July

The Florence Neighbors was designed to reflect the name of your neighborhood so that you could easily remember and identify with it. Florence Neighbors was crafted specifically for you, with all of your neighborhood needs and interests in mind and serves as a means to bring all Florence, AL neighbors together.
Please enjoy Florence Neighbors and use it often. Remember, Florence Neighbors is absolutely FREE and was designed exclusively for you and your neighbors!
There's no better place than your Neighborhood Sites to find out about local events to get involved in!


You will find information for the Shoals on Real Estate, Foreclosed Homes, Auto Price Quotes, Merchants, Home and Auto Insurance, and Home Remodeling Quotes on our Florence Neighbors WEBSITE .



10/26/10

Oct. 30th- Forks of Cypress Walking Tour

Forks of Cypress Plantation Site & Cemetery Walking tour and historic marker dedication. Saturday, October 30, 10am-12pm.
Presentation by Curtis Flowers,
Guided tour by Harry Wallace.
Directions: Cox Creek PKwy to Jackson Rd. (no traffic signal), go north on Jackson Rd and turn right at dead end onto CR 41.




10/25/10

October 30th - Book Signing at Sweetwater Mansion

Jessica Penot will be signing copies of her book at Sweetwater Mansion on October 30th from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Jessica a therapist and writer who lives in Alabama. Her work has been published in Nocturnal Ooze, Theatre of Decay, Cthulu Sex Magazine, Outer Darkness, and Byzarium. She also has a ghost story column in the Valley Planet and has written a horror novel, Circe,which will be released in August of 2011. Her book Haunted North Alabama is now available from History Press.

Author, Jessica Penot, Haunted North Alabama, will also be from 5-6pm. at Cold Water Books in Tuscumbia along with local storyteller, Sarah Anne Maples that will present ghost stories for children.



Phyllis White will be signing copies of her book at Sweetwater Mansion on October 30th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. ($10.00 per copy)

Phyllis has created her own cartoon series, has written many articles, short stories, co-authored two books, and in 2008, published her first novel, titled “Led by the Spirit.” Led is a work of fiction, based on a woman’s obsession and love affair with a ghost. Led exposes the paranormal and gives White’s perspective on the supernatural realm and gives her audience a view of how opening oneself up to ‘spirits’ can be destructive. This book is like no other book you have read and is described by most readers as a ‘page turner’ and ‘a book I couldn’t put down.’ Many are anxiously awaiting the sequel.
White’s unique style of writing holds your attention and she has created in “Led” a spine tingling book, not for the squeamish. It’s a book of good versus evil with many twists and turns and a surprise ending. This is a must read! Website: http://www.phylliswhiteart.com/

October 29th - Book Signing at Sweetwater Mansion

Brent Raynes will be signing copies of his books at Sweetwater Mansion on October 29th from 6:30-7:30 p.m
Brent Raynes, editor of Alternate Perceptions online magazine (http://www.mysterious-america.net/) , author of Visitors From Hidden Realms (2004) and On The Edge of Reality (2009), has been studying unexplained phenomena (i.e., UFOs, hauntings, Bigfoot, etc.) since 1967.
He is pictured and featured with some of his case investigations of mysterious humanoid beings in noted veteran author Brad Steiger’s just released book Real Monsters.
Raynes, along with other noted authority figures in the field of ufology and paranormal studies, will be delivering a presentation at the Association for Research and Enlightenment’s international UFO Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia on November 12-14th. It will, in fact, be named after Raynes’ first book, Visitors From Hidden Realms.
For several months now Raynes, along with several other Tennessee investigators, have conducted investigations in which they obtained what they found to be convincing evidence that something “paranormal” was going on at various locations that they have investigated here in the state of Tennessee. Most impressive of all, they have actually recorded hundreds of what appear to be classic examples of what is commonly referred to as EVP (electronic voice phenomena), which they had recorded on standard digital recorders and from the white noise of AM radio frequencies. These voices were often extremely interactive and even read words and names we had written on index cards and sheets of paper back to us over AM radio! They even seemed to know things going on with us that no outsider should have known. While many seemed to identify themselves as so-called “spirits”, some even claimed to be “aliens” (two members of the team are what are commonly referred to as “alien abductees”).These anomalous radio contacts in the UFO field have been reported by various others since 1952, but few have ever investigated and sought to duplicate the techniques.
Raynes will include in his presentation at the Virginia conference in November the details of his latest investigations and play audio files of these mysterious “electronic voices” that he and his colleagues have recorded. Raynes, Bret and Gina Oldham, and Sandy Nichols presented their findings at the Arts Center in Fayetteville, Tenn. on Saturday evening, October 2.
Back issues of my magazine Alternate Perceptions (when it was in print; now collectors items) will be sold (and autographed if you want) for only $2.00 per copy.
Copies of my acclaimed Visitors From Hidden Realms (2004) will be available for $16.00 a copy, and of course I will gladly autograph them.
My latest book is On The Edge of Reality: Dream Weavers - The Mastering of Time and Space (2009), but unfortunately I'm all sold out. However, copies can be purchased from Amazon.


