Tourism – Fun Summer Activities Everyone Loves!

The annual traditional Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival is back in swing for a short 6 weeks, so be sure to make you plans to attend. For over 50 years, our Kiddie Carnival has been located at 309 East Forrest Street in Athens across from the Middle school. The carnival is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through August 1st from 6:30pm till 9:30pm. Remember the carnival will not be open on the 4th of July!

On the first Saturday of each month, (which will be July 4th this 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 at our exceptional restaurants or stop over at our unique boutique shops. The Athens Saturday Market will celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with Patriotic Day at the Market. Come properly attired in your red, white and blue! Decorate your strollers, wagons and pets. Join us at 10am for contests.

The Fourth of July Fireworks Show will be held on Saturday 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 239th year of independence.

On July 16th come out to the 10th Annual Cruz-In in Ardmore at the Sonic Drive-In on 26909 Main Street Ardmore, AL. Join the Ardmore Boys and Girls Club from 6pm-8pm and share the nostalgia of yesterday. Bring your unique collectible car or truck. No fee, and no judging, though donations are appreciated.

The Hickory Barn BBQ located at 12250 U.S. Highway 72, Athens, AL., brings the Blue Handel Band for your enjoyment on July 17th. Come early and get a good seat for great barbeque and a music mix of Blues, Rock, and Soul with Blue Handel Band. For more information call 256-729-9600

On July 18th, show your support for our local Veterans by attending the 4th Annual Col. Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show. 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, with gates and concessions open at 4pm. For more information contact the Veterans’ Museum at 256-771-7578.

CASA Mud Volleyball kicks off on Jul 18th, 2015 at Swan Creek Park 100 U.S. 31, Athens, AL. There is room for 100 teams come sling a little mud and have a good non-clean fun as they raise funds for CASA. The event begins at 9am. For information or individual/team registration go to www.active.com and search “CASA Mud Volleyball.”

Our local Senior Rehab & Recovery Center will serve up Swamp Johns Dinner on June 22. The Senior Rehab and Recovery Center is located at 1600 West Hobbs Street, Athens, AL. Enjoy your dinner from 3pm-6pm with a selection of Shrimp, Fish and Chicken plus all the sides. Eat in or carryout, plates are $10 each. Proceeds to benefit our Limestone County Council on Aging.

The Sophisticated Swingers come to Yesterday’s Event Center located at 15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens on July 23rd for the Senior Lunch Matinée Show. Come enjoy the sounds of Sophisticated Swingers performing your favorite oldies for only a $10 admission fee, which includes lunch, drink and dessert. Groups are welcome. The doors open at 11am and the show kicks off at 12pm. RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents.com

Our new venue for our Summer Concert Series is called “Singing in the Park” located in Big Spring Memorial Park. The next concert will be held on July 24th from 6pm-8pm with Matt Prater entertaining. The Park is located at the intersection of Beaty and Market Street, Athens, AL. and offers beautiful scenery and the park playground for the children. The rain location is Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 U.S. Highway 72 Athens, AL. Join sponsor Champion Chevrolet of Athens for an evening of music in the park at 6pm with this month’s featured artist Matt Prater for two hours of music. Free admission. For more information, call 256-232-5411

The Tanner Championship Tractor and Truck Pull located at the Tanner High School at 12060 Sommers Road Athens will be held Jul 31st- Aug 1st. Come to the Southeast premier pulling event at 7pm organized by the Tanner Quarterback Club. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 7 and up, children 6 and under are free.
Athens Limestone County Tourism Association is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. Visit our website at www.VisitAthensAL.com, email us at info@VisitAthensAL.com, or call 256-232-5411 for more information on upcoming area events.
By: Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association