(Florence) - May 16-17, Florence Shoals
Dulcimer & Folk Music Festival 888-356-8687, 256-766-6984.
www.flo-tour.org. Free. A music event sponsored by the Shoals
Dulcimer and Folk Music Festival with a potluck supper and jamming
on Friday (6 p.m.) and breakfast, classes and open stage
performances on Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Antique Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet
(Huntsville) - Museum with interactive exhibits for children Train
Exhibits, Historical Alabama Constitution Village, and much more.
ARLEY DAY FESTIVAL, PARADE & CAR SHOW (Arley) - Enjoy arts
& crafts, food, games, and prizes. Car show open to all vehicle
types - Cars, Motorcycycles & Antique Tractors. Dash plaques, door
prizes, special awards, and vendors.
Campfire Talk: Useful and Edible Plants for Children (Fort
Payne) - May 17, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Useful and Edible
Plants for Children 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free.
DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Nature provides so many wonderful things.
Children need to know where things come from...what do we get from
plants? Come and learn how we depend on plants to survive. 8-9
p.m.
Catfish Festival
(Scottsboro) - May 17, Scottsboro Catfish Festival
256-574-1330. Admission charged. Jackson County Park—A great
hometown festival including a catfish tournament for adults,
catfish rodeo for children, arts and crafts show, car show, and
free concerts. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Children's
Edible & Interesting Plants Workshop (Fort Payne) - May 17,
Fort Payne Children's Edible & Interesting Plants Workshop
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park—Children are naturally curious and need to be taught the
basics of botany at an early age. Join naturalist, Brittney
McAllister, for this fun and interesting program on the nature of
botany. 10 a.m.-noon.
Hands On Trucks
(Huntsville) - May 17, Huntsville Hands On Trucks 256-837-0606.
www.sci-quest.org. Admission charged. Sci-Quest--More than a dozen
different trucks on display. Operators on hand to discuss how the
trucks work and provide other information about their trucks and
their jobs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Historic Walking Tour
(Huntsville) - Knowledgeable guides will give tours of the
Historic Districts of Huntsville. These historic districts are on
the National Historic Registry. Archetectural and personal
histories of the 1800's will come to life. From ladies of the
History Hike at Little River Falls
(Fort Payne) - May 17, Fort Payne History Hike at Little River
Falls 256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Little River Canyon
National Preserve parking lot--This short hike reveals the story
of the people who used to live around the falls. The homes are
long gone, but not forgotten. 10 a.m.
Jesse Owens Memorial Run
(Moulton) - May 17, Moulton Jesse Owens Memorial Run
256-974-1658, 256-974-3636. www.lawrencealabama.com. Fee for
particpants. Free food and beverage for runners. Runs begins and
ends at Lawrence Co. H.S.--Competition among 1000 runners includes
10k, two-mile and one-mile runs in honor and memory of Lawrence
County native Jesse Owens. 8 a.m. until.
Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - May 17, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Come experience the thrill of rappelling down
the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama. No previous experience
necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Presents: The Charlie Daniels
Volunteer Jam
(Tuscumbia) - Jam featuring: The Charlie Daniels Band; 38
Special; Shooter Jennings Gates open at 5 p.m.; show begins at
7:00 p.m. Limited Reserved Seating - $35.00 General Admission in
Advance - $25.00 General Admission Day of Show - $30.00 Order your
tickets by phone at (256)381-4417 or 1-800-239-2643
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - May 17, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where
the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This
2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on
your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave
lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Wildflower Saturday
(Guntersville) - May 17, Guntersville Wildflower Saturday
256-571-5440. www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com. Free. Guntersville
State Park—This guided interpretive hike provides a wonderful
introduction to the many species of plants found along the banks
of the Tennessee River and along the miles of hiking trails within
the park. 2 p.m.
Wings of Thunder Annual Charity Ride
(Hartselle) - May 17, Hartselle Wings of Thunder Annual
Charity Ride 256-773-4370 www.hartsellechamber.com. Fee for
participants only. Roundtree- Airport, off Hwy. 31—Festivities
include poker run, live entertainment, vendors, bike games, bike
show and fun for all. The rally benefits a different charity each
year. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Antique Alley Yard Sale, 10th Annual
(Fort Payne) - May 15-18, Fort Payne Antique Alley Yard Sale
877-871-1386. www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com. Free. Hwy.
11--Follow scenic U.S. Hwy. 11 from Meridian, MS to Bristol, VA
for more than 500-miles of yard sales. Explore charming historic
communities and downtown districts such as Fort Payne's 1889 boom
town district.
Lawrence County Multicultural Indian Event, 20th Annual
(Moulton) - May 15-18, Moulton Lawrence County Multicultural
Indian Event, 20th Annual 256-905-2494 or 2499.
www.lawrencealabama.com. Free. 1219 Co. Rd. 187, Danville—Native
dancing/ drums, bluegrass, gospel, country music, living history
encampment, wagon rides, food and craft vendors. Thurs. & Fri., 8
a.m.-5 p.m. (students); Sat., noon-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
U.S. Higway 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale
(Attalla) - Enjoy this 502 mile festive roadside sale. Antique
dealers flea market vendors, and yard sale enthusiasts will line
the route.
Federated Garden Clubs Flower Show
(Huntsville) - May 16-18, Huntsville Federated Garden Clubs
Flower Show 256-430-3572, ext. 290. www.hsvbg.org. Admission
charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden--Experience flowers as living
art. Competitors design arrangements to set themes. Sat., 9 a.m.-5
p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Rhododendron Festival 2009
(Mentone) - Celebration begins Friday at 6:30 on Mentone
Square with bonfire party and live music. The fun continues on
Saturday in Brow Park, beginning at 9 a.m., with food, arts and
crafts, music, and a quilt drawing. Tickets for drawing are
available from local merchants or the Mapa booth during the
festival. Also boat rides on Little River and more music on the
Square at
Arts Alive Festival
(Florence) - May 17-18, Florence Arts Alive Festival
256-757-9913. www.artsalivealabama.com. Free admission. Wilson
Park—A juried fine arts and crafts festival with more than 100
vendors with a special art contest and activities for children,
food, music and more. Proceeds benefit area schools' "Artist in
Residence" program. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
McDonald's Big Bass Splash
(Scottsboro) - May 16-18, Scottsboro McDonald's Big Bass
Splash 256-259-5500. www.sealyoutdoors.com. Admission charged.
Goose Pond Colony--Amateur-only fishing tournament with a
guaranteed payout of $150,000. Daily block party, a young anglers
fishing contest and hourly prizes awarded. 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Native American Intertribal Pow Wow
(Woodville) - Competition intertribal pow wow sponsored
by Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama. All Native drums, dancers
and the public are welcomed. Native arts, crafts, and food
vendors.
Rhododendron Festival at Mentone Springs Hotel (Mentone) -
May 17-18, Mentone Rhododendron Festival 256-634-4040.
www.mentonespringshotel.com. Mentone Springs Hotel--Antique
dealers and pottery collectors exhibit on the lawn of the oldest
hotel in the state of Alabama. Special arts show of work by local
artisans on Sat. at Tall Meadow Rue Chapel. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - May 19, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where
the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This
2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on
your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave
lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Daikin Festival
(Decatur) - May 23, Decatur Daikin Festival 256-306-5000. Free.
Morgan County Fairgrounds—More than 10,000 people gather to learn
more about the Japanese culture
May 23, 2009 Wild
Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - May 23, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where
the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This
2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on
your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave
lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
May 17-24, 2009 NJCAA Div I Golf Championship
(Huntsville) - May 17-24, Huntsville NJCAA Div I Golf Championship
256-427-6749. www.njcaa.org. Hampton Cove, RTJ Golf Trail--This
year and for the next two years, Huntsville will be the site of
this prestigious golfing event. The tournament is the coordinating
effort of Central Alabama Community College, Wallace State
Community College of Hanceville, the Huntsville Sports
Organization, etc. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 23-24, 2009
Introduction to Musical Instruments in Story & Song
(Fort
Payne) - Join musician Tony Thomas for this interesting program
introducing acoustic instruments such as the fiddle, guitar,
mandolin, & banjo by using stories & songs to give you a
appreciation for each instrument.
May 24, 2009
Beginning Bird Identification
(Fort Payne) - May 24, Fort Payne Beginning Bird Identification
256-782-5697, 256-463-2272. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. Shoal Creek
District Office—Join USFS birding experts for a tour of the Shoal
Creek District's birding "hot spots" including the endangered
red-cockaded woodpecker management areas. 7-10 a.m.
May 24, 2009
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - May 24, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this
hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking,
and a whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and guide included.
7-9:30.
May 24, 2009 Herb
Lore of Appalachia-Mountain Medicine
(Fort
Payne) - Join herbalist Darryl Patton and DSP staff for a
interesting hike on the trails of DeSoto State Park to see many
different species of plants that were used for mountain medicine
in the past and are used for modern medicine today....
May 24, 2009
North Alabama "Down Home" Blues Festival, 19th Annual
(Huntsville) - May 24, Huntsville North Alabama “Down Home” Blues
Festival 256-536-4312. Admission charged. Huntsville Jaycees
Fairground—An outdoor celebration with emphasis on new and
legendary soul and blues artists. Event designed to preserve one
of the purest and truest forms of African-American music and art,
the blues.
May 24, 2009 Rock
Climbing Adventure
(Fort Payne) - May 24, Fort Payne Rock Climbing Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Come
experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides
who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic
instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. 10 a.m.-2
p.m.
May 24-25, 2009
Alabama Jubilee Arts & Crafts Show
(Decatur) - May 24-25, Decatur Alabama Jubilee Arts & Crafts Show
800-524-6181. www.decaturcvb.org. Free admission. Point Mallard
Park--Two-day show held in conjunction with the Alabama Jubilee
Hot-Air Balloon Classic with all handmade items for sale. 7 a.m.-7
p.m.
May
24-25, 2009 Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic
(Decatur) - May 24-25, Decatur Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon
Classic 800-524-6181. www.decaturcvb.org. Point Mallard Park--One
of the largest free balloon festivals in the Southeast, featuring
balloon races, glows, kite
May 25, 2009 Low
Country Boil
(Mentone) - May 25, Mentone Low Country Boil 256-634-4040. Mentone
Springs Hotel--Kick off the summer on top of Lookout Mountain.
Mentone Springs Hotel prides itself with its array of fresh
shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, pork tenderloin, corn souffle,
black-eyed pea cakes, and homemade desserts. One seating at 6 p.m.
with live entertainment. Reserve early.
May 24-26, 2009
Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale
(Boaz) - May 24-26, Boaz Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale 800-405-2193.
www.tangeroutlet.com/boaz. Free. Tanger Outlet Ctr.--Enjoy extra
savings from name brand stores during this holiday weekend sale.
Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Mon., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 26, 2009
Mercedes-Benz Cotton Row Run 10K/5K and 1-Mile
(Huntsville) - May 26, Huntsville Mercedes-Benz Cotton Row Run
10K/5K and 1-Mile 256-650-7063; 256-881-9077 (day).
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Enty fee. Starting location: Clinton
Ave., n. of Von Braun Center--This has been a premiere Memorial
Day running event in the South for past 28 years. 10k starts at 7
a.m.; 5k at 9, followed by the 1-mile fun run at 10.
May 28, 2009
Memorial Day Ceremony
(Tuscumbia) - May 28, Tuscumbia Memorial Day Ceremony
256-383-0783. Free admission. Colbert County Courthouse, Main
St.—Ceremony honoring all veterans and to remember the price they
paid for our freedom. 11 a.m.
May 30, 2009 City
Lights and Stars
(Huntsville) - Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley
at Burritt on the Mountain as fine nationally known and local
musicians perform under the stars during this series of casual
outdoor concerts. Fancy picnic suppers available.
May 30, 2009
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - May 30, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this
hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking,
and a whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and guide included.
7-9:30.
May 30-31, 2009
Herbal Remedies for the Home
(Fort Payne) - Join herbalist Darryl Patton to learn which plants
are great to have around the house to help make you and your
family healthier.
May 31, 2009 Hike
the Medicinal Trail-Herbal Remedies used by the Pioneers
(Fort
Payne) - Join herbalist Darryl Patton & DSP staff for a hike on
DeSoto State Park's Trails to see many species of plants that were
used by the pioneers to cure their ills.
May 31, 2009 Jazz
Festival
(Attalla) - May 31, Attalla Jazz Festival 256-538-5452.
www.willscreekvineyards.com. Admission charged. Wills Creek
Vineyards--Beverages and cheese plates available. Bring your own
chairs or blankets and enjoy jazz in the vineyards. 7-11 p.m.
May 31, 2009
Shoals Culinary Center Kitchen Tour
(Florence) - May 31, Florence Shoals Culinary Center Kitchen Tour
256-764-0044. www.ccc.shoalsec.com. Free. Shoals Culinary
Ctr.--Sign up for cooking classes and tour the only kitchen
incubator in Alabama. This satellite operation of the Shoals
Entrepreneurial Center is designed to create job opportunities,
foster entrepreneurship, and grow the food industry. Mon-Fri.,
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
June 2009
Frontier Day Celebration
Contact: Jo Parkhurst, Curator 256/ 760-6439
Step back into the past at the 18th annual
Frontier Day Celebration
at historic Pope’s Tavern Museum in Florence, AL on Saturday, June
3, and Sunday, June 4, 2009. This outdoor event celebrates the
frontier heritage of Florence with crafts, music, and costumes
typical of that period. Hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, and
1:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday. Admission is free.
Truck and
Tractor Pull by the Lexington Fire Department and Rescue Squad -
It's a very big event...It's said to be the best pull of them
all...We have won "Pull Of The Year" for 2004 and 2005 we beat out
quite a few other pull's for this title. We are also famous for our
delicious hamburger's. Will be held June 2nd and 3rd, 2009, At 7:00
PM both night's. Admission is $12 for adult's $6 for kid's and under
5 is free. The event is located right behind the Lexington Fire
Department. In the Lexington Motorsports Complex. For more
information please call, Terry Thigpen (Fire Department Chief) -
256-229-6356 Or 256-740-7927
Riverfest
http://www.gadsdenriverfest.com
Gadsden/(256) 543-3472
New music festival featuring some of the best country and adult
contemporary stars in the nation, while showcasing the performing
arts, crafts and the region's culinary creations. Always the third
Fri-Sat in June 8,9,10, 2009. Admission.
4th Annual Sand Rock Day
Sand Rock/(256) 523-5898
Begins at 7 AM at Sand Rock park.
There will be a 5K Run, arts and crafts, food, antique cars, rides
for the kids, and parade. No admission charged.
Alabama Crappie
Angler's Championship
http://www.alabamachampionship.com
1st Annual Alabama State Crappie Angler's
Championship. 2 day event on Neely Henry Lake and Weiss Lake.
May 26 & 27, 2009 Guaranteed Prizes $21,000.00 plus
prizes
Helen Keller
Festival
Tuscumbia/(256) 383-0783, (800) 344-0783/
www.helenkellerfestival.com
Held in honor of America's "First Lady of Courage," this annual
festival offers arts, crafts, entertainment, concerts,
demonstrations and exhibits. June 21-25, 2009. Free. "The Miracle
Worker" outdoor drama runs for six weeks during the summer.
Performed at Ivy Green. Admission.
Taste of Freedom BBQ Cook-off
Downtown Albertville. May 30-July 1, 2009. Arts,
Crafts, food vendors, children's area. Friday Noon - until and
Saturday 9am - 5pm, for more information please contact (256)
878-5188.
Medicinal & Edible Plants Workshop
(Fort Payne) - Jun 7, Fort Payne Medicinal & Edible Plants
Workshop 256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. Admission
charged. DeSoto State Park—Join botanist, Francine Hutchinson, and
learn about different species of medicinal plants found in our
forest. The workshop will include demonstrations, short hikes, and
herbal preparations. Participants should bring a lunch and
light-hike needs. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sheffield Founders Day
(Sheffield) - Jun 7, Sheffield Sheffield Founders Day
256-383-0250. http://sheffieldalabama.org. Free. Riverfront
Park--Car show, stage entertainment, food vendors, arts and
crafts, children's activities, including Splash Pad & Boundless
Park, bands and fireworks. 10 a.m.-midnight.
Shoals African Heritage Festival
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 7, Tuscumbia Shoals African Heritage Festival
800-344-0783. Free. Willie Green Ctr.—Explore African art and
fashions, culture, crafts and food. Also, enjoy a
fraternity/sorority step show, dance demonstrations, POZA (African
dancers), entertainment and crafts for children, folk
storytelling, rhythm and blues groups and sgospel choirs. 10
a.m.-until.
Step Back in Time Dairy Day
(Huntsville) - Jun 7, Huntsville Step Back in Time Dairy Day
256-533-4118. www.burrittonthemountain.com . Admission charged.
Burritt on the Mountain--Watch the milking of goats and cows and
see how cheese is made. Many hands-on and take home activities for
kids. 9 a .m.-5 p.m.
Mountain Valley Art Exhibit/Will Rogers Heritage Festival
(Guntersville) - Jun 5-8, Guntersville Mountain Valley Art
Exhibit/Will Rogers Heritage Festival 256-582-1454.
www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.org . Free admission. Location TBA—A
national juried exhibition featuring painting, digital art,
sculpture and other fine crafts. Reception, call for details. Fri.
& Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Will Rogers Heritage Festival
(Guntersville) - Jun 5-8, Guntersville Will Rogers Heritage
Festival 256-582-3682. www.willrogersheritagefestival.com . Free.
Downtown, Heritage Park & other venues--A farmers market, antiques
and collectibles fair, perfomances of "Will Rogers Follies,"
aviation fair, food, pageant, live entertainment, walking tours,
Pow Wow, wagon and pony rides, pooch parade and more.
ALABAMA Fan Appreciation Weekend
(Fort Payne) - June 6-8, Fort Payne ALABAMA Fan Appreciation
Weekend 800-557-8223. www.thealabamaband.com . Free. ALABAMA Fan
Club and Museum--Call to confirm details. Benefit concert for John
Croyle's Big Oak Ranch for Children on Friday, a celebrity golf
tournament and a fan appreciation concert on Saturday, autographs
and photos with fan club members on Sunday. Museum hours: 8 a.m.-5
p.m.
Frontier Day Celebration
(Florence) - Jun 7-8, Florence Frontier Day Celebration
256-760-6439. www.florenceal.org, www.flo-tour.org. Free. Pope's
Tavern Museum—Step back in time as artisans in period costumes
demonstrate basket weaving, quilting, spinning, blacksmithing,
broom making, wood carving, and dulcimer playing. Sat., 10 a.m.-4
p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Mountain Valley
SongwritersCompetition (Guntersville) - Jun 7-8, Guntersville
Mountain Valley Songwriters Competition 256-582-1454.
www.willrogersheritagefestival.com . Guntersville Civitan Park--MOVA
Songwriters' Competition and Art Show held as part of the Will
Rogers Heritage Festival. Artists, songwriters and crafters
welcome. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Muscle Shoals Area Street Rod Run
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 7-8, Tuscumbia Muscle Shoals Area Annual Street
Rod Run 256-381-3518. Free admission. Spring Park—Car show
displaying all makes and models of street rods 1948 and older.
Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-noon.
High Adventure Trip
(Fort Payne) - Dates: Jun. 10-12, Aug. 14-16, Sept. 16-18, Oct.
23-25, Nov. 13-15. Three-day adventure that begins with a wild
cave tour on day one, rock climbing, rappelling, and an extreme
night hike on day two, and ends with a relaxing canoe trip on day
three.
Arts Alive Gallery Exhibition
(Florence) - May 17-Jun 13, Florence Arts Alive Gallery Exhibition
256-760-6379. www.flo-tour.org. Kennedy-Douglass Center for
Arts--A juried gallery exhibit of works in a variety of media by
artists from across the country. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Campfire Talk: Landscaping with Native Plants (Fort Payne)
- Jun 13, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Landscaping with Native Plants
256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Naturalist, Brittney McAlister, will teach the
effectiveness and benefits of using native plants for landscaping.
8-9 p.m.
Cherokee County Chamber Golf Classic
(Centre) - Jun 13, Centre Cherokee County Chamber Golf Classic
256-927-8455. www.cherokee-chamber.org. Admission charged.
Cherokee Country Club--Annual Golf Classic held in conjunction
with Corporate Games. Open to four-member teams. Prize money,
gifts and lunch. Noon-5 p.m.
Rappelling Basics Certification Class
(Fort Payne) - Jun 13, Fort Payne Rappelling Basics Certification
Class 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling
test. Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon
successful completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Twickenham Walking Tour
(Huntsville) - Jun 7 & 14, Huntsville Twickenham Walking Tour
256-551-2230. www.huntsville.org. Twickenham Historic
District--Stroll through the state's largest antebellum home
district and experience its beauty. See scores of outstanding
early 19th-century homes dating from 1814. Guides share
interesting stories about the history of the homes and their
owners. Saturdays only, 10 a.m.
Gadsden's RiverFest
22nd Annual (Gadsden) - Jun 13-14, Gadsden Gadsden's RiverFest,
22nd Annual 256-543-3472. www.gadsdenriverfest.com. Admission
charged. Hwy 411 on the Banks of the Coosa River--A two-day
festival featuring arts and crafts, food, kids play area, music,
live entertainment, and more. Fri., 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat., 2
p.m.-midnight.
Plants and Landscaping Weekend
@ DeSoto State Park (Fort Payne) - Jun 13-14, Fort Payne Plants
and Landscaping Weekend 256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu.
DeSoto State Park/Lodge--Join Naturalist Brittney McAlister for
free Landscaping with Native Plants Campfire Talk on Friday and
join Dr. Safaa Al-Hamdani for a free Campfire Talk on Plants and
Humanity on Saturday night. Register for the family snorkeling
program on Saturday.
Alabama A&M 10K Road Race
(Huntsville) - Jun 14, Huntsville Alabama A&M 10K Road Race
256-859-4369. www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Alabama A&M University,
Old Gym--7:30 a.m.
Campfire Talk: Plants and Humanity
(Fort Payne) - Jun 14, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Plants and
Humanity 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Plant physiologist, Dr. Safaa Al-Hamdani will explain
the essential mysteries of the human/plant relationship. 8-9 p.m.
Fish of Little River Canyon
(Fort Payne) - Jun 14, Fort Payne Fish of Little River Canyon
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov/liri. Little River Canyon National
Preserve, Canyon Mouth Picnic Area--Explore the 47 kinds of fish
you might encounter at Little River. Fishing with hooks are
allowed here following state regulations. $3 use fee applies to
Canyon Mouth users. 9:30 a.m.
Landscaping with Native Plants Workshop
(Fort Payne) - Jun 14, Fort Payne Landscaping with Native Plants
Workshop 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park—Naturalist, Brittney McAllister, will be teaching the
effectiveness and benefits of using native plants for landscaping.
Raku Pottery Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: Jun. 14, Jul. 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct.
11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13. Bring the entire family and experience how
pottery is made. Glaze and fire your own piece of Raku pottery.
Reservations are required due to limited spacing. Sessions at 6
p.m. and 8 p.m.
Rock Climbing Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Jun 14, Fort Payne Rock Climbing Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Come
experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides
who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic
instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. 1-5 p.m.
Stevenson Depot Days
(Stevenson) - Jun 10-15, Stevenson Stevenson Depot Days
256-638-3604. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Free admission.
Stevenson Railroad Depot Museum—Celebrate the area's railroad
heritage with a festival that includes parades, an ice cream
social, pioneer breakfast, street dance, storytelling, clogging,
tours, the Pro Lawnmower Race, Alabama Bug Jam, and entertainment.
Quilting Symposium
(Cullman) - Jun 12-16, Cullman Quilting Symposium 256-739-6815.
www.qsai.org. Registration: Entry booklet. St. Bernard Retreat
Center--Symposium with quilting classes, lecture, juried quilt
show, merchant's mall, teacher's book signing party, etc. Teachers
include: Charlotte Angotti, Darlene C. Christopherson, Debra Danko,
Kim Diehl, Harriet Hargrave, Judy Niemeyer, Mary Sorenson.
Thursday Hike with Wild South
(Moulton) - This will be the fourth of a reoccurring monthly hike
into the Bankhead National Forest/Sipsey Wilderness. Every third
Thursday we will meet Janice Barrett at the Warrior Mountain
Trading Company at 10:30AM for a hike no longer than 3 miles.
Bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Due to the sensitivity of
the area, this hike will be limited to 20 children, plus parents.
Women's Distance Festival
5K & Men's 5K Runs (Huntsville) - Jun 19, Huntsville Women's
Distance Festival 5K & Men's 5K Runs 256-533-9977.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. UAH Spraggins Hall--Distance races
for men and women. 6:30 p.m.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Jun 20, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where
the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This
2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on
your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave
lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Shakespeare on the Mountain
(Huntsville) - Jun 12-15 & 18-21, Huntsville Shakespeare on the
Mountain 256-533-4118. www.burrittonthemountain.com. Admission
charged. Burritt on the Mountain--Theatre Huntsville and Burritt
on the Mountain present a wonderful Shakespeare play outside on
the Gazebo. Title to be annouced.
Shakespeare on the Mountain
(Huntsville) - Jun 18-21, Huntsville Shakespeare on the Mountain
256-533-4118. www.burrittonthemountain.com. Admission charged.
Burritt on the Mountain--Theatre Huntsville and Burritt on the
Mountain present a wonderful Shakespeare play outside on the
Gazebo. Title to be annouced.
Phil Campbell Hoe Down
(Phil Campbell) - Jun 20-21, Phil Campbell Phil Campbell Hoe Down
205-993-5313. Free. Broad St.--Enjoy arts, crafts, music, food,
games, car and tractor. Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Taste of Freedom BBQ
Cookoff (Albertville) - Jun 20-21, Albertville Taste of Freedom
BBQ Cookoff Call for exact dates: 256-891-1183. Entry fee for
participants. Downtown—Vendors, children’s area, music, children’s
cookoff and barbecue cookoff for adults in professional and
backyard categories.
"Trail of Trees" Tree Identification
(Guntersville) - Jun 21, Guntersville "Trail of Trees" Tree
Identification 256-571-5440. www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com. Free.
Guntersville State Park--Enjoy a guided nature hike along mild to
moderate trails while learing all about the variety of hardwoods
and evergreens that blanket the park's forest. 2 p.m.
Arab Fishing Derby
(Arab) - Jun 21, Arab Arab Fishing Derby 256-582-3138.
www.arab-chamber.org. Free admission. Arab City Park--Fun for boys
and girls. Prizes awarded. 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Essentials of River Safety
Paddling Clinic (Centre) - Jun 21, Centre Essentials of River
Safety: Paddling Clinic 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu.
Admission charged. Terrapin Outdoor Ctr.—Learn the secrets of safe
paddling from the experts! Learning stations will be created along
Terrapin Creek where participants will be taught safety, rescue
drills, and basic how to paddling by certified American Canoe
Association instructors. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Geology of Little River Canyon
(Fort Payne) - Jun 21, Fort Payne Geology of Little River Canyon
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov/liri. Admission charged. Little River
Canyon National Preserve, Canyon Mouth Picnic Area--The fossils of
Little River Canyon show how life has changed. The uplifting of
Lookout Mountain and the cutting down of Little River has resulted
in the spectacular canyon. 3 p.m.
Harry Williams All Comers Track Meet
(Huntsville) - Jun 21, Huntsville Harry Williams All Comers Track
Meet 256-852-5723. www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Milton Frank
Stadium--Sponsored event of the Huntsville Track Club. 5 p.m.
Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Jun 21, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Come experience the thrill of rappelling down
the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama. No previous experience
necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Antiques at the River
(Florence) - Jun 21-22, Florence Antiques at the River
256-740-4141. McFarland Park--Browse for antiques at the river's
edge! This antiques show features fine glassware, antique signs
and advertisements, furniture, and more. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Archeology of Little River Canyon National Preserve
(Cedar Bluff) - Jun 22, Cedar Bluff Archeology of Little River
Canyon National Preserve 256-845-9605. www.nps.gov/liri. Admission
charged. Canyon Mouth Picnic Area—From the early prehistoric
Native American cultures and the first European explorers to
modern-day visitors, people have been coming to Little River
Canyon and leaving their story in the things they leave behind. 4
p.m.
Tuesday Evening Trolley Tours
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 3-24, Tuscumbia Tuesday Evening Trolley Tours
800-344-0783. Admission charged. Coldwater Books--Step-on guide
boards trolley and gives visitor the history of many historical
structures located within a short drive. Tour includes a visit to
one historic home each week. 5:30 p.m.
Kids Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
(Fort Payne) - Jun 23-25, Fort Payne Kids Outdoor Adventure Day
Camp 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.
True Adventure Sports--This 3-day camp introduces children age 8
to 13 to the many possible outdoor adventures and activities
around beautiful DeKalb County. Learn how to rappel and rock
climb, and go caving.
Campfire Talk: Venomous Snakes of Alabama (Fort Payne) -
Jun 27, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Venomous Snakes of Alabama
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Biologist Dr. Chris Murdock will talk about venomous
reptiles: fact, myth, and misunderstanding. Meet some live
creatures. 8-9 p.m.
City Lights and Stars
(Huntsville) - Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley
at Burritt on the Mountain as fine nationally known and local
musicians perform under the stars during this series of casual
outdoor concerts. Fancy picnic suppers available.
Historic Tuscumbia Walking Tours
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 7-28, Tuscumbia Historic Tuscumbia Walking Tours
800-344-0784. www.colbertcountytourism.org. Free. ColdWater
Inn—Bring the family and learn early history and share interesting
stories every Saturday. 10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday Walkin Tour of the Historic Districgt (Cullman) -
Jun 7-28, Cullman Saturday Walking Tours of the Historic District
800-533-1258. +Dowtown Historic District--Held as part the
statewide walking tours each Saturday in June beginning at 10 a.m.
at the Cullman County Museum.
Walking Tours of Scottsboro
(Scottsboro) - Jun 7-28, Scottsboro Walking Tours of Scottsboro
256-259-5500. www.tourjackson@scottsboro.org. Free admission.
Historic downtown--A traditional event held across Alabama that
allows visitors and history buffs to explore participating
communities historical areas and homes. Led by a different
community leader each week. 10 a.m.
Madison Walking Tour
(Madison) - Jun 21 & 28, Madison Madison Walking Tour
256-551-2230. www.huntsville.org. Free. Historic District—Enjoy
many different styles of architecture and learn the history of
several structures including three Sears and Roebuck "kit" houses
and a replica of the "Little Roundhouse." 10 a.m.
Madison Walking Tour
(Madison) - Jun 21 & 28, Madison Madison Walking Tour
256-551-2230. www.huntsville.org. Madison Historic District--Held
as part of the Statewide Saturday Walking Tours. Many differing
styles of architecture featured. Enjoy learning the history of
several structures including three Sears and Roebuck "kit" houses
and a replica of the "Little Roundhouse." Saturdays only, 10 a.m.
Family Weekend
@ DeSoto State Park: June 27-28 (Fort Payne) - Jun 27-28, Fort
Payne Family Weekend @ DeSoto State Park 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park & Lodge--Join JSU
Field Schools and DeSoto State Park for some fun family activities
all weekend. Learn about nature and listen as Dr. Chris Murdock
gives free Campfire Talks with live critters. Register for the
family hike program on Saturday.
Liberty Day
(Cedar Bluff) - Jun 27-28, Cedar Bluff Liberty Day 256-779-6121.
Free. Cedar Bluff Park--Patriotic celebration with a beauty
pageant on Fri. night, arts and crafts show in the park all day
Sat., with antique cars and tractors, entertainment, puppet show,
inflatables and carnival games for kids, food and area's largest
fireworks show at sundown over Weiss Lake.
Pioneer Days
(Moulton) - Jun 27-28, Moulton Pioneer Days 256-974-1087. Free.
Veterans Memorial Park, Caddo--A fun day in the park with pickin’
& grinnin’ music, blacksmithing, leather crafting, quilting,
bonnet making and other pioneer arts and crafts, as well as
inflatables for the children and food vendors. Fri.,
noon-midnight; Sat., 7 a.m.-midnight.
Herp Hike: Searching for Reptiles & Amphibians (Fort Payne)
- Jun 28, Fort Payne Herp Hike: Searching for Reptiles &
Amphibians 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park & Lodge--Join Dr. Chris Murdock, JSU biologist (and "awesome"
herpetologist) on a fun adventure hike looking for creepy crawly
creatures. Noon-2 p.m.
History Revisited
(Arab) - Jun 28, Arab History Revisited 256-586-3138. Free. Arab
Historic Village--The museum, Boyd House, Rice Church, blacksmith
shop and all the other buildings depicting life "back when" are
open for tours.
Latino Festival
(Rainsville) - Jun 28, Rainsville Latino Festival 256-638-4418,
ext 248. www.nacc.edu. Northeast Alabama Community College--Music,
dancing, arts, crafts, games, inflatables, food, free movie, pony
rides. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rare Plants and Animals
(Cedar Bluff) - Jun 28, Cedar Bluff Rare Plants and Animals
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov/liri. Admission charged. Little River
Canyon National Preserve—Little River Canyon's special environment
contains more than 100 rare plants and animals, several of which
are found nowhere else on Earth. 2 p.m.
Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
(Fort Payne) - Jun 28, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling
Adventure Combo 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com.
Admission charged. True Adventure Sports—Come experience
first-hand what rock climbing and rapelling are all about with
guides who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus
basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Town of Woodville Festival
(Woodville) - Jun 28, Woodville Town of Woodville Festival
256-776-2860, 800-259-5508. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Free
admission. Downtown—Celebrate Woodville's heritage with music,
bar-B-Que, museum tours, and a car, truck, and motorcycle show.
Helen Keller Festival, 30th Annual
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 25-29, Tuscumbia Helen Keller Festival
256-383-0783. www.helenkellerfestival.com. Free. Downtown—More
than 100 events including headliner music artists, arts and
crafts, parade, athletic events, vintage car and truck show,
Keller Kids educational activities, historic tours and trolley
rides to Spring Park.
Helen Keller Festival of the Arts
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 28-29, Tuscumbia Helen Keller Festival of the
Arts 256-383-0533. www.tvaa.net. Free. Spring Park—Held as part of
the Helen Keller Festival, this juried show features two- and
three-dimensional work in watercolor, oil, wood, fiber, clay,
glass, metal, and more, fine art and crafts sale and interactive
activities for children and adults. Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11
a.m.-5 p.m.
Huntsville International Air Show
2008 (Huntsville) - Air show presented by the Blue Angels and the
Golden Knights. The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy and
Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service
to
WEUP June Black Arts Festival
(Huntsville) - Jun 28-29, Huntsville WEUP June Black Arts Festival
256-837-9387. www.103weup.com. Campus of Alabama A&M
University--More than 35,000 jam the area around the radio station
as 100 local, regional and national entertainers sing, rap, dance
and recite poetry. Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-8 p.m.
Bob Baker
(Huntsville) - Jun 30, Huntsville Bob Barker 256-536-3117.
www.renaissancetheatre.net. Admission charged. Renaissance Theatre
at Lincoln Ctr.--An exciting line-up of family-filled
entertainment. Call for exact details. 8 p.m.
Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Jun 30, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Come experience the thrill of rappelling down
the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama. No previous experience
necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 2009
Boaz Independence
Day Fireworks & Concert (256)593-8105
All American Celebration
July4, 2009. Guntersville Civitan Park.
Entertainment, Fireworks, Children's activities & food vendors,
For more information contact (256)571-7565.
8th Annual 4th of July Flag
Parade
July 4, 2009. Lake Guntersville, Patriotically decorated
boats. (256)582-3625.
Spirit of America Festival
Decatur/(256) 350-2028
The South’s largest free 4th of July celebration featuring the
presentation of the prestigious “Audie Murphy Patriotism Award,”
“H.J. Heimlich Humanitarian Award,’ and “Barrett C. Shelton
Freedom Award.” Held annually at Point Mallard Park. Other family
events include a kids/teen talent show, a NCAA cheerleading
competition, children’s activity area, 5k & 10k road races, 100
mile bike ride, softball tournament, golf tournament, food and
game vendors from across the southeast, the Miss Point Mallard
Pageant - a Miss America Preliminary Pageant, continuous stage
entertainment by local and area bands and artists, and a booming
fireworks display. July 3rd (3 p.m.-midnight) and July 4th (9
a.m.-midnight), 2009. Free.
Smith Lake Park 4th of July Festival
Cullman/(256) 739-2916
Vendors, arts & crafts, continuous entertainment, food, drinks,
swimming, waterslide and lots of fireworks. July 4, 2009,10
a.m.-until.
Annual Ditto Landing
Pow Wow
Americans & those who appreciate their culture will be gathering
at Ditto Landing for dancing, drumming, singing & food. July 29 -
30
Hours: 10 AM-6 PM
Admission: No admission charged
Directions: Ditto Landing, off Hobbs Island Road
Contact: (256) 882-1057 Huntsville, AL 35803
http://www.freewebs.com/hsvpowwows/
W. C. Handy Music Festival
Florence/(256) 766-7642, (800) 472-5837
Annual celebration of the musical heritage of Florence native W.
C. Handy -- known as the "Father of the Blues". Festival includes
athletic events, educational programs throughout the area,
educational exhibits, theatre, riverside jazz, ABCs of Jazz for
children, Street Strut people's parade, jam sessions and a gala
concert. July 23-29, 2009. Admission to some events.
