Archive for April 2019
National Day of Prayer Local Events – May 2nd, 2019
- Brilliant: 9:30 am at the flag pole in front of Brilliant Town Hall
- Guin: Noon behind the Guin City Hall and it will be led by Guin First Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Kenny Hatcher
- Hamilton: Noon at the Hamilton Police Department Municipal Courtroom (auditorium at the old city hall), hosted by the Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce. There will be local speakers and refreshments following the event.
- Winfield: Noon at the Johnny Michael Spann Memorial Park
Maintenance Position Available – Fayette County Commission
The Fayette County Commission will receive application for a maintenance position. This is a full-time job with benefits available. The successful applicant will be responsible for the maintenance of County buildings and grounds, including, but not limited to general electric work, light plumbing, mowing and cleaning of grounds. Applications will be received until Thursday, May 9, 2019 At 12:00 noon. All applicants must provide evidence of experience in general maintenance work and supply a minimum of three (3) references for each experience. For more information, contact Ms Bobby Joe Kemp-Driver at 1-205–932–4510 regarding the position. Salary is negotiable based on experience.
Notice of Public Hearing – City of Hamilton
Notice is hereby given that at its regular public meeting beginning at 6:00 pm on Monday, May 6, 2019 in the Hamilton City Hall Auditorium located on 736 Military Street South, Hamilton, Alabama, the City Council of the City of Hamilton (the “City”) and other elected officials will hear comments from interested citizens concerning the proposed annexation of real property located near the intersection of State Highway 187 and US Highway 43, better known as Harper’s Junction.
Honoring America’s First Lady of Courage with Four Day Festival in Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia, Ala. – In June, the town of Tuscumbia comes together to honor one of its heroic natives with a four day celebration attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. Set for June 27-30, 2019, the Helen Keller Festival offers a variety of family-friendly events including a parade, a car and truck show, live music, arts and crafts and sporting activities, while celebrating the life of Helen Keller and her remarkable achievements in overcoming a world of silence. All activities take place in Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia unless otherwise noted.
The Helen Keller Festival is centered on the Helen Keller Festival Market, a marketplace consisting of handcrafted items, art, jewelry and other specialty products along with retail vendors and commercial made products. Marketplace hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 27th, noon to 8 p.m. June 28th, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 29th, and 5 to 8 p.m. June 30th. Admission is free to the marketplace.
Live music is offered every evening of the festival. Admission to each concert is $5 per person excluding Sunday’s performances. This year’s music line up features a diverse mix of award-winning artists. On Thursday evening, June 27th, the Velcro Pygmies takes the stage at 8 p.m. Slated to perform Friday, June 28th at 8:30 p.m. is Mixtape-80s Tribute Band. Saturday’s music lineup features country music sweetheart Tanya Tucker at 8:30 p.m. and Jason Crabb takes the stage Sunday, June 30th at 7 p.m.
Additional activities include the Helen Keller Festival Parade June 27th at 6 p.m., a 23 mile and five mile family bike ride June 28th, a car and truck show in downtown Tuscumbia June 29th, a five mile and one mile fun run June 29th, a golf tournament at Spring Creek Golf Course June 28th and 29th and a guided walking tour of the historic downtown area June 29th.
Festival hours are Thursday 6 to 10 p.m., Friday 12 to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 4 to 10 p.m. No dogs or other pets allowed in Spring Park except those classified as service dogs to assist the handicapped. For a complete schedule of events, map of downtown Tuscumbia or more information, visit www.helenkellerfestival.com.
Tours of Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, are also offered Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. (admission charged). The home is located at 300 North Commons Street West in Tuscumbia. Live performances of William Gibson’s world-famous drama, The Miracle Worker, will be offered on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. on the grounds of Helen Keller’s birthplace (admission charged) from June 7 to July 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 256.383.4066.
First Friday’s Event – May 3rd!!
The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to kick off our 2nd First Friday’s in Downtown Hamilton, AL on May 3rd from 6-9pm.
BOOTH fees are FREE!!!
If you are interested in setting up a booth or participating in the entertainment, please contact the Chamber office at 205-921-7786 or email us back.
We will be having a Movie Night – “The Incredibles 2” – will be playing at 7:30 pm, so bring a chair.
Entertainment will be Colby Nix sponsored by First National Bank
Please see attached flyer with more information about the event.
We will also be having First Friday’s on June 7th of this year.
If any business would like to sponsor the entertainment this year please contact us!!
We hope you all will come out and enjoy the entertainment and shopping!!
We will have the First Friday’s T-shirts available for purchase at First Friday’s on May 3rd.
Sizes are Small, Med, Large and XL for $12.00 each. Size XXL is $15.00.