Phyllis White will be signing copies of her book at Sweetwater Mansion on October 29th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. ($10.00 per copy)

Phyllis White is a local artist and author and native of Lauderdale County. She loves to create; whether it be with the brush or the written word. She is a member of the Shoals Artist Guild, and majored in art and English at the University of North Alabama. You may have seen some of her artwork displayed at the Kennedy-Douglas Art Center, at Arts Alive, the Renaissance Faire, as well as First Fridays.
Phyllis has created her own cartoon series, has written many articles, short stories, co-authored two books, and in 2008, published her first novel, titled “Led by the Spirit.” Led is a work of fiction, based on a woman’s obsession and love affair with a ghost. Led exposes the paranormal and gives White’s perspective on the supernatural realm and gives her audience a view of how opening oneself up to ‘spirits’ can be destructive. This book is like no other book you have read and is described by most readers as a ‘page turner’ and ‘a book I couldn’t put down.’ Many are anxiously awaiting the sequel.
White’s unique style of writing holds your attention and she has created in “Led” a spine tingling book, not for the squeamish. It’s a book of good versus evil with many twists and turns and a surprise ending. This is a must read! Website: http://www.phylliswhiteart.com/

10/23/10

Sunday's Historical Tours of Sweetwater Mansion


Starting this coming Sunday October 10th from 1 till 5 historical Tours of Sweetwater Mansion !!


Starting October 1st - Sweetwater Ghost Walk 2010

Starting Oct. 1 Sweetwater Mansion Ghost Walk 2010
Time:  Mon.-Thur. 3pm-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 3pm-Midnight
Cancelled if raining
Over 200 years of hauntings & ghostly sightings have been linked to this historic 1828 estate.

Come and walk down the wooded paths to the cemetery or tour the old mansion room by room as it is opened to the public for the first time in 40 years. The stories will be told from actual accounts from long ago and as recent as this year.

5 & Under Free
Ghostwalk of Grounds & Cemetary $10
Mansion Only $15 or $25 for both.
Group Rates Available

Professional Paranormal Group Rates Available investigations by appointment. Contact Robert Simone
Paranormal investigations, videos and photos will be available

For more information contact sweetwaterghostwalk@yahoo.com or call 256-710-4432.

All rights reserved and copyrighted by Sweetwater Mansion Plantation - Florence, Alabama.
Some restrictions apply. All proceeds benefit the Sweetwater Restoration Fund of this beautiful historic landmark.

Sweetwater Mansion
842 Sweetwater Ave, off Florence Blvd.
Behind Chevron & the new Residence Inn

10/19/10

September 16th - Oct. 31 - Corn Maze

Thursday, Sept. 16th  - October 31
Location Rippavilla Plantation
The corn maze will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 31, 2010.
Hours of operation are Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Fridays: 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sundays: Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Special days and times are available for schools and groups by calling Rippavilla at (931) 486-9037. Admission - $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 6 to 12, children

McGee Farm

Each fall Lenis and Amy McGee in Florence open their family farm for six weeks of pumpkin picking, farm-life fun, and an array of family friendly activities. The highlight each year is the hayride to what may be the greatest pumpkin patch of North Alabama for picking an orange treasure to take home. Along with pumpkin of all shapes and sizes, visitors are treated to other farm-life activities, including picking cotton, playing in hay, taking a scenic hayride, and feeding chickens.
The new Kitchen at McGee Farm is set to open this fall, serving up country favorites such as white beans and cornbread, soups, muffins, homemade treats, pies, and more. McGee Farm also has a picnic area under a huge oak tree where guests can have picnics or simply rest and take in the scenic countryside.
In addition to the farming activities and country cooking, fall decorations such as straw bales, corn stalks, miniature gourds, and an assortment of locally grown chrysanthemums and knock out roses, all grown right on the farm, will be available for purchase.
McGee Farm is open to the general public and group tours Monday through Friday 3- 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 1-5pm beginning September 18 - October 31. Admission to the farm is free. Cost for the hayride is $3 per person. School and group tour rates and reservations are available upon request. Pumpkin prices begin at three for $1 with giant pumpkins sold at 30¢ per pound.
McGee Farm is a working family farm located at 8221 County Road 7 in Florence. For more information, visit http://www.mcgeefarm.com/. To make a reservation for a group tour, contact Amy McGee at 256-766-2725

