Tourism – Unplug and Play in May

By: Cayce Lee
Welcome May – warmer temps and sunnier days! May is full of outdoor and community activities in Limestone County that are perfect for unplugging from the digital world, building memories, and making friends especially during Screen-free Week May 1-7 – a time to encourage your children (and yourself) to put down the screens and explore the world around them.

With the arrival of May’s flowers comes the return of several annual events that recur monthly during the summer months – Friday After Five and Art After Hours in downtown Athens on the second Friday, followed by Summer Concert Series: Singing on the Square on the third Friday on the Marion Street side of the Limestone County Courthouse. These family-friendly events offer a chance to explore the shops and dining downtown plus music, art and more.

May also marks the return of several annual events including Relay for Life on May 4, Spring Krusher Century Ride on May 5, Chick-Fil-A Athens Run on May 5, Paddle For A Cure on May 5, Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Week on May 12-19, 2018 Athens State University Alumni Golf Tournament on May 17, Alabama Welcome Center in Ardmore Tourism Celebration on May 17, and Eli’s Block Party on May 19.

The “Greatest Show On Dirt” returns to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Arena during National Police Week – a time to recognize and honor our fallen law enforcement officers — and what a great way to recognize and support the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department. This annual event will bring competitors and spectators from near and far filling our hotels and RV parks and boosting our economy. This week-long series of events kicks off May 12 with the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Grand Marshall Parade followed by Preston’s Kid’s Rodeo Day on May 14, then the Street Dance and Fashion Show on May 15. Slack day, if needed for additional competitions, will be May 17; the big show with bulls, broncos, and more will be May 18 and 19.

Another opportunity to support local law enforcement is the Athens Police Department Reserves Golf Tournament on May 10. The Athens Police Department Reserve is comprised of community members who volunteer at least 16 hours per month assisting Athens Police Department certified officers in duties like traffic stops, calls for service, emergency response, and booking of prisoners. This fundraiser assists in purchasing police equipment, training, as well as funding community outreach programs.

Other events throughout the community offer chances to give back including the May 5th Spring Bake/Craft Show at Ardmore Public Library, Swamp John’s Dinner at Tanner UMC on May 7, Cruisin’ for Corey on May 12, Trash Attack with Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful on May 12, Felder Rushing for the TIE Foundation on May 17, Cruise-In for Ardmore Boys and Girls Club on May 17, VVA/AmVets Swamp John’s at the VVA bldg. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 19, and a Bass Tournament for Ardmore Baseball and Softball on May 19.

This is just a glimpse of what’s going on in Athens-Limestone Alabama during the month of May – with events added daily to our calendar. You get can specifics about these and other events for May and beyond by visiting VisitAthensAL.com or stopping by the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center 100 North Beaty Street in Athens from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
By: Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association