August 2009
Lakeside Summer Concerts
(Guntersville) - Jun-Aug, Guntersville Lakeside Summer Concerts
256-582-1454. Guntersville Civitan Park--Free concerts in the park
by the lake each Tuesday evening in June, July, and August. Wide
range of music for everyone's interest.
Mountain Lakes Tri-athlon
(Guntersville) - Aug 1, Gunterville Mountain Lakes Tri-athlon
205-595-8633. Guntersville Recreation Ctr.--600-yd. swim, 16.2-mi.
bike ride, and 3-mi. run.
Rappelling Basics Certification Class
(Fort Payne) - Aug 1, Fort Payne Rappelling Basics Certification
Class 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling test.
Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon successful
completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. [more]
Sacred Harp Singing in the Old Country Church
(Huntsville) - Come hear the music from the movie "Cold Mountain."
This singing attracts performers from around the Southeast. Sacred
harp is a shaped-note religious folk music, which is sung acapella.
Alabama Veterans Museum Open
Coffee Call (Athens) - Nov 1, Athens Alabama Veterans Museum
Open Coffee Call 256 771-7578. www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.com.
Donations accepted. Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives--Veterans,
families and friends are invited the first saturday of each month to
a Coffee Call and tour of the musem. Remarks, Star Spangle Banner,
Taps and then breakfast (8 a.m.); museum open til noon.
Cathedral Caverns
(Woodville) - Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon,
Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother
Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite
Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column
that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above!
DeKalb County Fiddlers' Convention
(Fort Payne) - Aug 2, Fort Payne DeKalb County Fiddlers'
Convention 256-845-2224. www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com. Fee for
participants only. Call for exact location--100th birthday bash
featuring 10 competition categories, including fiddling, sacred
harp, banjo, bluegrass, and much more.
Geology and Fossils of Little River Canyon (Fort Payne) - Aug
2, Fort Payne Geology and Fossils of Little River Canyon
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Canyon View Overlook—This
spectacular view of the canyon cliffs has more to look at than the
scenery. Look at some of the fossils from Little River and the local
area that show the story of Lookout Mountain's rise from the sea.
1:30 p.m.
Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo (Fort Payne) - Aug
2, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock climbing and rapelling
are all about with guides who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes
all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Aug 2, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
(Fort Payne) - Aug 4, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling
Adventure Combo 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged. True Adventure Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock
climbing and rapelling are all about with guides who are fun, safe
and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2
p.m.
Summer Swing
(Opelika) - May 7-Aug 6, Opelika Summer Swing 334-705-5560. Free.
Municipal Park--This 14-week concert series offers a variety of
music including gospel, jazz, R&B, oldies, country, big band, swing,
and folk, as well community bands. Each Tues. 7 p.m.
16th Annual Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Show
(Athens) - Aug 8-9, Athens Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor
Show, 16th Annual 256-230-3711. www.tourathens.com. Free. Piney
Chapel Community—One of the largest antique engine and tractor shows
in North AL. Delicious food, arts and crafts, and much more. 8
a.m.-until.
Ardmore Rodeo
(Ardmore) - Aug 8-9, Ardmore Ardmore Rodeo 256-423-2146.
www.ardmorechamberofcommerce.com. Free.—One of the best rodeo in
North Alabama featuring bare back riding, bull riding, steer
wrestling, and much more. 8 p.m.-until
Campfire Talk: The Legend of the Wolf
(Fort Payne) - Aug 9, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: The Legend of the
Wolf 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—JSU's Teje Sult will discuss the natural history of the
wolf...how it once thrived in Alabama, especially around Little
River, and why it is gone. 7-8 p.m.
Farmers Market 3rd Annual Tomato Sandwich Day (Decatur) -
Come by and enjoy free tomato sandwiches and soft drinks. While
you're at the market, explore the booths full of locally grown
produce offered by the vendors there.
Raku Pottery Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13.
Bring the entire family and experience how pottery is made. Glaze
and fire your own piece of Raku pottery. Reservations are required
due to limited spacing. Sessions at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Rock Climbing Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Aug 9, Fort Payne Rock Climbing Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Come
experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides
who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic
instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. 1-5 p.m.
Sand Mountain Bluegrass and Folk Festival (Rainsville) -
Enjoy a day of great music with regional bands, bluegrass band,
Randy kohrs and the Lites. Lots of great food and local artists.
Sequoyah Caverns (Valley Head) - You will be awed by the
beauty of the many reflection pools and fascinating passageways of
this ancient cavern. As you meander through the alcoves you’ll see
how nature has turned the caverns into a wonderland of formations
and intricate rock designs.
World's Longest Yard Sale
(Fort Payne) - Aug 7-10, Fort Payne World's Longest Yard Sale
888-805-4740. www.tourdekalb.com. Free admission. Lookout Mounain
Pkwy.—"America's Most Scenic Shopping Mall" featuring more than 450
miles of yard sale bargains stretching from Gadsden, Alabama to
Convington, Kentucky. Enjoy scenic vistas, waterfalls and canyons,
and meet friendly people along the way.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Aug 11, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
City Lights and Stars
(Huntsville) - May 9-Aug 15, Huntsville City Lights and Stars Dates:
May 9 & 30, Jun. 27, Jul. 11 & 25, Aug. 15. 256-533-4118. Admission
charged. Burritt on the Mountain--Enjoy the breathtaking view of the
Tennessee Valley at Burritt on the Mountain as fine nationally known
and local musicians perform under the stars during this series of
casual outdoor concerts. Fancy picnic suppers available.
City Lights and Stars
(Huntsville) - Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley
at Burritt on the Mountain as fine nationally known and local
musicians perform under the stars during this series of casual
outdoor concerts. Fancy picnic suppers available.
Fairy Tales of Little River Canyon
(Fort Payne) - Aug 15, Fort Payne Fairy Tales of Little River Canyon
256-782-5697. DeSoto State Park--Be enchanted by “The Fairly
Oddmother” of storytelling, Renee Morrison, as she reads tales from
the book, "Scary, Hairy & Sometimes Merry Fairy Tales of Little
River," such as Rindercella, Jack & The Bean Tree, Little Burr
Rabbit & His Tug O’ War.
High Adventure Trip
(Fort Payne) - Aug 14-16, Fort Payne High Adventure Trip
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Three-day adventure that begins with a wild cave
tour on day one, rock climbing, rappelling, and an extreme night
hike on day two, and ends with a relaxing canoe trip on day three.
Family Fairy Tale Weekend DeSoto State Park (Fort Payne) -
Aug 15-16, Fort Payne Family Fairy Tale Weekend DeSoto State Park
256-782-5697. DeSoto State Park--Join JSU Field Schools’ Renee
Morrison for Campfire Talks Friday (Scary, Hairy & Sometimes Merry
Fairy Tales of Little River) and learn about the cryptozoological
legends of Bigfoot on Saturday night. Register for the Fairy Hunt &
Fairy Houses Workshop on Saturday.
Franklin County Watermelon Festival
(Russellville) - Aug 15-16, Russellville Franklin County Watermelon
Festival 256-332-1760. www.franklincountychamber.org. Free
admission. Downtown—Arts, crafts, 5k run, bike ride, golf, tennis
tournament, antique car and truck show, beauty pageant music, games,
food, watermelon contest. Fri., 6-11 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fairy Hunt & Fairy Houses
(Fort Payne) - Aug 16, Fort Payne Fairy Hunt & Fairy Houses
256-782-5697. DeSoto State Park Pavilion (near playground)--Renee
Morrison has been making fairy houses with her sons for 16 years.
Follow Reneee on a short (but slightly extreme) hike through an
enchanted section of DeSoto trails to spot fairies and places where
fairies like to play and live.
History Hike at Little River Falls
(Fort Payne) - Aug 16, Fort Payne History Hike at Little River Falls
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Little River Canyon National
Preserve, Parking Lot (Hwy. 35)--The Edna Hill community that grew
up around Little River Falls is gone now, but the memories are not.
This hike is about a half mile, and covers the loop from the paved
lot under the new bridge, to the old bridge abutments above the
bridge. 9 a.m.
HiWAAY Huntsville Sprint Triathlon:
3 Mile Run/6 Mile Bike/400 Meter Swim (Huntsville) - Aug 16,
Huntsville HiWAAY Huntsville Sprint Triathlon 256-289-1676.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Huntsville Running Park &
Natatorium--3-mile Run/6-Mile bike/400-meter swim. 7 a.m.
Legend of Bigfoot
(Fort Payne) - Aug 16 Fort Payne Legend of Big Foot Desoto State
Park and Lodge--Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yete, Big Elder Brother, Ed…you
have heard of him! Yes, he does exist in Little River Canyon. Well,
at least the somewhat zany Dr. Believeme Iseenit says he does exist
in Little River Canyon. Join Dr. Iseenit for a humorous night of
“evidence” and storytelling about this famous creature.
Rickwood Caverns
(Warrior) - Experience the thrill of Rickwood's miracle mile of
underground caverns! The 260 million-year-old limestone formations,
blind cave fish and underground pool are just a few of the natural
wonders exhibited in the colorful cavern Rickwood Cave reveals that
it was carved from an ocean bed - shell fragments and fossils of
marine life are clearly visible along the cavern ceiling and walls.
Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Aug 18, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone
gems of northeast Alabama. No previous experience necessary. Each
trip includes all the gear, plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Summer Cross Country Runs:
1, 2, and 3 Miles (Huntsville) - Jun 3-Aug 21, Huntsville Summer
Cross Country Runs: 1, 2, and 3 Miles 256-534-9458.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Huntsville Running Park (South end of
the Old Airport near the municipal golf course)--It's summer and
what better way to celebrate the season than particpating in these
events. Every Tues., 6:30 p.m.
Campfire Talk: Rare Plants and Animals of Little River Canyon
(Fort Payne) - Aug 22, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Rare Plants and
Animals of Little River Canyon 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu.
Free. Little River Canyon is home to over 100 rare species. National
Park interpreter Larry Beane will introduce you to a number of them.
8-9 p.m.
Orienteering Class
(Fort Payne) - Aug 22, Fort Payne Orienteering Class 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Learn navigation
skills, map reading and compass application. 2-5 p.m.
Grant Founders' Day
(Grant) - Aug 22-23, Grant Grant Founders' Day 256-728-4314. Town of
Grant--A day of celebration with music, crafts, food and a car show.
8th Annual Ardmore Car Show (Ardmore) - One of the best car
shows in the South. Over 500 vehicles from different decades to
admire.
Campfire Talk: Animal Camouflage (Fort Payne) - Aug 23, Fort
Payne Campfire Talk: Animal Camouflage 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park Lodge—Join park ranger
Larry Beane to learn about animal camouflage. 7-8 p.m.
Ecology for Children at Little River Falls (Fort Payne) - Aug
23, Fort Payne Ecology for Children at Little River Falls
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Little River Canyon National
Preserve, Little River Falls parking lot--Children's activity to
teach about Little River Canyon's ecology and people's effects on
park's threatened and endangered species. Meet Fred the Fish and
role play with a carnivorous green pitcher plant model, etc. 3 p.m.
Killen Founders Day 5k Race (Killen)
- Aug 23, Killen Killen Founders Day 5k Race 256-366-0040.
Registration fee for participants. Killen United Methodist Church,
J.C. Mauldin Hwy.--5k run held as part of Killen Founders Day
weekend which features a parade, arts, crafts, food, and
entertainment, and antique car show in adddition to the 5k. 8 a.m.
until.
Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Aug 23, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone
gems of northeast Alabama. No previous experience necessary. Each
trip includes all the gear, plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
CASA of Madison County "Kitchens for CASA Tour" (Huntsville)
- Aug 24, Huntsville CASA of Madison County "Kitchens for CASA Tour"
256-533-7775. casamadisoncty.org. Admission charged. Various
kitchens--A self-guided tour of designer kitchens in the
Huntsville/Madison County. Proceeds benefit CASA, the Care Assurance
System for the Aging and Homebound). 1-5 p.m
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - Aug 25, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this hike
has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking, and a
whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and enthusiastic guide
included. 7-9:30 p.m.
Music in the Park
(Florence) - May 7-Jun 25 & Jul 3-Aug 28, Florence Music in the Park
256-7404141. www.wqlt.com; www.flo-tour.org. Free. Wilson Park--Grab
a lawn chair and head to Wilson Park for free musical family
entertainment, from blues to country, each week with vendors selling
food and ice cream. May-Jun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Jul.-Aug., 6-8 p.m.
Music in the Park
(Florence) - Jul 3-Aug 28, Florence Music in the Park 2567404141.
www.wqlt.com; www.flo-tour.org. Free. Wilson Park--Grab a lawn chair
and head to Wilson Park for free musical family entertainment, from
blues to country, each week with vendors selling food and ice cream.
6-8 p.m.
Overnight Camping Skills Class (Fort Payne) - Dates: Aug.
27-28, Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7, Nov. 21-22. Most needed camping skills
are brought to you as well as advanced skills such as how to find
dry fuels, how to build a fire without smoke, how to start a fire
without matches or flint, lean to construction, and safety barriers.
Contact True Adventure Sports to see what gear you need to bring.
Campfire Talk: Invisible Wonders of Little River Canyon
(Fort Payne) - Aug 29, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Invisible Wonders
of Little River Canyon 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free.
DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Microbiologist, Dr. Benjie Blair will
explain how the creatures you can't see affect you every day. 7-8
p.m.
Campfire Talk: Parasites of Little River
(Fort Payne) - Aug 30, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Parasites of Little
River 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Dr. Benjie Blair will talk about creepy crawlies that
would like to make a home inside of you. 7-8 p.m.
Crape Myrtle Festival, 16th Annual
(Ardmore) - Aug 30, Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival 256-423-7588.
www.ardmorechamberofcommerce.com. Admission charged. Ardmore
area--Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this street festival with live
entertainment, arts and crafts show, food, children's activities. 8
a.m.-3 p.m.
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - Aug 30, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this hike
has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking, and a
whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and guide included. 7-9:30
p.m.
Monte Sano 10K & 5K Road Races & Fun Run (Huntsville) - Aug
30, Huntsville Monte Sano 10K & 5K Road Races & Fun Run
256-881-2642. www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Monte Sano State Park--8
a.m.
Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo (Fort Payne) - Aug
30, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock climbing and
rapelling are all about with guides who are fun, safe and energetic.
Includes all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. William Festival
(Guntersville) - Aug 30, Guntersville St. William Festival
256-582-4245. www.stwilliamchurch.com. Civitan Park--Enjoy seafood,
including gumbo and boiled shrimp, in the quaint park setting or get
it go.
Wildflowers at Canyon View
(Fort Payne) - Aug 30, Fort Payne Wildflowers at Canyon View
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov/liri. Free. Little River Canyon National
Preserve—Bring a bottle of water and enjoy late summer wildflowers
in the park. 3 p.m.
Gadsden Art Association Annual Juried Show (Gadsden) - Jul
6-Aug 31, Gadsden Gadsden Art Association Annual Juried Show
256-546-7365. Gadsden Museum of Art and History--Gadsden Art
Association annual juried show continues to improve each year. Works
in fine arts, fine crafts, and sculpture by artists from across
North Alabama featured. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Battle for Decatur
(Decatur) - Aug 30-31, Decatur Battle for Decatur 800-524-6181.
www.decaturcvb.org. Free admission. Point Mallard Park--Civil War
reenacement featuring more than 200 authentically-clad reenactors,
horses and cannons. 2 p.m.
Arts in the Park
(1st Monday Arts Sunday) (Scottsboro) - Aug 31, Scottsboro Arts in
the Park (1st Monday Arts Sunday) 256-259-1056. Admission charged.
King-Caldwell Park--More than 150 artists and craftsmen from all
over the Southeast and Southwest participate in a juried show and
offer their artworks and crafts for sale. Children's activities,
musical entertainment, food. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
First Monday Art Sunday
(Scottsboro) - Aug 31, Scottsboro Arts in the Park (1st Monday Arts
Sunday) 256-259-1056. Admission charged. King-Caldwell Park--More
than 150 artists and craftsmen from all over the Southeast and
Southwest participate in a juried show and offer their artworks and
crafts for sale. Children's activities, musical entertainment, food.
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Labor Day Sidewalk Sale (Boaz) - Aug 30-Sept 1, Boaz Labor
Day Sidewalk Sale 800-405-2193. www.tangeroutlet.com/boaz. Free.
Tanger Outlet Ctr.--Shop and find extra savings from name brand
stores. Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Mon. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sweet Tater Festival (Crane Hill) - Aug 31-Sept 1, Cullman Sweet
Tater Festival 256-747-8635. Dowling Memorial Park--Arts, crafts,
food, raffle prizes, live entertainment and plenty of sweet taters.
Sun., 1-4 p.m.; Mon., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
September 2009
"Flight Fore Sight"
Golf Tournament
The Huntsville-Pacesetters Lions Club will hold its annual "Flight
Fore Sight" golf tournament on Saturday, September 13, at Colonial
Golf course. The 4 man best ball scramble will have a
shot-gun start at 7:30 am. Entrance Fee is $55 per golfer.
To enter call (256) 881-2248 or e-mail
jerthom@peoplepc.com .
Scarecrow Trail
Huntsville/(256) 830-4447
Fall is fabulous and fun in the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Lurking
throughout the Garden are weird and wacky scarecrows. Weekend
hayrides and the Amazing Sorghum Maze make for old-timey fun for
young and old. At this time of year the Garden is ablaze with
flowing fall color - a welcome respite from the heat of the summer.
www.hsvbg.org.
Sept. & Oct., 2009. Admission.
Racking Horse World Celebration
Decatur/(256) 353-7225
The largest Racking Horse Show in the world takes to the arena
featuring approximately 1,000 horses and more than 75,000 spectators
and exhibitors from up to 30 states. Always nine days in late
September. Sept. 17-25, 2009. Admission. (Photos)
Trail of Tears Commemoration
Waterloo/B-2/(256) 764-3237, (888) FLO-TOUR,
www.al-tn-trailoftears.org
Activities commemorate the 1838 forced relocation of American
Indians whose route is known as the "Trail of Tears." Includes
motorcycle ride, special exhibits, crafts, and live entertainment.
Includes a traditional American Indian Pow-Wow. Always the third
week of September. Sept. 18-19, 2009. Free.
Eva Art Guild's Frontier Days
Eva/(256) 796-7023
Festival includes a craft show, old time crafts, parade, pig calling
and frog jumping contests, and games. An antique tractor show and
Bluegrass Festival are part of the activities at the beginning of
the week. Always the last week in September. Sept. 18-25, 2009.
Free.
Antique and Apple Festival
Moulton/(256) 974-8813
Over 50 varieties of home grown apples for sample. Apple bake-off
sponsored by Lawrence County Extension Office. Over 70 antique and
craft vendors set-up under the pine trees. Sept. 24-26, 2009, 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - Sept 1, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise,
this hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking,
and a whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and enthusiastic
guide included. 7-9:30 p.m.
