Sep 19th -- 3rd Annual CCLC Fall Bash

Sep 19th -- 3rd Annual CCLC Fall Bash  

2-S Arena 26155 Thach Road, Athens, AL  

Join the Cowboy Church of Limestone County for their annual riding event.  Registration

opens at 8:00AM; Exhibition starts at 9:00AM and Show starts 1:30PM.  Exhibitions will be sold in 30 minutes time slots with 25 exhibitions per time slot.

There will be 70% payback in all classes and 100% in Lead Line Barrel.  A buckle will be rewarded to each Open D Champion.  There is a gauranteed $3000.00 in added money.

In competition:  Lead Line Barrels must be 10 and under.  Spouses cannot be entered into the open.  Classes include: 3D Poles, Lead Line Barrels, 3D Pee Wee Barrels, 4D Adult, 4D Youth Barrels, 5D Open Barrels and Spouse Race.  

For more information: Mindy Sanders 256-278-5758 or Wil Sanders 606-246-0628.

Elkmont Lions Club Dove Hunt - September 12th

September 12

Elkmont Lions Club Dove Hunt 

Hobbs Farm  26229 Veto Road, Elkmont, AL  

Join the Elkmont Lions Club for their annual fundraising Dove Hunt at Hobbs Farm.  Presale of Reserve Spots start on September 11 at 12:00PM (noon) and go until September 12 at 9:00AM.  Presale is $100.00 includes bale and 4 permits; single is $30.00 after 9:00AM.  On September 12th, permits are $20.00 and shooters have to find a spot as there will be no Reserve Posts at that point.  All permits are 3-Day Permits. 

For more information or reserve a spot: Dickie Hobbs 256-509-5121

Elkmont Lions Club

Elkmontlionsclub.com

Alabama Youth Dove Hunt Registration Opens Soon

Alabama Youth Dove Hunt Registration Opens Soon

Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Assn.


Alabama Youth Dove Hunt Registration Opens on August 25th for the North Alabama portion of the event that starts September 12th.  The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)  invites youth hunters to register for hunt sponsored by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division in cooperation with landowners, local volunteers, business and organizations.

Hunters age 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old (or a parent) who

holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp.  The adult hunter will create a profile then add the youth hunter when registering for the event.

Limestone County Alabama's event will be September 19th, tentatively.  Adult registrants will receive an email 4 days prior to the hunt with directions with google map to the hunt location. The adult registrant will then receive instructions, start times and other pertinent information in another email 3 days out from the event.

Eye protection and ear plugs are encouraged during the vents. Harvest Information Stickers are no longer available at the hunts, so adults should make plans to have their stickers before attending.  All youth dove hunt participants of license buying age (16-65) will need to visit the online licensing site for Outdoor Alabama (http://www.outdooralabama.com/alabama-license-information), probate judges office (Limestone County Probate Judges Office 100 South Clinton Street Suite D, Athens, AL), or other license agents (West End Chevron 17171 Hwy 72W Athens, AL) to obtain a free HIP sticker prior to arriving at a youth hunt. Before each hunt there will be a short welcome session with reminders of hunting safety precautions. Dove hunting will begin immediately afterwards.

Reminder that all recreational licenses expire August 24, 2015.  The 2015-2016 License will be available August 24th and should be purchased that date or later, as any licenses purchased before August 23rd will expire on August 31st - no exceptions.

Get license online>>

http://www.outdooralabama.com/youth-dove-hunt-registration

Three Limestone AL Restaurants in Alabama Barbecue Battle

Three Limestone AL Restaurants in Alabama Barbecue Battle

Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Assn.


Limestone County loves its barbecue!  The nomination of three locations for from our community and the amassed voting helps to prove that point during the Alabama Barbecue Battle.  

Lawler's Barbecue, winner of the Best Barbecue Sauce in Alabama, is in the running for Best Multi-location.

306 BBQ & Catering, winner of the Best Wings in North Alabama, is in the running for Best Rookie.

Hickory Barn BBQ, that was destroyed by a tornado and has risen from the rubble and ashes like the phoenix, is actually in two categories -- Best Rookie and Best Dive.

Want to try these places out:

Lawler's Barbecue Express 3
1506 U.S. Highway 72 (AL Exit 351, Interstate 65)
Athens, AL

Hickory Barn BBQ
12250 U.S. Highway 72 (West of Athens)
Athens, AL

306 BBQ & Catering
23101 U.S. Highway 72E (East of Athens)
Athens, AL

Want to vote for them?

https://www.alabamabbqbattle.com

Aug 23rd -- Team Roping

Aug 23rd -- Team Roping
2 Bar S Arena 26155 Thach Road Athens, AL

  Join 2 Bar S Arena and Split Creek Ranch Cattle Co. for an afternoon of Team Roping.  Books open at 1:00PM, Roping starts at 2:00PM.  Concessions available on site.  

For more information contact Will Sanders 606-246-0628 or Dillon Black 256-614-4408.