10/18/10

Haunted History for October









Ghost Trails, Storytelling and Haunted Sites

Montgomery,  Alabama’s haunted history comes to life in October with ghost trails, storytelling festivals, haunted trolley rides and ghost walks through historical neighborhoods, many in North Alabama. Families can experience a variety of events and trails that pay homage to the state’s ghostly history.
Hear ghost stories from master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham at the 32nd Annual Tale Telling Festival in Selma. “A really good ghost story will leave you asking, ‘could that really be true’,” said Windham. Visitors can experience a rare moonlit tour of the famous ghost town Old Cahawba, while the Black Belt Ghost Trail showcases dozens of haunted sites that include homes, restaurants, cemeteries and Civil War sites.
The Alabama Tourism Department offers the following list of ghostly events taking place this month across the state.

Athens 5th Annual " Historic Haunts Walk"  — October 4, 12, 14, 19
This annual Historic Haunts Walk begins at the Houston Library and includes tales of paranormal activity at 12 local structures. Hear about the college student who fell to her death and is said to still wander the halls at Athens University. Each walk is approximately 90 minutes and begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information contact Jeanette Dunnavant, Limestone County Tourism 256.232.5411 or jeanette@tourathens.com

Huntsville Ghost Walking Tour  – Fridays/Saturdays in October
Participants will hear stories of Huntsville’s haunted past while walking along in the Old Town Historic District. New for 2010, the Huntsville Ghost Walk offers a one hour trolley tour through Huntsville’s haunted past. Reservations should be made in advance by purchasing tickets at Harrison Brothers Hardware Store at 124 South Side Square. Adult tickets are $12 and children 10 and under can ride for $10. Seating is limited. All tours begin promptly at 6 p.m.
The walking tours take place on Friday nights as well as Saturday nights. Trolley tours will only be offered on Saturday nights. Tickets for the walking tours are $8 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. Call 256.509.3940 or visit http://www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com/ for more information.

A Sweetwater Ghost Walk 2010 in Florence - October 1-31
Ghost tours of this beautiful old plantation will be given during October. A walking tour will take visitors around the grounds of the stately home. Monies raised from this event will go toward the restoration of the mansion. Walks are Monday-Thursday 7 pm to 11 pm. Friday and Saturdays 7 pm to 12 am. Adults: $25, Children: (under 12) $10, Students (college and high school) $10. http://sweetwaterghostwalk.blogspot.com/

History and Haunts Trolley Tour- Oct. 29th
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Depart at Cold Water Books, Tuscumbia
Corner of Sixth and Main Street
Tickets $10
Proceeds benefit local historic preservation efforts by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation.
Details: 256-383-2525 or 256-383-0783



October 29th - History and Haunts Trolley Tour

Time: 6-8pm
Location: Depart at Cold Water Books, Tuscumbia
Corner of Sixth and Main Street
Tickets $10
Proceeds benefit local historic preservation efforts by the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation.
Details: 256-383-2525 or 256-383-0783


October 23rd - Gone With The Wind Night

October 23rd - Gone With The Wind Night
at Sweetwater Mansion

Come dressed as your favorite character.

Tours:  3:00 pm to 12:00

Prizes - Trivia - Movie

10/16/10

Events for the Alabama Renaissance Faire

Events for October 2010: Saturday, October 9, 9-2, A free costume-making workshop in the studio located in the rear yard of Kennedy-Douglass Art Center across from Wilson Park in downtown Florence. Bring three yards of fabric at least 54” wide and walk away with a costume.

Saturday, October 16, 7pm, An authentic Renaissance Feast at the Florence-Lauderdale coliseum. Tickets are $25 each and went on sale Friday, October 1, at Kennedy-Douglass Art Center. Seating is limited to 200.

Sunday, October 17, 2pm, The last of three films in the series at the Florence- Lauderdale Public Library. Admission is free. This week: “Robin of Sherwood” (from the BBC series)

Saturday, October 23, 10am-6pm, The official Alabama Renaissance Faire at Fountain-on-the-green (Wilson Park) in downtown Florence. Enjoy entertainment, food and crafts reminiscent of a trade fair in Europe 500 years ago. Admission is free.




