Posts Tagged ‘Decatur’
Actor Dean Jones, Age 84, Born in Decatur, AL, Dies Tues., Sept.1st, 2015
Dean Jones – Actor
Dean Jones, age 84, an actor known for his parts in many light-hearted Disney Movies, passed away Tuesday, September 1st, 2015, in Los Angeles California, reportedly from Parkinson’s Disease.
Jones was born January 25th, 1931 in Decatur, Alabama, as Dean Carroll Jones. He is an actor, best known for Beethoven (1992), The Love Bug (1968), Clear and Present Danger (1994), and St. John in Exile (1986). He has two daughters from his first marriage to Mae Entwisle: Caroline Jones (1955) and Deanna Demaree (1957). On June 2, 1973.
Copyright: 2006 – 2015 http://www.49countynews.net All rights reserved.
Photo: Wikipedia
09/20/2014 – Depot Days Festival Rolls into Hartselle September 20, 2014
Depot Days Festival Rolls into Hartselle September 20
Decatur, Alabama – Hosted by the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Depot Days Festival rolls into downtown Hartselle September 20, 2014, bringing a day of family fun to the quaint downtown area. The festival has been a tradition in the community for the past 33 years and features a full day of live music, art, food, children’s rides and games, and more.
The Depot Days Festival gets underway at 8 a.m. and lasts all day until the music stops. Along with live music, the annual event offers a car, truck and motorcycle show, an arts show, crafts, a tractor and engine show, and a variety of fun and games for children covering a five-block area of downtown Hartselle. Admission is free.
Also on Saturday, the College Street Players will present the Great Bank Robbery re-enactment at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. Show times are at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. (Admission charged.)
The Half-Marathon, a partnership between the Depot Days Festival and the Hartselle Kiwanis Club, returns in 2014 after a successful debut during last year’s event. Race time is set for 7 a.m. at Quail Creek Golf Resort and Convention Center. For more information, visit http://www.hartsellekiwanisclub.org/half-marathon/.
Additional activities leading up to the 34th annual event include the Miss and Master Depot Days Pageant at the Sparkman Civic Center on September 13th, a community worship service with hymn and gospel singing on September 14th, “Down Memory Lane” program at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center on September 15th, and a concert by the Hartselle High School choral department in the Hartselle High School auditorium on September 18th.
The annual event pays tribute to the history of the railroad and its contribution to the growth and development of Hartselle and north Alabama area. For more information on the Depot Days Festival, visit http://www.hartsellechamber.org and click on News & Events or call the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce at 256.773.4370.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at http://www.decaturcvb.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Melinda Dunn, President & CEO
Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau
PHONE: 256.350.2028, 800.524.6181
mdunn@decaturcvb.org
###
05/01/2013 – DECATUR, AL – North Alabama Celebrates Tourism Week with Free Ice Cream
Decatur, Ala. – In conjunction with National Tourism and Travel Week next month, visitors to the three north Alabama Welcome and Rest Centers will be greeted with free ice cream. Tourism is a $10.5 billion industry in the State of Alabama and members of the North Alabama tourism community celebrate one of the state’s top industries by giving away free cups of ice cream.
“The ice cream promotion is a way for us to meet with travelers and to show our appreciation to them for getting out and visiting the State of Alabama,” said Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association President and CEO Tami Reist. Tourism and travel play a significant role in communities across North Alabama by generating tax revenue when travelers make purchases at local restaurants, retailers, and convenience stores and by overnighting in hotels and motels, campgrounds, and bed and breakfast establishments.”
Members of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association will be greeting and serving Blue Bell ice cream to visitors at the three North Alabama Welcome/Rest Centers. Tourism members will be at the I-59 DeKalb Welcome Center in Valley Head Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the I-65 Welcome Center in Ardmore and the Cullman Rest Area on I-65 on Friday, May 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. serving ice cream cones to travelers who stop at the Welcome/Rest Center. According to Reist, up to 2,400 cups of vanilla ice cream will be distributed at the three areas.
The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984, according to the U.S. Travel Association. It was established as National Tourism week when the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution in 1932 designating the week to be celebrated in May. Localized events, such as free ice cream, are presented in cities, states, and travel businesses nationwide to champion the power of travel.
