Second Annual Harbor Day Car & Boat Show Set for May 12, 2012

Approximately 65 cars and boats will make their way to the banks of the Tennessee River May 12, 2012 for the second annual Harbor Day Car and Boat Show. The day-long event, featuring cars and boats of all makes and models, helps support the volunteer-based Morgan County Rescue Squad and the Morgan County Humane Society.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public is invited to spend the day looking at a wide variety of new cars, classic cars, and boats. In addition, there will be music, food vendors and hourly raffle drawings for festival goers. Prizes include a two-night stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Huntsville Airport, a round of golf for four at Burningtree Country Club, a balloon ride during the Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic, as well as a variety of other prizes. A raffle ticket for the balloon ride is $5 each. Raffle tickets for all other prizes are $1 each.  

Registration to participate in the car and boat show is $15 per car in advance or $20 per car the

day of the event. The event is open to all cars and boats. Trophies will be presented to the best classic car, best new model car, and Ladies Choice and all participants will receive a show placard and a gift bag.

The event is held at the Riverwalk Marina, located north of Decatur on Highway 31 bridge to Athens. Proceeds benefit the Morgan County Rescue Squad and the Morgan County Humane Society. Admission is free.

For more information call Bob Namie at 256.306.0909, Wendi Cook at 256.777.01014, or Jim Barnett at 256.606.9166 or visit www.riverwalkyc.org. 

The purpose of the Riverwalk Yacht Club is to promote and encourage boating and seamanship, to organize and stimulate yachting and cruising, to provide a medium for the exchange of boating knowledge, safety, and techniques, to support and promote the environment conservation and improvements to our state lakes, waterways, and local marina, and to promote social activities for its members. For more information, visit riverwalkyc.org.

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)
The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.org. 

Dragon Boats Race and Festival

Decatur’s Newest Event to Make Waves in the River City

Decatur’s newest event is expected to make waves in the River City when sixty teams and 1200 paddlers compete for medals and bragging right in the inaugural Dragon Boat Race and Festival. Set for May 12, 2012 in the Point Mallard Park Aquatic Center, the Dragon Boat Race and Festival will be a unique cultural event featuring adrenaline-pumping action while also serving as a fundraiser for the Decatur General Foundation.

Dragon boat racing is the eighth fastest growing sport in the world, with more than 50 million people in 63 countries participating. The tradition of Dragon Boat Racing is an annual Chinese rite commemorating the idealistic poet and reformer Qu Yuan who drowned himself in the third century B.C. to protest against his emperor’s policies. The locals raced in their boats in an attempt to rescue the poet, and beat their drums and splashed their paddles to prevent fish and water dragons from eating his body. This was considered the beginning of Dragon Boat Racing. For more information about dragon boat racing, visit www.racedragonboats.com.

Teams, comprised of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a trained dragon boat steerer/coach, will race in authentic Hong Kong-style, 46-foot-long dragon boats. Teams may have four alternates, for a total of 25 team members, or can race with a minimum of 16. There must be at least eight female paddlers and minimum age for adult teams is 15 with parental consent. Each team is guaranteed at least two races on the 250-meter race course with winners advancing to the finals.

Racing starts at 9 a.m. and events last throughout the day until approximately 4 p.m., rain or shine. Spectators may watch and cheer on their favorite team from the beach area of the Point Mallard Aquatic Center or from the water at a safe distance from the race course. The concession stand will be open throughout the event. Water Park pools and rides will be closed.

Admission and parking is free. Donations will be accepted with proceeds benefiting the Decatur General Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization providing financial support to the programs and services of Decatur General Hospital.

For more information on the inaugural Decatur General Foundation Dragon Boat Race and Festival, visit www.dgfdragonboatfestival.org.     

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.org. 

North Alabama's Largest Christian Music Festival Expands to Two Days

Organizers recently announced the 14^th annual SoulStock is becoming a two-day event in 2012. More than 20,000 are expected to attend North Alabama’s largest free outdoor Christian music festival, returning to Point Mallard Park in Decatur on May 18 and 19, 2012. Our Hope Secured, SoulStock 2012 brings an additional evening of uplifting contemporary Christian music and testimonials.

Five-time Grammy Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman and alternative-pop-rock Christian band Superchick will headline this year’s event. Friday’s lineup includes contemporary singer-songwriter Lindsay McCaul (www.lindsaymccaul.com), modern pop/rock/worship Caleb (www.calebmusic.com), and Steven Curtis Chapman (www.stevencurtischapman.com). Set to perform on Saturday are pop band Luminate (www.luminatemusic.com), contemporary artists MIKESCHAIR (www.mikeschair.com), Australian alternative pop group For King and Country (www.forkingandcountry.com), Britt Nicole (www.brittnicole.com), and Superchick (www.superchickonline.com). Each night Chris Wheeler (www.chriswheeler.org) will be speaking and Geoff Moore (www.geoffmoore.com) will be guest host.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18^th and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19^th with both evenings wrapping up by 11 p.m. Admission is free. Festival attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and those who come hungry, a variety of food vendors will be available to suit any taste.

