Tourism – Fun Summer Activities For The Whole Family: July 1st –August 2nd

The fun the kids have been waiting for since last year arrives with the Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival at 309 East Forrest Street in Athens. From June 26th through August 2nd, the kids can come out on Thursday through Saturday and enjoy the carnival from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. The Kiddie Carnival will be closed on July 4th so the workers may enjoy the festivities with their families.

The Fourth of July Fireworks Show will be held on Friday at dusk at the Athens High School football stadium. This is a great family gathering time to tailgate and get ready for the long weekend celebrating our country’s 238th year of independence.

Every first Saturday of each month, come out to the Alabama Veterans’ Museum Coffee Call from 8AM-9:30AM. Also each first Saturday is the Athens Cruise-In. Enjoy a meal or do a little shopping at our unique restaurants and boutique shops.

The Coolbone Brass Band will help market goers have a star spangled Saturday on July 5. The Athens Saturday Market will celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with the jazz band as well as children’s activities. The band will begin playing at 9AM and play until noon. The band will perform around The Square at 6PM during the monthly Athens Cruise-In.

On July 11th, come out to Chick-fil-A and enjoy Cow Appreciation Day at the location at 1291 Hwy 72E, Athens. Come dressed as a “cow” with spots, bells or horns and get a special treat.

Now, I know you’ve heard of “The Running of the Bulls”, but have you heard of “Running with the Goats”? On July 12th in Elkmont, AL, you can join the “Running With The Goats” at Belle Chevre Creamery, which is located at 18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road, Elkmont, AL from 7AM-5PM. There will be a 10K, 5K, and Fun Run on the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails. This is a certified course on a shaded trail, with music, food, and festivities for all.

The rescheduled 3rd Annual Sam Gibbons Walking Horse Show will take place on July 19th. The FREE event will be held at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Arena on Highway 99, Athens, AL. Join the Alabama Veterans’ Museum for their annual fundraiser benefitting the museum expansion project. Class sheets can be picked up at the Veterans’ Museum, 100 Pryor Street in Athens. Admission is free, the show begins at 5PM, gates and concessions open at 4PM. For more information contact the Veterans’ Museum at 256-771-7578.
The CASA Mud Volley Tournament on July 19th held at Athens Swan Creek Park located at U.S. Highway 31, Athens, AL will have approximately 100 teams compete for the championship as they play volleyball in the mud. It’s mudslinging fun for teams and spectators alike. Then, for a little more dirt action, come to the Jul 25th – 26th AL Championship Tractor and Truck Pull in Tanner. Join the Tanner Quarterback Club for this annual fundraiser that revs things up and slings a little dirt.

The Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days on August 1st and 2nd,located at 20147 Elkton Road in Athens, celebrates the life on the farm and the preservation of antique engines, tractors and other equipment. They will have the Parade of Power, Fast Crank Competition, Slow Races, the Ladies’ Skillet Throw, and the kids can take a chance with the Pedal Pull.

Limestone County is lucky to have such a large fondness for all types of equines. On Aug 1st and 2nd, Ardmore puts on their 22nd Annual Police & Reserves Rodeo at the John Barnes Park, 30510 Ardmore Ridge Road, Ardmore, TN. We invite you to support the Ardmore Police Department and Reserves while enjoying this excellent family activity.
Athens Limestone County Toursim Association is open Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30 PM. Come by and look through the display of brochures, information leaflets, and post cards. We will be glad to tell you more about beautiful Limestone County. Visit our website at www.VisitAthensAL.com email – info@VisitAthensAL.com call 256-232-5411.
“We have what you love about the South”!
By Teresa Todd Athens-Limestone County Tourism President
100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611