For more information on the ice cream promotion or the tourism and travel industry, call Reist at 256.350.3500.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available from the AMLA by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting their web site at http://www.northalabama.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: info@northalabama.org
04/30/2013 – DECATUR, AL – Alabama’s Largest Christian Music Festival is set for May 17-18, 2013, Point Mallard, Decatur, AL
Two Days of Uplifting, Soul Searching Music at Point Mallard Park North Alabama’s Largest Christian Music Festival is set for May 17-18, 2013.
Decatur, Ala. – Organizers of north Alabama’s largest free outdoor Christian music festival have announced the theme and lineup for the 15th annual event set for May 17-18, 2013 at Point Mallard Park in Decatur. With a theme of “His Grace is Enough”, SoulStock 2013 features a five-time Dove Award-winning group, a rapper, a contemporary Christian artist with a jazz-infused pop/rock sound, a band with a deep connection to Hands and Feet Project, and other Christian bands.
On Friday, gates open at 6 p.m. and include performances by Jessa Anderson (www.jessaanderson.com), Noah Cleveland, and Grammy-winning Laura Story. Gates open at 2 p.m. on Saturday with music firing up at 3 p.m. Saturday’s line-up features rapper LP (www.iamlikepaul.com), Pardigm, Christa Jordan, Noah Cleveland (www.noahcleveland.com), Rush of Fools (www.rushoffools.com), Group 1 Crew (www.group1crew.com), and the two-day event comes culminates with Audio Adrenaline (www.audioa.com).
This year’s featured speaker on Saturday is David Nasser. At the age of nine, he escaped his native homeland of Iran with his family, leaving everything behind to find a new beginning in the United States. Desiring acceptance from his peers, and despite trying to find ways to fit in, he was always left feeling like an outsider. At the age of eighteen, he found true acceptance, when through the persistent witness of a body of believers, he received salvation and accepted a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, Nasser speaks to over 700,000 people each year through revivals, citywide rallies, camps, and school assemblies. For more information, visit http://www.davidnasser.com.
SoulStock has grown to be North Alabama’s largest free outdoor Christian music festival attracting over 20,000 children and adults to the Spirit of America Field located in Point Mallard Park for two days of uplifting contemporary Christian music and testimonials. Festival goers are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and a pair or two of gently used shoes to give to Soles4Souls. A variety of food vendors will be available to suit any taste bud.
SoulStock’s Partners in Ministry for 2013 are Soles4Souls and Hands in Motion. Platinum Level Sponsors committed are ShowHope and Cooks Pest Control. For more information, visit http://www.soulstock.com.
Located along the Tennessee River, Point Mallard Park is a 500-acre family park and includes one of the South‘s best golf courses, a 25-acre, wooded campground, a waterpark with a new Lazy River, and a year round indoor ice skating rink. Point Mallard’s additional facilities include tennis courts, batting cages, hiking/jogging/biking trails, and a driving range. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted on the Point Mallard property. For more information, visit http://www.pointmallardpark.com.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at http://www.decaturcvb.org.
###
03/14/2013 – Discover Historic Decatur by Foot
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Melinda Dunn, President & CEO
Decatur/Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau
PHONE: 256.350.2028, 800.524.6181
mdunn@decaturcvb.org
Discover Historic Decatur by Foot
Decatur, Ala. – The Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau announces the return of free guided walking tours in the month of April. Residents and visitors are invited to step out on a casual stroll through Old Decatur Historic District learning about the architecture and history of this charming neighborhood.
Scheduled for April 6, 13, 20, and 27, the one-hour walking tour begins at 10 a.m. at the Old State Bank located at 925 Bank Street Northeast. Knowledgeable guides will escort participants through the Old Decatur Historic District, sharing neighborhood history, entertaining stories and even some “tall tales” from Decatur’s past.
Reservations are not required and tours are held rain or shine. For more information, call the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 256.350.2028 or 800.524.6181.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at http://www.decaturcvb.org.
###
08/20/2012 DANA LEE JENNINGS NAMED ALABAMA’S TOURISM EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Dana Lee Jennings
( Photo courtesy of http://www.northalabama.org )
Decatur, Ala. – The Alabama Tourism Department has honored Mrs. Dana Lee Jennings with its 2012 Tourism Executive of the Year Award. The award is among 14 for 2012 which will be presented Tuesday, August 21, 2012, during the Alabama Governor’s Conference at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort in Point Clear, Ala.