SoulStock’s Partners in Ministry for 2012 are ShowHope, Soles4Souls and Hands in Motion. Attendees are encouraged to bring gently worn or new shoes for Soles4Souls. Platinum Level Sponsors so far this year are ShowHope and Cooks Pest Control. For more information, go to www.soulstock.com.

Located along the Tennessee River, Point Mallard Park is a 500-acre family park and includes one of the South‘s best golf courses, a 25-acre, wooded campground, a waterpark, and a year round indoor ice skating rink. Point Mallard's additional facilities include tennis courts, batting cages, hiking/jogging/biking trails, and a driving range. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted on the Point Mallard property. For more information, visit www.pointmallardpark.com. 

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, contact DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.org.

Annual Strawberry Day Kicks off Strawberry Seasaon at the Decatur/Morgan County Farmer's Market

Strawberry season is officially here in North Alabama and in celebration, free samples will be provided on May 5, 2012 with the 3^rd annual Strawberry Day at the Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., plenty of free samples of the sweet red berry, along with strawberry shortcake and soft drinks, will be available for festival-goers. In addition to strawberries, jams and jellies, fresh-baked goods, flowering plants, and other fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables will be available for purchase.

Locally-grown berries are much sweet and juicier than those transported in from across the country. The berries are only expected to be available now thru early June as they do not respond well to heat, according to Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market Manager Burl Slaton. Due to limited availability, those who crave the sweet berry can stock up and freeze for year-round consumption.

The Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market, located at 211 First Avenue SE in Decatur, is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through November 10^th. The Decatur/Morgan County Farmer’s Market also celebrates Corn Day on July 14^th, Tomato Sandwich Day on July 28^th, and Watermelon Day on August 11^th. 

For more information on Strawberry Day, call Slaton at 256.476.5595.

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County.  For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org. 

AYSA's State Cup and Final Four Tournaments Returns to Decatur in May

The Alabama Youth Soccer Association’s (AYSA) Division I State Cup Preliminaries (U13-U14 girls and boys), Division II State Cup (U11-U13 girls and boys), and Division I Final Four (U13) returns to Decatur, Alabama in 2012. Decatur played host to the state youth soccer tournaments in 2011 and will serve as host venue again in 2013.  

The Division I State Cup Preliminaries and Division II State Cup will take place May 4-6, 2012 with the Division I State Cup Final Four following May 11-13, 2012. All tournaments will be held at the Jack Allen Recreation Complex.

Previous tournaments have produced an economic impact of over $220K for the city of Decatur, bringing in athletes and their families who stayed in local hotels, made purchases in gas stations and convenience stores, and dined in restaurants over the course of two weekends.

The Division I tournament is a top level qualifying event with winners advancing to regional tournaments where an invitation to the US Youth Soccer National Championships – the crown jewel of competitive youth soccer - is on the line. The Division II tournament decides which teams are Division II state champions and will represent Alabama in the USYSA Regional III President’s Cup which will take place in Greensboro, North Carolina June 7-10, 2012.  

AYSA is the governing body for all soccer clubs in Alabama who qualify to participate in these events. For more information on the State Cup tournaments, visit the AYSA’s website at www.alabamayouthsoccer.org.

The Jack Allen Recreation Complex contains 10 international size lighted fields with laser-graded certified sports turf and a computerized irrigation system. With the additional fields located in Point Mallard Park, Decatur has quickly become known nationally as a top rated soccer tournament location. For more information on the Jack Allen Recreation Complex, visit www.decatursports.com.  

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County.  For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org. 

Racking Horse Spring Celebration Set for April 25-28

The second largest Racking Horse Show in the United States returns to Decatur April 25-28, 2012 at the Morgan County Celebration Arena. Featuring different classes and divisions of Racking Horses, the Spring Celebration is expected to attract entries from over 25 states competing for honors, as well as over $30,000 in prize money.

The competition begins each night at 6 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a horse sale beginning at 10 a.m. in the Sale Barn and prior to announcing the Grand Champion. On Friday, children are invited to participate in the “Stick Horse” class. This event allows children to bring their own stick horse for friendly competition in the arena. Every participant receives a ribbon. 

According to event organizers, one of the more popular classes is the speed racking class, where horses are judged on speed. Speed racking classes will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. General admission Wednesday through Friday is $6 per person, Saturday is $10 per person, and free for children 6 years old and under. The Morgan County Celebration Arena located at 67 Horse Center Road (off Highway 67 East) in Decatur.