Sep 1, 2009 Ider Mule Days (Ider) - Sept 1, Ider Ider Mule Days
256-657-4184. www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com. Free. Ider Town
Park—Enjoy a parade of mules, horses, carriages, antique tractors, a
horse pull, mule pull, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts,
food, children’s games, and more. 9:30 a.m. until. Sep 1, 2009
Section
Labor day Festival, 34th Annual
(Section) - Sept 1, Section Section Labor Day Festival
256-228-2414, 256-574-1330. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Free.
Section Community Park—All-day musical entertainment featuring
gospel, bluegrass, country, and rock & roll. Also, volleyball,
horseshoes, dominoes, a “Back Seat Drivers Contest,” rides, and
food, including homemade ice cream and barbecue. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sep 1, 2009 Shoals Area Labor Council "Labor Day" Festivities,
87th Annual
(Tuscumbia) - Sept 1, Tuscumbia Shoals Area Labor Council
"Labor Day" Festivities 256-383-2758. Free. Spring Park—Labor Day
parade, speeches by union representatives and state and local
leaders, Miss and Little Miss Labor Day contest, food, prizes, and
contest. Barbecue available for nominal fee. Parade, 9 a.m.; other
activities until 5 p.m.
Sep 5, 2009 Campfire Talk: Constellations from Lookout Mountain
(Fort Payne) - Sept 5, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Constellations
from Lookout Mountain 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free.
DeSoto State Park/Lodge—JSU astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf will
explore the science and myths of the constellations visible from
Lookout Mountain. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 5, 2009 Mentone Springs Hotel Flower Show and Competition
(Mentone) - Sept 5, Mentone Mentone Springs Hotel Flower Show &
Competition 256-634-4040. www.mentonespringshotel.com. Free. Mentone
Springs Hotel—Garden clubs from throughout Alabama compete for the
Mentone Springs Hotel's crystal trophy designed by Harold Herglotz.
Flowers are on display all weekend.
Sep 6, 2009 Alabama Veterans Museum Open Coffee Call
(Athens) - Sept 6, Athens Alabama Veterans Museum Open
Coffee Call 256 771-7578. www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.com. Donations
accepted. Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives--Veterans, families and
friends are invited the first saturday of each month to a Coffee
Call and tour of the musem. Remarks, Star Spangle Banner, Taps and
then breakfast (8 a.m.); museum open til noon.
Sep 6, 2009 Art on the Square, 3rd Annual
(Athens) - Sept 6, Athens Art on the Square 256-232-2600.
www.athensartonthesquare.com. Free. Athens Town Sq.—Juried arts show
featuring local and regional artists, live entertainment, children’s
art activities, great food. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sep 6, 2009 Broadway Under the Stars
(Mentone) - Sept 6, Mentone Broadway Under the Stars
256-634-4040. www.mentonespringshotel.com. Free. Mentone Springs
Hotel—Come early to get the best seat for this performance on the
lawn by the Northeast Alabama Community College Theater Guild. Call
the Mentone Springs Hotel to make dinner reservations. 8 p.m.
Sep 6, 2009 Campfire Talk: Moon Views
(Fort Payne) - Sept 6, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Moon Views
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Join JSU astronomer, Dr. Laura Weinkauf, as she reveals
the science and mysteries of the closest celestial neighbor to earth
and other moons in the solar system. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 6, 2009 Chickasaw Trails Invitational
(Moulton) - Sept 6, Moulton Chickasaw Trails Invitational
256-974-1658, 256-566-4410. www.alabamahighschoolrunner.com.
Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center—Snug between Bankhead
National Forest and the Tennessee River is one of America’s top
rated cross country championship courses featuring scenic wooded
trails that allow for a fast race and great spectating.
Sep 6, 2009 Frantic Frog Triathlon, 7th Annual (Scottsboro) -
Sept 6, Scottsboro Frantic Frog Triathlon 256-574-3127. Free. Entry
fee for participants. Goose Pond Colony—Several competing categories
including individual, team, Clydesdale, Athena, and Master. Major
courses include a 400m swim, 24K bike, and 5K run. 8 a.m.-until.
Sep 6, 2009 Old Timer's Festival
(Scottsboro) - Sept 6, Scottsboro Old Timer’s Festival
256-451-3640. Hwy. 71, Roasalie, Ala.—Take a few steps back into the
past and experience quilting, corn grinding, blacksmithing, broom
making, whittling, shingle making, Native American demonstrations,
and period musical entertainment. 10 a.m. until.
Sep 6, 2009 Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
(Fort Payne) - Sept 6, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling
Adventure Combo 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged. True Adventure Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock
climbing and rapelling are all about with guides who are fun, safe
and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2
p.m.
Sep 6, 2009 Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Sept 6, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou
Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your
knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet,
cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Sep 6, 2009 Wildflower and Insects Hike
(Fort Payne) - Sept 6, Fort Payne Wildflower and Insects Hike
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Lynn Overlook/Beaver Pond
Trail—Lynn Overlook is home to many unusual plants and the Granite
or Lichen Grasshopper. The 2-mile hike will explore the woods to
look at plants and insects. Bring drinking water, hiking shoes and
wear appropriate clothing. 1:30 p.m.
Sep 8, 2009 Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Sept 8, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Sep 12, 2009 Campfire Talk: Frog Metamorphosis (Fort Payne) -
Sept 12, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Frog Metamorphosis 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Join Dr. Rayburn,
and explore how amphibians transform from a single cell to hopping
creatures. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 12, 2009 Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Sept 12, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Sep 12-13, 2009 Family Weekend @ DeSoto State Park: Sept. 12 - 13
(Fort Payne) - Sept 12-13, Fort Payne Family Weekend
256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park &
Lodge—JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun
activities Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night for
families who want to learn about nature together. Join Dr. Jim
Rayburn for fun "live animal" Campfire Talks on Friday and Saturday
nights.
Sep 12-13, 2009 OKA KAPASSA - Return to Coldwater
(Tuscumbia) - Sept 12-13, Tuscumbia Oka Kapassa: Return to Coldwater
256-757-4438. Free. Spring Park--Friday is for school children.
Public events on Sat., including dance, storytelling, hoop dancing,
and special show with canoes in the spring and the lighting of the
torches, a tribute to Tuscumbians for their humane treatment of
Native Americans. Fri., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
(Decatur) - Sept 12-13,
Decatur Riverfest 800-524-6181. Ingalls Harbor, Hwy. 20
W.--Alabama State Barbecue Cook-Off Championsip featuring barbecue
teams from throughout the U.S., live musical entertainment, and
more. 10 a.m.-midnight.
Sep 13, 2009 7th Ole Timey Craft & Bluegrass Festival
(Estillfork) - Sept 13, Estillfork Ole Timey Craft and
Bluegrass Festival 256-776-9411. Admission charged. Paint Rock
Valley Lodge, Estillfork—Bluegrass and country music, Cajun food,
folk art demonstrations, including basket weaving, broom making,
blacksmithing, Native American crafts, leather works, wood carving,
pencil art, a Civil War reenactment, and display of guns, coins and
knives. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sep 13, 2009 Bridgeport Jubilee,
11th Annual (Bridgeport) - Sept 13, Bridgeport Bridgeport Jubilee
256-495-3610, 256-495-3614. Free. Soulard Sq.—Celebration with
silent auction, bluegrass and gospel music, pickers and singers,
food vendors, arts and crafts, bingo, antique car show, motorcycle
show, children's games. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sep 13, 2009 Burritt Museum Homes Tour (Huntsville) - Sept
13, Huntsville Burritt Museum Homes Tour 256-533-4118.
www.burrittmuseum.com. Admission charged. Burritt on the
Mountain--Sponsored by the Burritt Museum Guild. Some of our area’s
most fascinating homes and gardens are featured. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sep 13, 2009 Campfire Talk: Venomous Organisms of Alabama
(Fort Payne) - Sept 13, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Venomous
Organisms of Alabama 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto
State Park/Lodge—Toxicologist Dr. James Rayburn will present a
program on a variety of species that can cause pain, injury, or even
death. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 13, 2009 Leesburg Day
(Leesburg) - Sept 13, Leesburg Leesburg Day 256-526-8890.
Town Park--Arts and crafts show, antique cars and tractors, kids
games, food and more.
Sep 13, 2009 Raku Pottery Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13.
Bring the entire family and experience how pottery is made. Glaze
and fire your own piece of Raku pottery. Reservations are required
due to limited spacing. Sessions at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sep 13, 2009 Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Sept 13, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer
sandstone gems of northeast Alabama. No previous experience
necessary. Each trip includes all the gear, plus basic instruction.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sep 13, 2009 The Art of Iconography
(Mentone) - Sept 13, Mentone The Art of Iconography
256-634-4040. Free. www.mentonespringshotel.com. Tall Meadow Rue
Chapel-- A wonderful art show and sale of Balfa Noojin's special
icon paintings. Art Show is by invitation, but please call Mentone
Springs Hotel to recieve your invitation to this special event.
Sep 13, 2009 Woodsy Stroll
(Fort Payne) - Sept 13, Fort Payne Woodsy Stroll 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Explore the
trails of DeSoto State Park and hike along the Little River with Dr.
Jim Rayburn. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
Pre-registration is required. 10 a.m.-noon.
Sep 14, 2009 Patriot Day Singing
(Valley Head) - Sept 14, Valley Head Patriot Day Singing
800-843-5098. www.sequoyahcaverns.com. Free. Sequoyah Caverns &
Ellis Homestead--Gospel and patriotic music performed on the outdoor
stage. 11 a.m.-5 p.m
Sep 15, 2009
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - Sept 15, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise,
this hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking,
and a whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and enthusiastic
guide included. 6-8:30 p.m.
Aug 4-Sep 18, 2009 Recent Works by Cal Breed (Florence) - The
exhibit will include exquisite blown-glass pieces by this artist.
His graceful creation, the Roxy Pitcher, was listed as a "must-have"
item in the December 2006 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.
Sep 16-18, 2009 High Adventure Trip
(Fort Payne) - Dates: Sept. 16-18, Oct. 23-25, Nov. 13-15.
Three-day adventure that begins with a wild cave tour on day one,
rock climbing, rappelling, and an extreme night hike on day two, and
ends with a relaxing canoe trip on day three.
Sep 19, 2009 Campfire Talk: Bear Hunt
(Fort Payne) - Sep 19, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Bear Hunt
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Dr.
Frank Romano will introduce guests to a popular group of animals
known as Tardigrades or Water Bears. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 19, 2009 Rappelling Basics Certification Class (Fort
Payne) - Sept 19, Fort Payne Rappelling Basics Certification Class
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling test.
Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon successful
completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sep 12-20, 2009 Boom Days Heritage Celebration (Fort Payne) -
Sept 12-20, Fort Payne Boom Days Heritage Celebration 256-845-1524.
Free. Union Park--Weeklong art and music festival highlighting the
rich cultural and historical heritage of Fort Payne, culminating
with the Boom Days Heritage Celebration on the 20th, which features
two dozen musical acts and display and sale of works by fine artists
and craftsmen along four blocks of the downtown district.
Sep 15-20, 2009 Cullman County Old-Fashioned Fair
(Cullman) - Sept 15-20, Cullman Cullman County
Old-Fashioned Fair 256-734-0661. www.cullmancountyfair.org.
Admission charged. Since 1954, the Cullman County Fair has been
showcasing true rural America, complete with thrilling rides,
carnival games, live entertainment, animal exhibits, food and the
always popular ribbon competition and exhibits.
Sep 15-20, 2009 Jackson County Fair
(Scottsboro) - Sept 15-20, Scottsboro Jackson County Fair
256-259-5839. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Admission charged.
Veterans Park Fairgrounds--Musical entertainment and family fun
nightly with carnival rides, contests and agriculture exhibits,
crafts, food, photography, animals, 4-H clubs, and much more.
5:30-10:30 p.m.
Sep 19-20, 2009 Family Weekend @ DeSoto State Park: Sept. 19 - 20
(Fort Payne) - Sept 19-20, Fort Payne Family Weekend
256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park &
Lodge—JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park will offer fun
activities Friday night, all day Saturday, and Saturday night for
families who want to learn about nature together.
Sep 20, 2009 All You Can Eat Century
(Huntsville) - Sept 20, Huntsville All-You-Can-Eat Century Bike
Ride 256-883-9982. www.springcity.org. Fee for participants. Madison
Co. H.S., near Gurley--The course has 25, 50, 65, 90 or 102 mile
options. It meanders through rural northeast Madison County and into
the rolling hills of Tennessee. Sponsored by the Spring City Cycling
Club of Huntsville. 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Bear Hunt and Water Quality
(Fort Payne) - Sep 20, Fort Payne Bear Hunt and Water
Quality 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. Little River Canyon
National Preserve—Join Dr. Frank Romano in a search for microscopic
and benthic invertebrates. Dress to get wet. 1-3 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Campfire Talk: Journal of a Biologist (Fort
Payne) - Sep 20, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Journal of a Biologist
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Dr.
Frank Romano will share stories and photos from his traveling
experiences around the world.
Sep 20, 2009 Geology of Little River Canyon
(Cedar Bluff) - Sept 20, Cedar Bluff Geology of Little River
Canyon 256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Admission charged. Canyon Mouth
Picnic Area--Lookout Mountain is formed of limestone and sandstone,
with the fossils presenting a record of the rise from the sea.
Patterns of rock tell the story of mountain building and the erosion
of Little River Canyon. 6 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Hartselle Depot Days Festival (Hartselle) - Sept
20, Hartselle Depot Days Festival 256-773-4370. Free. Hartselle
Downtown District--A festival celebrating the history of the
railroad and its contribution to Hartselle with an antique car and
tractor show, arts and crafts, live entertainment, a featured
entertainer, games, food. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Monte Sano Art Show (Huntsville) - Come and enjoy the
day! Art, Music, Food, Views, Trees, Friend, and Pets. Over 140
artists participate! 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Red Bay Founders Fest
(Red Bay) - Sept 20, Red Bay Red Bay Founders Fest 256-332-1760.
www.franklincountychamber.org. Town of Red Bay--Arts, crafts, food,
games, storytelling, music, antique tractor, car and truck shows.
Sep 20, 2009 Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
(Fort Payne) - Sept 20, Fort Payne Rock
Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock climbing and rapelling
are all about with guides who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes
all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Tour de Pig Bicycle Ride
(Ardmore) - Sept 20, Ardmore Tour de Pig Bicycle Ride
256-233-2224. http://ci.athens.al.us/. Fee for participant. Town
Square—A bicycle ride where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of
Limestone County. Different courses for all ages. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sep 20, 2009 Trail of Tears Remembrance Motorcycle Ride & Native
American Pow Wow (Florence) - Sept 20, Florence Trail of Tears
Remembrance Motorcycle Ride & Native American Pow Wow 877-868-8747.
www.trailoftears-remembrance.org. Free. McFarland Park--A
celebration of Native American history with a Native American Pow
Wow, storytelling, demonstrations, arts, crafts, and food vendors,
exhibits, Pow Wow.
Sep 20, 2009 Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Sept 20, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou
Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your
knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet,
cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Sep 16-21, 2009 North Alabama State Fair, 74th Annual
(Muscle Shoals) - Sept 16-21, Muscle Shoals North Alabama State
Fair 256-383-3247. northalabamastatefair.org. Admission charged.
Hwy. 43 S.--Midway, rides, contests, exhibits and musical
entertainment. Tues.-Fri., 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat., noon-midnight;
Sun., noon-8 p.m.
Sep 21, 2009 Wildflower Hike at Beaver Pond Trail (Fort
Payne) - Sept 21, Fort Payne Wildflower Hike at Beaver Pond Trail
256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Lynn Little River Canyon National
Preserve, Overlook/Beaver Pond Trail--Moderate 2-mile wildflower
hike. The trail to beaver pond crosses Brooks Branch to pass through
rock outcrop and new growth areas, pine and hardwood forests
communities. Bring drinking water and hiking shoes. 9 a.m.
Sep 24, 2009 Annual Quilt Show
(Grant) - Sept 24, Grant Annual Quilt Show 256-728-5128. Free.
Grant Public Library--Handmade quilts, afgans, and other needlecraft
projects on display with quilters on hand to demonstrate quilting
techniques. 9 a.m.-noon.
Jun 5-Sep 25, 2009 Spring Park Market
(Tuscumbia) - Jun 5-Sept 25, Tuscumbia Spring Park Market
256-627-9823. www.cityoftuscumbia.org. Free. Spring Park--An upscale
farmers market with fruits, vegetables and other products by
certified growers and processors. Also live music, cooking
demonstrations, by guest chef, free trolley rides from downtown.
Thurs., 4-6 p.m. No market on Jun. 19 during Helen Keller Festival.
4-7 p.m.
Sep 26, 2009 Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - Sept 26, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True
Adventure Sports—Intended for a large group team-building exercise,
this hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking,
and teamwork. Headlamp and enthusiastic guide included. 6-8:30 p.m.
Sep 20-27, 2009 Racking Horse World Championship
(Decatur) - Sept 20-27, Decatur Racking Horse Spring
Celebration 256-353-7225. www.decaturcvb.org. Celebration Arena,
Hwy. 67 E.--Culminating event for the Racking Horse Breeders
Association with crowning of Racking Horse champion. 6:30 p.m.
Sep 26-27, 2009 Collinsville Annual Quilt Walk (Collinsville)
- Sept 26-27, Collinsville Collinsville Annual Quilt Walk
256-524-2788. collinsvillequiltwalk.com. Admission charged.
Downtown--Stroll through this historic town while viewing some of
the most wonderful quilts ever seen. All proceeds go to the
Collinsville Library Building Fund. Fri., noon-5 p.m.; Sat., 10
a.m.-5 p.m.
Sep 27, 2009 Campfire Talk: Cherokee Trail of Tears
(Fort Payne) - Sep 27, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Cherokee
Trail of Tears 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Thousands of Native Americans were taken from their
homelands and sent to Oklahoma on this infamous trek. JSU's Dr.
Kelly Gregg will share the story of this tragic chapter in America's
history. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 27, 2009 Grant Chamber of Commerce Mile-Long Yard Sale
(Grant) - Sept 27, Grant Chamber of Commerce Mile-Long
Yard Sale 256-728-8800. Town of Grant--Shop for bargains and
experience the town during this annual event along Main St.
Sep 27, 2009 History Hike at the Backcountry Parking Lot
(Fort Payne) - Sept 27, Fort Payne History Hike at the
Backcountry Parking Lot 256-845-9605. www.nps.gov. Free. Little
River Canyon National Preserve, Co. Rd. 295 parking lot--This short
hike will explore some stories of the Edna Hill Community. This
thriving community of the early 1900s laid the foundations of human
activity around the Little River Falls area. 9 a.m..
Sep 27, 2009 Mule
Day
(Winfield) - Sept 27, Winfield Mule Day 205-487-8841. Free.
