Trim-A-Tree Farm: Locally Grown Christmas Trees

Trim-A-Tree Farm: Locally Grown Christmas Trees  

Written by

Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Assn.

The rows upon rows of evergreen trees visible from U.S. Highway 72 and the 306 BBQ and Catering lot is only the tip of the iceberg of Trim-A-Tree Farm.  The family-owned farm is the perfect place to make memories for the whole family.

At Trim-A-Tree Farms you can select a pre-cut Fraser Fir or you can come and pick a Leyland Cypress or Carolina Sapphire to take home fresh from the field.  Trim-A-Tree also gives you the option to cut your own tree.  However, if you'd like them to do all the work, they'll cut, net and load your tree for you.  That includes being shaken -- and interesting process where they rattle the tree to shake out what may have landed, nested or made a home of your new Christmas tree.

When the weather cooperates, your children can enjoy pony rides with the family pony on the weekends.  You'll even find a gift shop on site full of goodies crafted with care for your decorating and gift giving needs.

Bring your camera and record your family's experience taking home one of these evergreen jewels or the kids enjoy the pony.  You might even get enjoy sitting around the fire pit, weather and drought permitting.  You'll definitely go home enjoying your new memories and friends you'll make.

To visit Trim-A-Tree Farm, you'll find them on Line Road just off U.S. Highway 72 next to 306 BBQ and Catering and south of Pepper Road. They're open 9:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Saturday and 12:00PM-5:00PM Sundays. For more information, call (256) 497-0801 

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.

Athens State Student Groups Sponsoring Earth and Arbor Day Festival

For Further Information
Guy McClure
Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
April 19, 2016
www.athens.edu

Athens State Student Groups Sponsoring Earth and Arbor Day Festival

    ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University’s Student Government Association, the Health and Sciences Career Club, TriBeta, Kappa Pi, Phi Theta Lambda Alumni Association, and the Art Club will join forces to sponsor Earth and Arbor Day Festival 2016.  The event will be held Saturday, April 23 from noon until 4 p.m. on Beasley Field of the Athens State campus.


     The Earth and Arbor Day Festival is the biggest event of the spring semester and will feature tree tours, music, food, face-painting, rock-climbing wall, slip-n-slide, bubble ball, games and much more. All events are free and open to the public. Families are welcome. 


    “Last year’s event was very well attended and this year’s will be a great chance to learn while having fun,” says Athens State Director of Student Activities Terry Stepp. “We look forward to seeing students, families from the community, and anyone who would like to spend a day on our historic campus.”

    The Earth and Arbor Day Festival is the last student event of the academic year. It also gives Athens State graduating seniors a fantastic send-off. Call 256-233-8241 for more information.

Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO Set For April 30th

125 East Street, P.O. Box 1089

Athens, Alabama 35612

(256) 233-8728

Recycling Center: (256) 233-8746

KALBCares@gmail.com

www.KALBCares.com

April 14, 2016

NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release

CONTACT
Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator
256-233-8000  cell:  256-431-0272
KALBCares@gmail.com


KALB Hosts 8th Annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is proud to host the annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO on Saturday, April 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Rd., Athens, AL.  Admission is free.

Prior to the start of the EXPO, there will be an opportunity to join Damien Simbeck, TVA Natural Resources Management, on a walk through the Marbut Bend Walking Trail on Hwy. 99 in West Limestone, Alabama.  Mr. Simbeck is very knowledgeable about how this area came to be, and of the wildlife that call it home.  The nature walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. on April 30th.  The Marbut Bend Trail head is located on Hwy 99, just west of the Elk River bridge.  This trail is handicap accessible.  It is suggested that you wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars.

Upon arrival at the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, guests will find plenty of activities for children and adults.  KALB strives to create an event that will have a festival atmosphere with lots of fun things to do and see.  KALB's goal is to help instill an appreciation for nature and our local environment.  "There is much to be learned by both students and adults," said Lynne Hart, KALB Executive Coordinator.  "I have been with KALB since 1999 and I love discovering new and exciting things about our world!  KALB wants to share that excitement."

