ATHENS-Athens has the Christmas Spirit! Come join them now through Christmas for some Christmastime fun. Then you will have the Christmas Spirit too!
Downtown Christmas Window Contest
Tuesday, Dec. 2, through Tuesday, Dec. 9, Winner announced Wednesday, Dec. 10, The Square
Sponsored by the Spirit of Athens. Participate in the first “People’s Choice” Christmas Window Decorating Contest on the Square. Go to the Spirit of Athens Facebook page and click on the window contest event to view pictures and vote. There will be two categories – retail and non-retail. Winners will receive a cash prize and ribbon.
WinterFest 2014
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 4-8 p.m., at Lindsay Lane Baptist, $20 wristband for activities
Carnival rides, games, bake sale, food, pony rides, helicopter and police attractions and a silent auction. Free to attend but $20 wristband required for games and rides.
Limestone County Commission Christmas Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m., east side of the Courthouse
Held prior to the Reliance Bank Christmas Parade. Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough, Mayor Ronnie Marks and Sheriff Mike Blakely will light the tree. Representatives from the Limestone County, Athens City, private and home schools will place an ornament for each school on the tree. Snow is predicted whether provided by Mother Nature or manmade. Children can bring letters for Mother Christmas to deliver to Santa
.
Reliance Bank Christmas Parade
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m., regular route
Join 10,000 of your closest friends for the annual parade that includes floats made by creative members of the community, fire trucks, horses, marching bands, vintage vehicles, and more. This year’s theme is, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Grand Marshal is Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. Route is from Athens High School, west on Hobbs Street, south on Jefferson Street, around The Square, and south on Jefferson Street to Hometown Grocery. Choose your spot early. Folks begin parking the morning of the parade.
Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, Dec. 6, Athens High
Hosted by the Athens High School JROTC. Contact Chief James Chambers at (256) 233-6619 or james.chambers@acs-k12.org for more details.
Handbell Concert
Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m., McCandless Hall, free but reservations required
Sponsored by Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning. Performance by handbell artist Danny Lyons with guest ringers the Bellissimo Handbell Quartet. Lyons rings an entire 3 octave set of handbells, 37 bells in all. He has toured across the United States, as well as Europe and The Bahamas playing solo handbell concerts and teaching the art of handbells. This concert is free and open to the public through the Livingston Concert Lecture Series and the Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning. Seating is limited; please call 256-233-8262 for reservations.
