14th Annual Jesse Owens Cross Country Classic Set for October 6, 2012

Decatur, Ala. – Approximately 5,000 high school athletes are expected to compete in the 14^th annual Jesse Owens Cross Country Classic Invitational set for Saturday, October 6, 2012. Hosted by the Jesse Owens Runners’ Club, the race begins at 8:15 a.m. and is held on the championship course located on the grounds of the Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center.   

The Jesse Owens Cross Country Classic brings junior high and high school students from all over the United States for a competitive race honoring one of Alabama’s greatest athletes. Born in 1913 in Oakville, Alabama, Jesse Owens captured four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin overcoming racial and socioeconomic barriers. In 1955, he was named Ambassador of Sports by President Eisenhower and toured the world promoting the virtues of amateur programs. 

According to Race Director Stanley Johnson, nearly 5,000 high school runners from Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi competed in the 2011 event, setting a new record for entries. The race began in 1999 with approximately 450 participants. 

The competition offers 14 divisions for boys and girls. The top 10 finishers in each division receive a special award with the overall winner in each division winning a trophy. Registration deadline is October 1, 2012. To register online, go to www.cfpitiming.com and click on the Jesse Owens logo. For more information including race times and a schedule of events, visit http://alabamahighschoolrunner.com or call Coach Stanley Johnson at 256.566.4410.

 The championship course is also great for spectators who want to witness competitive racing from the sidelines. Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center is located approximately 8 miles south of Moulton on Alabama Highway 157 and 1/2 mile from the Jesse Owens Memorial Park. Admission is free. A parking donation of $2 per car is suggested to help support the Education Center. 

17th Annual Wild Game Cook-off Set for October 2, 2012

Backyard chefs and amateur teams are invited to show off their wild game culinary skills at the 17^th annual Wild Game Cook-off set for Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Hosted by the Morgan County Chapter of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, the annual event typically attracts over 40 teams who prepare creative entrees using turkey, quail, wild pig, venison, duck, and fish. And, for those more interested in what wild game tastes like, samples will be provided by those competing.

The friendly competition contains three divisions – Fish, Fowl, and Game. First, second, and third place awards will be given to the teams with the tastiest treats in each division in addition to awards for the Best Overall Winner, Best Presentation, and People’s Choice. There is no entry fee to compete. Pre-registration is required for all teams no later than October 3^rd.

Along with the cook-off and samplings, the event also offers music, silent auction, and door prizes for children and adults. All activities take place at Ingalls Harbor located at 802 Wilson Street NW. Gate opens at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 per couple/person and children under 16 years old are admitted free. The ticket price includes a one-year membership in the Alabama wildlife Federation, a subscription to the Alabama Wildlife magazine, and all of the free samples from those competing at the cook-off. All proceeds from the event will benefit AWF, the oldest and largest non-profit conservation organization in Alabama.

For more information or to register, please call David Thomas at 256.606.4161, Jill Stone at 256.318.4422, or Sam Glover at 256.318.0157.

The Alabama Wildlife Federation was established by sportsmen in 1935 to promote conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for economic and social prosperity. To learn more about the AWF, call 800-822-WILD or visit www.alabamawildlife.org.

Downtown Is Goin' to the Dogs!

Downtown Decatur is going to the dogs at this month’s 3^rd Friday celebration. Set for Friday, September 21^st, 3^rd Friday Downtown Decatur invites everyone to come be a part of the excitement and enjoy an evening of live music, a dog parade, food, and free family fun. The festivities get underway at 5 p.m.  

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to take part in a parade through the streets of downtown Decatur. Led by Grand Marshall Cookie Stoner and unofficial, but elected Mayor of Bank Street, Beau, the parade begins at the corner of Grant Street and 2^nd Avenue and travels to Lee Street then Bank Street, ending at Bank Street Green. Registration is free but must be made in advance to participate in the parade. Owners are encouraged to dress their canines up. Registration will be at Jones Park on 2^nd Avenue (next to the old Maria Bonita) from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and goodie packets will be provided by Downtown Dawgs, sponsor of this year’s dog parade.

Live music gears up at 5 p.m. with performances by Nadaband (at Casa Grande Park), Kim Stone (at All-Wright Bakery and Eatery and 500 block of Bank Street), and Sweet Tones Dulcimer Ensemble from the Morgan County Dulcimer Association (in the 600 block of Bank Street). The Brick will offer live music on the patio and the Main Stage located in the 800 block of Bank Street will feature Briana Dean and Bank.

All-Wright Bakery and Eatery located on Moulton Street will host a tasting in the shop from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. Samples of old favorites such as chicken salad and cheese straws as well as new bakery items including a variety of cakeballs will be provided.

