ATHENS-The city of Athens has several upcoming events – some that are free – to celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, the 150th anniversary of Trinity School, and the fierce competition of chili cooks. January should be a great month to explore Athens.
Please note that for the Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge, if you plan to compete, you need to register your team ASAP by calling 256-232-5017.
Upcoming Events:
● Athens-Limestone 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday March and Program
Monday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m., downtown Athens
Marchers will meet at 8:50 a.m. on the south side of the Limestone County Courthouse. March will begin at 9 a.m. and proceed to the Limestone County Event Center for the 9:30 a.m. program, which includes songs, poems and the reading of students’ winning essays. Refreshments following program. Call Benard Simelton at 256-426-6406 for more information.
● 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Ceremony
Monday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m., Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church
Hosted by the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Committee. Guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Will Boyd, the eighth pastor the 156-year old church, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church of Florence. Boyd is also the Democratic nominee for U.S. Representative for Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. The Round Island Creek Association Male Chorus will perform, and the committee will recognize those who volunteer in the community. Lunch will be served immediately following the program. This is a free event. For more information please contact Robbin N. Hines at 256-614-5622.
● African-American Museum On Wheels
Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan. 19-20, Athens State University ballroom
Free event sponsored by the Livingston Concert/Lecture Series. Angela Jennings will help visitors explore historical artifacts and memorabilia.
Mayor Ronnie Marks
● State of the City
Thursday, Feb. 4, noon, Athens State University ballroom
Hosted by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and presented by CDPA. Mayor Ronnie Marks will give an overview of 2015 and share the goals for 2016. Cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.
● “Arise and Build”
Friday-Sunday, Feb. 5, 6, 7 at Athens State’s McCandless Hall
Tickets are on sale now for this musical play that will transport the audience back and forth in time with the fictional James Fletcher, a Trinity alumnus who brings his family back to Athens to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his alma mater. As they look back at people and events in the school’s history, Fletcher’s daughter and grandchildren gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role Trinity played in forming his character and influencing, by extension, their own. “Arise and Build is co-written by Frank Travis and Charlotte Fulton, author of the book “Holding the Fort,” upon which the play is based. Performances are set for 7 p.m. Friday; 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from Athens-Limestone Visitors Center on Beaty Street or Kenny’s Kutz at 17308 U.S. 72. For ticket info call 256-232-5411 or 256-444-1682. Proceeds will benefit the Athens-Limestone Community Association’s programs at the Pincham-Lincoln Center.
● Athens Bible School presents Jeanne Robertson
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., Limestone County Event Center
At 71 years young, Jeanne Robertson charms audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. Her acts include “Don’t Send a Man to the Grocery Store,” and “Don’t Bungee Jump Naked.” Seating is limited. For tickets call Athens Bible School at 256-232-3525 or Norm Webb, Jr. at 256-431-7946.
● 28th annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Athens High School
Fundraiser for Hospice of Limestone County. Taste over 30 chili recipes and vote for your favorite. Bid on items ranging from sports to art to outdoor accessories. If you are interested in competing, please contact 256-232-5017 as soon as possible. Tickets for spectators are $10 each and includes lunch served at 11 a.m. (no take-outs). Children 10 and under free. The Silent Auction ends at 1:30 p.m. Chili Challenge ends at 1:45 p.m. This is a fundraiser for Hospice of Limestone County, which has reserved the facilities at Athens High School. Organizers respectfully ask that political candidates and unaffiliated vendors DO NOT set up booths and DO NOT distribute materials.
