Homesteading Classes Come to Ardmore

   Homesteading Classes Come to Ardmore

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


Homesteading has become vogue with Millennials, college and universities, school systems and those looking to return to the land and cultivate food and materials for their use. Broadly defined homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency but its roots can be traced back to 1862 when the Homestead Act was signed into law by Abraham Lincoln.

The law allowed people to receive free land from the United States Government in exchange for developing a homestead farm within a certain period.  If all obligations were met, the land the newly established farm sat upon become property of the citizen.

The Ardmore Public Library will be offering a series of Homesteading classes:

• August 20 -- 10:00AM
  Beekeeping with Benny Birdstrong of Giles County Extension Office
  
• September 17 -- 10:00AM
  Pruning Trees with Darby Payne of the UT Extension Office
  
• October 22 -- 10:00AM
  Diseases and Insects on Trees with Kevin Rose of the UT Extension Office
  
• November 12 -- 10:00AM
  Making Holiday Breads with Susan Duff

The Ardmore Public Library is located at 25836 Main Street in Ardmore, Tennessee.  To contact the library, please call 931-427-4883 from 9:00AM-6:00PM Monday through Friday and 9:00AM-1:00PM on Saturday.

Tasty Tomato Fun Comes To Athens Saturday Market August 13th

Tasty Tomato Fun
Comes To Athens Saturday Market August 13th

Written by

Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

Make your plans and come prepared for juicy, fresh Tomato Sandwiches being served up August 13th at the Athens Saturday Market at the Limestone Co Farmers Market Pavilion 409 West Green Street Athens, AL.   

Join the Spirit of Athens from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Noon for local growers, producers and artisans and a truly special Southern Treat - Tomato Sandwiches.

This juicy, succulent snack is a staple in Southern kitchens when the bumper crops of freshly grown tomatoes arrive.  There will be disagreement on which tomato makes for the best sandwich- Big Boy, Germans, Beefmasters, or good old ugly heirlooms.  Then the mayonnaise will be another bone of contention - depending on where you grew up.  But there is one thing for sure that overpowers any disagreement - the joy you have sharing the bounty of the garden with friends and family.

Activities for the kids including information about plants and conservation.  Enjoy the samples from local growers and producers including the latest crops of peaches and watermelon.  You'll be able to stock the fridge with local meat, eggs, produce, hummus, and more in one trip.

Live musical guest will be Copeland Road, so be sure to bring a chair for the performance under the pavilion.

 AthensSaturdayMarket.com​

Mandatory Game Check Workshop August 13th at Cabella's Huntsville

Mandatory Game Check Workshop August 13th
at Cabela's Huntsville

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


New Alabama Game Check laws go into effect this Fall hunting season and hunters will not want to miss the opportunity to learn about these new practices and procedures on August 13th at Cabela's in Huntsville 7090 Cabela Drive at 3:30PM.

Chuck Sykes, Director of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries will be hosting the event and welcomes hunters of all ages to learn more about the new 48 Hour reporting standard, how impacts the hunting season, and how it will help conservation efforts.  He will also discuss the three methods hunters can register their kills during the event.

For more information about this workshop: 334-242-3465.

9 Ways to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Limestone County

9 Ways to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week
in Limestone County

Written by

Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

The United States Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, has declared August 7th through the 13th National Farmers Market Week.  Is there a better reason to eat local and support local farmers and producers?

Limestone County Alabama is full of opportunities to enjoy fresh and locally produced items.  We're fortunate to have fertile lands and a long heritage of farming that continues to serve our community - and we want to share the wealth with you.  We've pulled together a list of eight places and one surprise you're sure to want to visit to buy local and to eat local and celebrate the producers who bring these local options to you.

1.  Athens Saturday Market athenssaturdaymarket.com 

• 409 West Green Street Athens, AL 
• Saturdays June-Aug 8:00AM-12:00PM
• Join them for a tasty treat as they kick off National Farmers Market Week on August 6th
• Mark your calendar for August 13th for Tomato Sandwich Day
  

2.  Belle Chevre Fromagerie and Cheese Shop  bellechevre.com

• 18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road Elkmont, AL
• Cheese Shop: Tues-Fri: 10:00AM-3:00PM, Sat: 10:00AM-5:00PM, Closed Sun and Mon
• Tours: Tues-Fri: 10:00AM & 1:00PM; Sat: 11:00AM, 1:00PM & 3:00PM, Sun: Closed Monday: no tours  ...   Book your Guided Tour by calling 256-732-4801.
• Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Belle Chevre's cheese making and creamery
• Dine and shop the cheese shop for this local produced goat cheese
  