10/12/10

October 23-24 - Alabama Renaissance Faire


October 23-24 - Alabama Renaissance Faire
Location:  Wilson Park, Florence
Time:  10am - 6pm, Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday
Admission:  Free
Details:  256-740-4141 and 256-768-3031

Florence, the Renaissance City, recreates the atmosphere of an authentic medieval Renaissance Faire. The faire includes authentic costumes, magicians, knights on horseback, sword fighting, unique arts and crafts and food concessions. This is a great event for the entire family and everyone is welcome to come dressed in true Renaissance attire.

October 16th - Alabama Renaissance Feast

An authentic Medieval/Renaissance full-course dinner prepared by Chef Jim Matterer from Pennsylvania, who has been featured on the Food Network for his period recipes. Event takes place in a Baronial Hall decorated in the era; entertainment of the era as well. Seating limited to 200.
Address: Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum , Florence, Alabama
Ph: 256-768-3031 (Always call and confirm events)



9/30/10

October 9 - Living History at Pope's Tavern Museum



A free Military Camp Life Re-Enactment will be presented by the 27th Alabama Infantry Unit of the Elk River Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Keven Gray. 

Time:  10am to 4pm.
Admission to Tour the Museum:  $2.00/adults $.50/children
Details:  256-760-6439

9/29/10

Oct. 6, 7, & 8 - Filming of the Movie "Tormented"

October 2 & 3 - Oktoberfest

8th Annual Oktoberfest

Saturday, 9am UNTIL with Fireworks Show
Sunday, 11am to 5pm
St. Florian--Family activities for the whole family with games, entertainemnt, food, etc.


German Beer Garden - Live Music - Antique Tractor Show - Arts & Crafts - Homemade Desserts & Fresh Baked Bread

Huge Giveaways - Big Event at the Senior Center
Contact:  888-356-8687.
Address: St. Florian , Florence, Alabama
Ph: 1 Hightower Place (Always call and confirm events)
Fee:   Free

October 3rd - Paint the Shoals Pink

Paint The Shoals Pink - An American Cancer Society Event held during Breast Cancer Awareness month to honor those women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. Fine dining, dancing, entertainment, silent/live auction. Dress is cocktail (black tie optional). All women are asked to dress in PINK!


Address: Mariott Shoals, Florence, AL , Florence, Alabama

Ph: 256-767-0825 (Always call and confirm events)

Fee: Admission charged

October 2nd - First Saturday

Location: Downtown Rogersville, Alabama
Time: 3-8 pm
Admission: Free

More Info: Call our Chamber of Commerce at 256-247-9449

Join us in Rogersville on the first Saturday of every month for the Volunteer Fire Department's FISH FRY and stay for SPECIAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT, Crafts, Special Sales with Participating Shops, Farmers Market, In-Season Food, Fun and Festivities.




October 1st - First Fridays

This October, First Friday in Florence falls on the first day of the month. What more fitting a way to celebrate this magical fall month than an excursion to downtown Florence to see all the arts and crafts.


Hours: 5:00 pm to 9:00pm

http://www.firstfridaysflorence.com/

9/23/10

October 2nd - 1st Annual Arts and Crafts Bazaar

1st Annual Arts and Crafts Bazaar hosted by the Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter and its volunteer group, SAViA (Shelter Animal Volunteers in Action), October 2 from 8am-5pm at the Florence Coliseum on Veterans Drive. Local and area vendors, baked goods, pet gifts, Moon Bounce, pet photos, live band, shelter sponsored food vending. Vendor applications can be picked up at the front desk at Florence Animal Shelter or call 205- 935-3446.

October 1st & 2nd - Homecoming at UNA

Homecoming at UNA October 1 and 2. October 1 – Jack Karnes Memorial Golf Tournament at Blackberry Trail. For additional information, visit http://alumni.una.edu/golf or call 256-765- 4201.

October 1- UNA Alumni Awards Banquet, 6:30pm. Guillot University Center. Tickets $20. Visit http://alumni.una.edu/homecoming or call 256-765-4201 to purchase tickers.

October 2- UNA Homecoming Parade 11am, South on Court Street, left on Tennessee Street, left on Seminary Street. To reserve your spot in the parade, call UNA Office of Alumni Relations at 256-765- 4201.

October 2- UNA vs. Arkansas Tech at 6pm in Braly Stadium

9/13/10

September 26th - Earth Dance

September 26 - Dance for peace and the healing of our planet Earth.

Each day the Earthdance Peace Watch sets two times for our shared global peace meditation, indicated by the violet dot and the numeric countdown - so everyone around the world is focusing on peace at the same time. The synchronized time shifts forward one hour each day. The meditation period is 7 minutes

Website



9/12/10

September 22 - Autumnal Equinox

Harvest Moons and the Seeds of Our Faith  How the fall equinox, and the science of ancient astronomy, helped shape religions.
It is the time of the Second Harvest, the Autumnal Equinox, or, the First Day of Fall.
It is the moment of the last equal day and night, before we go into the Dark of Winter.

