GILBERT JOINS FEDERATION AS AREA 1 DIRECTOR

GILBERT JOINS FEDERATION
AS AREA 1 DIRECTOR

Marlee Moore
Alabama Farm Federation
alfafarmers.org
July 26, 2016

Gilbert is an Athens native and said he is excited to grow his relationships with area farmers.

“Agriculture has always been part of my life, whether directly or indirectly,” said Gilbert, 27. “Being from Limestone County helps me understand and relate to farmers in my area on a higher level.”
Federation Organization Director Mike Tidwell said he is encouraged by the enthusiasm Gilbert brings to the table.

“Barrett’s knowledge of agriculture and the farmers in his area is invaluable,” said Tidwell. “He’s a self-starter and has a real desire to help and support farmers.”

Gilbert was raised around his family’s cattle business, which spurred a lifelong passion for agriculture and prompted him to study agricultural business and economics at Auburn University. While there, he was involved in the university’s Young Farmers chapter. Gilbert graduated in 2012.

He joins the Federation after four years in agricultural sales at Trigreen Equipment.

Gilbert and his wife, Hannah, have been married three years. They live in Athens, where Hannah is a doctor of occupational therapy.

Tanner Tractor & Truck Pull A Tradition and Boost to Athletics

Tanner Tractor & Truck Pull A Tradition 

and Boost to Athletics

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


The dust will fly and the engines will roar during the Alabama Championship Tractor and Truck Pull will rev up the fun June 29th and 30th at Tanner High School 12060 Sommers Road in Athens, Alabama at 7:00PM both nights.  This annual event held by the Tanner Quarterback club benefiting Tanner Athletics Program brings an estimated 6,000 people each night to Tanner, AL and the Limestone County community.


This highly heralded Mid-South pulling event is one of Limestone County's largest agritourism event.  It's origins can be traced back to the 1970's when Shirley Haney and Johnny Malone returned from a pull in Columbia, TN.  They put together this Tanner cornerstone event following the devastation of the 1974 Tornado Super Outbreak that tore through the community with intentions of boosting the athletics program of Tanner School.


Celebrating 40 years this year, the event has raised more than $1.5 million dollars. The Tanner Quarterback Club and Tanner School athletics programs have worked together to expand sports fields and associated services for their student athletes. Their hardwork and dedication has allowed for the purchase of seven acres to construct two youth sports fields. Additionally, 20 acres have been purchased in the school's vicinity with discussions of expansion for future sports fields. The Tanner Quarterback Club has also use the funds to light the baseball and football fields and construct a baseball diamond.


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.  Food and beverage concessions will be available during the pull.  Ear plugs are suggested, as these professional trucks and tractors can be extremely loud.

CANCELLED: Athens-Limestone Rescue Squad Host 1st Outdoor Expo

Athens-Limestone Rescue Squad Host

 1st Outdoor Expo

Written by

Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist

Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

The hooves have finished packing the dirt on the arena grounds from the Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo on May 21st and are now making way for the Athens-Limestone Rescue Squad's 1st Outdoor Expo.   The Athens-Limestone Rescue Squad is working to bring together a variety of vendors, suppliers and vehicles for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy on June 3 and 4.

Whether you like to hit the water, camp in luxury, looking to outfit your ATV or pickup for the hunting season, the Limestone County Sheriff's Arena on AL-99 just past the West Elm Street intersection in Athens is your place to be.  The Outdoor Expo grounds will be open Friday from 12:00PM - 7:00PM and Saturday from 10:00AM-5:00PM.    Cost is $5.00 per car.

R & L Grilling will be on hand at the concession stand serving hot and tasty treats from the grill - so there's no need to have leave and return.

For more information, please contact Henry Hampton at 256-431-3505 or Gina Crumpton 256-497-6612.

For RV campgrounds and hotel options, please visit VisitAthensAL.com.

