ATHENS-You can tell it is spring time in Athens. Events are sprouting like buttercups throughout the city. Here are some of the upcoming events I know about that you may want to add to your calendar.
Upcoming Athens Events
Trinity High School Program
Thursday, March 26, 6 pm, Athens-Limestone Public Library
Historian and author Charlotte Fulton will speak on the history of Trinity High School. Her book “Holding The Fort” documents the history of the school and its impact on the community, including some tales of famous graduates. The program will include a visual presentation of this Athens landmark. This program is in partnership with the Limestone County Archives. The event is free. For more information call 256-232-1233.
Aluminum Can Bash
March 23-27, Athens-Limestone Recycling Center
Get paid an extra nickel for every pound. Metal Exchange, the metal buying company located within the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, will hold the bash. Bring your aluminum cans Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 12-12:30 p.m.). Metal Exchange is located behind the recycling center, through the gate.
Fifth Annual Women’s History Month Luncheon
Saturday, March 28, noon, Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives
Join the Veteran’s Museum in honoring the military women of Desert Storm. This year’s honoree will be Capt Rebecca Burney, Gulf War veteran.
Free Dump Day
Saturday, March 28, 7 a.m. to noon, Transfer Station
For residents living only in Limestone County. One trailer or pickup truck load of trash may be taken free of charge. Staff will accept trash from residents who can produce a utility bill from their Limestone County residence. No trash will be accepted after the noon deadline. Dropping trash at the gate will be considered illegal dumping and will be handled accordingly. Please take any recyclables to the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center before hauling other items to the dump. No household hazardous waste or medical waste will be accepted. Any appliance containing Freon must have the compressor removed or be accompanied by a certificate showing the Freon was properly removed. No contractors will be permitted to dump free of charge. The Transfer Station is located on BFI Lane, off of Hwy. 72 West, just east of 7-Mile Post Road in Limestone County.
Fourth Annual Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 5:30 p.m., Friendship United Methodist Church
Egg hunts for everyone, including individuals with special needs as well as youth and adults. Inflatables, games and craft activities and food vendors. Activities start at 5:30 p.m. and the hunts at 6 p.m. In case of inclement weather, all activities will be held inside. For more information call 256-232-4906.
April Saturday Walks
Every Saturday in April, 10 a.m., meet at Athens-Limestone Visitors Center
Free tours hosted by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association. Residents and visitors are invited to take part in a casual stroll through the Beaty and Houston Historic District and learn about the architecture and history of these charming neighborhoods. One-hour walks conducted by knowledgeable guides. Participants are asked to check-in at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center at 9:45 a.m. and choose a tour at that time. Comfortable walking shoes and light jacket are suggested. TOUR OPTIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED.
Cruise-In on The Square
Saturday, April 4, 3-6 p.m., The Square
Bring your hot rod, motorcycle, truck or unique vehicle and park on The Square to share your love of automobiles with other enthusiast. Shop the boutiques and stores and enjoy a meal downtown at one of the restaurants.
City of Athens Relay for Life Celebrity Waiter Night
Tuesday, April 14, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Applebee’s
Enjoy a meal and served by a local Celebrity Waiter – Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, Athens Council President Jimmy Gill, Athens Councilman Joseph Cannon, East Limestone Band Director Jennifer Janzen, WHNT’s Greg Screws, Limestone County Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough, Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen Kalynn Clinard and Revenue Commissioner Brian Patterson. All tips given to the Celebrity Waiters go to the American Cancer Society and local cancer patients.
Athens-Limestone County Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Saturday, April 18, 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers Market
Join the Master Gardeners for their plan sale from 8:00AM-12:00PM where you can purchase a variety of plants for your home and garden.
Eli’s Block Party – Car Show
Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lindsay Lane Baptist Church
Presented by Champion Chevrolet of Athens. Open to all cars and trucks plus lots of fun for the whole family with music and food vendors. Proceeds benefit St. Jude’s. Mater Prater performs at 1:30 p.m.
Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives Fish Fry
Friday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church
Menu includes catfish, chicken tenders, French fries, slaw, hushpuppies, drink and all the fixins’. Dessert while it lasts. Advance tickets are $10 and are available at the Alabama Veterans Museum at 100 W. Pryor Street, Athens, AL. Tickets at the door are $12. For more information call 256-771-7578.
Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO
Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Big Spring Memorial Park
Hosted by Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful and Athens-Limestone Tourism Association. Fun and educational free event with exhibitors sharing an environmental message, earth-friendly products/services, and information on healthy living, recreational activities in the area, etc. Activities for children and other events.
Limestone County Tornado Memorial Ceremony
Tuesday, April 28, time to-be-determined
On the one-year anniversary of the deadly April 28, 2014, tornadoes, there will be an event at the Limestone County Tornado Memorial on U.S. 72 near where Bethel Church of Christ used to be (by the cemetery). The two names of those killed in the Coxey community during last year’s EF-3 will be added.
11th annual Unsung Heroes Scholarship Banquet
Saturday, May 2, 5 p.m., Round Island Creek Mission Center, 3829 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens
Presented by Jan Matthews of MTM Corporation and the City of Athens. Scholarships of up to $500 will be provided to students nominated by local schools. These are students who need support to start their first year of college. Guest speaker will be Kimeko Farrar, an engineer, poet and founder of Smart Pretty Females. Those interested in donating to the scholarship fund can call 800-272-1MTM or email unsunghero@bellsouth.net. The website is www.mtmcorp.org.
Athens-Limestone Community Breakfast
Wednesday, May 6, 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Beasley Center
Hosted by Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, Limestone County Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough and Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk as a fundraiser for the Arrowhead District of the Boy Scouts, which services Limestone County. Local farming groups will be honored with Heart of an Eagle Awards for their contributions to the community. To sponsor a table of 8 for $500 or to reserve a seat for $75, contact Holly Hollman at 256-262-1399 or by email at hhollman@athensal.us.