Criteria for the award include outstanding performance, outstanding economic impact statistics, quality and effectiveness of marketing efforts, additions and/or improvements designed to increase appeal to tourists, increased attendance and the enhancement of local, regional or state image as a tourist destination.
Jennings retired as president/CEO of the EarlyWorks Museum Complex located in Huntsville in August, 2003, after serving in that position for 22 years. Only five weeks into retirement, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association asked her to assume the role of interim director and one year later she became the president/CEO. She has worked on economic development/tourism related projects for the past 35 years. Her vast experience led former Congressman Bud Cramer to appoint Jennings to the first White House Conference on Tourism and Travel. She is a past board member of the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) and currently serves on the STS Board of Trustees. She currently serves in an ex-officio capacity to the Legislative Tennessee Valley Caucus and has served on the Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board, the Alabama Travel Council, the Southern Policy Council, the Alabama Economic Development Partnership, the Alabama Museums Association, U.S. Travel Association, Southeast Outdoor Press Association, and is a former member of the Tourism Council for the Washington-based Appalachian Regional Commission.
Under her leadership, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association launched the Hallelujah Trail, the Alabama Bass Trail, and the North Alabama Wine Trail, implemented a scholarship program for members of the Association, created the Tornado Relief Support project among many other projects, and has been presented with two state awards, two Southeast Tourism Society awards, and was inducted into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame in 2002.
For more information on the Alabama Tourism Department and its award program, visit www.alabama.travel.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available from AMLA by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting their web site at www.NorthAlabama.org.
08/19/2012 32nd Annual Hartselle Depot Days Set for September 15
Decatur, Alabama –The annual Depot Days festival, a tribute to the railroad industry and its contribution to Hartselle and the North Alabama region, returns September 15, 2012. Covering four blocks in the downtown area, the day-long event offers a day of live music, a car, truck and motorcycle show, 5K & 1-mile fun run, craft show, karaoke contest, children’s art show, children’s rides and games, Antique Tractor & Gasoline Engine Show, food and an assortment of vendors.
For the past 31 years, the streets of downtown Hartselle transforms into festival grounds for as many as 20,000 visitors the third Saturday in September. Live music featuring up and coming local talent runs all day and a variety of craft vendors have their wares on display throughout the downtown area. The car, truck and motorcycle show gets underway as early as 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church located on Hickory Street.
For the children, there are a variety of activities and games all day long. All artwork submitted for the Youth Art Contest will be on display at Slate Gallery and Framing. The Decatur Alabama Kennel Club will be providing agility, rally, flyball and meet the breeds demonstrations in E.A.R.T.H. Park from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
The Depot Days festival begins at 8 a.m. and lasts all day until the music stops. Admission is free. In addition to the festivities, many of the specialty and antique shops located in the historic buildings downtown are open for business throughout the festival. Several of these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Additional activities are also scheduled in the week leading up to Depot Days. The Miss Depot Days Pageant takes to the stage Saturday, September 8th, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Sparkman Civic Center. The pageant is open to girls 0 to 18 years old with age divisions set at 0-24 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-13 years, 14-15 years, and 16-18 years old. A Queen, and 1st and 2nd alternates, along with a Miss Photogenic, Best Smile, Prettiest Hair, and Prettiest Eyes, will be selected from each age group. A Tiny Miss and Master, Little Miss and Master, Petite Miss Depot Days, Teen Miss Depot Days and a Miss Depot Days will also be crowned.
First United Methodist Church will host a community worship service at 6 p.m. on September 9th. On September 10th, the Hartselle Historical Society will host “Down Memory Lane” at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. Displays and demonstrations begin at 5:30 p.m. with the program following at 7 p.m. On September 11th, the Hartselle Fine Arts Center presents “Hartselle Sings and More – An Evening of Sacred Music. The Hartselle High School Choral Department will have a Depot Days Community Concert at the First United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m.
For information on the Depot Days Festival, call the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce at 256.773.4370.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at http://www.decaturcvb.org and click on the “Things to Do” link.
08/19/2012 DECATUR’S RIVERFEST NAMED AN ALABAMA TOP 25 FOOD EVENT
Decatur, Ala. – The Alabama Tourism Department has named Riverfest one of 25 top food events in celebration of the 2012 Year of Alabama Food. The list is compiled in conjunction with the year-long promotion designed to attract tourists to Alabama to experience the rich cultural flavors of the South.