Fish Fries, Barbecue and Everything Fried

One of the great things about Agritourism is that it includes the celebration of food!  Whether it's seafood, beef, chicken or seafood -- it's grown and harvested by farmers around the world.  Athens-Limestone Alabama has some great opportunities for upcoming "Food Exploration" including Fish Fries, Barbecue Cookoffs, Festivals and more.   Here's a collection of upcoming events where your tastebuds will thank you and you'll have fun too--



Apr 21st -- Swamp John's Seafood Fest  Tanner United Methodist  19607 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road  Tanner, AL    Enjoy a fresh cooked feast of Chicken, Catfish, Shrimp or a combination of all or any.  The meal includes fries, slaw, hush puppies and tea.  Eat in or take out for $11.00 per plate from 4:00PM-7:00PM.  For information, call and leave a message: 256-232-0482

Apr 23rd -- Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre   Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room  18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road  Elkmont, AL  Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning Chief Cheese Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals.  Two Seatings options:  5:30PM and 7:30PM. $75/person  To view menu or make reservation:  http://www.bellechevre.com/creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/

Apr 24th -- Island Spice - Athens Grand Opening Kickoff   Island Spice - Athens  616 U.S. Highway 31S Athens, AL   Grab your lawn chairs and come enjoy the Reggae bands on the patio for a free concert as the Island Spice family kickoff a week of celebration during the grand opening Unity Fest.  Enjoy food specials including vegetarian and gluten free offerings from 11:00AM-8:00PM.  For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/island-spice-athens-grand-opening-tickets-24794070733

Apr 27th -- Administrative Professionals Day Celebration Luncheon  Limestone County Event Center 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL   Family Resource Center is hosting the 2016 Administrative Professionals Day Celebration Luncheon at 11:30AM to help you celebrate and recognize your appreciation of your support staff.  Tickets are $20.00 per guest and include entertainment, food, guest speakers, door prizes and more.  For additional information: alcfamilyrc@gmail.com

Apr 29th -- Fish Fry  Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 U.S. Highway 72W  Athens, AL  Enjoy a lunch of Catfish, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Slaw, Hush Puppies, Drink and Dessert from 11:00AM-1:00PM.  $10.00 Advance Purchase or $12.00 at the door.  Proceeds benefit the museum.  To purchase your advance ticket, visit the Alabama Veterans Museum 100 West Pryor Street in Athens.  For more information, 256-771-7578

Apr 30th-- Sassafras Tea Day  Downtown Elkmont, AL  Come join the fun at this unique festival celebrating a very Southern drink Sassafras Tea from 10:00AM-1:00PM.  A newly found photo of the post-Civil War Sulfur Creek Trestle will be unveiled and the history of the battle will be presented.  For more information: 256-278-1262.

May 14th -- Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre   Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room  18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road  Elkmont, AL  Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning Chief Cheese Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals.  Two Seatings options:  5:30PM and 7:30PM. $75/person  To view menu or make reservation:  http://www.bellechevre.com/creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/

May 16th -- Vietnam Veterans Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner  Vietnam Veterans Chapter 511 Post 17915 West Elm Street Athens, AL  Join the VVA Chapter 511 for an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti meal including salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage for $7.00.  Chose lunch from 11:00AM-1:00PM or dinner from 5:00PM-7:00PM or both!

Jun 10th & 11th -- Elkmont Lions Club Smokin' Railroad Street Barbecue Cookoff  Downtown Elkmont, AL  Join the Elkmont Lions Club for their newly Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned Backyard Division cookoff.  Categories will be Pulled Pork, Chicken and Ribs.  The Public will enjoy music, sampling and concessions.  Tickets to sample for People's Choice to be announced.  Cook teams interested in participating should visit: www.elkmontlionsclub.com  For more information: ldpylant25902@yahoo.com

Jun 11th -- Athens Grease Festival  Downtown Athens, AL  Enjoy a day of everything deep fried.  More info to come.  http://athensgreasefestival.com/

Jun 11th -- Saturday Supper with Belle Chevre   Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room  18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road  Elkmont, AL  Back by popular demand, Belle Chevre is again offering their Saturday Suppers cooked by our award-winning Chief Cheese Tasia Malakasis and Chef de Cuisine Rick Vonk. Saturday Suppers are inspired by fresh, local ingredients, including Belle Chevre’s fine artisanal goat cheeses made in Alabama. Southern-made 5 Course meals that reflect Southern heritage and our passion for spreading love around meals.  Two Seatings options:  5:30PM and 7:30PM. $75/person  To view menu or make reservation:  http://www.bellechevre.com/creamery-tours-events/saturday-suppers-2/

Jun 20th-- Vietnam Veterans Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner  Vietnam Veterans Chapter 511 Post 17915 West Elm Street Athens, AL  Join the VVA Chapter 511 for an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti meal including salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage for $7.00.  Chose lunch from 11:00AM-1:00PM or dinner from 5:00PM-7:00PM or both!

