ATHENS-Here are just some of the events coming up next week and into October in Athens. The fun never stops. Make sure you come to Athens and enjoy the first months of Autumn.
● POW/MIA DAY Missing Man Table Ceremony
Friday, Sept. 19, Alabama Veterans Museum, 11 a.m.
Presented by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511. For details call 256-698-9882 or 256-771-7578.
● The Way We Worked Smithsonian Exhibit
Sept. 20, and runs through Nov. 8, Event Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays)
Athens is one of the selected cities for this traveling Smithsonian Exhibit. The Limestone County Archives, in cooperation with Alabama Humanities Foundation, will explore the professions in America and Limestone County. The local exhibits will focus on the changes that have taken place in the way Limestone County works during nearly two centuries of life, and will incorporate historic photos, artifact displays, special events, speakers and demonstrations. For more information about call Project Director Rebekah Davis at 256-233-6404 or email lcarchives@knology.net.
● Constitution Day
Wednesday, Sept. 17, Student Center and McCandless Hall at Athens State, 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Athens State and the John Wade Keyes chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Kicks off with a hot dog cookout in the Athens State Sandridge Student Center at 11:00 a.m. followed by a patriotic organ solo at noon on the newly renovated Tracker organ. The Constitution Day Program will begin following the recital. All events free. Featured speaker, Ret. Capt. Alan Maiorano, USN will discuss the Constitution and why it matters in America today. Athens State students who participated in the Constitution Day Trivia Contest will be recognized and the winners will be awarded bookstore gift cards. Boy Scout Troop 240 will be on hand for a flag ceremony, Sons of the American Revolution will present voices of our forefathers, vocalist Jim Thompson will lead guests in patriotic songs, and all in attendance will be asked to sign a copy of the Preamble to the Constitution.
● Kick-off Relay for Life Limestone County
Thursday, Sept. 18, First National Bank meeting room, 6 p.m.
This year’s theme is “We Will Build This City on Strength & Hope.” For more information call Ina Holland at 256-777-5396 or email her at ina4relay@gmail.com or contact Beth Haynes at 256-535-1088 or email her at beth.haynes@cancer.org
● 11th Annual Duck and Run 5K and Fun Run
Saturday, Sept. 20, downtown Athens area
Fundraiser for Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. Course runs through the historic districts of Athens. Visit the Duck and Run page at keepathenslimestonebeautiful.com/duck-run.html or email coordinator Eric Patterson Duckandrun5K@yahoo.com.
● Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride
Saturday, Sept. 20, around 11 a.m. or noon
Motorcycle riders will commemorate the forced removal of Native Americans from this area by riding from Bridgeport through Athens to Waterloo. Riders are expected to reach Athens via Mooresville Road to U.S. 72 sometime between 11 a.m. and noon. Athens Police will restrict access to U.S. 72 for safety. No one will be allowed to go west on U.S. 72 or to cross U.S. 72 during the ride. On and off ramps for U.S. 72 at U.S. 31 and U.S. 72 at Interstate 65 will be closed during the ride.
● Athens Cemetery Stroll
Sunday, Sept. 21, Athens City Cemetery, 2-5 p.m.
Enjoy characters telling of their ancestors and of others buried there. Step back in time and learn about some of the famous and some of the odd citizens buried at the Athens City Cemetery. Actors will be in period dress as they tell about their ancestors. The cemetery is on Hobbs Street, across from Athens State University. Free admission. All donations accepted to benefit repair of the cemetery.
● Paint Your Rack Pink Painting Party
Tuesday, Sept. 23, Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning, 6 p.m.
Join Regions Bank for a night of wine, cheese and paint. Supplies provided and cost is $25. Items will be displayed at Trinity’s with judging October 6. All pieces will be displayed at the Pink Elephant Luncheon. For more information or to register call Laine Terry at 256-233-9557 or lainet@alhnet.org
● Be Ready Day
Friday, Sept. 26, Event Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
652 sixth graders will learn the importance of being prepared for a disaster. Hosted by Limestone County EMA.
● Athens Grease Festival
Saturday, Sept. 27, downtown Athens, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Celebration of all things fried and the Greek origin of the city’s name. Guinness Book of World Record attempt for largest toga party. Must wear white toga. Attempt starts at 2:30 p.m. Turkey Toss, Dub’s Burger Eating Contest, mechanical bull, children’s art activity area, Al.com “Will It Fry?” booth manned by Athens Fire, entertainment by Kush, Promised Land Sound, Steelism, Huntsville String Quartet, Microwave Dave. Hosted by the Spirit of Athens.
● City of Athens Relay for Life Fit As A Fiddle 5K
Friday, Oct. 4, Sportsplex, 8 a.m. start
Register on Active.com or by printing a form at www.athensal.us. Cost is $15 for high school track/cross country runners, $20 for pre-registration and $25 after Sept. 27. T-shirts only guaranteed to pre-registration but any left over will be sold for $15. Runners/walkers will start at the Athens Sportsplex, go south on the Swan Creek Greenway, go around the Athens High School track and back to the Sportsplex. The mapped route will be on the Facebook event page and distributed Oct. 3 at pre-registration packet pickup. Late registration will be at the Sportsplex from 6-7 a.m. The 5k will start at 8 a.m., rain or shine.
Pre-registration packets will be available at the Athens Police Dept. at 951 E. Hobbs St., on Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Each packet will include race number, T-shirt, and goodies. Late registration packets will be available at 6 a.m. at the race. Athens Dulcimers will perform fiddle tunes at the finish line.
Help us race for a cure! Money raised supports the American Cancer Society and patients in our community.
● Wacky Quaky Ducky Derby
Saturday, Oct. 4, Big Spring Memorial Park, 4 p.m.
Get your ducks in a row for this Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful fundraiser. Adopt a duck for $5 or a Quack-Pack of 6 ducks for $25. For more info, go to Visit keepathenslimestonebeautiful.com/wacky-quacky-derby.html.
● Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, Athens State University
The “Granddaddy of Midsouth Fiddlers Conventions.” Approximately, 15,000 people are expected to attend from more than 30 states. 200 contestants in categories, including several fiddle and guitar categories, harmonica, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, dulcimer, old time singing, banjo, and buck dancing. Convention culminates in a “fiddle-off,” between the top two fiddlers. Also enjoy shade tree pickin’, 150 traditional arts and crafts booths and festival food. $8 Friday, $10 Saturday and $15 both days. Children under 12 free with parents.
● Behind the Badge Swamp John’s Supper
Tuesday, Oct 14, Athens Police Dept., 4-7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Athens Police Department by contacting Cindy Pugh 256-233-8707.
● Pink Elephant Luncheon
Wednesday, Oct. 15, Event Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pink Social Hour is at 11 a.m. with viewing of the Bra Art, Smithsonian Exhibit, Raffle Tickets and photo booth. Lunch and program starts at noon. Cost is $30. Contact the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation at 256-233-9236 or by email atbeckyn@alhnet.org.
● Spirit of Athens Spooktacular on The Square
Saturday, Oct. 18, downtown Athens, 5:30 p.m.
Will kick-off after the annual U.G. White UllyFest with costume contest at 5:30 p.m. and a jack-o-lantern lighting about 6 p.m.at U.G. White.
● Athens Storytelling Festival
Oct 21-25, downtown Athens
Local school children will enjoy the art of storytelling for free thanks to sponsors and then the festival opens to the public onOct. 21 for Amateur Night. Hear tall tales, out and out lies, and more. Go to www.athensstorytellingfestival.com for ticket and schedule information.