Fear Is Not An Option during Gadsden’s Barbarian Challenge
Gadsden, Ala – Thrill-seeking athletes who are not afraid of getting muddy, wet and pushed to the limit will be taking part in Gadsden’s Barbarian Challenge, a six-mile obstacle course run through scenic Noccalula Falls Park. With a motto of “Fear Is Not An Option,” over 1,000 participants are already registered to participate in the eighth-annual extreme competition set for June 15, 2019. Registration is open at www.barbarianchallenge.com.
The Barbarian Challenge course is approximately six miles long and includes more than 20 natural and challenging human-made obstacles and tough terrain. The course takes participants into the Black Creek Gorge and up close and personal with Noccalula Falls. This year’s event is a North America and World OCR Series qualifier, drawing top talent to the Barbarian battlefield. The team competition returns to the event with a five-person team event starting at 1 p.m. The team event will take place separately with several unique, team-focused challenges. More information is available at www.barbarianchallenge.com.
The Barbarian Challenge is for those 12 years old and older. Anyone under the age of 15 must have their parent or guardian present to sign a consent waiver and run with them. Youth participants that do not have an adult to run with them, please send an email to queenbarbarian@barbarianchallenge.com to be connected with a youth guide during the competition.
Race or “horde” times are at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m. for competitors and 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. for non-competitors. All finishers receive a Barbarian medal. The overall female and male winners from the 8 a.m. horde will receive the coveted Barbarian Sword. Age category winners will be selected from the fastest overall in the first three competitive hordes. Returning again this year are Athena and Clydesdale categories with awards for men over 225 pounds and women over 165 pounds. The awards ceremony will start at approximately noon.
The smallest barbarians can participate in the Kid’s Barbarian Challenge competition, sponsored by The Factory. The race is open to kids 5 to 12 years old and will feature 10-15 obstacles over a one-mile course. Finishers receive a medal, and early registrants will also receive a t-shirt and goody bag. Children can also visit the free kid’s zone with inflatables, games and a great view of family members participating in the race.
In addition to the race, there will be music and food vendors selling barbarian-inspired food. Shuttles will be available from nearby parking areas. The event is held rain or shine and admission and parking are free to spectators.
A packet pick-up party will be held Friday, June 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kiwanis Pavilion at Noccalula Falls Park. Barbarian Challenge and Kid’s Barbarian Challenge participants can pick up their race packets and visit with other competitors.
The Barbarian Challenge is organized and staged by the City of Gadsden’s Parks and Recreation Department and is presented by Greater Gadsden Area Tourism. The Barbarian Challenge is held at Noccalula Falls Park located at 1500 Noccalula Road in Gadsden, Ala. Pets are not allowed. For more information, visit www.barbarianchallenge.com or call Christina Richardson with City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation at 256.549.4663.
PASTIME THEATRE PRESENTS CHI-TOWN TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Atlanta-based Chi-Town Transit Authority will bringthe legendary sounds of the band Chicago to the Pastime Theatre in Winfield, May 18, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.
This seven-piece band has been wowing audiences at performing arts showcases with renditions from the famed “rock band with horns.” Chi-Town Transit Authority plays the big hits, many fan favorites, and the soulful and rocking deeper cuts found in early albums. This tribute band realizes “Chicago” is a blend of a lot of things, rock ‘n roll, jazz, bebop, and classical music. Given this, they take great pains in honing their craft, and rely on listening to live concerts rather than albums to recreate that “Chicago” iconic sound. The band “Chicago” is known for hits such as “Just You ‘n’ Me,” “Saturday in the Park,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Hard Habit to Break” and many more. The band has a tremendous music catalog spanning decades.
In addition to the concert, there will be a preshow dinner. Reservations are required. Dinner cost is $20 per person and dinner guests will be allowed to enter the theatre first for prime seating. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m.
“We are thrilled to have Chi-Town Transit Authority come to our stage and feel this will be a concert that all ages will enjoy”, said Mary Hyche, Pastime Theatre board chairman. Advance tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in Winfield at the Pastime Theatre office, Winfield City Hall, Gold Connection and in Hamilton at Town Square Jewelry. Tickets can be reserved by phone and also be purchased online at itickets.com. For more information call 205-487-3002.
( Coalfest ) Brilliant’s Coal Mining Celebration May 24-25
Brilliant, Ala. – Each year, the North Alabama community of Brilliant pays tribute to its roots in the coal mining industry with a free festival filling the downtown area with two days of family fun. Set for May 24-25, 2019, Coal Fest offers live music, games, a look into the coal mining days, activities for children, arts and crafts and more throughout Main Street in downtown Brilliant.
