The historic Athens City Cemetery will “come alive” with more than 30 period attired personalities to represent notables from the past 200 years during the Annual Athens City Cemetery Stroll on Sunday, April 17th from 2:00-5:00 PM. The history of Athens City Cemetery is also the history of the southeast during America’s southern and westward expansion. This event is free to the public, though donations are welcome to assist in the efforts of preserving these historical landmarks.
The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association also announces its April Historic Walking Tours to be held each Saturday in April (April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30). Strollers should meet at the Athens Visitors Center, 100 North Beaty Street, (corner of Beaty and Market Streets by the duck pond) at 9:45 AM. The walks will begin promptly at 10:00 AM, and will last approximately one hour. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket and/or umbrella for unexpected weather.
Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. We have toured over 1,500 guests since Athens started participating in the state walks in 2006 and they keep increasing in popularity every year. Strollers may choose one of 5 different walks each Saturday in April. The walks are free and open to the public. It’s a great way for children and their parents to learn about local history and for our County to get ready for our 200th Anniversary beginning in 2017 (Limestone County’s 200th Anniversary is in November 2018). Groups are welcome.
Experience the culture and history of Athens by taking one of these walks each Saturday.
Tour 1: Historic Downtown Athens Square with Mac Martin
Tour 2: Beaty Historic District, Washington Street and Old Town Cemetery with Bill Ward
Tour 3: Historic City Cemetery with Jimmy Hill
Tour 4: Houston Historic District – Tour Guide to be announced
Tour 5: Alabama Veterans Museum – Tour Guide Teddy Dutton – Ron Thrift
These local residents serving as guides will share personal remembrances and tall tales from the old days as well as the history of their respective walk.
OTHER EVENTS YOU MAY WANT TO ENJOY DURING APRIL INCLUDE:
Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call – April 2, at 8:00 AM
Athens Cruise In on the Square – April 2, from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Singing on the Square – April 29th from 6:00PM-8:00PM. Join Athens-Limestone County Tourism for this free summer concert series. Lillian Glanton, Limestone County’s American Idol contestant, will start us off at 6:00 PM, with Wade Oliver coming on stage at 7:00 PM. We are very excited to be back on the Square, and are looking forward to SEVEN singing concerts this year with our new sponsor Jimmy Smith Buick – GMC and Austin Smith. For more information, call the Athens Visitor Center at 256-232-5411.
Earth Day and Outdoor EXPO will be held this year at Friendship Methodist Church on Lucas Ferry Road, Athens, AL on April 30 from 10:00AM-3:00PM. Sponsored by Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. Contact Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful 256-233-8728 or Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 256-232-5411.
Cars and Bikes on the Square Athens, AL on April 30 from 8:00am to 3:00pm. For more information, see the article on page 5, visit www.CarsontheSquare.com, or contact Tom Schuman by phone at 256-457-9179, or by email at TSchuman@comrep.com
For more information on the above events or other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street or call 256-232-5411. Information is also posted on our website at www.visitathensal.com.
By: Teresa Todd
President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association
