Summer Food, Fun And Family! – Tourism

This summer we are all about the great outdoors! We are biking, grilling, horseback riding, singing, growing and just plain having fun!

We start June off supporting a great cause. Take out your bike, get ready to absorb our beautiful scenic country side, and help others for the Bike MS: North Alabama fundraiser. On June 7th, take the 89-mile route of the Noah Bike Trail to raise money and awareness for research and support programs for those living in Alabama and Mississippi with MS.

For those who prefer to get their enjoyment by walking, the Friends of the Athens-Limestone County Public Library will encourage us all to grow beautiful flowers and plants when you take their Spring Garden Tours on June 7th. The tour will feature traditional gardens in downtown Athens, three church prayer gardens, a country garden, and four 21st Century landscaped gardens. After the tour, you may want to enjoy the Saturday Farmers Market located at 409 Green Street or talk with car enthusiasts at Athens Cruise-In on the Square. Later in the day, come out for the Gospel Talent Explosion at the Limestone County Event Center on 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Come enjoy the music as area gospel acts come together to compete from 5PM to 7PM.

The beautiful cool June nights are the perfect setting to enjoy Singing on the Square in Downtown Athens. We will have our hometown favorite entertainer, Matt Prater, from 6PM-8PM on June 20th. On July 18th, Miss Anna Catherine DeHart from Missouri who currently is attending Belmont College in Nashville, will entertain us with some Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, in addition to modern Country stars like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. The final series in the free concerts will come from Athens State University Community Band on August 15th.

The 6th Annual Ardmore Tractor/Truck Pull begins at 7PM on June 20th at John Barnes Park in Ardmore, TN. If the tractors get too loud, there is always food! The Elkmont Lions Club Smokin’ Railroad Street Barbeque Cook-Off in Downtown Elkmont is being held on Jun 20th-21st. Contact Larry or Susan Pylant for more information at 256-732-4493, or visit the www.elkmontlionsclub.com.

Here is the fun the kids have been waiting for since last year: the Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival at 309 East Forrest Street in Athens. June 26th–August 2nd the kids can come out Thursday-Saturday and enjoy the carnival from 6:30PM-9:30PM. Enjoy the rides for kids along with great concessions and bingo! The rides for young children are small ferris wheel, rocket ships, small swings, carousel, train, roller coaster, parachutes, large swings and the scrambler. For safety and maintenance reasons, no adult riders are permitted on any of the rides. Concessions available include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, French fries and sodas. Also available are crowd pleasers like cotton candy, dippin dots and funnel cakes.

If you need information about these or other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone County, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street or call 256-232-5411. Information is also posted on our websites – www.VisitAthensAL.com.
By: Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association, Inc.