Bring your hot rod, motorcycle, truck, unique vehicle or motorcycle and park on the square at the May 2nd Cruise-In Downtown Athens, AL. You can share your love of automobiles with other enthusiasts from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at no charge. While you are there, take a break and shop at the unique boutiques and stores, or enjoy a delicious meal downtown at one of the many restaurants on the Square.
On May 5th the Athens Swim Team Registration begins at the Athens Recreation Center 270 U.S. Highway 31-N, Athens, AL. Limestone County residents who are ages 5 to 18 and are avid swimmers are encouraged to register for the Athens Gators – Athens Swim Team. Ages 8 and under are required to swim 25 yards; ages 9-12 are required to swim 50 yards and ages 13-18 are required 100 yards unassisted. Registration is $125.00 (up to $40.00 credit for working one fundraiser) includes latex swim team swim cap, coaching fees, meet fees (except Madison Medal Meet) and equipment other than swimsuit and goggles. For additional requirements, forms and more information: www.athensgators.org
What about bass fishing at Ingalls Harbor? The Athens Relay for Life will be having their 4th Annual Bass Fishing tournament in Ingalls Harbor located at 701 Market Street NW Decatur. Anglers are invited to head out on the waters in search biggest bass from safe light until 3:00PM. Lunch will be provided to registered boaters. For registration: www.active.com/decatur-al/other-endurance/city-of-athens-4th-annual-relay-for-life-bass-fishing-tournament-2015.
Are you ready for some RODEO? We have a week of rodeo related events starting May 9th with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Parade at 1:00PM. Groups and individual participants are welcome to participate at no fee. Sheriff Mike Blakely will lead the way for the parade featuring Queen Contestants, Cowgirls and Cowboys of all ages on horseback along with many buggies and wagons. The route will depart the arena onto Alabama Highway 99/Market Street to the Limestone County Courthouse.
The Preston’s Rodeo Kickoff at Preston’s Western and Outdoor Wear begins May 11 at 5:00PM. Bring the kids for a little free fun including horseback rides and a little western fun. Then on May 12, put on your dancing boots for the Sarrell Dental Street Dance and Fashion Show at the Limestone County Courthouse Square at Marion and Market Streets in Athens, AL. There will be line dancing and live music from the Jeff Whitlow Band. The Rodeo Slack Day roping will be held on May 14th where all team roping contestants will compete. Area elementary schools will reward their “Leader in Me” and “Reading Initiative” participants with a field trip to watch slack day. Gates Open at 8:00AM, slack begins at 9:00AM. Slack Day admission is $5.00.
On May 15, the Special Needs Rodeo attends the Limestone County Sheriff Rodeo Arena sponsored by Turner Beverage Company of Huntsville, and Combined Public Communication. Children and adults with special needs are offered a day of rodeo and lunch. Festivities begin at 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM. Also on May 15 -16, you can come and see the Rodeo that has been voted twice as the “Top 20 Events of the Year” by Southern Tourism Society and named “RODEO OF THE YEAR” during the Lone Star National Finals Rodeo. The 33rd Annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena is located at Alabama Highway 99, Athens, AL 35611. Gates open at 6:00PM and kids 10 & under can enjoy pony rides. 7:00PM – Kids Gold Rush. 8:00PM – Opening Ceremony and event kickoff including bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf and break-away roping, steer wrestling, kids calf scramble, barrel racing, chuck wagon racings, bull riding, professional rodeo clowns, specialty acts and more. Advance tickets: Adults $10.00, Children 12 and under $8.00 at Limestone County Sheriff’s Office 101 West Elm Street, Athens. For more information: www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com
Just to prove it is an outdoor extravaganza here are a few more outdoor events for May!
May 9 — Chick-Fil-A Connect Race Series Athens, AL. Join Chick-Fil-A for 5K and 10K on a USATF Certified course benefiting Bridges of Hope Adoption Ministry. Children 12 and under can enjoy the Family FunZone from 7:00-10:00AM packed with activities and inflatables as they wait for friends and family to cross the finish line. For more information or to register: cfaraceseries.com/races/148/
May 14 — Athens State Alumni Association Golf Classic. Canebrake Golf Club 23015 Founders Circle, Athens, AL 35613. Shotgun start at 1:00PM Four person teams are TBA and includes lunch, green fees, golf car, course refreshment, hospitality gifts and prizes. For more information or to request registration forms contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 256-233-8185 or alumni@athens.edu or www.myathens.info/golf-classic/
May 16 — 5th Annual Spencer Black 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run at Blue Springs Elementary 16787 Hardy Road, Athens, AL 35611 8:30AM. Come join the race to benefit Clements High School and Blue Spring Elementary School fitness programs and facilities. For more information, sign-up for runners notice or to make a donation, please contact Gary Van Wagnen 314-409-5102 or email garyvanwagnen@aol.com
May 19 — Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-off Athens, AL. Wild game cookers will come together to compete in the categories of fish, fowl and game. Cookers registration is free. (Cooking team form: alabamawildlife.org/apps/wildgame-cookoff-teams.php) Ticket price TBA and includes complimentary food and 1 year AWF Membership. Information: Greg Lambert – 256-998-0057 or AWF Headquarters 1-800-822-9453
May 23 — Spring Fling Arts and Crafts Festival. Whistle Hollow Farm 701 Lofton Hall Road, Ardmore, TN. Outside event from 10:00AM-3:00PM, must provide own tents. No direct sales, crafters only. Fee: $30.00, no electricity; $40.00 with electricity. Entertainment, homemade fried pies, and chicken salad at concession stand. Rain date: May 30th. For more information, 931-468-9437.
For your vacation information, class or church reunions, and local stay-cations, contact the Athens-Limestone County for brochures and information on local attractions, museums, art information and tours.
Athens- Limestone County Tourism – 100 N. Beaty Street – 256-232-5411 – www.VisitAthensAL.com
By: Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association