3.  Isom's Orchard isomsorchard.com

• 20412 U.S. Highway 72E Athens, AL 
• Mon-Sat: 8:00AM-6:00PM   Sun: 8:00AM-5:00PM May-November
• Shop a variety of fresh produce including apples, squash, grapes and more
• Seasonal specialities include bbq wood chunks, apple cider, gourds, pumpkins
  

4.  Limestone County Farmers Market  limestonecounty-al.gov/limestone-county-farmers-market

• 409 West Green Street Athens, AL
• Tuesday and Fridays May-November 6:30AM-1:00PM
• Farmers and Producers 6:30AM-1:00PM; All Other Vendors 7:30AM-1:00PM
• Come early because the farmers usually sell out quick
  

5.  Hobbs Beef Farm  www.hobbsfarmsbeef.com

• 29578 Gatlin Road Ardmore, AL
• Fridays 10:00AM-5:00PM 
• Enjoy locally raised and USDA processed beef, chicken, turkey and goat
• The Hobbs Family takes pride in their products - growing the hay, corn themselves, pasture raising their herd and offering hormone-free meat.
  

6.  Ardmore Farmers Market

• Hamlett Street Ardmore, TN
• Saturdays: 6:00AM-?
• Enjoy a variety of produce and locally produced items
  

7.  Humble Heart Farms  humbleheartfarms.com

• 25235 Mooresville Road Elkmont, AL
• Tours by Appointment
• Enjoy themed tours geared to age groups and subjects
  

8.  Bivens Fish Market  (256) 216-5777

• 13935 Ripley Road Athens, AL
• Mon-Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Enjoy freshly caught fish by Mr. Ripley, dressed in shop and ready for you 
• Cash only
  

9.  Enjoy our farm heritage...

We have one more idea for you to kick off your week of celebrating farmers and farmers markets.  The Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days is August 5th and 6th on the Piney Chapel Grounds on Elkton Road in Athens, Alabama.  This family friendly event is full of antique engines, tractors and events that honor and celebrate life on the farm as well as have a little fun.  

Friday at 10:00AM, attendees can enjoy a 20-mile Tractor Ride up Elkton Road and into Elkmont where riders can purchase meals (cash only) from the Limestone County Cattlemen's' Association before a return trip down the Richard Martin Rails to Trails.  Gates open at 7:00AM each day. Tickets: $5 per person. Children 10 years old and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

Learn more about the event with this featured post:
http://limestonecountyalabamaagtrail.blogspot.com/2016/08/piney-chapel-american-farm-heritage-day.html
 

Rodeo comes to Ardmore Aug 5th & 6th

Rodeo comes to Ardmore Aug 5th & 6th

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

It's time to dust off your favorite cowboy boots, grab your friends and family  and head to Ardmore, Tennessee for the 23rd Annual Police Reserve Rodeo at John Barnes Park 26425 Hamlett Street on August 5th and 6th.


The gates open at 6:00pm with the show underway at 8:00PM each night.  With a variety of rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, bronco busting, and rodeo clown antics.


Top Notch Rodeo is seeking competitors for the August 5th and 6th event.  They have announced added money of $500.00 per event. Anyone interested in competing there is an entry fee of $50.00. Performance times start at 8:00PM with Slack after performances.  Books Open to registration on August 1st with call in time: 6:00PM-9:00PM to phone number 256-423-4919. Competitor considerations include Ground Rules: Permits if needed and you must ride in Grand Entry. Stock Contractor for this event is Top Notch Rodeo Company. Buckles will be awarded to each event winner.


Advanced tickets are now on sale at Ardmore Police Department or from any Ardmore Police Officer or Reserve Officer. Tickets will also be available at the following locations:

• Adams Western Wear  28100 AL-251 Ardmore, AL 35739
• First National Bank  26591 E Main Ardmore, TN 38449
• Peoples State Bank  26327 Main St Ardmore, TN 38449
• CB & S Bank  26314 Main St, Ardmore, TN 38449
• Town of Ardmore  26494 1st Street Ardmore, Alabama 35739
• City of Ardmore  25844 Main Street Ardmore, TN 38449

Advance prices for ages 13 & up $12.00, Children 6-12 are $8.00 and 5 and under are free.  Gate prices for ages 13 & up $15.00, Children 6-12 are $10.00 and 5 and under are free.