Riverfest joins top events such as the Orange Beach Seafood Festival, Chilton County Peach Festival in Clanton, Oktoberfest in Cullman, and Alabama Pecan Festival in Mobile. A complete list of the top 25 food festivals and events can be found in the Sweet Home Alabama 2012 Calendar of Events published by the Alabama Tourism Department. A copy may be requested at www.alabama.travel. The 2012 Year of Alabama Food is the ninth in a series of marketing campaigns produced by the Alabama Tourism Department. For more information, visit www.yearofalabamafood.com.
Hosted by the Decatur Jaycees, Riverfest offers fun for the entire family with music and lip-smacking barbeque along the banks of the Tennessee River. The 18th annual event is set for September 14-15, 2012 at Ingalls Harbor. Riverfest is recognized by the State of Alabama as an official State Barbeque Championship competition and is sanctioned by, and conducted under, the rules of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Competing for prize money and trophies totaling $20,000, the BBQ cook-off is open to professional and amateur teams. The Grand Champion winner of Riverfest automatically qualifies for the American Royal World Championship Barbecue Cook-off in Kansas City, Mo., and is entered into the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational drawing.
Live music featuring popular local and regional bands entertains the crowd on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Country music singer-songwriter Lee Brice will headline this year’s event. Slated to perform on Friday are Moulton-based Southern Comfort, Southern rock band Doubleshot, Nashville singer-songwriter Brent Cobb, and Brice. Saturday’s lineup includes Gadsden native Albert Simpson, the Decatur band Wheelers, Newgrass band Rollin’ in the Hay, and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Tuesday’s Gone.
Along with the BBQ cook-off and music, there are food vendors offering barbeque from mild to fiery and other traditional festival food and a free children’s area.
For more information on Riverfest, visit www.decaturjaycees.com or follow them on Twitter @ALRiverfest or like them on Facebook at Decatur Jaycees’ Riverfest.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org.
05/02/2012 North Alabama’s Largest Christian Music Festival Expands to Two Days
Decatur, Ala. – Organizers recently announced the 14th annual SoulStock is becoming a two day event in 2012. More than 20,000 are expected to attend North Alabama’s largest free outdoor Christian music festival, returning to Point Mallard Park in Decatur on May 18 and 19, 2012. Our Hope Secured, SoulStock 2012 brings an additional evening of uplifting contemporary Christian music and testimonials.
Five-time Grammy Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman and alternative-pop-rock Christian band Superchick will headline this year’s event. Friday’s lineup includes contemporary singer-songwriter Lindsay McCaul (www.lindsaymccaul.com), modern pop/rock/worship Caleb (www.calebrowden.com), and headliner Steven Curtis Chapman (www.stevencurtischapman.com). Set to perform on Saturday are pop band Luminate (www.haolproductions.net/luminate.html), contemporary artists MIKESCHAIR (www.mikeschair.com), Australian alternative pop group For King and Country (www.forkingandcountry.com), Britt Nicole (www.brittnicole.com), and Superchick (www.superchickonline.com). Each night Chris Wheeler (www.chriswheeler.org) will be speaking and Geoff Moore (www.geoffmoore.com) will be guest host.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18th and 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19th with both evenings wrapping up by 11 p.m. Admission is free. Festival goers are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and those who come hungry, a variety of food vendors will be available to suit any taste bud.
SoulStock’s Partners in Ministry for 2012 are ShowHope, Soles4Souls and Hands in Motion. Attendees are encouraged to bring gently worn or new shoes for Soles4Souls. Platinum Level Sponsors committed to date are ShowHope and Cooks Pest Control. For more information, visit www.soulstock.com.
