Wrapping Up An Outstanding Year Of Tourism

As our 2011-2012 year came to an end, I looked back over the past 12 months and I am amazed to see how many new events and successful events we had this year. It has been a fantastic year for our tourism industry. I predict that 2012-2013 will be an even bigger and better year.

Our new tourism year began October 1st with a bang. The Haunts Walks sold out, Bean Day had a great turn out, Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby had a record number of ducks adopted, and the 46th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention had a record crowd on Friday night. If the rain had held off on Saturday, I think Saturday would have also been a record breaking crowd.

All that is behind us and there is so much to look forward to attending in this fiscal year. On October 20th Chick-fil-A will have their Fall Festival with lots of great games and food. The annual Rails to Trails Fall Walk/Ride will be Oct 27th& 28th and leaves should be at their peak. It’s the perfect time to bring the kids and enjoy the 10 mile walk. If you prefer, bring your bicycles and horses and enjoy the trail. No motorized vehicles are allowed.

We will wrap up October with the 6th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival on October 25th – 27th. The school children will get to attend free again on October 24th& 25th thanks to our local legislators. Athens State University is bringing John McCutheon and his folk music to the tent on October 25th. This man will amaze you with his talent as he plays numerous instruments.

The Spirit of Athens will use the Storytelling Tent October 22nd and will be showing the movie “The Goonies.” Admission is only $3.00. Bring the entire family and enjoy the movie.

November events will begin with the Annual Athens Veterans’ Day Parade on November 3rd at 11:00 AM. On November 10th the Alabama Veterans Museum will celebrate their 10th anniversary and have a rededication ceremony. The annual Athens and Ardmore Veterans’ Day Ceremonies will be on November 11th. We all look forward to the Annual Christmas Open House downtown November 17th& 18th. Open House is the perfect time of year to find that special Christmas gift.

As you can see, even though the weather is getting chilly, there’s still plenty to do in Athens and Limestone County. We are all looking forward to more events for 2013.

For information about the above events and other Athens-Limestone County events call 256-232-5411/256-867-1438or visit our website www.VisitAthensAL.com.
By Jeanette Dunnavant, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association