A Pagan symbol for this time, as was the Green Man the symbol for the abundance of the fields and woods, is the Stag or the Lord of the Hunt, wearing an antler cap, as depicted in ancient cave drawings.

At the Equinox, we stand at the threshold between leaving the summer months of light and abundance, and the winter months of darkness and Spirit.
The Equinox signaled to our hunter-gatherer ancestors that it was the season of hunting, since the harvests of the fields were nearly finished.
The colors associated with this holiday are red and brown, symbolizing the changing tree leaves, and the drying and withering vegetation as nature ends its cycle of abundance, draws back its bounty and prepares for the winter season and its time of rest.

September 21-26 - North Alabama State Fair

76th Annual North Alabama State Fair

Location:  Fairgrounds, South Woodward Ave., Muscle Shoals
Time:` 5:pm to midnight, Tuesday-Friday
 Weekend Sat. & Sun., noom to midnight

Admission:  Charged

State Fair Website

9/9/10

September 21st - International Day of Peace

The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.

During the month of September, many events are dedicated to promoting world peace. This day will serve a reminder to all peoples that...our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace. Celebrations are as simple as sitting in silent meditation and lighting a candle at noon to participating in a larger concert or forum.

International Day of Peace

Peaceful Relaxation

9/8/10

September 17-23 - Commemorates the Signing of the Constitution of the United States

Constitution Week, September 17-23, commemorates the signing of the Constitution of the United States. The U. S. Constitution is the oldest constitution still in active use in the world today and is the basic document of the republic, which protects the individual liberties of all citizens through written law.




WHEREAS: It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this Magnificent document and its memorable anniversary; and to the patriotic celebration which will commemorate the occasion; and
WHEREAS: Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of the proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17 though 23 as Constitution Week.
NOW THEREFORE: I, Will Hill by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of Louisville, Mississippi, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17 through 23 as CONSTITUTION WEEK
AND ask citizens to reaffirm the ideals of the Framers of the constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City to be affixed this day of September of the year of our Lord two thousand ten.

9/7/10

September 17, 18, and 19th - Annual Trail of Tears

Trail of Tears Commemoration and Motorcycle Ride

Location:  Chattanooga, TN; Madison, Florence and Waterloo
Admission:  Free
17th Annual Trail of Tears Ride September 17-19, 3 day pow-wow. Free concert both Friday and Saturday night. Vendor spots available. www.al-tntrailoftears. net. Call 256-764-3237 for more information.
Three-Day Trail of Tears Festival in Florence, AL, there will be plenty of fun to welcome all riders. The three day festivities, September 17, 18, 19 include Native American and Motorcycle vendors, a Pow Wow, storytellers, beadwork activities, flute-making opportunities, exhibition dancing and great food will be open from 10am-9pm. All area schools are invited on Friday afternoon for a day of education in Native American Culture. For more information visit Trail of Tears Remembrance  or call toll free 1-877- 868-8747.

September 10th - Docking of the "Pinta" and "Nina"

On Friday, September 10, the “Pinta” and the “Nina,” replicas of Chistopher Columbus’ ships, will be docked at the Florence Harbor until their departure early Tuesday morning September 21. Both replica ships will be available for touring each day.
The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools, Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery.
The ‘Pinta’ was recently built in Brazil to accompany the ‘Nina’ on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel and offers larger deck space for walk-aboard tours and has a 900 sq ft main salon down below to view slide shows of the ships’ construction. The ‘Pinta’ is available for private parties while in port.
Both ships are touring together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’, for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the uncharted world.
While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk aboard, self-guided tour. The prices are $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, and $5 for students. Children 4 and under are free.
The ship will be open every day through September 20, from 9am-6pm. No reservations are necessary.
Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787- 672-2152. There is a 15- person minimum for the guided tours at $4 per person, but no maximum. Visit the website at http://www.thenina.com/ for additional information or email: columfnd@surfbvi.com.

9/5/10

Sept 10-11 - Return to Cold Water

OKA KAPASSA - Return to Cold Water
Location:  Spring Park, Tuscumbia
Time:  9:00 am to 2 pm, Friday
10 am to 7:30 pm Saturday
Admission Free
Native American culture is showcased in story-telling, dancing, music, art and crafts and a torch-lighting ceremony. Over a dozen American Indian tribes return to their southeastern homeland.