Access to John Barnes Park can also be made via Ardmore Ridge Road located beside the railroad bridge overpass.

Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Day Aug 5 & 6

Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Day
August 5 & 6

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

Seldom are the farmers heralded for their contribution to our nation and community, however, the Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Assocation ensure that this heritage isn't overlooked.   This year's Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days will be August 5th and 6th on the grounds at 20147 Elkton Road just north of Athens, AL. 

Grounds open at 7:00 AM on Friday and Saturday for this Southeast Tourism's Top 20 Events in the Southeast recognized event.  Attendees of all ages will want to see the equipment in action -- including the Parade of Power. 

The most highly anticipated event of the Farm Heritage Days is the nearly 20 mile Tractor Ride on August 5th that departs at 10:00AM from the grounds on a trek up Elkton Road into Elkmont for lunch with Limestone County Cattlemans' Association (separate purchase, cash only) with a return trip down the Richard Martin Rails to Trails.  This is the only time of the year that mechanized vehicles are allowed on the trail and it is included in gate admission.

Assorted gasoline engines, steam engines, antique tractors, cars, trucks, horse drawn equipment, parts vendors, swap meet, craft vendors, collectibles and much more will be on display during Farm Heritage Days.  Events include Fast Crank Competition, Slow Races, Skillet Throw for the ladies, Pedal Pull for the kids and lots more for the entire family. Live music starts at 5:30PM on Friday night.  No need to leave the grounds, a variety of concessions will be on hand too for the family to enjoy- including breakfast biscuits on Saturday morning.

Admission $5.00, children 10 and under free.  Free parking.  Flea market & parts vendors $10 set up fee.   Contact:   David Hargrove 256-431-6226, Allen Dement 256-431-0619, Marvin Putman 256-431-2316 and Mike Hodges 256-206-5926.

Mandatory Game Check Starts This Fall in Alabama

Mandatory Game Check Starts This Fall in Alabama

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resource
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 - 9:00am

Mandatory reporting of all deer and turkey harvests through Alabama’s Game Check system goes into effect this fall. Hunters will have 48 hours to report their harvest through a mobile app, online or by phone. Long-term harvest data will be used to guide the state’s deer and turkey management programs.

This spring, Alabama’s Conservation Advisory Board (CAB) recommended mandatory reporting via the Game Check system if the statewide deer season was extended to February 10, with no closed period in December, and a bucks-only archery season was implemented in the South Zone (Zone B) from October 15-24. These changes will be in effect this fall as Alabama joins 47 other states with a mandatory harvest reporting system.

“We live in a data-driven world,” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). “That applies to wildlife management as well. Over time, the information collected though Game Check will give us a better understanding of Alabama’s deer and turkey populations, which will ultimately benefit hunters for generations to come.”

There are three ways to Game Check a harvested deer or turkey: through the Outdoor Alabama smartphone app available at www.outdooralabama.com/mobile-apps, online at www.outdooralabama.com/gamecheck, or by calling 1-800-888-7690.

Information required to Game Check a harvest includes the date of harvest, the type of animal (deer or turkey), sex of deer and age of gobbler (adult or jake), county of harvest, public or private land and a hunting license or H.E.L.P. (Hunter Exempt License Privilege) number.

Hunters are encouraged to utilize Game Check via the Outdoor Alabama mobile app or go online to report their harvest. Reporting via the mobile app can be completed offline regardless of cellphone or data coverage. Just input the information and the app will automatically submit it when cellphone or data coverage is restored. The phone number is provided as a service for hunters who do not have internet access.

Besides providing a convenient way to report your harvest, a smartphone with the Outdoor Alabama app will be accepted in lieu of a paper harvest record. Hunters who plan to Game Check online or by phone are still required to possess a harvest record and hunting license during their hunt.

“It’s a very simple process and takes just a few minutes to use Game Check,” Sykes said. “With multiple reporting options and a reasonable time frame to input the data, there are no barriers to using the system.”

To educate hunters in Alabama about Game Check, WFF is holding seminars about the program throughout the state this summer and fall. Topics to be covered include how to check your game, why the data is important, how data collection benefits hunters and additional changes to the upcoming season. For more information about Game Check and to view a seminar schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/game-check-seminar-series or call WFF at 334-242-3465.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.  To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

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