Winfield area--More than 300 arts, crafts and flea market vendors,
an antiques car show, music, and plenty of food and fun for the
entire family. Free shuttle service will be available. Skirmish at
The Luxapalila, a Civil War re-enactment will take place on Sat. &
Sun, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sep 27, 2009 Murdock's Hidden Trails & Extreme Hike Series
(Fort Payne) - Sept 27, Fort Payne Murdock's Hidden Trails
& Extreme Hike Series 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Admission
charged. Little River Canyon National Preserve—Join JSU biologist
and Little River Canyon native, Dr. Chris Murdock, for an experience
on hidden trails of Little River; moderate to difficult level hike.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sep 27, 2009 Rock Climbing Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Sept 27, Fort Payne Rock Climbing Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Come
experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides
who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic
instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sep 20-28, 2009 Eva Frontier Days
(Eva) - Sept 20-28, Eva Eva Frontier Days 256-796-7023.
Admission charged. Eva School & Eva Bank--Bluegrass festival, hay
ride, community singing, BBQ cook-off, quilt contest, frog jumping
contest, greased pig chase, and much more. Proceeds benefit the Eva
Art Guild.
Sep 26-28, 2009 Antique & Apple Festival
(Moulton) - Sept 26-28, Moulton Antique & Apple Festival
256-974-5067. www.lawrencealabama.com. Admission charged. 8483 Ala.
Hwy. 157--See and learn about the many different varieties of home
grown apples, sample more than 50 varieties, and shop for arts and
crafts such as handmade pottery, jewelry, furniture, and antiques.
Food vendors with sweets and treats. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sep 27-28, 2009 Family Weekend @ DeSoto State Park: Sept. 27 - 28
(Fort Payne) - Sept 27-28, Fort Payne Family Weekend
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—Join JSU's Dr. Kelly Gregg for Campfire Talks on Friday
night (Cherokee Trail of Tears) and Saturday night (Geologic History
of the Canyon). Register for the pottery making workshop on Saturday
or join us for the casual canyon "stroll" on Saturday afternoon.
Sep 27-28, 2009 T.A.G. Blues Festival
(Mentone) - This year, Chef Tony of Windwood Farms will be
cookin' up some of his finger lickin BBQ Pork and Chicken, there
will be prizes, a cakewalk and more.
Sep 28, 2009 Campfire Talk: Geologic History of Little River
Canyon
(Fort Payne) - Sept 28, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Geologic
History of Little River Canyon 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu.
Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Join geologist Dr. Kelly Gregg to
learn about the ancient inhabitants of Little River: sharks, corals,
ferns, ancient trees, and even giant salamanders. 8-9 p.m.
Sep 28, 2009 Native American Pottery Workshop (Fort Payne) -
Sept 28, Fort Payne Native American Pottery Workshop 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Admission charged. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Join
expert potter, Tammy Beane, to learn how pottery was made on Lookout
Mountain thousands of years ago. Clay as well as bone needles and
paddles provided, along with handouts detailing the firing
techniques discussed. 10 a.m.-noon.
Sep 28, 2009 Woods Walk
(Fort Payne) - Sept 28, Fort Payne Woods Walk 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge--Join Dr. Kelly
Gregg for this easy to moderate hike along DeSoto State Park trails
to learn more about the natural history of the area. 2-4 p.m.
Sep 29-30, 2009 Overnight Camping Skills Class (Fort Payne) -
Dates: Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7, Nov. 21-22. Most needed camping skills
are brought to you as well as advanced skills such as how to find
dry fuels, how to build a fire without smoke, how to start a fire
without matches or flint, lean to construction, and safety barriers.
Contact True Adventure Sports to see what gear you need to bring.
October 2009
a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct 4, 2009 Jesse Owens Cross Country Classic (Moulton) - Oct
4, Moulton Jesse Owens Cross Country Classic 256-974-1658,
256-566-4410. www.alabamahighschoolrunner.com. Oakville Indian
Mounds Education Center--The competition offers 12 divisions for
boys and girls. The top 10 finishers in each division receive a
special award with the overall winner in each division winning a
trophy. Fast race on wooded trails. 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oct 4, 2009 Native American Tools & Weapons (Fort Payne) -
Oct 4, Fort Payne Native American Tools & Weapons 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Join
archaeologist Larry Beane for a demonstration of how Native
Americans utilized natural resources to hunt and gather food, to
make weapons, to start fires, and more. 10 a.m.-noon.
Oct 4, 2009 Orienteering Class
(Fort Payne) - Oct 4, Fort Payne Orienteering Class
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Learn
navigation skills, map reading and compass application. 10 a.m.-1
p.m.
Oct 4, 2009 Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Oct 4, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 3-5:30 p.m.
Oct 3-5, 2009 Cowboy Shoot Out at Cavern Cove (Grant) - Oct
3-5, Grant Cowboy Shoot Out at Cavern Cove 256-728-2280. Historic
Kennamer Cove, near Grant--Step back in time during this
western-filled, fun event. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Oct 4-5, 2009 4th Crow Mountain Hill Climb (Scottsboro) - Oct
4-5, Scottsboro Crow Mountain Hill Climb, 4th Annual 256-259-5500.
www.crowmountainhillclimb.org. Admission charged. Jackson Co. Rd.
33, between Scottsboro & Stevenson--Drivers from around the U.S.A.
compete in their prized Formula 1 autos on hairpin curves and scenic
drives. 8 a.m.-until.
Oct 4-5, 2009 Muscle Shoals Music CityFest
(Muscle Shoals) - Oct 4-5, Muscle Shoals Muscle Shoals
Music CityFest 256-386-9200. cityofmuscleshoals.com. Free. Muscle
Shoals City Hall, 2010 E. Avalon Ave.--Celebrate area's musical
heritage with weekend of music, including contemporary Christian and
Southern gospel, and other activities, including a bicycle tour,
car/truck show, arts show, food/sponsorship vendors, historic
displays, and more. Noon-10 p.m.
Oct 4-5, 2009 Octoberfest, Antique Engine & Tractor Show
(Florence) - Oct 4-5, Florence Octoberfest, Antique Engine &
Tractor Show 256-767-3690, 256-740-4141. Free. Saint Florian--Arts
and crafts vendors, music, antique car and tractor show, kids games,
carnival, historical displays of Saint Florian, country store,
German food and lots of other entertainment. Sat., 10 a.m.-dark;
Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct 6-7, 2009 Overnight Camping Skills Class
(Fort Payne) - Dates: Oct. 6-7, Nov. 21-22. Most needed camping
skills are brought to you as well as advanced skills such as how to
find dry fuels, how to build a fire without smoke, how to start a
fire without matches or flint, lean to construction, and safety
barriers. Contact True Adventure Sports to see what gear you need to
bring.
Oct 11, 2009 Harvest Festival
(Attalla) - Oct 11, Attalla Harvest Festival 256-538-5452.
www.willscreekvineyards.com. Free. Wills Creek Vineyards--Arts and
crafts, food, wine and tours of the muscadine vineyard. Grape
stomping contest in the afternoon. Romantic music in the evening.
Noon-midnight.
Oct 11, 2009 Monte Sano 15K & 1 Mile Fun Run (Huntsville) -
Oct 11, Huntsville Monte Sano 15K & 1 Mile Fun Run 256-852-8389.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Monte Sano State Park--8 a.m.
Oct 11, 2009 Old Town Walking Tour
(Huntsville) - Oct 11, Huntsville Old Town Walking Tour
256-551-2230. www.huntsville.org. Old Town District --This is the
only predominately Victorian neighborhood remaining in Huntsville.
The homes in this vicinity were built between 1870 and 1930. 10 a.m.
Oct 11, 2009 Raku Pottery Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13. Bring the
entire family and experience how pottery is made. Glaze and fire
your own piece of Raku pottery. Reservations are required due to
limited spacing. Sessions at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Oct 11, 2009 Survival Class
(Fort Payne) - Oct 11, Fort Payne Survival Class 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Survival training for those who wish to be prepared for life
threatening circumstances in the outdoors. Noon-4 p.m.
Oct 5-12, 2009 Cullman Oktoberfest
(Cullman) - Oct 5-12, Cullman Cullman Oktoberfest 800-533-1258.
www.cullmanoktoberfest.com. Free. Cullman Co. Museum--German meals,
music and dancing, live entertainment, arts and crafts, dog race,
historic district tours, Burgermeister Ball and more. Lots of family
activities on Sat., Oct. 11.
Oct 10-12, 2009 Gem, Jewlery, and Meneral Show, 40th Annual
(Huntsville) - Oct 10-12, Huntsville Gem, Jewelry, and Mineral
Show 256-534-8803. www.huntsvillegms.org. Admission charged. Von
Braun Ctr.—Enjoy more than 30 national vendors with both fine and
costume jewelry, lapadary materials, specimens, and equipment,
educational demonstrations, children activities, rocks, minierals
and more. Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Oct 11-13, 2009 Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale (Boaz) - Oct
11-13, Boaz Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale 800-405-2193.
www.tangeroutlet.com/boaz. Free. Tanger Outlet Ctr.--Bring your
friends and family and shop 'til you drop. Find extra savings from
name brand stores. Sat. & Mon., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Oct 14, 2009 Rappelling Basics Certification Class (Fort
Payne) - Oct 14, Fort Payne Rappelling Basics Certification Class
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling test.
Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon successful
completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 16-Oct 17, 2009 Singing on the Square
(Athens) - May 16-Oct 17, Athens Singing on the Square
256-232-5411. www.tourathens.com. Free. Athens Town Sq.--Live
entertainment every third Friday with local groups perfoming gospel,
bluegrass, country, jazz, etc. 6:30-p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Oct 17, 2009 Campfire Talk: Climate Change
(Fort Payne) - Oct 17, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Climate Change
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park/Lodge—What is going on? Join Dr. Jonathon Herbert as he
explains the science behind global warming and how it might affect
Alabama. 7-8 p.m.
Apr 19-Oct 18, 2009 T.A.G. BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC IN
MENTONE
(Mentone) - Live music on the square every third Saturday
from Apr. 8 - Oct. 8.
Oct 18, 2009 Alabama Renaissance Feast
(Florence) - Oct 18, Florence Alabama Renaissance Feast
256-740-4141. www.alarenfaire.org. Admission charged.
Florence/Lauderdale Coliseum--Wenches and queens alike will enjoy
this authentic Renaissance feast prepared by world-renowned chef in
true Renaissance style, complete with entertainment.
Oct 18, 2009 Campfire Talk: Seasons
(Fort Payne) - Oct 18, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Seasons
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park &
Lodge--Why do the leaves change color? Why don't we get snow in
Alabama? Join Dr. Jonathon Herbert as he explains the science behind
the seasonal changes in Alabama. 7-8 p.m.
Oct 18, 2009 Indian Harvest Festival
(Huntsville) - Oct 18, Huntsville Indian Harvest Festival
256-533-4118. www.burrittonthemountain.com. Admission charged.
Burritt on the Mountain--Celebrate Alabama’s rich Native American
heritage with Indian crafts, music, children's activities, dancing,
and storytelling. Enjoy apple butter making, blacksmithing, and
other cultural activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct 18, 2009 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, 5th Annual (Huntsville) -
Oct 18, Huntsville, Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 256-265-9452.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Downtown--Run benefiting the Liz Hurley
Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital Foundation with separate
men’s and women’s 5K’s. Also, cancer survivor's wlak and family
activities. Men's race, 8 a.m.; women's race, 9 a.m.
Oct 18, 2009 Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
(Fort Payne) - Oct 18, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling
Adventure Combo 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged. True Adventure Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock
climbing and rapelling are all about with guides who are fun, safe
and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2
p.m.
Oct 18-19, 2009 Alabama Gourd Festival
(Cullman) - Oct 18-19, Cullman Alabama Gourd Festival
256-747-1447. www.alabamagourdsociety.org. Cullman Civic
Center--Vendors with gourd arts and crafts featuring everything from
painted birdhouses and musical instruments to beautiful hand-carved,
painted and wood-burned designs. Take a gourd art crafting class,
enjoy food and entertainment. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4
p.m.
Oct 18-19, 2009 Mentone Fall ColorFest
(Mentone) - Oct 18-19, Mentone Mentone Fall ColorFest
256-634-4041, 256-634-4455. Free. Mentone Brow Park--Savor North
Alabama's autumn beauty and enjoy arts and crafts, food, live music
and more.
Oct 18-19, 2009 Southern Wildlife Festival
(Decatur) - Oct 18-19, Decatur Southern Wildlife Festival
800-524-6181. www.sowildfest.com. Admission charged. Calhoun
Community College—Nationally recognized art show and sale featuring
more that 100 wildlife artists and photographers. Sat. 10 a.m.-6
p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct 20, 2009 Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Oct 20, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Oct 18-24, 2009 Spooktacular Science
(Huntsville) - Oct 18-24, Huntsville Spooktacular Science
256-837-0606. www.sci-quest.org. Admission charged. Sci-Quest--Halloween-themed
programs and activities for children of all ages, culminating with a
Halloween party with games, tricks and treats on Fri., Oct. 24 from
6-9 p.m.
Oct 23-25, 2009 High Adventure Trip
(Fort Payne) - Dates: Oct. 23-25, Nov. 13-15. Three-day
adventure that begins with a wild cave tour on day one, rock
climbing, rappelling, and an extreme night hike on day two, and ends
with a relaxing canoe trip on day three.
Oct 24-25, 2009 Quilt Show
(Oneonta) - Oct 24-25, Oneonta Quilt Show 205-681-3934;
205-466-7484. www.blountcountyquiltersguild.com. Admission charged.
Palisades Park--Quilt show presented by the Blount county Quilters
Guild. Public entries welcomed. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Campfire Talk: Little River Canyon Center
--Construction Update
(Fort Payne) - Oct 25, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Little River
Canyon Center Construction Update 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu.
Free. DeSoto State Park--Pete Conroy, Director of Little River
Canyon Field School, will present an update on the progress of the
new Little River Canyon Center, now being built on Hwy. 35 near
Little River Falls and scheduled to open in 2009. 7-8 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Covered Bridge River Walk
(Oneonta) - Oct 25, Oneonta Covered Bridge River Walk
205-919-6231. Free admission. Swann Bridge in Blount County--Held as
part of Blount County's Covered Bridge Festival. Led by the Friends
of Locus Fork River, the walk goes from Swann Covered Bridge to
Powell Falls and back. See beautiful fall foliage and enjoy some
interesting commentary by trip leaders. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Fall Color Hike
(Guntersville) - Oct 25, Guntersville Fall Color Hike
256-571-5440. www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com. Free. Guntersville
State Park--It's autum foliage at its finest. Bring your camera and
capture nature's beauty and rich color, which is abundant throughout
the forests and along the banks of Lake Guntersville and can be
enjoyed on a guided hike. 2 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Fall Fest
(Hamilton) - Oct 25, Hamilton Fall Fest, 4th Annual
205-921-7786. www.cityofhamilton.org. Free. Downtown—Come and
celebrate the beauty of the fall season and community spirit with
arts, crafts, music, children's activities, antique car show,
motorcycle ride, fun runs, and many other family-oriented
activities. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Fall Festival
(Grant) - Oct 25, Grant Fall Festival 256-728-8193.
www.tourjackson@scottsboro.org. Free admission. Cathedral Caverns
State Park--Enjoy spooky cave tours, games, haunted hay rides, food
and drinks. 5 p.m. until.
Oct 25, 2009 Fall Festival
(Woodville) - Oct 25, Woodville Fall Festival 256-728-8193.
www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Free. Cathedral Caverns State
Park--Featuring spooky cave tours, games for kids, haunted hay
rides, live entertainment, and food & drinks. 5-10 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Halloween Haunted Hay Ride (Guntersville) - Oct
25, Guntersville Halloween Haunted Hay Ride 256-571-5440.
www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com. Free. Guntersville State Park--Enjoy
a spooky time in a wooded setting. Fun for whole family. 6:30 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Heritage Day Festival
(Scottsboro) - Oct 25, Scottsboro Heritage Day Festival
256-259-2122. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Admission charged.
Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center--Celtic and Native American
demonstrations using authentic techniques and materials in making
dulcimers and other instruments, tools, brooms, baskets, quilting,
cooking, medicine, fires, toys and games, etc. Cabin life,
blacksmithing and other demonstrations.
Oct 25, 2009 Holiday Open Studio
(Fort Payne) - Oct 25, Fort Payne Holiday Open Studio
256-523-3188. www.orbixhotglass.com. Free. Orbix Hot Glass-- Watch
designer and master glass artist Cal Breed as he makes unique
hand-blown glassware and sculptures. Also blow your own ornament for
$35 a piece. The gallery will be filled with one-of-a-kind items for
Christmas gift giving. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct 25, 2009 Peinhardt Farm Day
(Cullman) - Oct 25, Cullman Peinhardt Farm Old Fashioned
Woodworking Day 756-737-8009. Admission charged. Peinhardt Farm--Old
timey food, surrey and wagon rides, petting animals, a blacksmith
and a full day of woodworking demonstrations from pre-1940 Alabama
history.
Oct 25-26, 2009 Alabama Renaissance Faire (Florence) - Oct
25-26, Florence Alabama Renaissance Faire 256-768-3031.
www.alarenfaire.org. Free. Wilson Park--A recreation of a
Medieval/Renaissance trade fair with entertainment, food and crafts
characteristic of the period, and hundreds of people in period
costumes. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Oct 25-26, 2009 Covered Bridge Festival
(Oneonta) - Oct 25-26, Oneonta Covered Bridge Festival
205-274-2153. Free. Downtown—Arts, crafts, entertainment, kids’
activities, car show and bridge tours. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oct 26, 2009 Campfire Talk: Creepy Critters
(Fort Payne) - Oct 26, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Creepy Critters
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park and
Lodge--Dan Spaulding of the Anniston Museum of Natural History will
show some creepy crawly critters during this fun, educational
program. 6-7 p.m.
Oct 27, 2009 Rogersville Fall Festival
(Rogersville) - Oct 27, Rogersville Rogersville Fall Festival
256-247-9449. www.flo-tour.org. Free. Downtown--Live music, a car
show, pet parade, food vendors, chili cook-off. 10 a.m. until.
Apr 12-Oct 30, 2009 Festhalle Market Platz (Cullman) - Apr
12-Oct 30, Cullman Festhalle Market Platz 256-775-7207.
www.ciullmancity.org. Cullman's farmers market and community
pavillion--Open-span facility to enjoy large selection of produce
and other goods, local entertainment during Thursday and Saturday
market, special demonstrations and weekly events. Tues. & Sat., 7
a.m.-1 p.m.; Thurs., 2-7 p.m.