Colbert County Tourism
(256) 383-0783 Toll Free (800) 344-0783

Schedule of Events

September 11th Oka Kapassa Festival Event

September 11th, 2:00 pm

In honor of the 2010 Oka Kapassa Festival, the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is hosting a lecture on the Native American heritage of the Shoals. Dr. Chris Haveman, an Auburn alum and Assistant Professor of History at the University of West Alabama, will discuss the journey of the Creek nation as they passed through local towns such as Tuscumbia, Florence, Courtland, and Waterloo. This event is sponsored by the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association.

The Oka Kapassa Festival is an annual Native American gathering held in Spring Park in Tuscumbia.

9/4/10

September 6th - Coondog Graveyard Labor Day Celebration

Location:  Coondog Cemetary, off US 72 and Alabama 247, on Coondog Road

Time:  9 am to 5 pm

Admission:  Free

Details:  256-383-2758

9/3/10

September 6th - Labor Day Celebration

89th Shoals Area Labor Council's Labor Day Celebration

Spring Park, South end of Main St. at 100 Spring Park Road, Tuscumbia Shoals Labor Council

(256) 383-2758

Labor Day in Spring Park, Tuscumbia, is celebrated with a parade, live music, the traditional political speeches and beauty contests. This event is the nation's oldest labor union celebration. Food vendors.

Free

9/1/10

September 6th & 7th - Walkin' With Outlaws

The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library is sponsoring 'Walkin' With Outlaws,' a walking tour through downtown Florence featuring the places and people from the life of Thomas Marion 'Mountain' Tom Clark (1828-1872), who let a gang of thieves, guerillas and bushwhackers who terrorized residents of Lauderdale, Limestone and Wayne counties during the Civil War. The tours will take place on Monday, September 6, and Tuesday, September 7, at 6:30 pm and will begin at the front entrance of the library.
The story of 'Mountain' Tom Clark is one of the most colorful in Lauderdale County history. Co-leader of a gang of notorious outlaws, Clark rose to infamy as the murderer of at least 16 men and possibly one child. His legend states that he was buried underneath East Tennessee Street because of his supposed boast that 'Nobody ever runs over Tom Clark.'
A guide will lead you through downtown Florence, stopping at historic sites significant to Tom Clark and his gang of outlaws, the Clifton Shebang. Along the tour, you will meet various people (played by local actors) from Tom Clark’s life.
Meet at the front entrance of the Florence Lauderdale Public Library, 218 N. Wood Ave., Florence.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the Circulation Desk at the library.
For more information, call Lee Freeman at 764-6564, ext. 30 or 28.

September 4th - Annual Dove Hunt

12th Annual Morris Mote Memorial Dove Hunt Benefiting the Nitrate City Vol.Fire Department Saturday September 4th, 2010 -Sunday September 5th , 2010 For more information call 256-710-1901 or 256-710-5422 ( Muscle Shoals )

September 4th - Rogersville First Saturday

100_0092.jpgRogersville First Saturday

Location: Downtown Rogersville, AL
Time: 3-8 pm
Admission: Free

More Info? Call our Chamber of Commerce at 256-247-9449


September 3rd - First Fridays

first firday.jpgSeptember 3rd - First Friday
Hours: 5:00 pm to 9:00pm
Downtown Florence
Events begins at 5 p.m., and concludes at 9 p.m.
The music line up on Mobile Street is as follows:
Elle Claytor a young lady from Haleyville with a ton of talent.
Dagger City a really good local but touring band. The Evan Gardner band..Evan is from Lawrenceburg..He now lives in Nashville under contract and playing places like the hard rock cafe as well as touring.
First Fridays Website

8/27/10

August 28th - Petersville Grand Ol' Opry with Classic Country Revival

August 28th - Petersville Grand Ol' Opry with Classic Country Revival

Special Guests: Pate "Little Tex" Wear, Telia Presley, Fallon Bevis and Harlie Rae
Cost: $5.00 per person, Children under 12, Free
Place: Underwood/Petersville Community Center
Time: Shows starts at 6 pm, doors open at 5:30pm

August 27th & 28th - Killen's Founder Day

August 27th & 28th - Killen's Founder Day

Fri., parade at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment in Killen Park at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5k run, children's activities, Civil War reenactment, car and truck show, entertainment, fireworks show. Native American relics and military items on display at the Pettus Museum


Address: Town of Killen and Killen Park off Hwy 72 , Florence, Alabama
Ph: 256-757-3094 (Always call and confirm events)
Fee: Free