Aug 22nd -- 2-S Arena Barrel Race

Aug 22nd -- 2-S Arena Barrel Race  

2-S Indoor Arena 26155 Thach Road Athens AL  

Office opens at 8:00AM; Exhibition Barrels 9:00AM-1:00PM - $5.00 each; Open 4D Barrels - $25.00 each; Youth 4D Barrels (if less than 30 will be a 3D) $15.00 each; Adult 4D Barrels (if less than 30 will be 3D) - $15.00 each.  Show starts at 1:30PM. All classes 80% payback. 

For more information: Mindy Sanders 256-278-5758

Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull Rev Up Tanner July 31-August 1

Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull
Rev Up Tanner July 31-August 1

Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association


Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull will rev up the fun July 31st-August 1st at Tanner

High School 12060 Sommers Road in Athens, Alabama at 7:00PM both nights.  People and competitors from all over the South come to this annual fundraiser for the Tanner Athletics Program sponsored by the Tanner Quarterback Club.  This annual event brings an estimated 6,000 people each night to Tanner, AL and the Limestone County community.

This nearly 40 year old event  includes eight classes sanctioned by the National Tractor Pullers Association and the Mid-South Pullers Association.  The class competition will include Two-Wheel Drive Trucks; Open Four-Wheel Drive Trucks; 6,000lb Super Stock; 8,000lb Super Stock; 10,000lb Pro Stock; Pro Stock Four-Wheel Drive Truck; Super Farm and Limited Pro-Stock Tractors.

Started in the mid-1970's by Shirley Haney and Johnny Malone, following the the 1974 Tornado Super Outbreak that devastated the area, this Tanner community event has served as cornerstone to unite the community as well as serve a need.   More than $1.5 million dollars has been raised for the Tanner Quarterback Club and Tanner School athletics programs allowing for the initial purchase of seven acres to construct two youth sports fields and an additional 20 acres with discussions underway to expand the sports fields to include another baseball/softball field, a soccer field, and a track.  The Tanner Quarterback Club has also use the funds to light the baseball and football fields, and construct a baseball diamond.

Now under Chairman Daniel Bates and a hard-working group of volunteers, the Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull is a must for fans and for the professional pullers.  Fan who come early can walk around the arena and enjoy close-up look at the trucks and tractors.

What you need to know...

Tickets for the Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull will be sold at the gate each night and are $15.00 for adults; $10.00 for children 7 & up; and children 6 & under are free.  T-shirts and food and beverage concessions will be available during the pull.  Ear plugs are suggested, as these professional trucks and tractors can be extremely loud.

Where to stay...

Hotels & Motels -- http://visitathensal.com/3/lodging.htm

RV Parks -- http://visitathensal.com/3/camp-grounds-and-rvs.htm

More information about what to do and see -- http://visitathensal.com

Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Queen Pageant Deadline July 21st

Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Queen Pageant 

Deadline July 21st

Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association



The Crape Myrtles are in bloom and it must mean the Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival is around the corner.  The Royal Court selection occurs July 25th for their presentation during the August 29th festival at John Barnes Park.  Boys from birth to age 5 and girls birth to age 19 are invited to register for the Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival Pageant.  Deadline is July 21st and participation is not limited to the citizens of Ardmore.  Forms can be dropped off at CB&S Bank 26314 Main Street, Ardmore, TN.

The pageant will be held at the Ardmore Tennessee Annex Building located behind People's Bank on Main Street in Ardmore.  The pageant will start at 1:00PM.  Admission is $3.00 per person, age 3 and under are free.


Entry fee per contestant: $30.00
Side Entry (Prettiest Hair, Dress, Best Smile): $15.00Optional Photogenic Category (1 photo): $5.00People's Choice Vote: $1.00 each


Spectator admission: $3.00 per person Age 3 and under and contestants: free 


For more information or questions: 256-278-5524


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Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Returns to Athens

Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Returns to Athens

The Southern traditions of Tennessee Walking Horses and Racking Horses will parade the Limestone County Sheriff's Arena on Saturday, July 18th at 5:00PM during the 4th Annual Sam Gibbons Memorial Tennessee Walking Horse Show.  This annual fundraiser put on by the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives is free for the family to enjoy and donations of any size are welcome.  The proceeds from this event go the museum in efforts to continuing their efforts of preservation and their goal of expansion to accommodate the many items awaiting display.

The familiar high-stepping gates horses will take to the arena in their proud and stately manner for onlookers to enjoy.   Tennessee Walking Horses known for their elegant gait of a four beat running-walk and Racking Horses known for their unusual single hoof down with three hoof up gait.

Refreshing and tasty concessions will be available during the horse show with the help of the Athens Optimist Club.  Items on the menu include many of the favorites served at the Fiddlers' Convention --  hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, ribbon potatoes, bottled water, funnel cakes, soft drinks, iced tea and shaved ice.

How to get there....

If you are coming from Interstate 65- Use Athens' Exit 354. You will drive south on U.S. Highway 31 to the first light at Elm Street and turn right (west). Travel west to the second light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn right (northwest). The arena will be on the right.

If you are from the south on U.S. Highway 31 - Turn left (west) on Elm Street. Travel west to the second light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn right (northwest). The arena will be on the right.

