ATHENS-Those who support keeping downtown Athens vital will be honored with storytelling, folk music and Southern fare during the annual Spirit of Athens Awards Luncheon.
The Southern-themed luncheon that celebrates the city’s brand “Classic. Southern. Character.” will be Thursday, Jan. 30, at 11:30 a.m.
at the Rogers Center at First Presbyterian Church at 112 S. Jefferson St. The Spirit of Athens will present four awards: Volunteer of the Year, Downtown Renovation Award, Spirit of Giving and Friend of Downtown.
Local author Jerry Barksdale will be the featured speaker and will share the art of storytelling by spinning humorous tales of the South. The Athens Dulcimer Club will perform. Tickets are $25 and include a lunch of country fried steak and gravy, mashed potatoes, Southern green beans, biscuits and homemade chocolate Kahlua cake.
“We will honor those who have worked to keep downtown Athens active and beautiful,” said SOA Director Trisha Black. “This is also an opportunity for those who want to know more about our organization to learn about our efforts in downtown Athens.”
The Spirit of Athens is a non-profit organization that promotes the economic development, historic preservation and beautification of downtown Athens. The organization holds downtown events such as the Athens Grease Festival, Sippin’ Cider, Christmas Open House and Chocolate Walk. SOA is seeking certification as a Main Street program through the newly revived Main Street Alabama program.
Space for the luncheon is limited, so make a reservation by going online at athensspirit.blogspot.com, by emailing retrobics@yahoo.com or by sending a check to Spirit of Athens at 107 N. Jefferson St., Athens, AL 35611.
For more information, call 256-729-1160.