Oct 1-30, 2009 Shoals Artists Guild Exhibit (Florence) - Oct
1-30, Florence Shoals Artists Guild Exhibit 256-760-6379.
www.flo-tour.org. Free. Kennedy-Douglass Ctr. for the Arts—An
exhibition of works in graphite, oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel,
and mixed media. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct 31, 2009 Campfire Talk: Ghosts on the Mountain
(Fort Payne) - Oct 31, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: Ghosts on
the Mountain 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State
Park and Lodge--Spooky storytelling guaranteed to put shivers up you
spine! Learn about Alabama's finest spooks, legends, and folklore
from JSU Field School's Renee Morrison. 6-7 p.m.
Oct 31, 2009 Trick-or-Treat
(Boaz) - Oct 31, Boaz Trick-or-Treat 800-405-2193.
www.tangeroutlet.com/boaz. Free. Tanger Outlet Ctr.--Children are
invited to trick-or-treat safely at participating stores. 4-7 p.m.
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2009 Family Weekend @ DeSoto State Park: Oct. 31 -
Nov. 1
(Fort Payne) - Oct 31-Nov 1, Fort Payne Family Weekend
256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park/Lodge—Fun
activities for the entire family. Learn about nature and enjoy
storytelling on a family hike.
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2009 Spirit of Athens Storytelling Festival
(Athens) - Oct 31-Nov 1, Athens Spirit of Athens
Storytelling Festival 256-232-5411.
www.athensstorytellingfestival.com. Admission charged. Town Sq.—Hear
stories that tell of a time that used to be, of folk in distant
lands or the people next door. Learn more about your parents, your
children, and yourself. Five of the nation's best storytellers will
share their life, legends and lies. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
SIXTH ANNUAL BAR-B-Q AND ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Battleground School, October 24,
2009. Show Opens At
10:00 A.M. Bar-B-Q Will Be Served 11:00-2:00 P.M. Other Activities
Will Also Be Available. The Car Show Will Include Music From The
50'S.
Bar-B-Q Will Be $5.00 Per Plate. This Includes Drink And Dessert.
This Is Sponsored By The Battle Ground School Historical
Preservation Society. The School Is Located On County Road 1101 Just
Off Of Hwy 157 North About 13 Miles From I-65 Exit 310 In Cullman
County Alabama. Further Information Call Iva Rodgers 256-462-3521.
GBC S.P.L.A.S.H. is Looking for Single Adults - 25 to 50 Years of
Age
We are a group of Christian Singles who are looking for like minded
adults in the Blount County community to share fellowship and fun.
If this sounds like something you have been missing in your life
please e-mail us a
singles@gethsemanebc.com or simply give us a call at (205)
647-0100. We will contact you to schedule an initial meet and greet
planning sessions to discover the type of activities you are
interested in participating.
*No church membership required**.
Fall Fest Hollow Hills USA
October 28, 2009 starts at 8:00AM. This will include an Arts &
Crafts Festival, Car Show and other activities. Located at Coon
Creek Road, Empire, AL. 35063 For information call (205) 648-6159
Hartselle Depot Days Festival
Hartselle/(256) 773-4370, (800) 294-0692
Celebrates the town's founding in 1870 along a key North Alabama
railroad line. 5K and Fun Run, a classic car and truck show, model
train display, antique tractor and steam engine show, arts and
crafts show, children's art show, rides, Sheers Lumberjack Show
(special 2009 entertainment), food booths, and musical
entertainment. Oct. 9, 2009. Free.
Fayette Alabama’s 2nd Annual
Times of the Past Cruise-In
October 2, 2009
9 AM till 3 PM – Rain or Shine
Free Admission & No Entry Fees & Free Parking!!!
Lots of Cash & Prizes – All to be given away by 3 PM
Over $10,000 collected & given away last year!!!
All Classic & Custom Vehicles Welcome
Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, & Tractors
Fayette County Civic Center
Take Hwy 43 thru Fayette – you can’t miss it!
Food, Drinks, & Indoor Restrooms are available
Proceeds go to Fayette County School Systems
“C Plus” – Rock & Roll Oldies Live Band
For more information contact:
Bert Meharg @ 205-932-8393 or
notleks@direcway.com
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers
Convention
Athens/(256) 233-8215
This event serves as the flagship of Southern fiddlers conventions.
Historic surroundings are arrayed with crafts, paintings, and
buckdancers. Always the first F-Sa in October. Oct. 1-2, 2009.
Admission.
Boaz Annual Harvest Festival
Boaz/(256) 593-8154
Arts and crafts, Indian Pow Wow, Rod Run Car Show, entertainment by
local artists plus good food. October 1-2, 2009. Free.
Cullman Oktoberfest
Cullman/K-15/(256) 739-1258, (800) 533-1258/www.cullmanoktoberfest.com
German music, food, and dancing. Guided historic district tours, art
show, arts and crafts, Miss Oktoberfest, and Burgermeister Ball. A
celebration of Cullman’s German heritage, traditions and values.
Always the first full week in October. Oct. 1-10, 2009. Admission to
some events.
Founders Fest
Red Bay/(256) 356-4473
Variety of old fashion, family activities celebrating the town’s
founding in 1907. Includes a 5K Run, kid’s rides and games, food
booths, continuous live musical entertainment in the park gazebo, a
truck and tractor pull, and a classic car and truck show that will
form a parade downtown. Always third weekend in October. October 16,
2009. Free.
23rdd Annual Southern Wildlife Festival
Decatur/(256) 350-2028
This two-day event is the largest wildlife art show in Alabama, one
of the largest in the south and is listed as one of the best shows
of its’ type in the nation. Held at Calhoun College, the festival
attracts artists from across the United States to exhibit and sell
original paintings, carvings, sculpture and photographs -- all with
a wildlife theme. Educational seminars include such topics as water
gardens, backyard butterfly attractors and the Raptor Rehabilitation
Seminar. Oct. 16-17, 2009. Admission.
Alabama Renaissance Faire
Florence/(256) 768-3031
The official state Renaissance Faire captures the ambience of a
1400s-era European festival. Always the fourth weekend in October.
Oct. 23-24, 2009. Free.
Historic Huntsville 10k Walk
(Huntsville) - Jan 1-Dec 31, Huntsville Historic Huntsville 10k Walk
256-882-9062.
www.walkalabama.org . Free admission. Starting Point: Twinkenham
& Old Town Historic Districts—10k walk has several hills and steps
with view of antebellum structures, downtown parks and lakes, Maple
HIll Cemetery, where Civil War solderiers are buried. Weekdays, 9
a.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon.
Monthy Gallery Exhibits with
Featured Artists (Guntersville) - Apr
1-Dec 31, Guntersville Monthy Gallery Exhibits with Featured Artists
256-582-1454. Free admission. Valley Arts Council Office Gallery,
300 Gunter Ave.--Call for details.
DeSoto State Park
Interpretive Programs (Fort Payne) -
May 6-Oct 31, Fort Payne DeSoto State Park Interpretive Programs
256-845-0051.
www.desotostatepark.com
. Free admission. DeSoto State Park Campground—Nature programs
presented by Jacksonville State University in conjunction with
DeSoto State Park's naturalists every weekend through October.
Subjects include Trail of Tears, archeology, rope making and more.
Inside the Forbidden City:
Photographs from Ground Zero, WTC Recovery
(Huntsville) - Jul 20-Oct 22, Huntsville Inside the Forbidden City:
Photographs from Ground Zero, WTC Recovery 256-535-4350.
www.hsvmuseum.org Free
admission. Huntsville Museum of Art—An exhibition of large-scale
photographs that were taken inside the recoivery area of the World
Trade Center in New York by Joel Meyerowitz. . Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5
p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Aftermath: Images from Ground
Zero by Joel Meyerowitz (Huntsville)
- This exhibition captures the compelling images of 9-11 and the
terrorist attacks which forever changed this nation. As the only
photographer allowed in Ground Zero, Joel Meyerowitz documents the
heroic efforts of recovery crews while also paying tribute to the
lives lost. The museum will offer a "Message Wall" to visitors for
leaving their own thoughts and prayers.
Abstracted Landscapes
(Huntsville) - Sept 1-Oct 31, Huntsville Abstracted Landscapes
256-881-3436. Free admission. Artistic Images Gallery, 2115
Whitesburg Dr.--Alabama artist Diane Lauren interprets landscapes
with an abstracted eye. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10
a.m.-4 p.m.
Bankhead National Forest
Monthly Hikes (Moulton) - Sept 1-Dec
31, Moulton Bankhead National Forest Monthly Hikes 256-974-6166.
Free admission. Warrior Mountains Trading Company, at the
intersection of Hwy 33 & Hwy 36—The last Saturday of each month,
take a tour of the Bankhead National Forest featuring scenic visits,
waterfalls, streams, and wildflowers. 9 a.m.-dusk.
Jazz Education-in-the-Schools
and Community (Huntsville) - Sept
1-Jun 30, Huntsville Jazz Education-in-the-Schools and Community
256-851-7402. www.tvjs.org .
Various locations--The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society/Huntsville
sponsors, encourages and promotes art, youth development, health and
educational activities through various programs throughout the area.
Jazz education is used to illustrate the connection between music,
math and science.
Scarecrow Trail & Enchanted
Forest (Huntsville) - Sept 1-Oct 31,
Hunstville Scarecrow Trail & Enchanted Forest 256-430-3572 , ext.
290.
www.hsvbg.org . Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical
Garden—More than 100 scarecrows will be hanging out in the Garden.
Everything from scary, funny to totally outrageous! Weekend
hayrides, music and the sorghum maze. View colorful fall planting
throughout the garden. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 1-5 p.m.
The Country Shindig
(Muscle Shoals) - Sept 1-Dec 31, Muscle Shoals The Country Shindig
Admission charged. Muscle Shoals H.S. Auditorium--A high-energy
variety show every first Saturday of the month featuring the musical
group Showdown. Enjoy music of all genres, special guest artists,
comedians, dancers, and more. Special shows include music of hte 50s
and 60s, Patriotic Tribute (July) and Christmas Special (December).
William Morris: Myth, Object,
and the Animal (Huntsville) - Sept
3-Oct 29, Huntsville William Morris: Myth, Object, and the Animal
256-535-4350. www.hsvmuseum.org
. Free admission. Huntsville Museum of Art—Exhibition of 20
individual sculptures and two installations created in the past two
decades illustrating Morris' uncanny ability to manipulate blown
glass. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 1-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8
p.m.
White Farms Corn Maze &
Pumpkin Patch (Decatur) - Sept 9-Oct
31, Decatur White Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 256-350-3133.
www.whitefarmscornmaze.com. Admission charged. White Farms--The corn
maze is a life-sized puzzle design cut into 8 acres of corn to
create a challenging maze for all ages to enjoy. Check points
throughout the maze assist maze goers to complete the maze. Fri., 6
p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.; Sun., 1 p.m.
White Farms Corn Maze &
Pumpkin Patch (Decatur) - Sept 10-Oct
31, Decatur White Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 256-350-3133.
www.whitefarmscornmaze.com . Admission charged. White Farms,
across from Priceville Elementary School—Find your way through the
maze or take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to find that perfect
pumpkin. Thurs. & Fri., 5 p.m.; Sat. noon; Sun., by appointment.
New Perspectives-The Art of
Dan Burch (Huntsville) - Sept 14-Oct
14, Huntsville New Perspectives-The Art of Dan Burch 256-534-7475.
www.meridianarts.net . Free admission. Meridian Arts Gallery--A
one-man show featuring landscapes and still lifes in oil and pastels
by Huntsville artist Danial W. Burch. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.;
Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Going Inside Ground Zero: A
Photographic Journal of the Recovery at the Wor
(Huntsville) - Sept 20-Oct 22, Huntsville Going Inside Ground Zero:
A Photographic Journal of the Recovery at the World Trade Center
256-535-4350. www.hsvmuseum.org
. Free admission. Huntsville Museum of Art--An emotional exhibition
of large-scale photography held in conjunction
Tate Farms Cotton Pickin'
Pumpkins (Huntsville) - Sept 25-Oct
31, Meridianville Tate Farms Cotton Pickin' Pumpkins 256-828-7200;
256-828-8288. Tate Farms-Have a pumpkin pickin' good time on this
6000-acre working farm. Also hay rides to the pumpkin field, where
you can select your own pumpkin, a hay maze, barn themed playground,
corn crib, cotton jump, scarecrows, barrel train ride, and more.
Mon.-Fri., 2-6 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Scholastic's The Magic School
Bus Kicks Up a Storm (Huntsville) -
Fasten your seatbelts and join Ms. Frizzle and her class as "The
Magic School BusTM Kicks Up a Storm!" Investigate the concepts and
technologies of weather and meteorology in
Spooktacular Science
(Huntsville) - Sept 30-Oct 27, Huntsville
Spooktacular Science 256-837-0606.
www.sci-quest.org . Admission
charged. Sci-Quest—Science with a Halloween twist. Themed programs
and activities each Sat. (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sun. (1:30-4:30) in
October, culminating with a family-friendly Halloween party Fri.,
Oct. 27, from 6-9 p.m. with games, tricks, treats and more. D—1(b,
f, h, i, p).
Anita Hoodless Limelight
Exhibit (Huntsville) - Oct 1-31,
Huntsville Huntsville Art League Presents: Anita Hoodless Limelight
Exhibit 256-534-3860. Free admission. Call for location--Mon.-Sat.,
10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Shoals Artists Guild Guild
Exhibit (Florence) - Oct 3-30,
Florence Shoals Artists Guild Exhibit 256-760-6379.
www.florenceal.org . Free admission. Kennedy-Douglass Center for
the Arts--The Guild has more than 50 members who work in a variety
of techniques, media, and styles. The exhibition includes graphite
drawings, paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings.
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jack-O-Lantern Farm Market
(Muscle Shoals) - Oct 5-May 31, Muscle Shoals Jack-O-Lantern Farm
Market 256-248-5325. www.jackolanternfarm.com. Free admission. TVA
Greenhouses, Garage Rd.--Certified naturally grown hydroponic
vegetables and herbs, homemade breads, jams, jellies, soaps and
lotions. Tours of the hydroponic greenhouses. 4-6 p.m.
The Little Mermaid
(Huntsville) - Oct 6-8 & 13-15, Huntsville Fantasy Playhouse
Children's Theater Presents: "The Little Mermaid" 256-539-6829.
www.letthemagicbegin.org
. Admission charged. Von Braun Center—Travel with the Little Mermaid
to the Top of the Sea where she becomes friends with a funny, but
reluctant, prince. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1:30 & 5 p.m.
Dame Gillian Weir
(Huntsville) - Oct 13, Huntsville Dame Gillian Weir 256-824-6540.
http://hcmg.uah.edu .
Admission charged. Trinity United Methodist Church, 607 Airport
Rd.--“There is only one Dame Gillian Weir. She is without peer....”
The American Organist Educational Encounter, October 12, 2009, with
the American Guild of Organists. 7:30 p.m.
MOVA Songwriter's Competition
(Guntersville) - Oct 13-14, Guntersville MOVA Songwriter's
Competition 256-582-1454.
www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.org . Admission charged. Whole
Backstage Theatre, 1120 Rayburn Ave.—International competition for
juried selections. Finalists perform on stage before professional
musician-judging committee. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards in various
music genres. VIP reception.
Antique Car Show and
Bluegrass Festival (Huntsville) - Oct
14, Huntsville Antique Car Show and Bluegrass Festival 256-518-9480.
Free admission. Big Cove Presbyterian Church, Brownsboro--Benefit
car show and festival to benefit C.A.R.E. Center, which serves Owens
Cross Roads, New Hope and Brownsboro communities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Drums Around the World
(Fort Payne) - Oct 14, Fort Payne Drums Around the World
256-782-5697. http://fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free admissioin. DeSoto
State Park & Lodge--Egyptian wedding drums, Chinese Paper Drums,
African cymbals, and other instruments will be explained,
demonstrated and offered for play during this drumming circle
performed by Rachel Smart from the Anniston Museum of Natural
History. 7 p.m.
Cherryholmes Bluegrass
Concert (Decatur) - Oct 17, Decatur
Cherryholmes Bluegrass Concert 256-350-1745.
www.princesstheatre.org . Admission charged. Princess
Theatre--America's new first family of bluegrass was nominated for a
2009 Grammy Best Bluegrass Album Award and has stormed to the top of
the bluegrass world by winning the 2005 International Bluegrass
Music Assocation Award for Entertainer of the Year Award. 7:30 p.m.
The Rocky Horror Show
(Huntsville) - Oct 20-Sept 5, Huntsville The Rocky Horrow Show
256-536-3117.
www.renaissancetheatre.net . Admission charged. Renaissance
Theatre--Book, music and lyrics by Richard O'Brien. Directed by Lee
Deal and Gayl Miller-Alexander. Oct. 20-21, 26-28 & Nov. 2-4, 8
p.m.; Oct. 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 2:30 p.m., Oct. 31, midnight. Tickets
available at Lincoln Center Antiques.
To Kill a Mockingbird
(Guntersville) - Oct 20-28, Guntersville To Kill a Mockingbird
256-582-7469.
www.wholebackstage.com . Admission charged. The Whole Backstage,
1120 Rayburn—The clsssic story of one lawyer's fight for the rights
of a citizen of the United States. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
24th Annual Mentone Fall
Colorfest (Mentone) - Oct 21-22,
Mentone 24th Annual Mentone Fall Colorfest 256-634-4664.
www.mentonealabama.org. Free admission. Town of
Mentone—Storytelling around a bonfire and entertainment highlighted
by beautiful fall color.
Alabama Gourd Festival
(Cullman) - Oct 20-21, Cullman Alabama Gourd Festival 256-747-1447.
www.alabamagourdsociety.org. Cullman Civic Center--
Vendors with gourd arts and crafts featuring everything from painted
birdhouses and musical instruments to beautiful hand-carved, painted
and wood-burned designs. Take a gourd art crafting class, enjoy food
and entertainment. Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Alabama Renaissance Feast
(Florence) - An authentic Medieval/Renaissance full-course dinner
prepared by Chef Jim Matterer from Pennsylvania, who has been
featured on the Food Network for his period recipes. Event takes
place in a Baronial Hall decorated in the era; entertainment of the
era as well. Seating limited to 200.
Bowl-a-thon to support Spina
Bifida (Huntsville) - Charity event
to support those in AL living with Spina Bifida and their families.
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Classical Concert 2 (Huntsville) -
Oct 21, Huntsville Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Classical Concert 2
256-539-4818. www.hso.org .
Admission charged. Von Braun Center Concert Hall--Violin superstar
Nadja Salerno-Sonneberg is known for her electifying performances.