Jun 24th-- Senior Lunch Matinee Show   Yesterdays Event Center 15631 Brownsferry Road Athens, AL   Join Yesterdays for a complete lunch including drink and dessert for $11.00, and entertainment featuring a special performance, Celebrate American Veterans with singer/impressionist Kevin Adams and includes a trip to the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives in Athens.  Doors open 10:30AM, Event begins 11:00AM and showtime 12:00PM with a show length 60-75 minutes. Groups of all size welcome.  Bus parking available.  Cancellation fee may apply.  Pre-reservation required, send reservation email to: Info@YesterdaysEvents.com.​

Bring your appetite ... cause we're closer than you think.

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.

New Agri-commerce Company Calls Limestone County Home

Written By
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA

An upcoming and coming e-commerce business has made Limestone County Alabama its home
-- yardgardenhammocks.com.  Their specialty focus is outdoor furniture, decor, firepits and Caribbean hammocks.

Their hope is to help make your outdoor decorating hassle free and easy to do.  With a wide variety of functional and decorative items to choose from, anyone can make their backyard an oasis.

Some of their items will have you thinking inside the home to.  Add a planter to kitchen for fresh herbs or windchimes, suncatchers or figurines to the sunroom, bedroom or that lonesome corner that needs a little something.

Check out their offerings at yardgardenhammocks.com

C.T. Garvin Adds Location In Elkmont, AL

Written By Cayce Lee, Social Media Specialist, ALCTA

C.T. Garvin is well-known in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee for its quality of goods they offer to farmers, breeders, cattlemen, home gardeners and pet owners available from its location in downtown Huntsville, AL.

This 75 year-old company, best known for milling its own feed, now has location in northern Limestone County at Interstate 65 Exit 361 at 22806 Sandlin Road at Elkmont.  The new C.T. Garvin location is open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM-5:30PM and Saturday 7:00AM-3:00PM.  During prime planting season, hours may be longer  -- so be sure to give them a call first at  256-423-1800.

The conscientious home gardener will be happy to know that C.T. Garvin's has a complete line of organic gardening items by Fox Farms, and Espoma available at both locations.  The beginner gardener will be happy to know there's a wide range of  items, plants, and amenities to make any project home easier.  Any adventurer to C.T. Garvin will find a variety of vegetable seeds and plants; fertilizers; soil conditioners; fruit trees and bushes; flowers and shrubs; top soil (bag and bulk); potting soil; Vermiculite and Perlite; herbicides and insecticides; pesticides and fungicides; gardening tools; carts; gloves; hats; shoes; boots and much more.

Livestock and pet owners can purchase supplies for their animals including feed, toys and treatments - including dewormer and flea control.  If you need something for your herd, flock or four-legged animal member, don't hesitate to ask the friendly folks at C.T. Garvin.  If they don't have it in stock, they'll try to help you out by special ordering or connecting you with someone who can.

To see a full list of items from C.T. Garvin, please visit their website.

Two Limestone County Agritourism Producers Selected for 2014 Southern Makers

Written by Cayce Lee, Social Media Specialist ALCTA 

 

 

According to their website, Southern Makers is a one day event celebrating Alabama creativity and innovation by bringing together highly curated, handpicked top talent - artists, chefs, breweries, craftsmen, designers - for one fantastic gathering to explore the contemporary side of Alabama's heritage of textiles, music, craftsmanship, and food.

 

 

Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms of Mooresville, AL and Tasia Malakasis of Belle Chevre of Elkmont, AL and their products have been selected as "2014 Makers" and have been invited to be part of this annual event in May at the Union Station Train Shed in downtown Montgomery, AL.  

