ATHENS-Thanks to those of you who nominated someone for our first Athena-Grease Goddess for the second annual Athens Grease Festival. I am happy to say we announced our winner today. Below is her story and a photo. We think she is a great choice!!!
Helen Carter
When Helen Carter of Elkmont received notification that she is the first Athena-Grease Goddess for the second annual Athens Grease Festival, she thought the caller was pulling her fried chicken leg.
Carter worked 25 years as director of the Athens Senior Center and gives Athens the royal treatment when it comes to her volunteering spirit. That’s exactly what the Athens Grease Festival Committee was searching for in a Limestone County woman. The festival is Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Athens. It is hosted by the Spirit of Athens as a celebration of all things fried and the Greek origin of the city’s name.“My idea was to honor someone who, like the Greek version of Athena, loves the City of Athens,” said Publicity Chairwoman Holly Hollman. “We were looking for someone who gives back to the city by volunteering, being involved in community events and helping make Athens a great place to live.”Carter received three nominations. The festival’s major sponsor, The News-Courier, had a committee review the nomination forms and choose the winner.
Among the comments Carter received were, “Great motivator,” “She has devoted her life to helping the elderly citizens,” and, “She 
has a genuine concern for the success of the projects and the people she serves.”
“Park of the reason I am so involved is that I never ask anybody else to do anything I wouldn’t do myself,” Carter said. “You also get a good feeling when you know you’ve accomplished something and helped your fellow man.”
Carter serves on the board of directors for various groups including Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments, Mental Retardation Authority, Foundation on Aging and Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives. She also works with Care Assurance for the Aged and Homebound (CASA), City of Athens Relay for Life, Limestone County Department of Human Resources’ special projects and her church at Elkmont Church of Christ.
“You see Helen working at Bean Day, Mud Volleyball, Relay for Life Bass Fishing Tournament and other activities throughout the year,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks. “She is a great example to all of us on taking time to give back.”
Those who nominated her also praised Carter’s abilities in the kitchen, stating her best fried dishes are okra and chicken.
“We are excited that Helen Carter is our first Athena,” said Festival Chairwoman Betsy Hyman. “You read over her activities, and you’re amazed at all she does for the city and Limestone County. And she can cook, which is important for our version of Athena.”
As Athena, Helen Carter will receive a toga, head piece, torch and gift basket. She will lead the opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. and be introduced to the crowd. She will have an inflatable throne at the top of the courthouse steps from which she can watch the festivities or rest from her duties. She will also judge the toga contest.
“We thank everyone who sent nominations,” Hyman said. “I was pleased to see high school students as well as retired ladies among those nominated, which says a lot about the volunteer spirit of the community we live in.”
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Toga Fun Run at 10:30 a.m.)
Location: The Square in downtown Athens
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-12 and free to those 2 and younger. $1 off for toga wearers.
Website: www.
Athens Grease Festival 2013 Schedule
(Schedule is subject to change, if needed)
Athens-Limestone Hospital Toga Run
● 10 a.m. registration, $10 individual or $15 family (includes admission to festival).
● 10:30 a.m. start at the corner of Jefferson and Market streets.
Opening Ceremonies
● 11 a.m. Parade around The Square with Athena-Grease Goddess, festival organizers and Coolbone Brass Band. Go to main stage on Marion Street to welcome spectators and introduce Athena-Grease Goddess.
Entertainment – On the main stage on Marion Street
● 11:15 a.m. Coolbone Brass Band
● 12:45 p.m. Farmer Jason sponsored by Alabama Farm Credit
● 2:15 p.m. Coolbone Brass Band
● 3:15 p.m. Red Letter
● 4:30 p.m. Doug McDonald
● 5:30 p.m. The Charles and Grant Show
● 6:15 p.m. William Tyler
● 7:15 p.m. Bourbon and Bleach
Activities – On activities stage on Market Street
● 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dunking Booth. $1 per throw or 3 throws for $2. Dunk troopers, firefighters, politicians, Rotary members and more.
● 12 p.m. Turkey Toss ($5 entry)
● 1:45 p.m. Dub’s Burgers Eating Contest ($5 entry)
● 4 p.m. Toga Contest organized by Pi Beta Sigma
Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes before activity time to participate. Winners will receive $25 in Toga Bucks to spend at a participating downtown business.
Rick Bragg Presentation
● 4 p.m. Seating starts at the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning on Marion Street.
● 5 p.m. Rick Bragg’s presentation on the culture of Southern food and cooking. Must have gotten a free ticket to enter. Limited to 200 seating. Festival admission is required.
Children’s’ Events
● The children’s area on South Marion Street will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with games and events. Festival admission includes all children’s activities.
● 12 p.m. Athens-Limestone Public Library Story Time (South Marion area)
● 12:30 p.m. Onyx Cheerleading Demo (In front of main stage)
● 1:45 p.m. Informal meet-and-greet with Farmer Jason, who will walk around the South Marion children’s area.
● 2 p.m. Kelly’s School of Dance (In front of main stage)
● 2:30 p.m. Ken Karter of The Funny Dummy Show (South Marion small stage)
● 3:15 to 3:45 Ken Karter walks around festival to meet children.
● 4:15 p.m. Ken Karter of The Funny Dummy Show (South Marion small stage)
● 5:15 p.m. Great Oaks Martial Arts Demo (In front of main stage)
