Tourism – Santa Arrives At The Athens North Pole Stroll

Santa Claus will be checking with his favorite youngsters in Limestone County twice in the month of December. This free “quality-of-life” event will formally open on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Big Spring Memorial Park from 5-7pm with Santa available for photos. This family event is supported by Lowe’s of Athens, Athens Parks and Rec, Athens Mayor’s Office, Athens-Limestone County Tourism, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful and Spirit of Athens. Santa will make another appearance on Dec. 17th and read “The Night Before Christmas” for the children.

The North Pole Stroll trees will be decorated with strings of solar lights and will portray various themes. The Friends of the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter are accepting donations to place your pet’s picture on one of their two trees, in “Memory” or in “Honor”. The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Office has decorated their tree with the theme, “A Look Back at 2016” using pictures of events from this past year. Your theme could be your interests or business.

This project would not be possible without our Athens Parks and Recreation installing the live trees. The goal is to double the number of trees from last year and have enough trees to decorate both sides of the Duck Pond. Tree sponsorships are available until December 10th or until all the trees are sponsored. To purchase your tree, call the Tourism Office at 256-232-5411.

Tree sponsorships are available for $100. Businesses can decorate their own tree or we will contact a non-profit to decorate for them. Tree sponsors will receive signage at their tree and their logo will be placed on the North Pole Stroll Facebook and website.

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful will have their snowman family featured at a photo station. KALB Executive Coordinator Lynne Hart and their volunteers created the snowman family from recycled tires. Their theme for this year will be, “Tired of Waiting for Santa.”

Decoration and sale of trees will continue till the 10th of December. Visit our Facebook page to see our clever sponsors. For more information, visit www.visitathensal.com/north-pole-stroll.html
Dec. 10th – Spirit of Athens’ Sippin Cider. Come downtown the second Saturday of December from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to the Sippin’ Cider Festival. Voted a Top 20 event in the Southeast in 2014, it’s a night of holiday festivities. Sample and vote for your favorite cider while shopping and enjoying store specials. The merchant with the most votes wins the coveted Cider Cup and bragging rights for the next year. Other activities include in-store children’s activities, train rides by the Athens Lions Club, live music, roasting marshmallows, and a visit from Santa.

Dec. 10th — Historic Mooresville Holiday Home Tour and Progressive Dinner from 2 to 7 PM. The 1818 village of Mooresville offers a holiday tour of the historic buildings and four private homes decorated for the season. Homes open and shopping available 2 to 6. Salad in Brick Church. Dinner seating at 3:30 to 4:30 and at 5:00 to 6:00 in town square. Dessert and coffee in Peebles’ barn. Reservations required. For more info click on Holiday Dinner in the menu or call 256-355-2683 $70 per person

Dec 11th – Athens Ladies Civitan Holiday Home Tour. Prominent Athens homes will be dressed up for the holidays and open for touring. 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Advance tickets are $15 and available on the Square at Pimento’s and Crawford’s Gifts, and First National Bank (U.S. 72) in Athens. Tickets are $20 day of event and can be purchased on-site at any home on the tour. This fundraiser benefits the developmentally challenged of the community. For more information call Carolyn Stair 256-233-0258.

Dec. 13th — Ardmore Christmas Parade “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” Parade starts at 6:00PM

Dec. 13th — You are invited to watch Creekside Drama Club “Twas the Week After Christmas” at 6:00 p.m. Creekside Elementary gym…admission is FREE!

Dec 15th – Senior Lunch Matinee Show at Yesterday’s Event Center 15631 Brownsferry Road. Join Yesterday’s for a complete lunch including drink and dessert for $11.00 and entertainment featuring a Special Christmas Show with Kevin Adams. Doors open 10:30AM, Event begins 11:00AM and show-time 12:00PM with a show length 60-75 minutes. Groups of all size welcome. Bus parking available. Pre-reservation required. For more info call 256-232-2506 or email info@yesterdaysevents.com Cancellation fee may apply.

Dec 18th – 2-S Winter Buckle Series at 2-S Arena 26155 Thach Road. Join 2-S Arena for barrel racing. Contestants must compete in 6 of 8 shows to be eligible for awards. Show starts at 3:00PM. Cash Only. For more information call Mindy Sanders 256-278-5758 or Wil Sanders 606-246-0628
By: Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association