Coalfest kicks off on Friday, May 24 around 5 p.m. with live music. The festivities continue on Saturday, May 25 beginning at 9 a.m. with family-friendly activities and more live music. Slated to perform this year are Lloyd Moses, Crow Bridge, Cypress Creek, Austin Lewis, Tim Cannon, Tosha Hill and Loose Foot N the Magic Makers, Dixie Mafia and Kozmic Mama.
As music fills the air, festival goers can learn about the early history of coal mining in Brilliant with a guided tour of the historic Train Depot located in City Park (donations accepted). Brilliant Methodist Church, located on Main Street, will also be open for tours. A stop on the North Alabama Hallelujah Trail, Brilliant Methodist Church was built by local coal miners and remains an iconic cornerstone of the town. Other activities include an antique car show, a Color Run, a motorcycle ride to raise funds for a local family in need, a horseshoe tournament, arts and crafts, and a kid’s area with games, train rides and inflatables.
Shuttle service will be provided free of charge from the downtown area to City Park, Brilliant Methodist Church and the Train Depot. Admission to the festival is free. A nominal fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s activities. The two-day event typically wraps up around 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 205.465.2281.
Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce First Friday – May 3, 2019
The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to kick off our 2nd First Friday’s in Downtown Hamilton, AL on May 3rd from 6-9pm.
BOOTH fees are FREE!!!
If you are interested in setting up a booth or participating in the entertainment, please contact the Chamber office at 205-921-7786 or email us back.
We will also be having First Friday’s on June 7th of this year.
If any business would like to sponsor the entertainment this year please contact us!!
We hope you all will come out and enjoy the entertainment and shopping!!
We will have the First Friday’s T-shirts available for purchase at First Friday’s.
Sizes are Small, Med, Large and XL for $12.00 each. Size XXL is $15.00.
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce National Day of Prayer – May 2, 2019
The Hamilton Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2nd at Noon located at the Hamilton Police Department (Old City Hall).
We would like to invite everyone to come out and support your local city, state, and country in prayer. There will be several local speakers and refreshments for you to enjoy.
History Comes to Life atop LaGrange Mountain
Decatur, Ala. – Thousands of history buffs and visitors will make their way to the LaGrange College Site the first weekend in May to commemorate the burning of LaGrange College during the Civil War. Now in its 31st year and designated an official Alabama Bicentennial event, Recall LaGrange features re-enactors dressed in period clothing, Civil War camp life, demonstrations and more taking visitors back in time to an important part of North Alabama’s heritage. Set for May 3-5, 2019, the three day event is sponsored by the LaGrange Living Historical Association.
Recall LaGrange kicks off on Friday, May 3rd and this year’s event is an official Alabama Bicentennial event. A Collector’s Bicentennial Edition of Recall LaGrange program book (filled with Alabama history) will be available during the event for purchase. Friday is designated school and senior day. Group tours are asked to pre-register by calling 256.446.9324.
The main event is slated for Saturday, May 4th. Throughout the day, there will be living history events, reenactments, demonstrations and wagon rides to the historic LaGrange Cemetery. Set for 2 p.m., Still Raid on the Mountain reenactment centers on a prohibition era raid on a moonshine still. Displays include antiques and fragments of period moonshine stills and a skirmish by lawmen. Additional activities include a Civil War Living History Encampment, tours of a nearby distillery, a vintage car exhibit, blacksmith demonstrations, tours to a nearby rock shelter that was once home to the Paleo Indians, an art and craft show featuring vendors from across the southeastern United States, musical entertainment and tours of log buildings located onsite. The Alabama Bicentennial Table once owned by Senator Charles Tait who prepared the bill that was used for Alabama statehood will be on display.
Festivalgoers will want to plan a visit on Sunday, May 5th for tours of the pioneer log buildings and grounds of the old college site. Additional activities include Civil War camp life, arts and crafts exhibits and demonstrations, wagon rides to the historic LaGrange Cemetery and more.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is free and parking is free. Donations will be accepted at the gate for up-keep of the historic park and cemetery. For more information, call 256.446.9324 or Colbert County Tourism at 256.383.0783.
On January 11, 1830, LaGrange College opened with an enrollment of 70 students, becoming the first state chartered college in Alabama. The enrollment peaked at 139 in 1845. Dr. Richard H. Rivers became president in 1854, and moved the college to Florence, Alabama in January 1855. It was chartered as Florence Wesleyan University on February 14, 1856, and is known today as the University of North Alabama. After LaGrange College moved to Florence in January 1855, a group of LaGrange citizens reorganized the college in the vacant buildings under the old name. To increase the patronage, a military feature was introduced in 1857. The college reopened in February 1858, as LaGrange College and Military Academy. The Academy soon flourished and became known as the “West Point of the South.” In 1860, the name was changed to LaGrange Military Academy. By 1861, the enrollment was almost 200 cadets. During its existence, 259 cadets from nine states attended the Academy. In 1861, many LaGrange cadets left to join the Confederate Army. Consequently, the Academy was forced to suspend classes on March 1, 1862. On April 28. 1863, Colonel Florence M Cornyn and his Destroying Angels of the Northern Army swept through the valley and burned the academy.