 

 Part of the Southern Makers experience is exploring the movers and shakers of products made in Alabama.  The Conversation Series are packed with opportunities for "...discussions with Alabama's top talent centered on taking the best of southern traditions in architecture food, fashion and design and applying them in a modern, sustainable world."

 

 

Select "2014 Shakers" will have workshops - providing attendees with an opportunity to see them action.  In 2013, Tasia Malakasis brought the natural goodness of goat cheesemaking Belle Chevre-style to Southern Makers.

Tickets for this event go on sale in the spring at the Southern Makers website.

 

 

Follow Southern Makers on Facebook.

 

 

About Natalie McCrary and  1818 Farms 

About Tasia Malakasis and Belle Chevre

Weed Datings... Not Your Average Speed Dating

1818 Farms and Albany Bistro are happy to announce an exciting, new way for like minded gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts to meet and mingle in a setting that is fun and celebrates a healthy lifestyle: Weed Dating!

Weed dating is the on-farm version of speed dating. During the event, “weeders” will be paired up and positioned every 10-15 feet along a vegetable bed. After five minutes you rotate to a new weeding partner. Afterwards, light appetizers and drinks will be served around the fire pit by Albany Bistro! This will give you some extra time to mingle with your new friends.

Date: Sunday, March 2

Time: 2:00pm sharp. We will have a short orientation about what to “weed” and review weeding logistics. Our goal is to weed for about an hour.

What to Bring: A pair of gloves and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty!

Cost: $5 payable at the gate when you arrive.

The event is for ages 21 and older. Please reserve your spot at the Reservation Page. Green thumbs not required.

Rain Date: 3/9

Albany Bistro and 1818 Farms Present Benefit Farm to Table Dinner

News Release
Albany Bistro
256.686.1667

1818 Farms
256.714.3220

For immediate release October 1, 2013


Albany Bistro and 1818 Farms Present Benefit Farm to Table Dinner

DECATUR, Ala. --- Learning about the cycle of food is the theme for the first "Dinner on the Farm" planned for October 18 at 1818 Farms in Mooresville. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Committee on Church Cooperation, Decatur's soup kitchen and pantry.

Natasha McCrary, owner of 1818 Farms, described the farm to table movement as more than just using local food.

“It’s local produce straight from a local farmer that you put right on your table,” she said.
Jake Reed, executive chef and owner of the Albany Bistro in Decatur, who will be preparing the dinner, elaborated on the movement that may seem trendy to today’s “foodies,” but was a way of life to previous generations, especially in the south.

“It’s knowing your farmer, where the food comes from and the story behind your food. A lot of people feel like if they go to the farmer’s market they know where their food comes from, but people don’t take time to talk about how the food is grown,” he said, adding that many people still have a supermarket mentality when they go to the farmer’s market. Knowing the grower is more important than ever with the explosion in popularity of farmer’s markets.

Rick Brown, managing partner of the Albany Bistro, agreed, adding that people should be asking why farmers do what they do.

“The farmer who only grows green beans because he loves green beans is probably going to be growing the best green beans,” he said.

Those who attend "Dinner on the Farm” will be eating at the farm where the food was grown and will be able to talk to the farmers as well as to the people who prepared the dinner. It will be a true seed-to-harvest-to-table experience, according to McCrary.

“This will be a real opportunity to get to know a farmer, best practices and what day-to-day life is like,” she said.

Participating farms who have generously agreed to donate their food include Smith Farms, Champion Farms, Tune Farms, and 1818 Farms.

The event will begin with a farm tour at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Although the menu cannot be announced with certainty, because only the freshest available produce will be served, diners will receive a five-course meal. Alcoholic beverages will not be served but guests are welcome to bring their favorite libations. Entertainment will be provided by Phil Weaver and Emily Jones.

Cost for the event is $75.

The farm is located at 24889 Lauderdale Street in Mooresville. Free parking will be provided and the location is accessible to those with mobility issues. Dress for the event is farm casual.
For more information about this event, contact 1818 Farms at 256-714-3220 or 1818farms@gmail.com

To order tickets online, visit our website at www.1818farms.com or go to link listed below.
http://1818farms.com/products-page/product-category/2013-farm-to-table-dinners/
Natasha McCrary, owner of 1818 Farms, and Chef Jake Reed of the Albany Bistro