Located along the Tennessee River, Point Mallard Park is a 500-acre family park and includes one of the South‘s best golf courses, a 25-acre, wooded campground, a waterpark, and a year round indoor ice skating rink. Point Mallard’s additional facilities include tennis courts, batting cages, hiking/jogging/biking trails, and a driving range. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted on the Point Mallard property. For more information, visit www.pointmallardpark.com.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.org
04/19/2012 Second Annual Harbor Day Car & Boat Show Set for May 12, 2012
Decatur, Ala. – Approximately 65 cars and boats will make their way to the banks of the Tennessee River May 12, 2012 for the second annual Harbor Day Car and Boat Show. The day-long event, featuring cars and boats of all makes and models, helps support the volunteer-based Morgan County Rescue Squad and the Morgan County Humane Society.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to spend the day looking at a wide variety of new cars, classic cars, and boats. In addition, there will be music, food vendors and hourly raffle drawings for festival goers. Prizes include a two-night stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Huntsville Airport, a round of golf for four at Burningtree Country Club, a balloon ride during the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic, as well as a variety of other prizes. A raffle ticket for the balloon ride is $5 each. Raffle tickets for all other prizes are $1 each.
Registration to participate in the car and boat show is $15 per car in advance or $20 per car the
day of the event. The event is open to all cars and boats. Trophies will be presented to the best classic car, best new model car, and Ladies Choice and all participants will receive a show placard and a gift bag.
The event is held at the Riverwalk Marina, located north of Decatur on Highway 31 bridge to Athens. Proceeds benefit the Morgan County Rescue Squad and the Morgan County Humane Society. Admission is free.
For more information call Bob Namie at 256.306.0909, Wendi Cook at 256.777.01014, or Jim Barnett at 256.606.9166 or visit www.riverwalkyc.org.
The purpose of the Riverwalk Yacht Club is to promote and encourage boating and seamanship, to organize and stimulate yachting and cruising, to provide a medium for the exchange of boating knowledge, safety, and techniques, to support and promote the environment conservation and improvements to our state lakes, waterways, and local marina, and to promote social activities for its members. For more information, visit riverwalkyc.org.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County . For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.org.
04/19/2012 3rd Friday Downtown Decatur Kicks Off April 20th
Decatur, Ala. – Spring is in the air in downtown Decatur as merchants gear up for its monthly summertime block party. Set for April 20th, 3rd Friday Downtown Decatur announces “Springin’ Downtown” and along with live music, entertainment, super sales and specials at various merchants, a classic car cruise-in has been added to the festivities.
The party begins at 4:30 p.m. with live music gearing up at 5 p.m. Festival goers are invited to spend the evening looking at a wide variety of antique cars along Bank Street while enjoying some of the area’s best musicians. Performing from 5 to 6:30 p.m. will be Jacob Brock at Tammy Eddy Antiques and Interiors, Deb Davenport at Memi’s, and A B Boys at Goody 2 Shoes. Amy McCarley is also set to perform in Jones Park from 7 to 8 p.m., and in the 800 block of Bank Street, the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band will take the stage from 7 to 8 p.m.
Store specials, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at selected retailers and restaurants and many of the merchants will remain open until 8 p.m. Participating streets in 3rd Fridays include 2nd Avenue, Bank, Market, Moulton, Grant, and Johnston streets. For more information, call Ashley Ashwander at 256.355.8993.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org.
04/19/2012 Decatur’s Newest Event to Make Waves in the River City
Decatur, Ala. – Decatur’s newest event is expected to make waves in the River City when sixty teams and 1200 paddlers compete for medals and bragging right in the inaugural Dragon Boat Race and Festival. Set for May 12, 2012 in the Point Mallard Park Aquatic Center, the Dragon Boat Race and Festival will be a unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action while also serving as a fundraiser for the Decatur General Foundation.
Dragon boat racing is the eighth fastest growing sport in the world, with more than 50 million people in 63 countries participating. The tradition of Dragon Boat Racing is an annual Asian rite commemorating the idealistic poet and reformer Qu Yuan who drowned himself in the third century B.C. to protest against his emperor’s policies. The locals raced in their boats in an attempt to rescue the poet, and beat their drums and splashed their paddles to prevent fish and water dragons from eating his body. This was considered the beginning of Dragon Boat Racing. For more information about dragon boat racing, visit www.racedragonboats.com.
Teams, comprised of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a trained dragon boat steerer/coach, will race in authentic Hong Kong-style, 46-foot-long dragon boats. Teams may have four alternates, for a total of 25 team members, or can race with a minimum of 16. There must be at least eight female paddlers and minimum age for adult teams is 15 with parental consent. Each team is guaranteed at least two races on the 250-meter race course with winners advancing to the finals.
Racing starts at 9 a.m. and events last throughout the day until approximately 4 p.m., rain or shine. Spectators may watch and cheer on their favorite team from the beach area of the Point Mallard Aquatic Center or from the water at a safe distance from the race course. The concession stand will be open throughout the event. Water Park pools and rides will be closed.