If you are coming by U.S. Highway 72- Turn right (north) at Lucas Ferry Road. You will travel to the first traffic light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn left (northwest). You will go through the traffic light at Market Street/Alabama-99 and Elm Street. The arena will be on the right.

If you are coming from Minor Hill, TN or Lester, AL - Travel south on Alabama-99 toward Athens, arena will be on left before Elm Street.

If you are coming from Pulaski, TN or Elkmont, AL - Travel south on Tennessee-7/Alabama-127/North Jefferson Street. Turn right (west) at the intersection of North Jefferson Street and Elm Street. Travel to the first traffic light at Elm Street and Market Street/Alabama-99 and turn right (northwest). The arena will be on the right.

MAP TO THELIMESTONE COUNTYSHERIFF ARENA

June 6th Marks Celebration of Boating and Fishing

Written by Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism

Grab your boat, your fishing rod, some Nightcrawlers and enjoy National Fishing and Boating Week - including the Alabama Commission of Conservation's Free Fishing Day.

The waters of the Elk River, Tennessee River and Wheeler Lake that border Limestone County Alabama are rich with fish for the avid and first time fisherman to try to hook on June 6th on Alabama Free Fishing Day.  Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Channel Catfish are among the recently caught in the shallows and grass of the shores of Limestone County.  Free Fishing Day waves the requirement of a state fishing license. (It does not wave access fees, permits or permission from private land owners.)

Anyone taking to the water will want to check out Lucy's Branch Marina and the services they're offering.  New management has taken over and is determined to restore and introduce new activities and services to the 2014 tornado hit areas of the recreational and living areas of Lucy's Branch Marina.  A new restaurant, The Lunch Box, has moved in on the dock and is offering boaters dockside delivery if they call their orders in.  You'll still find the fuel station stocked with cold beverages, snacks and ice cream to fill the boater as well boat's tank.

So enjoy the waters of Limestone County!


Jun 6th -- Alabama Free Fishing Day  Statewide  Designated by the Commission of Conservation, June 6th allows the public to fish recreationally without a license.  Some areas may require permits, fees or owner's permission.

Jun 6th - 14th -- National Fishing and Boating Week  Nationwide  Join the national celebration of fishing and boating by taking to the waters of Limestone County AL - Tennessee River, Elk River and Wheeler Lake.  takemefishing.com

June 6th Packed with Local Markets

Written by Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist
Athens-Limestone County Tourism

The "Season of Fresh" is upon us and it's just in time for summer cookouts, picnics and those just waiting for their favorite crops to come in.  Limestone County has no shortage of local producers and many of them can be found at your favorite outdoor markets.   

Here are this weekend's best bets for finding local...


Jun 6th -- Elkmont Saturday Market  Downtown Elkmont, AL The focus will be antique, vintage, up-cycled, re-purposed, artisan made goods. Also, locally grown produce, tools, and quality home goods.  Cost is $15 per booth (150 sq ft). Opens at 8:00AM-12:00PM. For more information or to reserve a booth, email: paysinger1861@yahoo.com or call or text:256-627-3139.



Jun 6th -- Athens Saturday Market   Athens-Limestone Farmers Market  409 West Green Street  Athens, AL   Come peruse the wares of local artisans, farmers and small businesses from 8:00AM-12:00PM. www.athenssaturdaymarket.com



Jun 6th -- Ardmore Farmers Market  Ardmore Farmers Market Main Street (Behind Pizza Hut) Ardmore, TN  Come peruse the local items from gardens, artisans and small producers from 8:00AM - ?


Jun 6th -- Opening Season at Isom's Orchard   Isom's Orchard 24012 U.S. Highway 72  Athens, AL   If you've been waiting for fresh peaches, wait no longer.  The peach and plum crops is coming in and it's waiting for you at Isom's Orchard. www.isomsorchard.com

Jun 5th -- Tomato Workshop Registration Deadline

Jun 5th -- Tomato Workshop Registration Deadline  Limestone County Extension Office 1109 West Market Street Athens, AL   Join the Limestone County Extension office on June 9th and learn about the growing basics, disease ID and control and insect ID and control.  Space is limited.  Class: $7.00 includes lunch.  

Register by calling 256-232-5510

Athens Home and Garden Show 2015

Mar 14th -- Athens Home and Garden Show 

Presented by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce at the Limestone County Event Center on 114 West Pryor Street in Athens, AL from 8:00AM-6:00PM.

If you are looking for a unique item for your home or garden or maybe garden tips this event is for you.  Activities for the kids to make and take too.

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful will handing out seedlings on a first come, first served basis.

For more information: 256-232-2600

1818 Farms Seed Starting Class at The Cupboard

Educational Opportunity--

March 12th -- 1818 Farms Seed Starting Class at The Cupboard

The Cupboard 504 Bank Street NE, Decatur, AL  

Learn the basic of seed starting with 1818 Farms: seed selection, direct seeding versus indoor planting, starting methods, soil mediums, temperatures, moisture, light, dividing, planting dates, "hardening off" and transplanting starting at 6:00PM.

 Fee is $20.00.

To register visit: 1818farms.com/products-page/classes/