For additional information on the racking horse breed and a current show schedule, contact the RHBAA at 256.353.7225 or visit its website at www.rackinghorse.com.

About the Racking Horse Breeders Association of America (RHBAA)

The purpose of RHBAA is to collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Racking Horses, to publish a register or studbook, and other such matters pertaining to the breeding, exhibiting and sales of Racking Horses. With the formation of RHBAA in 1971, the Racking Horse has grown in popularity. Today, there are over 80,000 racking horses registered with the RHBAA, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Decatur, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature proclaimed the racking horse as the “Official State Horse for the State of Alabama” on October 5, 1975.

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County.  For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org and click on the “Things to Do” link.

1st Annual Griot Global Block Party and 3on3 Basketball Tournament

"I remember my neighborhood, warm, together, laughs, music, achievements."  As times (the economy) challenge our monotonous efforts to excel in society as individuals, we collectively suffer similar hardships to sustain family and community progression.  GRIOT, which serves as an acronym for ground research investment opportunity team, also a West African translation for storyteller. Griot Global offer opportunities to invest on a ground level (in our communities) to expound on research and ideas that are articulated with the purpose to give everyone a voice. Everyone has a story. Share yours with Griot Global at our 1st Annual Block Party!

What: Griot Global Music Group Block Party and 3on3 Basketball Tournament

Where: CHURCH ST. NW and AC BANKS PARK

When: April 7th, 2012 from 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

3-on-3 registration opens at 8:00 am and closes at 10:00 am
Basketball Tournament hosted by Billy Allen starts at 10:00 am- TBA                                                     

No entry fee.  $100 Cash Prize to Winning Team

Ovay's Easter Egg Hunt begins at 12:00 pm @ AC BANKS PARK
Up to $500 Golden Egg

Block Party starts at 2 pm until 10 pm (games, music, free food, moonwalks)                                     
Talent Show. No entry fee. $100 Cash Prize to Winner

Griot Global Music Group Recording Artists will be performing hit single "We Done It"

Guest Speaker: Billy Jackson

For Immediate ReleasaeContact: Billy Allen
(256) 642-6020griotglobal@gmail.com
facebook.com/griotUS

The Open Cup Debuts in Decatur, Alabama

New Tournament Draws Soccer Teams from 10 States and Mexico to Decatur

The city of Decatur has been selected to hold the inaugural 2012 The Open Cup, an Alabama Youth Soccer Association and United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) sanctioned tournament hosted by Premier Soccer Services. Set for April 13-15, 2012, organizers are expecting approximately 150 teams from across the Southeast as well as international teams to compete bringing together some of the best youth soccer players to the fields of the Jack Allen Recreation Complex.

The three day tournament offers USYSA affiliated Premier, Challenge, Classic, and Academy level U9-U19 girls’ and boys’ competitive soccer opportunities. There will be a minimum of two divisions per age division/gender – an elite level of play and 1-2 competitive divisions tiered lower. Trophies will be awarded to the championship and runner-up teams in each age division.

“Decatur presented a great opportunity in providing the factors we needed for a successful event – great facilities, supportive city, CVB, and park and recreation department staff, and geographically central location for travel,” said Event Organizer Scott Spencer. “The response has been excellent with clubs from ten states coming and over six teams from Mexico including the 1^st Division pro club, CF Monterey Rayados. This will likely become an annual event that is one of the top club tournaments in the South.”

Professional soccer clubs from El Salvador and Mexico will be attending the tournament including CF Monterrey Rayados. CF Monterrey Rayados of Mexico is the current CONCACAF Champions League winners as the best professional club in North America. They recently competed in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup which was won by FC Barcelona of Spain. In addition to these international professional clubs, MLS, the top division of professional soccer in the United States, will be sending youth teams from four different pro clubs: Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo, and FC Dallas.

The Jack Allen Recreation Complex will also serve as host venue for the tournament April 12-14, 2013 and April 11-13, 2014. According to Spencer, the city of Decatur beat out potential host locations in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. For complete registration information on the tournament, visit www.premiersoccerservices.com.    

For more information on the Jack Allen Recreation Complex, visit www.decatursports.com. 

About Premier Soccer Services

Premier Soccer Services (PSS) is an events and consulting service organization in business since 2006. PSS organizes events and programs from the grassroots to the international and professional level. Services, programs, and events include youth soccer tournaments, coaching education clinics, soccer development programming, exhibition matches (domestic and international), international tours of professional clubs and national teams in the USA, international training tours and programs for US based teams to Mexico and Latin America, and international relations with Federation and professional clubs.

About The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCCVB)

The Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County.  For information on special events and attractions in Decatur, contact the DMCCVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit its website at www.decaturcvb.org.