The concert features Tchaikovsky's beloved violin concerto and
Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Indian Heritage Festival
(Huntsville) - Oct 21, Huntsville Indian Heritage Festival
256-512-5570. Admission charged. Burritt on the Mountain—Celebrate
Alabama’s rich Native American heritage with Indian crafts, art,
music, dancing, and storytelling. Enjoy the spectacular colors,
sights and sounds of the area as well as participate in hands-on and
cultural activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Native American Lore
(Fort Payne) - Oct 21, Fort Payne Native American Lore 256-782-5697.
http://fieldschool.jsu.edu
. Admission charged. DeSoto State Park/Lodge--Join Dr. Ken Pilgreen
and JSU Field Schools Director Pete Conroy for a stroll through the
enchanting Little River Canyon forests to hear the the lore
associated with Native American medicine and the spiritual way of
administering it. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Oktoberfest
(Florence) - Oct 21-22, Florence Oktoberfest 888-356-8687—St.
Florian Family activities for the whole family. There will be games,
entertainment, food, etc.
Southern Wildlife Festival
(Decatur) - Oct 21-22, Decatur Southern
Wildlife Festival 800-524-6181.
www.sowildfest.com . Admission charged. Calhoun
Community College—Nationally recognized art show and sale featuring
more that 100 wildlife artists and photographers. Sat. 10 a.m.-6
p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Art Works '06
(Tuscumbia) - Jul 23-Aug 18, Tuscumbia Art Works '06 256-383-0533.
www.tvaa.net . Admission
charged. Tennessee Valley Art Center, 511 N. Water St.—A multi-media
exhibition of current works by The Tennessee Valley Art Association
member artists. Sun., 1-3 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
ArtWorks 2009
(Tuscumbia) - Oct 22-Nov 11, Tuscumbia ArtWorks 2009 256-282-0533.
www.tvaa.net . Tennessee Valley
Art Center--A multi-media survey of work by Tennessee Valley Art
Association artist members. See two and three-dimensional works in
watercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, metal, fiber, glass and more.
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-3 p.m.
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mainly Mozart 1 (Huntsville) - Oct
22, Huntsville Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Mainly Mozart 1
256-539-4818. www.hso.org .
Admission charged. Von Braun Center Concert Hall--HSO celebrates the
250th Anniversary of Mozart's birth with a performance of the Mass
in C minor with full chorus and soloists. Carlos Miguel Prieto
conducts. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
23rd Annual Covered Bridge
Festival (Oneonta) - Oct 26-28,
Oneonta 23rd Annual Covered Bridge Festival 205-274-2153. Free
admission. Downtown—Festival consisting of a golf tournament on
Thursday and arts, crafts, entertainment, children activities, car
show and bridge tours on Saturday. Other events to be announced. 9
a.m.-3 p.m. .
Alabama Renaissance Faire
(Florence) - Oct 28-29, Florence Alabama Renaissance Faire
888-356-8687. www.flo-tour.org
. Free admission. Wilson Park—Florence, the Renaissance City,
recreates the atmosphere of an authentic medieval Renaissance Faire.
Faire includes authentic costumes, magicians, knights on horseback,
sword fighting, arts and crafts and food concessions. Sat., 10
a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. D—1.
Halloween Trick or Treating
in the Historic Park (Huntsville) -
Oct 28-31, Huntsville Halloween Trick or Treating in the Historic
Park 256-536-2882.
www.burrittmusem.com . Admission charged. Call to
confirm exact dates. Burritt on the Mountain—Children can safely go
from house to house and visit the interpreters for holiday treats in
the historic park. Bring a carved pumpkin and enter the pumpkin
carving contest. 6-8 p.m.
Legends and Lanterns
(Huntsville) - Oct 28, Huntsville Legends and Lanterns 256-755-6224.
www.Earlyworks.com
. Admission charged. Alabama Constitution Village--Ghost stories by
costumed interpreters. 5-8 p.m.
Orbix Hot Glass Open Studio
(Fort Payne) - Oct 28, Fort Payne Orbix Hot Glass Open Studio
256-523-3188.
www.orbixhotglass.com . Free admission. 3869 Co. Rd.
27—Hourly blown glass demonstrations. Gallery open for gift-giving
purchases.
The Goblin Train
(Huntsville) - Oct 28, Huntsville The Goblin Train 256-851-6276
(Wed. & Sat.)
www.northalabamarailroadmuseum.com . Fee for
attraction only. North Alabama Railroad Museum, 694 Chase Rd.—The
train is decorated in Halloween theme. Come in costume. Children
receive a bag of treats from the friendly witch. Designed for
children under ten.
Familiar Places-Carl Gleghorn
(Huntsville) - Oct 19-Nov 11, Huntsville Familiar Places-Carl
Gleghorn 256-534-7475.
www.meridianarts.net . Free admission. Meridian Arts
Gallery--See the electric landscapes of Tennessee watercolorist,
Carl Gleghorn. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
November 2009
Alabama Veterans Museum Open
Coffee Call
(Athens) - Nov 1, Athens Alabama Veterans Museum Open Coffee Call
256 771-7578. www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.com. Donations accepted.
Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives--Veterans, families and friends
are invited the first saturday of each month to a Coffee Call and
tour of the musem. Remarks, Star Spangle Banner, Taps and then
breakfast (8 a.m.); museum open til noon.
Campfire Talk: My Life as a Hound Dog
(Fort Payne) - Nov 1, Fort Payne Campfire Talk: My Life as a
Hound Dog 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. DeSoto State Park
and Lodge--Enjoy storytelling and knee-slapping humor as JSU Field
School's Renee Morrison tells true stories about growing up on her
Granddad's dairy farm in Choccolocco, Alabama.
Guided Archaeology Tour of Cherokee & DeKalb Counties
(Fort Payne) - Nov 1, Fort Payne Guided Archaeology Tour of Cherokee
& DeKalb Counties 256-782-5697. fieldschool.jsu.edu. Admission
charged.—Join archaeologist, Dr. Harry Holstein, for a guided tour,
including a19th- century cornwall iron furnance, Spanish contact
site, rock shelter, and much more. Bring your own food and drinks.
Transportation provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure Combo
(Fort Payne) - Nov 1, Fort Payne Rock Climbing/Rappelling Adventure
Combo 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.
True Adventure Sports—Come experience first-hand what rock climbing
and rapelling are all about with guides who are fun, safe and
energetic. Includes all gear plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Storytelling Hike
(Fort Payne) - Nov 1, Fort Payne Storytelling Hike 256-782-5697.
fieldschool.jsu.edu. Free. Little River Canyon National
Preserve—Join Renee Morrison for this artsy stroll combining the
basics of storytelling and the importance of journaling. No drawing
or writing experience necessary. Materials provided. 10 a.m.-noon.
Battle of Missionary Ridge
(Valley Head) - Oct 31-Nov 2, Valley Head Battle of Missionary
Ridge 800-843-5098. www.sequoyahcaverns.com. Admission charged.
Sequoyah Caverns & Ellis Homestead--Re-enactment of one of the most
pivotal battles of the Civil War. Visit the suttler village and
authentic camps. Demonstrations all day and afternoon battles.
Plenty of food. Fri. reserved for schoool groups. 9 a .m.-5 p.m.
Christmas Open House & Taste of Hartselle
(Hartselle) - Nov 2, Hartselle Christmas Open House & Taste of
Hartselle 256-773-4370. www.hartsellechamber.com. Free admission.
Hartselle area—Start your holiday shopping while strolling through
stores decorated for the season. Enjoy refreshments, store specials,
carolers and the sound of handbells floating through the air. Sample
Southern delicacies at the depot. Visit with St. Nick. 1-6 p.m.
(Arab) 38th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar
Saturday November 8th
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Arab Recreation Center
Admission Charged.
Extreme Night Hike
(Fort Payne) - Nov 11, Fort Payne Extreme Night Hike 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this hike
has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking, and a
whole lot of required teamwork. Headlamp and enthusiastic guide
included. 5-7:30 p.m
Sacred Harp Singing in the Old Country
Church (Huntsville) - Feb 1-Nov 7, Huntsville Sacred Harp Singing in
the Old Country Church 256-533-4118. www.burrittmuseum.com. Free.
Dates: Feb. 1, Apr. 4, May 3, Aug. 1 & Nov. 7. Madison Baptist
Church on grounds of Burritt on the Mountain--Music from the movie,
“Cold Mountain.” Sacred harp is shaped-note music which is sung
acappella and dates to founding of country.
Sacred Harp Singing in the Old Country Church
(Huntsville) - Enjoy music from the movie, “Cold Mountain.” Sacred
harp is a shaped-note religious folk music, which is sung acappella
and dates back to the founding of country.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Nov 7, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 2-4:30 p.m.
Christmas In Cullman Open House, 23rd Annual
(Cullman) - Nov 7-8, Cullman Christmas In Cullman Open House
256-734-0454, 800-313-5114. www.cullmanchamber.org. Free. Festhalle
Market Platz--Get a head start on holiday shopping, enjoy
horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa, great sales,
entertainment, and more. Register to win door prizes at the
participating locations. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.
2008 Collinsville Historic Turkey
Trot
(Collinsville) - Nov 8, Collinsville Collinsville Historic Turkey
Trot 256-524-2788. www.gemofthevalley.net. Free admission.
Downtown--Food, fun and games, antique car and tractor show, turkey
shoot, cake walk and the turkey toss from one of the historic
buildings in Collinsville. Sponsored in part by the "Collinsville
Historic Assocation. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K
(Huntsville) - Nov 8, Huntsville Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K
256-881-0331. www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. Hillwood Baptist
Church--8 a.m.
Medicinal Plants of Fall: Gathering & Preserving Herbs (Fort Payne)
- Join herbalist Darryl Patton and DSP staff for a hike on the
trails of Desoto State Park to see the fruits of the fall season.
Raku Pottery Party
(Valley Head) - Dates: Nov. 8, Dec. 13. Bring the entire family and
experience how pottery is made. Glaze and fire your own piece of
Raku pottery. Reservations are required due to limited spacing.
Sessions at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Rock Climbing Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Nov 8, Fort Payne Rock Climbing Adventure
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Come
experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides
who are fun, safe and energetic. Includes all gear plus basic
instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cotton Cluster Dog Show
(Decatur) - Nov 6-9, Decatur Cotton Cluster Dog Show
931-962-4275. Admission charged. Celebration Arena—Bring the family
and enjoy a variety of dogs in this entertaining show.
Cotton Cluster Dog Show (Decatur) - Decatur Alabama Kennel Club and
Huntsville Kennel Club, judging throughout the day.
Lion's Club Antique Show
(Florence) - Nov 7-9, Florence Lion's Club Antique Show
256-740-4141. www.flo-tour.org. Free, except Fri.
Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum--Fine antiques, jewelry, glassware,
furniture, collectibles. Fri., 5-8 p.m.; Sat., 7-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-4
p.m. Fri., 5-8 p.m.; Sat., 7-3 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Under the Christmas Tree
(Huntsville) - Nov 7-9, Huntsville Under the Christmas Tree
256-881-1701, ext. 105. www.underthechristmastree.net. Admission
charged. Von Braun Center, South Hall--Holiday extravaganza
featuring more that 75 unique merchants, activities for children,
photos with Santa, entertainment and more. Early Bird Shopping:
Fri., 8-10 a.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Indian Artifact Show (Fort Payne) - Special display of many Native
American artifacts from all over Alabama.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Nov 10, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Veteran's Day Sidewalk Sale
(Boaz) - Nov 8-11, Boaz Veteran's Day Sidewalk Sale 800-405-2193.
www.tangeroutlet.com/boaz. Free. Tanger Outlets--Shop and find extra
savings from brand name stores. Visit the sales and coupon page on
the website for more details. Sat., Mon. & Tues., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.;
Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Veteran's Day Parade
(Tuscumbia) - Nov 11, Tuscumbia Veteran's Day Parade 800-344-0783.
colbertcountytourism.org. Free. Main St.--Parade honors Americans
who have, and are serving our country in the Armed Forces. 11 a.m.
High Adventure Trip
(Fort Payne) - Nov 13-15, Fort Payne High Adventure Trip
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. True Adventure
Sports--Three-day adventure that begins with a wild cave tour on day
one, rock climbing, rappelling, and an extreme night hike on day
two, and ends with a relaxing canoe trip on day three.
Introduction to Musical Instruments in Story & Song
(Fort Payne) - Join musician Tony Thomas for this interesting
program introducing acoustic instruments such as the fiddle, guitar,
mandolin, and banjo by using stories & songs to give you a
appreciation for each instrument.
Dizzy Fifties Trail Run
(Huntsville) - Nov 15, Huntsville Dizzy Fifties Trail Run
256-534-0433. www.huntsvilletrackclub.com. Monte Sano State Park--A
50 kilometer trail run with 40- and 50-mile options. 6:30 a.m.
Learn How to Play the Harmonica with Tony Thomas
(Fort Payne) - Musician Tony Thomas teaches this fun class esigned
to learn this fun and easy instrument.
Sand Mountain Bowl, 5th Annual
(Albertville) - Nov 14-16, Albertville Sand Mountain Bowl
256-572-3829. www.eteamz.com/nayf. Admission charged. Albertville
H.S. & Albertville Rec Ctr.—A Pee Wee football tournament for ages
12 and under. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Christmas in the Country
(Tuscumbia) - Nov 15-16, Tuscumbia Christmas in the Country
256-446-9324, 256-383-0783. www.recall-lagrange.00me.com. Free.
LaGrange College Park—A remebrance of Christmas past with log cabins
decorated in period themes, Christmas crafts and bakes goods for
sale, Santa, hay rides, folk music and more. Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.;
Sun., noon-1 p.m.
Iron Jaw Collegiate Bass Tournament
(Scottsboro) - Nov 15-16, Scottsboro Iron Jaw Collegiate Bass
Tournament 800-259-5508. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Free. Lake
Guntersville--Up to 15 colleges and universities compete on Lake
Guntersville, considered to be one of the top bass lakes in America.
Come support your favorite college as they determine who the best
angler will be. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration
(Florence) - Nov 16, Florence W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration
256-760-6434. www.flo-tour.org. Free. W. C. Handy Musuem—A birthday
bash for the "Father of the Blues," including a musical performance
and refreshments. 3-5 p.m.
Extreme Night Hike (Fort Payne) - Nov 17, Fort Payne Extreme
Night Hike 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged. True Adventure Sports--Intended for a large group
team-building exercise, this hike has a bit of bouldering, some
scrambling, some spelunking, and a lot of required teamwork.
Headlamp and enthusiastic guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Governor's Cup & Division One Final Four
(Decatur) - Nov 14-18,
Decatur Governor's Cup & Division One Final Four 205-991-9779,
256-350-2028. www.alabamayouthsoccer.org; www.decaturcvb.org.
Admission charged. Jack Allen Recreation Complex--Alabama's largest
recreational tournament for 9-18-year-olds. See web site for
application and admission.
Rappelling Basics Certification Class
(Fort Payne) - Nov 19, Fort
Payne Rappelling Basics Certification Class 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com.
Admission charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor.
Learn how to safely rappel and do several rappels before taking
rappelling test. Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon
successful completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Overnight Camping Skills Class
(Fort Payne) - Most needed camping skills are brought to you as well as
advanced skills such as how to find dry fuels, how to build a fire
without smoke, how to start a fire without matches or flint, lean to
construction, and safety barriers. Contact True Adventure Sports to
see what gear you need to bring.
Dam-Bridge Run 10,000 Meter Race (Florence)
Nov 22, Florence
Dam-Bridge Run 10,000 Meter Race 256-483-2349, 256-764-7881. www.shoalstrac.com/DBR. Registration fee for partipants.
Registration site: Marriott Shoals Hotel--This exciting race takes
runners across Wilson Dam, down a paved TVA trail, back across the
pedestrian walkway on the Patton Island Bridge, and up another paved
road to the Marriott Shoals Conference Center. 8 a.m.
Rappelling Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Nov 22, Fort Payne Rappelling
Adventure 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged. True Adventure Sports--Experience the thrill of rappelling
down the sheer sandstone gems of northeast Alabama. No previous
experience necessary. Each trip includes all the gear, plus basic
instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Nov 22, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou
Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your
knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet,
cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Galaxy of Lights Walking Tours
(Huntsville) - Nov 21-23, Huntsville
Galaxy of Lights Walking Tours 256-830-4447. www.hsvbg.org.
Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden--Walk along a
dazzling two-mile trail featuring larger than life animated light
displays including scenes of the holidays, nursery rhymes and
nature. 5-8 p.m.
Wild Cave Tour
Nov 24, Fort Payne, AL
Wild Cave Tour
256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go
beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou
Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your
knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet,
cave lamps and guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
December 2009
Scottsboro
Christmas Parade
(Scottsboro) - Dec 1, Scottsboro Scottsboro Christmas Parade
256-259-5500. www.jacksoncountychamber.com. Free admission. Broad
St. to downtown Scottsboro--Join-in all the festivities and
celebrate the season.
First Monday
Weekend Trade Days (Scottsboro) - Jan
5-Dec 3, Scottsboro First Monday Weekend Trade Days Dates: Jan. 5-7,
Feb. 2-4, Mar. 1-3, Apr. 5-7, May 3-5, May 31-Jun 2, Jul. 5-7, Aug.
2-4, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Nov. 3-5, Dec. 1-3.
256-574-3100 ext. 237. Free. Jackson Co. Courthouse Sq.--One of the
Deep South's oldest and largest Trade Days where bartering,
haggling, and swapping of goods has not passed on with time.
Arab Christmas
Parade
(Arab) - Dec 4, Arab Arab Christmas Parade
256-582-3138. www.arab-chamber.org. Free admission. Downtown--Awards
for best float, etc. 6 p.m.
Courtland
Christmas Parade
(Courtland) - Dec 4, Courtland Christmas Parade 256-637-2707.
www.courtlandalabama.com. Downtown--Traditional Christmas parade
with marching bands, floats and of course, Santa Claus. 6 p.m.
Downtown Gadsden
First Friday (Gadsden) - Jan 4-Dec 5,
Gadsden Downtown Gadsden First Friday 256 547-TOWN.
www.downtowngadsden.com. Downtown--Many retailers, restaurants,
street vendors and bars stay open extended hours offering special
entertainment, sidewalk sales and store specials. First Friday of
each month. Check with Downtown Gadsden Inc. www.downtowngadsden.com
for Monthly details.
First Fridays
Art Event in Downtown Florence
(Florence) - Jan 4-Dec 5, Florence First Fridays in Florence
256-766-7410. www.firstfridaysflorence.com. Free admission.
Downtown--An art fair the first Friday of every month. Artists sell
and demonstrate their work on the street. There is a variety of live
music and entertainment. Downtown stores including unique gift shops
and art galleries stay open late for shoppers. 5-8 p.m.
Boaz Annual
Christmas Parade
(Boaz) - Dec 5, Boaz Boaz Annual Christmas Parade 256-593-8154.
www.boazchamberofcommerce.com. Free. First Baptist Church--Annual
parade with santa, candy, horses and more. 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Parade
(Moulton) - Dec 5, Moulton Christmas Parade 256-974-5191. Free.
Downtown Sq.--The city comes alive with its traditional Christmas
parade with lots of marching bands, floats. Santa Claus greets
visitors and spreads holiday cheer in anticipation of Christmas Day.