8/26/10

Florence Lauderdale Library

Florence-Lauderdale Library:  August 26th, Thursday, 7:00 pm

Screening Room: Rashomon

60th Anniversary Screening: Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon (1950), starring Toshio Mifune, Machiko Kyo, Masayuki Mori and Takashi Shimura

8/25/10

August 25th - Loving the Shoals

Time August 25 · 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Shoals Family Success Center , Florence, Alabama
When people work together, great things happen!
Loving the Shoals is an organic movement and not an organization. Both momentum and consensus are now building across the Shoals for the benefits of bringing faith-based, non-profit, and government entities together in serving this place we call home. Over the course of several weeks, we will bring together community leaders (business, nonprofit, church, education, an...d government) who will engage in collaborative discussions focused on improving the quality of life of Shoals citizens. Ed Castile, Director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, will be traveling up from Montgomery to facilitate our discussions which begin on Wednesday, August 25th, 1-4 pm at the Shoals Family Success Center, 300 Industry Street, Florence, AL.
Everyone is saying the same thing: "The time is right for us to come together across all the boundaries that for so long have divided us and move as one body in meeting the needs of our neighbors in the Shoals!" Loving the Shoals is about willing hearts and helping hands united in common purpose – strengthening the caring power of our community.
“A successful community today depends greatly on its volunteers to bring their ideas, support, and manpower to accomplish certain goals,” said Mayor Bobby E. Irons of Florence. “Loving the Shoals will be a strong force that will encourage citizens to work together for the common purpose of focusing on the human needs of our community, thereby, improving the quality of life for the Shoals area. By joining together through a network of volunteers, we can meet the important challenges in our society such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, illiteracy, addiction, and at-risk youth. As the Mayor of Florence, I am pleased to support and endorse this program.” At the suggestion of Mayor Irons, other city and county leaders will attend the meeting on August 25th.
Our Mission: To encourage and mobilize citizens, faith-based and community leaders, and elected officials to partner together in building vibrant healthy communities where everyone feels safe, valued, welcomed, and happy. Working together at becoming well-connected, better informed, and more engaged, we will create a relational culture where people truly care about each other and are willing to do their part in helping others face everyday challenges.
Who can help? We all have something to give – a warm smile, an encouraging word, or a loving act of kindness that touches someone’s heart. Great numbers of individuals, groups, and organizations are actively involved in marvelous works of compassion and care. But more help is needed in nurturing children, building stronger families, and revitalizing our neighborhoods.
What’s our first step? After meeting on August 25th we will begin by focusing on important community challenges that impact the lives of children, youth, and families. We will identify the vast number of care providers and their programs/services that are already in place. And we will learn from each other, seek ways to complement each other, and discover service gaps that need immediate attention.
Fortunately, great numbers of individuals, groups, and organizations are actively involved in marvelous works of compassion and care. Some are state-wide celebrated models for community care. Our Lauderdale County Children’s Policy Council is ranked number one in the State of Alabama. Our Shoals Family Success Center is considered by state officials to be the best model for local community partnerships. And our Shoals Emergency Assistance Network (S.E.A.N. tracker), which was created by Shoals care providers, has become a revolutionary model for faith-based and community partnerships that’s used in over 200 U.S. cities, and is now entering Canada.
What we hope to accomplish? Our collaborative efforts will help connect thousands of compassionate Shoals citizens with causes that truly matter. As we journey together in improving the quality of life here in the Shoals, we will discover long-term partner solutions for community care, including:

• New ways for charitable organizations to tap into an abundant wealth of local assets – $92.6 million dollars.
• Proven ways to double the number of volunteers and their time deployed in community service.
• Technology that makes it easier for Shoals volunteers to find and participate in service opportunities.
• Capacity building activities that increase organization’s sustainability and effectiveness.
• Quick and easy ways to identify needs, mobilize resources, and measure outcomes community-wide.

Our hopes are to broadly implement best practices and a more comprehensive approach for improving people’s lives.
With a good supply of resources and aid, combined with long term solutions for self-sustainability and economic stability, we will enhance our existing network of services and empower creative ideas for community care. The end result will be a better quality of life and brighter future for Shoals citizens. For additional information call (256)764-0633, visit the website at Loving the Shoals

8/20/10

August 20 - 21 - Killen Founders Day

Fri., parade at 6 p.m. followed by entertainment in Killen Park at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5k run, children's activities, Civil War reenactment, car and truck show, entertainment, fireworks show. Native American relics and military items on display at the Pettus Museum.
Address: Town of Killen and Killen Park off Hwy 72 , Florence, Alabama
Ph: 256-757-3094 (Always call and confirm events)

Web: http://www.flo-tour.org/
Fee: Free

8/14/10

August 14th - 10th Annual Littleville Fun Fest

Small Towns & Downtowns Homecoming)
Historic Marker Unveiling. Full day of fun and entertainment. Arts and crafts, car and truck show, musical entertainment climaxed by a spectacular fireworks show.
Free
Time: 9 am – 10 pm
Place: Littleville Town Hall (surrounding facilities)
For more information: (256) 332-3567 or
Email: avandivertol@yahoo.com

Littleville’s Annual Fun Fest will be held on the grassy area behind Littleville City Hall on August 14. Now in its eleventh year, the event is an opportunity for the city to give back to the citizens of the town and the surround-ing Shoals communities.