Admission and parking are free. Donations will be accepted with proceeds benefiting the Decatur General Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization providing financial support to the programs and services of Decatur General Hospital.
For more information on the inaugural Decatur General Foundation Dragon Boat Race and Festival, visit www.dgfdragonboatfestival.org.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.org.
04/12/2012 Racking Horse Spring Celebration Set for April 25-28
Decatur , Ala. — The second largest Racking Horse Show in the United States returns to Decatur April 25-28, 2012 at the Morgan County Celebration Arena. Featuring different classes and divisions of Racking Horses, the Spring Celebration is expected to attract entries from over 25 states competing for honors, as well as over $30,000 in prize money.
The competition begins each night at 6 p.m. with the Grand Champion to be announced on Saturday evening. On Friday, children are invited to participate in the “Stick Horse” class. This event allows children to bring their own stick horse for friendly competition in the arena. Every participant receives a ribbon. On Saturday, there will be a horse sale beginning at 10 a.m. in the Sale Barn.
According to event organizers, one of the more popular classes is the speed racking class, where horses are judged on speed. Speed racking classes will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. General admission Wednesday through Friday is $6 per person, Saturday is $10 per person, and free for children 6 years old and under. The Morgan County Celebration Arena located at 67 Horse Center Road (off Highway 67 East) in Decatur.
For additional information on the racking horse breed and a current show schedule, contact the RHBAA at 256.353.7225 or visit its website at www.rackinghorse.com.
About the Racking Horse Breeders Association of America (RHBAA)
The purpose of RHBAA is to collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Racking Horses, to publish a register or studbook, and other such matters pertaining to the breeding, exhibiting and sales of Racking Horses. With the formation of RHBAA in 1971, the Racking Horse has grown in popularity. Today, there are over 80,000 racking horses registered with the RHBAA, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Decatur , Alabama . The Alabama Legislature proclaimed the racking horse as the “Official State Horse for the State of Alabama ” on October 5, 1975.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County . For information on special events and attractions in Decatur , contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org and click on the “Things to Do” link.
02/16/2012 The Circus Is Coming to Town
Decatur, Ala. – The Piccadilly Circus is coming to Decatur on February 27 at the Morgan County Celebration Arena with two scheduled performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In its 26th year, Piccadilly Circus provides affordable family entertainment with everything you would expect to see at a circus.
Along with plenty of comedic clowns, the 1 ½ hour show features daring feats high in the air and fabulous human agility on the ground. Children particularly love the “Elephant Extravaganza” where an elephant balances on one foot. All of the action takes place in a one ring Cirque du Soleil format with state of the art lighting and sound.
Adult tickets are $30 general admission in advance or $32 the day of the show. Ticket price for children is $11 general admission. Free children’s tickets will be distributed at elementary schools in the area. Free tickets are also available at sponsoring businesses in the area and special “buy one get one free” adult tickets are available online at www.TheFunCircus.com for a limited time.
Piccadilly Circus is a production of ICE CAPADES producers and plays mostly one or two days in cities throughout North America.
The Morgan County Celebration Arena is located at 67 Horse Center Road in Decatur. For more information, call 256.584.6725.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County . For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org.
02/07/2012 DECATUR’S RIVERFEST NAMED AN ALABAMA TOP 25 FOOD EVENT
Decatur, Ala. – The Alabama Tourism Department has named Riverfest one of 25 top food events in celebration of the 2012 Year of Alabama Food. The list is compiled in conjunction with the year-long promotion designed to attract tourists to Alabama to experience the rich cultural flavors of the South.
Riverfest joins top events such as the Orange Beach Seafood Festival, Chilton County Peach Festival in Clanton, Oktoberfest in Cullman, and Alabama Pecan Festival in Mobile. A complete list of the top 25 food festivals and events can be found in the Sweet Home Alabama 2012 Calendar of Events published by the Alabama Tourism Department. A copy may be requested at www.alabama.travel. The 2012 Year of Alabama Food is the ninth in a series of marketing campaigns produced by the Alabama Tourism Department. For more information, visit www.yearofalabamafood.com.