Recall LaGrange takes place at the LaGrange College site located in northwest Alabama, 8 miles southeast of Muscle Shoals, off Highway 157. The physical address is 1491 LaGrange College Road, Leighton, Ala. For more information, visit www.lagrangehistoricsite.com.
Balloons Over Decatur Annual Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic returns to Point Mallard Park May 25-26.
Decatur, Ala. – More than 60 big beautiful hot-air balloons will fill the sky above Decatur, Ala., the last weekend in May during the annual Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. The colorful festival, set for May 25-26, 2019, at Point Mallard Park, features hot air balloons, live music, a balloon glow, antique cars and tractors, arts and crafts, fireworks, other family fun with activities on the ground and in the air.
The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition for many families for more than 40 years. The celebration begins bright and early Saturday, May 25, at 6:15 a.m., with the hound and hare balloon race; one balloon flies off the Jubilee field and the others try to follow to see which pilot can get closest to a target put down by the hare balloon.
Some of the activities to be held throughout the day on Saturday include an auto expo from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., behind the Ice Complex and the popular Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the pavilion. The Southland Flywheelers will host an antique tractor show, featuring some of the best restored and maintained tractors in the Southeast, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A tractor parade follows at 10 a.m., and at 11 a.m., there will be tractor games and a pedal tractor park opens for kids 6 years old and under. An afternoon hot-air balloon flight is set for 5:15 p.m. and at 8:15 p.m., the Balloon Glow is a must see as towering balloons of all colors light up Point Mallard Park.
Musical acts on Saturday include Strangers with Friends at 5:30 p.m. followed by Bishop Black at 7 p.m.
Another round of friendly competition between the hot-air balloon pilots is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, with the Lynn Layton Key Grab. Balloons should start flying into the Jubilee field starting about 7 a.m. The Decatur Art Guild arts and crafts show reopens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering festivalgoers plenty of time to shop for handmade items in between the balloon activities. Another fun flight is set to launch about 6:30 p.m.
Sunday’s entertainment line-up will have Entice from Nashville performing at 7 p.m. and the two-day event concludes with the Alabama Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m.
Admission to the Alabama Jubilee is free. Free parking will be available at the G.E. parking lot at 2328 Point Mallard Drive SE and in downtown Decatur, mainly across from the Morgan County Courthouse at 302 Lee Street NE (shuttle pickup for this location will be at the Princess Theatre at 112 Second Avenue NE) with shuttle service to Point Mallard Park from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for only $2 per person, each way.
Please note all balloon activities are weather permitting. Balloons do not fly, tether or glow in the rain or if wind on the ground is stronger than about 8 mph or if there are thunderstorms nearby. During the Alabama Jubilee, Point Mallard Park is a “No-Drone Zone” according to FAA regulations. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. For safety reasons, pets are strongly discouraged due to the loud noise caused by the balloons and the large number of people present. All activities take place inside Point Mallard Park, a 750-acre municipal park providing year-round recreation facilities in Decatur, Ala. For more information and a schedule of events, please visit www.alabamajubilee.net.
A Big Small Town Festival with Free Fun
Arley, Ala. – For the past 45 years, the Arley Day Festival, Car Show and Parade has brought colossal fun to the small North Alabama town with a day free, family-friendly activities. Set for May 18, 2019, the one-day event is a celebration of the town of Arley complete with a parade, craft vendors, games, rides, food trucks and more.
Presented by the Arley Women’s Club, the Arley Day Festival begins early. For those arriving hungry, enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Arley Fire Station at 7 a.m. Vendors will be up and running at 8 a.m. and the parade begins making its way down the street at 8:30 a.m. For those who wish to participate in the parade, line-up is at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of Arley’s Dollar General on Hwy. 41. Lots of classic cars will join the parade, which leads through town, right to the car show and festival. Expect all day entertainment again this year, and watch for additional carnival rides, including a pirate ship, water slides and a bungee trampoline. New games have been added for all ages, too.
The event takes place at D. H. Hamner Park located on Helicon Road/Highway 77 in Arley. Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Traditions Bank, Melissa Dodge, ARC Realty of Smith Lake, Honda & Hyundai of Jasper and Son’s of Arley join the Women’s Club as Diamond Partners in support of the event. Proceeds help support Hamner Park improvements, Meek School System, the Arley Public Library and other community-focused projects year-round.
For more information, visit Arley Day 2019 or Arley Women’s Club on Facebook.
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