The public is invited and admission is free.

Activities will begin at noon and will include arts and crafts, children’s games, inflatables, food from vendors, the unveiling of the town’s historic marker, and various, on-stage musical acts.

A competitive musical talent show will take place from noon-3pm with participants paying $20. Over 20 entries are expected and the winner will take all.

Littleville’s historic marker will be unveiled in a ceremony at 3pm in front of City Hall. This historic marker is part of the program on Small Towns and Downtowns, and it will be the fifth to be dedicated in Colbert County this year.

An impressive lineup of music talent will be showcased on stage beginning with Travis Wammack at 4pm, followed by the Usual Suspects at 5:30pm and Jukebox Jim from 7-9pm.

The evening will climax with a fireworks show.

For more information and to participate in the musical talent show, contact Littleville City Hall at 256-332-3567

8/11/10

August 14th - NWA Wrestling

Ultimate NWA Wrestling comes to Sheffield. Sheffield Recreation Center. Saturday, August 14, 8pm. With one of the biggest cards ever signed. One of pro wrestlings biggest stars former WCW superstar Rick Steiner. 5 big matches sponsored by the Sheffield High School Athletic Dept. Purchase advance tickets at Sheffield Rec Center 256-386-5615, Hines Tire, Court St. Florence, 256-718-6880 & Sheffield High School. For more info email ultimatenwa@charter.net

August 14th - Luau Dance

Luau Dance - Saturday, August 14, hosted by the North Alabama Dance Club and Florence Park & Recreation Department, Broadway Recreation Center, 300 Broadway Street, Florence. Dance-7-10pm; Lesson-8pm (20 minutes) Dress is Hawaiian or casual. DJ Music by Bobby Clingan. $4 for members, $6 guests. For more information, visit www.renz.com/nadanceclub &

www.facebook.com/northalabamadanceclubSheffield

August 14th - Annual Sweetwater Reunion

Anyone associated with the Sweetwater area of Florence is invited to attend the reunion & covered dish lunch. A special award will be given to a person from Sweetwater who has made significant contributions to his or her community. There will also be entertainment.
Address: Florence/Lauderdale Coliseum 702 e. Veterans Drive , Florence, Alabama
Ph: 256-764-0945 (Always call and confirm events)
Fee: Free

8/4/10

August 7th - Rogersville First Saturday's

Location: Downtown Rogersville
Time: 3-8 pm
Admission: Free
More Info: Call our Chamber of Commerce at 256-247-9449

Join us in Rogersville on the first Saturday of every month for the Volunteer Fire Department's FISH FRY and stay for SPECIAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT, Crafts, Special Sales with Participating Shops, Farmers Market, In-Season Food, Fun and Festivities.

Website: http://www.rogersvillealabama.org/FirstSaturday.asp

August 6th - First Fridays

Hours: 5:00 pm to 9:00pm
August’s First Friday will have a new twist: Two blocks of Court Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Tombigbee Street will be blocked from Seminary Street to Court Street beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, to allow a stage to be set up for a band, said John Hamm, community relations officer for the Florence Police Department.
Court Street, between Tennessee and Tombigbee streets, will be blocked to vehicular traffic at 4 p.m. The event begins at 5 p.m., and concludes at 9 p.m.

http://www.firstfridaysflorence.com/

August 5th at the Florence-Lauderdale Library

Screening Room: It Came from Outer Space
Thursday, August 5, 7:00 pm

Bradbury 90: Journey to Far Metaphor” Miniseries: Jack Arnold’s It Came from Outer Space (1953), based on a story by Ray Bradbury, starring Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Russell Johnson, Joe Sawyer and Kathleen Hughes, plus the Oscar-nominated short film Icarus Montgolfier Wright (1962), featuring the voices of James Whitmore and Ross Martin, and the award-winning short film Quest (1983) by Saul and Elaine Bass (based on the Bradbury short story “Frost and Fire”), starring Noah Hathaway, Les Tremayne and John Abbott