Hosted by the Decatur Jaycees, Riverfest offers fun for the entire family with music and lip-smacking barbeque along the banks of the Tennessee River. The 18th annual event is set for September 14-15, 2012 at Ingalls Harbor. Riverfest is recognized by the State of Alabama as an official State Barbeque Championship competition and is sanctioned by, and conducted under, the rules of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Competing for prize money and trophies totaling $20,000, the BBQ cook-off is open to professional and amateur teams. The Grand Champion winner of Riverfest automatically qualifies for the American Royal World Championship Barbecue Cook-off in Kansas City, Mo., and is entered into the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational drawing.
Live music featuring popular local and regional bands entertains the crowd on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Along with the BBQ cook-off and music, there are food vendors offering barbeque from mild to fiery and other traditional festival food and a free children’s area.
For more information on Riverfest, visit www.decaturjaycees.com.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County . For information on special events and attractions in Decatur , contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org.
12/16/2011 Decatur/Morgan County Releases New Civil War Geocaching Challenge
Decatur, Ala. – Civil War enthusiasts can participate in a 21st century treasure hunt and learn about Civil War-related attractions and their unique stories behind each destination while visiting the state of Alabama. Developed and coordinated by the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Appalachia Civil War – The Home Front in Alabama Passport takes visitors on a journey to some of the state’s most prominent Civil War attractions by way of a high-tech, modern day treasure hunt.
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt played throughout the world utilizing a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. The purpose is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, with map coordinates. According to geocaching.com, the official global GPS cache hunt site, there are approximately 1.5 million active geocaches and over 5 million geocachers worldwide.
To take the challenge, participants must first pick up the free Appalachia Civil War Passport either by downloading a copy from www.decaturcvb.org or by visiting theDecatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau located at 719 6th Avenue SE in Decatur. Next, visit www.geocaching.com and create a free account to get the coordinates for the twenty geocaching sites included in the Passport. Coordinates may be obtained by clicking on Play and selecting Hide & Seek a Cache from the drop down menu from which participants may enter the Cache Name or the GC code as provided in the passport. After finding the caches and self-stamping your passport from the stamp located within the cache, bring the completed passport to the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau to receive a commemorative coin of the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War.
“The Appalachia Civil War Passport is the second phase of a project implemented by the Appalachian Regional Commission in early 2011 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War,” said Tami Reist, president of the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The first phase consisted of the Appalachian Regional Commission selecting 19 signature Civil War sites in Alabama to be featured in its new “Civil War: The Home Front” map-guide to Appalachia which was published as a free insert in the Spring 2011 American Heritage magazine. The map-guide continues to be featured on www.visitappalachia.com. “The Appalachia Civil War Passport is a fun approach for individuals and families to explore our great state while learning more about the Civil War and its impact on Alabama,” added Reist.
For more information on the Appalachia Civil War Passport, call the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County . For information on special events and attractions in Decatur , contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org and click on the “Things to Do” link.
11/10/2011 Annual Parade of Lights Set for Saturday, December 10th
Annual Parade of Lights Set for Saturday, December 10th
Decorated boats will be on display beginning at 4 p.m.
Decatur, Ala. – Sponsored by the Riverwalk Yacht Club and Extreme Marine, the annual Parade of Lights will take to the waterway, illuminating Decatur’s Wheeler Lake, on Saturday, December 10, 2011. The free holiday maritime event features approximately 20 boats of all types and sizes decorated with lights, holiday themes, and other festive trimmings for the holiday season. New for this year, the public is invited for a leisurely stroll around the docks for an up close look at the brightly lit boats prior to the parade.
Beginning at 4 p.m., the docks at Riverwalk Marina open allowing the public for the first time to admire the boats and their holiday decorations before they set sail. In addition, the Morgan County Humane Society will be on-hand with various animals available for adoption. With Christmas just around the corner, a new pet would be a wonderful present for someone. The Morgan County Humane Society will also be accepting donations of pet food, supplies, and cash.
At 6 p.m. the boat parade will take its usual route, making a circle from the entrance of Riverwalk Marina located on Highway 20, west to the Railroad Bridge, east in front of Rhodes Ferry Park and then back into the Marina. The best viewing will be at Rhodes Ferry Park, the Hard Dock Café or the Marina entrance.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade or for more information, contact Bob Namie at 256.306.0909.
About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at http://www.decaturcvb.org.
49 County News.Net 