The Tourism activity is starting early this year with some new events I think you are going to love! The next few years, 2017 – 2019, Limestone County will be gearing up for educational, historical, inspirational and fun events. Below is one we are having Saturday, March 4th at 11a.m.
On March 3, 1817, as officials gathered beside the Tombigbee River to declare Alabama a territory and St. Stephens its capital, business was already booming at the military fort, river ports, trading posts and taverns in what would soon become Limestone County, Alabama.
On March 4, 2017, as Alabama kicks off three years of celebration of the state’s bicentennial, Limestone County will kick off its own bicentennial celebrations with a history program and special events around the Limestone County Courthouse Square.
At the new Revival Center, just off the square on West Washington Street, local historians will share stories about the earliest days of Alabama and Limestone County, home to elk and the Chickasaw people who called the place Elk County; the people and places who made up Limestone county leading up to it establishment on February 6, 1818; when cotton floated down the Tennessee River from Limestone County ports; and when an enterprising businessman created an open-air bar from a split log and two barrels, and served his own brand of shine in gourds.
For more information, follow Limestone County, Alabama, Bicentennial on Facebook at www.facebook.com/limestone200. (Article written by Rebekah Davis, Limestone County Archivist)
March 4th – Athens, Alabama will kick off its 200th Anniversary with Limestone County Archivist Rebekah Davis and Athens State Professor Dr. Harry Joiner giving the history of the territory of Limestone County. Throughout the day, downtown merchants will offer specials, including historic foods and historic prices. This first bicentennial learning event will be held at the Revival Center on Washington Street on Saturday, March 4th at 11:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. so that attendees have the opportunity to browse the resource center presented by various local history groups.
Mar 4th – The 22nd Annual Corporate Spelling Bee will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Athens High School Cafeteria, 100 Hwy 31in Athens. Free admission to spectators; refreshments served. 256-230-3050 or learntoreadcouncil@gmail.com.
Mar 4th – Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament DIV 1 Wheeler/Elk River (Lee High Ramp on Hwy 72) Safe Light until 3 p.m. Open to the weekend angler. Membership: $35; Tournament Fees: $50; Lunker: $10. Matt Leicher ~ 256-777-9843 E-mail: aldeerhunter23@yahoo.com or Doc Dumas ~ 256-497-0084
Mar 4th –North Alabama Birders Association’s final trip to White Springs Dike – Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge for birding with a variety of ducks in the area (especially shovelers), good songbirds, other water birds, raptors, etc. from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Take the Mooresville exit off I-565, go south on Mooresville Road and meet at the parking area near where it intersects with Old Hwy 20. For more info: Ken Ward, Leader (256-837-5646; phinken@wowway.com)
Mar 4th – Join fellow veterans and their families at the Alabama Veterans Museum’s monthly Coffee Call (100 W. Pryor St.) for breakfast and fellowship from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Contact Director Sandy Thompson at 256-771-7578
Mar 4th – Join Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful at the Hatchery Road boat ramp just off AL99 past the Elk River Bridge at 8:00 a.m. until noon for their annual river and shoreline cleanup of the Elk River Canoe and Kayak Trail. Complimentary lunch will be served at noon to volunteers. Proper dress: Participants should wear long pants and shoes appropriate for walking in the woods or on boats and bring gloves. There will be prize drawings for volunteers who work the full 4 hours. Winners must be present. Contact information: 256-233-8000 or KALBCares@gmail.com
Mar 4th – Join the Fifth Annual Little Light of Mine Foundation Benefit Dinner supporting Blakely Goodman. The event will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Limestone County Event Center, located, 114 W. Pryor Street in Athens, Alabama. Tickets: $75.00 per seat or tables of 8: $500.00.
Mar 10th & 11th – The 2017 Limestone County Home and Garden Show is March 10-11. Friday from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $2.00 for one day and $3.00 for two days at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 W. Pryor Street in Athens. For more information: 256-232-2600
Mar 11th – The Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail on Wheeler Lake starts at 6:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. launches from Ingall’s Harbor. All anglers must be in weigh-in line by 4 p.m. You must be a member of the King Kat Association to fish this event. A one-year membership is $30. To pre-register, go to kingkatusa.com or 502-384-5924. Fuel, supplies, and food are available at the Lucy’s Branch Marina Mile Marker 287 on the Tennessee River. www.lucysbranch.com
Mar 12th – Join 2-S Arena for their Spring Series 2017 Barrel Racing Series at the 2-S Arena, 26155 Thach Rd. in Athens, Alabama, starting with Exhibition Barrels at 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. with the show starting at 3:00 p.m. Membership is $25.00 for individuals, family $40.00 (same household), day permits: $10.00; class competition rates vary. For more information: Mindy Sanders 256-278-5758 or Wil Sanders 256-246-0628
Mar 16th – Come enjoy the Senior Lunch Matinee Show at Yesterday’s Event Center, 15631 Brownsferry Rd. in Athens. March’s featured performers will be the Cadillacs with a collection of oldies, doo-wop and old country. All seating is reserved – $12.00 each; groups are seated together. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; events start at 11a.m. with seating, opening announcements, blessing, and lunch. Show begins around noon and lasts about 1 hour. Bus parking available.
E-mail reservations are required. Info@yesterdaysevents.com.
March 18th – Join the Huntsville Track Club for the Rocket City Ten Miler in Mooresville, AL. This Grand Prix event will run through scenic Mooresville, Alabama’s oldest town. Race starts at 8:00 a.m. For more information: Valerie Connaughton (256) 337-0417.
Mar 25th – Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament DIV 1 Wheeler/Elk River (Lee High Ramp on Hwy 72) Safe Light until 3 p.m. Open to the weekend angler. Membership: $35; Tournament Fees: $50; Lunker: $10. Matt Leicher ~ 256-777-9843 E-mail: aldeerhunter23@yahoo.com or Doc Dumas ~ 256-497-0084
Mar 25th – Join Mooresville Mercantile in welcoming spring by enjoying the crafters, artists, small businesses and community organizations that join them under the trees from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 5081 Mooresville Rd. in Mooresville, AL. The Spring Gathering is being held in conjunction with the Sheep Shearing Day at 1818 Farms, 24889 Lauderdale St. in Mooresville.
Mar 31st – Join the City of Athens Relay for Life team and the Limestone County Cattlemen’s Association for a ribeye steak sandwich fundraiser at Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Road in Athens from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Cost is $10.00 for eat in or carry out.
By: Teresa Todd
President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association
