ATHENS-Fall is a festive time in Athens. As fall approaches, the calender fills with events from a songwriter returning home to perform his hits to a bluegrass tradition to tall tales and lies being told under the big top.
Here is a list of the events to date….also, congratulations to Athens Storytelling Festival being named the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association Event of the Year and the Spirit of Athens being named the association’s Organization of the Year! Athens-Limestone Tourism nominated both for these Peak Awards.
Athens Voices Exhibit
Month of September, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:45 a.m. Saturdays, Athens-Limestone Visitor’s Center, N. Beaty St.
Works from three local artist – Pamela Keller, Gary Anderson and Katelyn Harris – that are featured in the Athens Voices Juried Exhibit at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur exhibit. Athens Voices celebrates 48 artists of 8 Athens cities of the total 48 Athens cities in the United States with a juried art show and traveling exhibit.
Constitution Day
Thursday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m., Athens State’s McCandless Hall
Join Athens State University and the John Wade Keyes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution with guest speaker Captain Austin Boyd, United States Navy – Retired. There will be patriotic music, inspiring message and lunch reception at the Sandridge Student Center. Lunch is at 11 a.m. and the program at noon.
Alabama Veterans Museum Militaria Show
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Limestone County Event Center
Antique and military guns, ammo, knives and edged weapons, uniforms, helmets, medals, patches, badges, flags, field gear, documents, photography and more. Admission is $5 per adult/2-Day pass $8; Children under 12, military, police, fire and rescue and re-enactors in uniform get in free. For more information call 256-771-7578.
KALB Duck and Run 5K
Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 a.m. start on East Street
Course is through historic areas of Athens. Prizes will be awarded, including cash prizes. T-shirts guaranteed to the first 200 registered runners. Run benefits Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. For more information or to register, go online at: www.duckandrun5k.com/p/duck-and-run-5k.html
Run Like A Boss 5K
Saturday, Sept. 19, 8 a.m. start at Swan Creek Park
First annual run to benefit Javan Bailey and his vision to establish a foundation. Javan of Athens was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. From 10:15 a.m. to noon will be the “Run Like A Boss” Concert In The Park featuring C3, Kingdom People, Committed A cappella Chorus, and the Southside Singers. To register go online at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eb6jpj993a9509ed&llr=hloeoaqab
Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride
Saturday, Sept. 19, expected to reach Athens between 1-2 p.m., U.S. 72
This ride starts at Bridgeport and goes through Athens to Waterloo to commemorate the force removal of Native Americans from the area. Athens Police will block access to the westbound lanes of U.S. 72 during its stretch in the city limits.
Teal Tuesdays
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Wear teal each Tuesday and spread awareness of ovarian cancer, which is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women, and is the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. Learn more and share to save a life at: https://www.ovariancancer.org/about/statistics/. Learn about local efforts by Mildred’s Angels at https://www.facebook.com/mildreds.angels46?fref=ts. Share you teal photos for use on city social sites by emailing them to hhollman@athensal.us.
First Annual Meningitis Awareness Birthday Luncheon
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 12-1 p.m., Athens-Limestone Hospital Education Department
Hosted in memory of Athens High student Jessica Elkins, who died from meningitis. Tickets are $20 and are available at the hospital gift shop or through the foundation. Proceeds benefit the Jessica Elkins Meningitis Foundation. Limited seating is available.
Athens-Limestone Tourism Association Annual Breakfast
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 8:30 a.m., Limestone County Event Center
The association will honor those who promote and support our local tourism industry. RSVP by Sept. 21 at 256-232-5411 or by email at Teresa@visitathensal.com.
Athens-Limestone Public Library Booked For Lunch Series
Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon, at the library
Bring your lunch and the library will serve-up an interesting topic, along with cookies and coffee.
October’s topic will be about “Alabama’s Own Nat King Cole.” November’s topic will be “Talking Tallulah.” If you or your organization is interested in presenting at Booked for Lunch call Heath Simmons at 256-232-1233.
A High Cotton Homecoming with Roger Murrah and Friends
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m., Limestone County Event Center
Mr. Murrah is hosting this benefit concert with musicians Milton Sledge, Jimmy Melton, Chris Holt and Neal Coty to support arts in Athens. Mr. Murrah is an Athens native who wrote ten No. 1 hits for artists like Alabama and Alan Jackson. Tickets are $40 each. Sponsorships are available. For tickets send a check made to Athens Arts League to 103 West Washington Street, Athens, AL 35611. Tickets are also available at High Cotton Arts at 103 W. Washington St. on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the operation of High Cotton Arts and programs.
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3, Athens State University
Known as the “Granddaddy of Mid-South Fiddlers Conventions” for its role in reviving the tradition of competition in old time music. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people expected to attend the convention this year from more than 30 states. Enjoy shade tree pickin’ and competitions as well as crafts and food. For more information visit www.athens.edu/fiddlers.
Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby
Saturday, Oct. 3, Big Spring Memorial Park
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. Visit the Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful (KALB) 125 East Street, Athens, AL or 256-233-8728 for more information.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Saturday, Oct. 3, 9-10:30 a.m., Jimmy Gill Park on Sanderfer Road.
Held in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For more information, contact Sharon Carter at 256-216-6071.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Candlelight Vigil
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5-8 p.m., Big Spring Memorial Park in downtown Athens
Hosted by the Crisis Services of North Alabama to raise awareness about services available to victims and to promote stopping domestic violence.
Athens Haunts Walks
Tuesdays in October (Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27), 6-9 p.m., Visitors Center on Beaty St.
Sponsored by Athens-Limestone Tourism Association. Tour historic Athens with local storytellers who will share the city’s ghostly lore. Walks sell out quickly. Tickets available at the Visitors Center, week days, 8-4:30 and Saturdays 8-12. Cost is $5; under 5 is free. There are two tours each night with the first group departing at 6:30 p.m. and a second group at 7 p.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a small flash light. On Oct. 27 there will be a costume contest for those who wish to dress up in their scary or favorite attire. For more information call 256-232-5411.
Trinity Seventh-Day Adventist Church Aeolians Concert
Saturday, Oct. 10, 4-7 p.m., eastside of The Square
A free concert for the City of Athens in honor of the Spirit of Athens, the city’s nationally accredited Main Street program. The Aeolians of Oakwood University originally organized in 1946 under the late Dr. Eva B. Dykes. Since its inception, the choir has traveled widely, touching the hearts of both young and old with inspirational singing.
Pink Elephant Luncheon
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m., Limestone County Event Center
Join Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation as they raise funds for mammogram scholarships and technology for early breast cancer detection to save the lives of men and women in the community. Contact Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for details 256.233.9557 or email: lainet@alhnet.org
Athens Storytelling Festival
Oct. 20-24, various times, The Square
Enjoy stories told under the big top in historic downtown Athens. For tickets and storyteller information, go to www.athensstorytellingfestival.com.
Apple Annie Monster Dash 5K and 1 Mile Scary Scurry
Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to noon, Swan Creek Park
Hosted by the Athena League to raise funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Athens/Limestone and Joy’s House. Includes a Family Fun Zone with games, face painting, food, music and a hot air balloon. Awards for most spirited Apple Annie runner. Costumes encouraged. For registration information, go to:https://www.naolweb.com/rivercityrunner/2015-Apple-Annie-5k-1.pdf