7 p.m.
Downtown
Florence Open House & Festival of Lights
(Florence) - Dec 5, Florence Downtown Florence Open House & Festival
of Lights 256-740-4141. www.flo-tour.org. Free admission. Downtown
Florence & Wilson Park--Florence businesses and Wilson Park will be
decorated for Christmas. Shop while listening to music on the street
corners and the jingle of bells on horses giving carriage rides.
Also, enjoy holiday music in Wilson Park. 5 p.m. until.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Dec 5, Fort Payne Wild Cave Tour 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged.—Go beyond where the
average tourist explores into the heart of Manitou Cave. This 2.5
hour adventure is for those ready to explore on your knees, on your
belly, in the mud and through tight tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and
guide included. 5-7:30 p.m.
Candlelight
Christmas
(Huntsville) - Dec 5-6, Huntsville Christmas Open House &
Candlelight Christmas 256-533-4118. www.burrittmuseum.com. Free
admission. Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Dr.—See Burritt’s
mansion (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and other historic buildings adorned in
period holiday finery, take a candlelight tour, visit with Santa and
enjoy hot cider and cookies. 5-8 p.m.
Christmas Arts &
Crafts Show
(Cullman) - Dec 5-6, Cullman Christmas
Arts & Crafts Show 256-734-9157. Free. Cullman Civic Center--Show
featuring variety of arts and crafts by more than 70 vendors.
"Stars on the
Water" Boat Parade (Guntersville) - Dec 6,
Guntersville "Stars on the Water" Boat Parade 256-582-3612. Free.
Guntersville Lake--Best viewed from Lurleen B. Wallace Drive.
AAU Cross
Country Nationals
(Moulton) - Dec 6, Moulton AAU Cross
Country Nationals 256-905-2494, 256-566-4410.
www.alabamahighschoolrunner.com. Oakville Indian Mounds Education
Ctr.--Snug between Bankhead National Forest and the Tennessee River
is one of America’s top rated cross country courses where Lawrence
County will host the Amateur Athletic Union Cross Country National
Championship.
Alabama Veterans
Museum Open Coffee Call
(Athens) - Dec 6, Athens Alabama Veterans
Museum Open Coffee Call 256 771-7578. www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.com.
Donations accepted. Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives--Veterans,
families and friends are invited the first saturday of each month to
a Coffee Call and tour of the musem. Remarks, Star Spangle Banner,
Taps and then breakfast (8 a.m.); museum open til noon.
Cherokee County
Christmas Parade
(Centre) - Dec 6, Centre Cherokee County Christmas Parade
256-927-8455. Main St.--Christmas parade with more than 100 entries
of floats, antique cars and tractors, beauty queens, horses, fire
trucks and Santa. 10 a.m.
Christmas in the
Park
(Cullman) - Dec 6, Cullman Christmas in the Park 256-734-9157.
www.cullmanrecreation.org. Free. Depot Park--Christmas activities
including tree lighting, chorus groups, Christmas music, live
nativity and the festive arrival of Santa. 4-6 p.m.
Grant Christmas
Parade
(Grant) - Dec 6, Grant Grant Christmas Parade 256-728-2007. Town of
Grant--Come and watch as the town kicks off its holiday season. 4
p.m.
Parade of Lights
(Decatur) - Dec 6, Decatur Parade of Lights 256-355-7101. Free.
Riverwalk Marina—Parade of Christmas lights on boats on the
Tennessee River.
Rappelling
Basics Certification Class
(Fort Payne) - Dec 6, Fort Payne Rappelling Basics Certification
Class 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Rappelling basics indoor and basics outdoor. Learn how to
safely rappel and do several rappels before taking rappelling test.
Participants receive a Class 1 rappelling card upon successful
completion of this class and exam. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sheffield
Christmas Parade
(Sheffield) - Dec 6, Sheffield Sheffield Christmas Parade
256-383-0253. Downtown--Trucks, cars, floats, walking entries,
horses, and carriages decorated for the Christmas season.
Entertainment at the stage following parade including Applause Fine
Arts and Dance Studio performers, singers, and clowns. Awards for
best decorated car/truck, float and house. 6:30 p.m.
United Way
Christmas Tour of Homes
(Moulton) - Dec 6, Moulton United Way
Christmas Tour of Homes 256-974-5955. Admission charged. Various
homes--A nighttime tour of homes decked with holiday decorations and
lights. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Lawrence County.
Holiday Open
House
(Valley Head) - Dec 6-7, Valley Head
Holiday Open House 256-635-6863. www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com.
Free. Miracle Pottery & Art Gallery--Watch as Valinda Miracle, a
local artist, handcrafts unique pottery and hand-painted art pieces.
The gallery will be filled with unique gifts for Christmas giving.
Door prizes and refreshments.
"A Plantation
Christmas"
(Tuscumbia) - Dec 7, Tuscumbia "A
Plantation Christmas" 256-383-0783. www.colbertcoutytourism.org.
Admission charged. Belle Mont Mansion, Cook Lane, off Hwy. 43
S.—Holiday event reminiscent of the “Old South” with traditional
live decorations, period Christmas music, vintage ballroom dancers,
and refreshments at Belle Mont (cir. 1828). 1-5 p.m.
"Heritage
Holidays" at the Julian House
(Tuscumbia) - Dec 1-13, Tuscumbia
"Heritage Holidays" at the Julian House 256-383-4401. Admission
charged. 104 North Dickson St.—Enjoy tea and refreshments in a
quaint setting with period holiday decorations, antiques and
19th-century memorabilia. Open by appointment only.
Christmas in
Historic Decatur
(Decatur) - Dec 13, Decatur Christmas in Historic Decatur
800-524-6181. www.decaturcvb.org. Old Decatur and Albany Historic
District--District decorated for season with selected homes open for
tours. Tickets can be purchased at Old State Bank. 3-8 p.m.
Christmas Tour
of Homes
(Decatur) - Dec 13, Decatur Christmas Tour of Homes 256-350-2028.
Admission charged. Albany Old Decatur Historic Districts--Decatur's
historic districts are decorated with luminaries, greenery and
thousands of lights, and several homes are open for tours.
Refreshments served and carriage rides available. 4-8 p.m.
Raku Pottery
Party
(Valley Head) - Bring the entire family and experience how pottery
is made. You will be able to glaze and fire your own piece of Raku
pottery. Reservations are required due to limited spacing. Sessions
at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Rappelling
Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Dec 13, Fort Payne Rappelling Adventure 256-997-9577.
www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission charged. True Adventure
Sports--Experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone
gems of northeast Alabama. No previous experience necessary. Each
trip includes all the gear, plus basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rocket City
Marathon, 32nd Annual
(Huntsville) - Dec
13, Huntsville Rocket City Marathon 256-650-7063.
www.huntsvilletrackclub.org; www.runrocketcity.com. Downtown--For
the past 32 years the Rocket City Marathon has been a premiere
marathon event in the South. Conducted by the Huntsville Track Club,
it scores double points on the Running Journal Grand Prix XXVIII
Championship Circuit. 8 a.m.
"The Nutcracker"
(Huntsville) - Dec 12-14, Huntsville "The Nutcracker" 256-539-0961.
www.huntsvilleballet.org, www.communityballet.org. Admission
charged. Von Braun Center Concert Hall-- Huntsville Ballet Company
and Community Ballet School present the 39th annual production of
the ballet accompanied by the Huntsville Symphany Orchestra. Fri.,
7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
Courtland
Christmas Open House Tour
(Courtland) - Dec
14, Courtland Courtland Christmas Open House Tour 256-637-2707.
Downtown--Adorned with holiday decorations, the antique shops,
homes, and the Presbyterian Church are open for tours. Carriage
rides offered along with refreshments. 1-4:30 p.m.
Holiday Open
House
(Madison) - Dec 14, Madison Holiday Open
House 256-325-1018. www.clay-house.com. Free. Clay House
Museum--Antebellum house decorated for Christmas with period
appropriate decorations. Refreshments served. 1-3 p.m.
Holiday Tour of
Homes
(Sheffield) - Dec 14, Sheffield Holiday Tour of Homes
256-383-0250. sheffieldalabama.org. Admission charged. Various
homes--Tour of historic/contemporary homes and the Morningside
Assisted Living, all of which are beautifully decorated for the
season. Advanced tickets available at Sheffield Municipal Bldg., the
public library, and at Morningside Assisted Living. 1-5 p.m.
Quilt Challenge
'08
(Florence) - Nov 12-Dec 18, Florence Quilt Challenge '08
256-760-6379. www.florenceal.org, www.flo-tour.org. Free.
Kennedy-Douglass Ctr. for the Arts—The Shoals Piecemakers Quilt
Guild issues a challenge to its members to create innovative quilts
following a new set of rules each year. The exhibit includes
creative and varied works of fiber art. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Quilt Challenge
'08
(Florence) - Members of the Shoals
Piecemakers Quilt Guild create innovative quilts following a new set
of "challenge" rules each year. The rules dictate a theme, size
requirements, and inclusion of a specific fabric. The result is an
exhibit of exciting - and often amusing - interpretations of the
Challenge.
Wild Cave Tour
(Fort Payne) - Dec 19, Fort Payne Wild
Cave Tour 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com. Admission
charged.—Go beyond where the average tourist explores into the heart
of Manitou Cave. This 2.5 hour adventure is for those ready to
explore on your knees, on your belly, in the mud and through tight
tunnels. Helmet, cave lamps and guide included. 2-4:30 p.m.
NCAA Division II
National Championship Football Game
(Florence) - Dec 20, Florence NCAA Division II Football Championship
Game 256-764-4661. www.d2championship.com. Admission charged. Braly
Stadium--Each year, the best teams in Division II football gather at
Braly Stadium to fight for the title of Division II National
Champion. Aired live on ESPN, the game features the most outstanding
Division II athletes in an excellent show of athleticism. Time TBA.
Photos with
Santa
(Boaz) - Dec 20, Boaz Photos with Santa 800-405-2193.
www.tangeroutlet.com/boaz. Free. Osh Kosh Store--Children are
invited to have a photo taken with Santa. Each child will receive a
photo and a small gift. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Marshall County
Craft Club 14th Annual Christmas Craft Show
(Boaz) - Oct 24-Dec 23, Boaz Marshall County Craft Club 14th Annual
Christmas Craft Show 256-878-7433. Free admission. Boaz Outlets—A
benefit for local children’s charities. Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;
Sun., 1-6 p.m.
Santa's Village
(Huntsville) - Nov 28-Dec 23, Huntsville Santa's Village
256-564-8100. Admission charged. Alabama Constitution Village—Young
and old delight in visiting the Claus' house, Santa's reindeer and
the North Pole elves in the village Santa calls home. 5-9 p.m.
Sportsman's
Wonderland
(Cullman) - Dec 1-23, Cullman Sportsman's Wonderland 256-734-3369.
www.cullmancountyparks.com. Admission charged. Sportsman Lake
Park--Animated drive through light display with Santa Claus,
miniature train rides around the lake, and Victorian horse-drawn
carriage rides with hot cocoa. 5-9 p.m.
Festival of
Trees
(Gadsden) - Nov 16-Dec 24, Gadsden
Festival of Trees 256-543-2787. www.culturalarts.org. Mary G. Hardin
Center--An annual event hosted by the Mary G. Hardin Center for
Cultural Arts along with Imagination Place Children's Museum. The
exhibit allows children from schools in the area to decorate a tree
in a theme.
Live Nativity
(Valley Head) - Dec 21-24, Valley Head
Live Nativity 800-843-5098. www.sequoyahcaverns.com. Free. Sequoyah
Caverns & Ellis Homestead--Bring your family and celebrate Christmas
in the caverns with nativity depicting the birth of Christ. Four
performances in the caverns nightly. 7-9 p.m.
Jack-O-Lantern
Farm Saturday Market (Muscle Shoals) -
Jan-Dec, Muscle Shoals Jack-O-Lantern Farm Saturday Market
256-386-2335. www.ccc.shoalsec.com. TVA Greenhouse, Garage Rd.—Hydroponically
and certified naturally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade
sourdough breads, jams, jellies and baked sweets. Thurs., 4-7 &
Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., year-round.
Rappelling
Adventure
(Fort Payne) - Dec 27, Fort Payne
Rappelling Adventure 256-997-9577. www.trueadventuresports.com.
Admission charged. True Adventure Sports--Experience the thrill of
rappelling down the sheer sandstone gems of northeast Alabama. No
previous experience necessary. Each trip includes all the gear, plus
basic instruction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Guided Nature
Hikes
(Guntersville) - Jan 5-Dec 28,
Guntersville Guided Nature Hikes 256-571-5440.
www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com. Free. Guntersville State Park—Enjoy
weekend guided nature hikes and interpretive programs at this
paradise of nature. Hikes follow gentle to moderate trails and last
approximately two hours. Bring water and snacks and wear comfortable
shoes and clothing. 9 a.m. each Sat.
Guntersville
Christmas Parade (Guntersville) - Dec,
Guntersville Guntersville Christmas Parade 256-582-3612. Free.
Guntersville--Call for exact date and time.
Spring Park
Fountain Show
(Tuscumbia) - Mar 1-Dec 31, Tuscumbia Spring Park Fountain &
Water Show 256-383-0783. www.colbertcountytourism.org. Spring
Park--Spectacular 40-minute show with a magnificent display of water
shooting from jets as high as 150 feet into the air, choreographed
to lights and music. Musicians perform with seasonal holiday shows,
including Memorial Day, 4th of July and Christmas. Fri.-Sun., at
dusk.
Galaxy of Lights
Driving Tours
(Huntsville) - Nov 27-Dec 31, Huntsville
Galaxy of Lights Driving Tours 256-830-4447. www.hsvbg.org.
Admission charged. Huntsville Botanical Garden—Celebrate the season
during Alabama's largest light extravaganza featuring
larger-than-life animated displays, including Santa and nursery
rhyme characters. 5:30-9 p.m.
Christmas in the
Park
(Arab) - Nov 28-Dec 31, Arab Christmas in the Park 256-586-8128.
www.arabcity.org. www.arabcity.org. Arab City Park--More than one
million lights make park a Christmas wonderland. Lighting ceremony
takes place on Nov. 28th, followed by live entertainment.
Entertainment continues each Friday through December. Special
decorations and events in the Historic Complex. Dusk-10:30 p.m.
Winter
Wonderland in Mentone
(Mentone) - A pleasant community located in a cool, lush forest on
the western brow of Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, Mentone
offers a Winter Wonderland of Christmas lights and decorations.
Homes are decorated, restaurants welcome guests and businesses are
all adorned in true Appalachian fashion. Enjoy entertainment in
various locations and watch to see who has the best decorations on
the mountain.
GI Christmas at
the Museum
(Athens) - Dec 4-31, Athens GI Christmas at the Museum 256 771-7578.
www.Alabamaveteransmuseum.com. Donations accepted. Alabama Veterans
Museum & Archives--Celebrating Christmas past and present, with GI
stories and video clips. See Christmas trees decorated to celebrate
different aspects of military history. Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m.-noon.
Football
(Huntsville) - Sept 29-Jan 4, Huntsville
Football 256-837-0606. www.sci-quest.org. Admission charged. Sci-Quest--Football
gives visitors the opportunity to understand the science,
mathematics and technology of the game. Fall in Alabama means
football...now it can be educational.
When They Were
Young: Aristocratic Children in European Portaiture Exhibit
(Huntsville) - Nov 9-Jan 4, Huntsville When They Were Young:
Aristocratic Children in European Portaiture Exhibit 800-786-9095.
www.hsvmuseum.org. Admission charged. Museum of Art--Children's
portraits from the late 16th-19th centuries, including Louis XIII,
XIV, XV and XVI, the young Edward VI of England, a teenage Charles
I, subsequently famously beheaded, and other famous princes and
princesses.
Butterflies of
Lake Guntersville
(Guntersville) - Jul 19, Guntersville Butterflies of Lake
Guntersville 256-571-5440. www.GuntersvilleStatePark.com. Free.
Guntersville State Park--Butterfiles flock to the wildflowers,
rhododendron, wild azaleas, sweet shrub and other blooming species
of plants in the park. Take a guided nature hike and view these
magnificent winged creatures in action. Bring your camera. 2 p.m.
Grant Christmas Parade, Dec.
1st (256)728-8800
Albertville Christmas Parade, Dec. 6th, Main Street,
(256)878-3821
Arab Christmas Parade, Dec. 6th,6pm, (256)586-3138
Boaz Christmas Parade, Dec. 7th ,5:30pm, (256)593-8154
Guntersville Christmas Parade,Dec. 8th, (256)582-3612
"I Love Christmas", Whole Backstage Theatre, Dec.
14th-16th, 20th-22nd, 2009, Guntersville, call for tickets & times,
(256)582-SHOW
Free Photos with Santa, Dec. 15th, Boaz Tanger Outlet Center,
Osh Kosh, (256)593-9255
Christmas On The Rocks
Gadsden/(256) 547-0783
Over one million lights will be displayed at Noccalula Falls Park.
Animated displays will include a “Children’s Fantasy Land.” Sponsors
decorate The Pioneer Village, flowerbeds, bridges, excursion train,
and other special attractions. Tour includes a stroll through The
Pioneer Village and an excursion ride on the “Noccalula Christmas
Land Special Train. A special handicapped ride will be available for
disabled visitors. Nov. 19, 2009 through Jan. 2, 2009, 5:30-9 p.m.
weather permitting. Admission.
Christmas in the Park
Arab/(256) 586-8128,
www.arabcity.org
Dazzling light displays and decorations featuring approximately
800,000 lights transforming Arab City Park into a magical Christmas
wonderland. Live entertainment and an old fashioned community-wide
Christmas caroling event. Call for specific dates and times of
special events. Always last Friday in November and the entire month
of December. Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 2009, starts 6 p.m. daily. Free.
Festival of Trees
University of North Alabama/Florence/C-6/(256) 765-4201/www.una.edu/alumni/festival_of_trees.htm,
e-mail:
alumni1@unanov.una.edu
Holiday spectacle at historic Coby Hall on the university’s campus.
The event, complete with the sights, sounds and smells of the
season, raises funds for the student scholarships. Local decorators,
designers, artists, and merchants deck the halls with Christmas
finery. Ten days in early December. Call for dates and times.
Admission.
Santa's Village
Huntsville/(256) 564-8124, (800) 678-1819;
www.earlyworks.com; e-mail:
ewinfo@earlyworks.com
Visit the village Santa calls home - young and old will delight in
visiting the Claus' House, the reindeer in their stables, and elves
in the toy shop working busily to create special memories. Nov.
26-Dec. 26 each year, Thurs. through Sun. evenings, 5-9 p.m.
Stars on the Water Boat Parade, Dec 1st Lake
Guntersville, best viewed from Lurleen B Wallace Drive,
(256)582-3625
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