ATHENS-There is much going on this time of year in Athens from Valentine’s Day activities to Black History Month to Chili Challenge. Please note that Poke Sallet tickets go on sale Monday at 7:30 a.m. and tables sell out quickly.
Upcoming Events:
6th annual Jessica Elkins Memorial Pageant
Saturday, Feb. 7, 5 p.m., Athens Middle School auditorium
Miss Model America presents the pageant as a fundraiser for the Jessica Elkins Memorial Fund. Registrations begin Friday, Feb. 6, from 6-8 p.m. (all ages) and again Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2- 3:30 pm (all ages). The pageant will begin at 5 pm. The Ugly Walk will have Saturday registration from 5-6 with competition being between the 7-8 and 9-10 divisions. For divisions, registration info, etc., call Theresa (256-777-8949) or email Theresa@missmodelamerica.com or Michele 205-516-1101 or email michele@missmodelamerica.com.
Black History Month Event
Friday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church Beasley Center
No admission but donations accepted for the Trinity School/Fort Henderson renovation, community center and museum. Keynote speaker is Robert Mayberry, co-director of the Atlanta Clinical & Transitional Science Institute’s Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research and professor of epidemiology in the Department of Community Health and Preventative Medicine at the Morehouse College – School of Medicine in Atlanta. He attended the Trinity School. The Committed A Capella Chorus from Southside Church of Christ in Rogersville will perform. 
Chocolate Walk
Saturday, Feb. 14, 12-5 p.m., downtown
Sponsored by Spirit of Athens. Enjoy chocolate delights at participating downtown businesses and shop for sweet deals. Limited to 100 tickets. The Chocolate Walk begins at the Spirit of Athens office at 107 N. Jefferson St. From there, ticket holders will receive a map and goodie bag. Visit all and be entered to win one of five $25 “Love Bucks” that can be redeemed at any of the businesses. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com and search for Chocolate Walk in Athens.
Magic In Your Heart
Saturday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m., Limestone County Event Center
Mission Athens is hosting this first annual event which includes a romantic Italian dinner and entertainment by 3 Time Champion of Magic Johnny Dellarocca. Proceeds benefit Mission Athens, which provides support to local homeless families, tutoring and reading help to elementary school children, and a variety of relief services following natural disasters. For tickets, call 256-777-9456. Tickets are $35 or $280 for a table of eight.
27th Annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction
Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Athens High old gym
$10, tickets available at Hospice at 405 S. Marion St. or at the door
Hospice of Limestone County is a non-profit organization, and this is its main fundraiser for the care and support of the terminally ill and their families. 32 challenger slots are available. To compete, call 256-232-5017 as soon as possible. To be an event sponsor, Friend of Spice Sponsor, $50.00; Chili Pepper Patron, $50- $99; Ring of Fire Giver $100-$199; Tempt the Taste Buds Supporter, $200-$500; One Hot Tamale, $500-plus, also call 256-232-5017. To donate crafts, sports memorabilia, art lessons, outdoor items, furniture, etc., please call 256-232-5017.
Poke Sallet Follies
March 5, 6, 7, 7:30 p.m., Athens Senior Center
Tickets $35
Ticket includes a catered meal and about two hours of entertainment from local dignitaries acting not-so-dignified along with a few folks with some acting talent. Tickets go on sale Feb. 9 at 7:30 a.m. at the Athens Senior Center. This year’s theme is LIVE and includes spoofs on the Athens Grease Festival, Blues Brothers, and more. For more information, go to www.pokesalletfollies.org and on Facebook, search for “Poke Sallet Follies.”
2015 Limestone County Home and Garden Show
Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Limestone County Event Center
Get ready for spring as you find ideas for home, yard, and garden from a multitude of vendors. Hosted by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce.