Here are just a few highlights:

Alabama Wildlife Center will have raptors on display and will present from stage.
The Tennessee Valley Zoo will have lots of critters on display to pet and feed.
Jim Swanner, KIN Stables, and his very special horse, Rosie, will entertain you.
AMSTI - Athens State University will have microscopes to view water and plant samples.
Limestone County Water & Sewer Authority will present "Edible Aquifers" allowing children (accompanied by parents) to create an "aquifer" using soda, ice, ice cream, marshmallows, and more!
News Release / Page 2
April 15, 2016
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Learn about insects from Scott Clem, Auburn University Department of Entomology.  You might event find some edible insects to sample!
$1/minute massages will be available from HealthSource of Athens, with all proceeds to be given back to KALB.
Final voting will take place to determine the winners of the Paws for the Environment Photo Contest and Fundraiser.  $1 votes (proceeds to KALB) can be made online or at the event.  Winning pets will be featured in KALB's 2017 Paws for the Environment calendar.
Ludivine, Elkmont's famous half-marathon running hound dog, will be at the event giving licks and shaking paws.  Ludivine will be featured on the cover of the Paws for the Environment calendar.
Test your bird identification skills.
Find exciting places to enjoy Alabama's great outdoors.
Sample goat cheese from Humble Hearts Farms.
Create make-and-take recycled crafts (12 years and under).
Lots MORE!

Volunteers will be cooking up hot dogs to give away with chips and a drink.  Sign up for free door prize entries by testing your environmental knowledge.  Get your passports stamped at "Education Stations" and earn an extra treat!

This is a not to be missed event, especially for families.
 All KALB-sponsored events are free of charge.  Donations will be gratefully accepted.
 For information on this event and other KALB programs, call 256-233-8000, email KALBCares@gmail.com, or visit www.KALBCares.com and click the EVENTS tab.


CONTACT
Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator
256-233-8000  cell:  256-431-0272
KALBCares@gmail.com

-30-

Local Festival Celebrates American Farming Heritage, Contributions and Equipment

Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA

Local Festival Celebrates American Farming

Heritage, Contributions and Equipment

Two miles north of the Elm Street and Elkton Road intersection takes on a life of the past, present and future of American farming.  The Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days roll onto the green rolling meadows of the rich and oft rewarding soil of north Limestone County on August 1st and 2nd. 

An amazing collection of vintage and modern equipment comes together during this two day festival.  This showcase of gasoline engines, steam engines, antique tractors, cars, trucks, horse drawn equipment are just part of the interest of this heritage festival.   The Parade of Power is a sight to behold with the power motors revving past in processions.   Then the competitions kick off with these mechanized workhorses at the center of the show

The Chain in the Box competition uses a box that has been spray printed on the ground.  One end of the chain is attached to the ground.  The other end is attached to the tractor and the rest of the chain is pulled out of the box and stretched by each competitor competing for the best time.

The field of competition continues with the Fast Crank which goes to the fast manual start of a tractor and Slow Races which goes to the slowest run tractor on the field.  The kids will also take to the field for a tykes Peddle Pull with the winner have strong legs and endurance on their side.  The ladies are not left out of the fun either with the Skillet Throw -- featuring the attempts of interested parties to heave the skillet the furthest.

August 1st kicks off  at 7:00AM when the show grounds open welcoming everyone.  Admissions is $5.00 person per day and children 10 and under will enjoy free admission.  Free parking adds to the value of the day's worth of fun too.   Vendors with a variety of items will be on hand including parts, crafts and nic-nacs.  You never know what treasure will be waiting for you.  Live entertainment fills the air at 5:30PM  and into the evening on Friday featuring local bands.

The day kicks into full swing with a Tractor Ride sponsored by the Limestone County Farmers Federation departing at 10:00AM.  The tractors will roll down the scenic Richard Martin Rails to Trails with the permission of the Limestone County Commission allowing mechanized traffic onto the trail exclusively for this event.  .A small layover in Elkmont, AL allows passengers a chance to explore the area shops and grab lunch provided by the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association.  Then it's back on the Richard Martin Rails to Trails for the historic portion where the procession will cross the battleground of the Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle.  Then it's down a portion of the Noah Bike Trail to finish out this crowd pleasing favorite at the showgrounds.  Anyone interested in hopping aboard the trailer of one of the tractors of this event needs to contact David Hargrove 256-431-6226 or Marvin Putnam 256-431-2316 for further details.
 
The concessions will open and waiting with a variety of goodies including the traditional Southern faire of Pintos and Cornbread.  Concessionaires have an extra treat for arrivals  and primitive campers on Saturday morning with hot breakfast biscuits.

From Nashville, take Interstate 65 south until Alabama's Exit 361-ELKMONT.  Turn right immediately then turn left on Elkton Road and follow the signs.  Show grounds will be approximately 5 miles on the right.

From Huntsville/Birmingham, go north on Interstate 65 and take Alabama Exit 354 and go south on U.S. Highway 31 for approximately 1/2 miles.  Turn right at the traffic light onto Elm Street.  Travel approximately 1/2 mile to the traffic light at Elkton and Elm streets and turn right.  Go north  approximately 2 miles on Elkton Road and watch for the show grounds on left.

For more information, please contact:
David Hargrove .......... 256-431-6226
Allen Dement  .............256-431-0619
Marvin Putman  ...........256-431-2316
Mike Hodges  ..............256-206-5926