All along Bank Street, antique and classic cars will be on display, Papa Murphy’s Pizza will be providing free samples of its pizza, and Babette Shedd will be face painting (for a nominal fee). Bank Street Antique Mall will host chair caning demonstrations outside of its entrance. Volkswagens will fill Second Avenue and a variety of arts and crafts will be on hand along both streets. Blocks of both Bank Street and Second Avenue will be closed with the cross streets open for traffic.  

For those who want to make 3^rd Fridays a getaway, Amberley Suite Hotel on Bank Street will offer a 25% discount on rooms (must mention Decatur Daily ad or Facebook ad to receive discount),

Members of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center are invited to its monthly Fri. @ 5. On display is the 10^th annual Embracing Art: A Coming Together of Area Amateur and Professional Artists. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served. Suggested donation is $4 for members and $15 for member’s guests. Attendees should be 21 years of age or accompanied by a parent. Call 256.341.0562 to RSVP.

Store specials including a Vera Bradley Sidewalk Sale at The Paper Chase, giveaways, and discounts will be offered at selected retailers and restaurants and many of the merchants will remain open until 8 p.m. Participating streets in 3^rd Fridays include 2^nd Avenue, Bank, Market, Moulton, Grant, and Johnston streets. Admission is free.

For more information on 3^rd Friday, call Ashley Ashwander at 256.355.8993.

Ingalls Harbor to Host FLW Tour Open

FLW Outdoors will bring its Walmart FLW Tour Open to Ingalls Harbor in Decatur September 20-23, 2012. The tournament will feature 150-boat fields where pro anglers will compete for a top award of up to $125,000 and co-anglers will vie for a top prize of up to $25,000. Spectators are invited to join in on the fun of competitive fishing by attending the weigh-ins and a free outdoors expo.

Daily launches and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. Launch time at Ingalls Harbor is set for 6:30 a.m. daily. Ingalls Harbor is located at 802 Wilson Street NW. On the first and second days of the tournament, weigh-ins begin at 3 p.m. and will take place at Ingalls Harbor. Weigh-ins on days three and four are set for 4 p.m. at Walmart located at 2800 Spring Avenue SW in Decatur.

A free Outdoors Expo is set for September 22^nd and 23^rd from noon to 4 p.m. at Walmart prior to the final weigh-ins. The Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers and learn more about the sport of fishing, and interactive games, activities, and giveaways provided by sponsors. All activities are free and open to the public.

Coverage of the Wheeler Lake tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network when “FLW” airs Oct. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. “FLW” is hosted by Jason Harper and is broadcast to more than 559 million households worldwide, make it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest tournament-fishing organization in the world, offering anglers the chance to win millions through 191 tournaments in 2011. For more information, visit www.flwoutdoors.com and click on Walmart FLW Tour found under the Tournaments tab or call 270.252.1000.   

From Greased Pigs to Jumping Frogs, 24th Annual Frontier Days Serve Up Old-fashioned Fun, Games and Crafts

Decatur, Ala. – A greased pig chase, frog jumping contest, and toe tapping music take center stage at the annual Eva Frontier Days. Offering old-fashioned fun for the entire family, the 24^th annual community celebration begins September 22 and concludes on September 29, 2012.

The week-long event kicks off with a beauty pageant Saturday, September 22^nd at 10 a.m. at Journey Church. Admission is $3 per person. Later in the evening, a bluegrass festival with Stan Nelson & Hurricane Creek and other toe-tapping performers is slated for 6 p.m. Admission is $6 per person. On Tuesday, September 25^th, 6:30 p.m., at the Eva Saddle Club Arena, there will be an old-fashioned hayride. Cost is $1 per person and includes a free hotdog and coke. The public is also invited to free community singing at Eva Baptist Church on September 27^th beginning at 7 p.m. On Friday, September 28^th, the streets of downtown Eva will come alive when festival goers take part in a street dance beginning at 6 p.m. with music by Walker Street Opry Band.

The fun continues on Saturday, September 29^th beginning at 9 a.m. with an Antique Tractor Show and Car Show, a parade, a craft show, a Best Dressed Contest, pig calling contest, art contest, and a baking contest. Along with food vendors, there will be an assortment of games and activities for all ages. Live music fills the air by David Davis and the Warrior River Boys from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The day wraps up at the ball fields with the frog jumping contest at 4 p.m. followed by the greased pig chase at 5 p.m.

Proceeds from Eva Frontier Days benefit the Eva Art Guild. For more information including a schedule of events, visit www.evafrontierdays.org or call 256.796.7023 or 256.796.6981.

New Grand Champion to be Named- Racking Horse

With more than 177 classes for children, adults, amateurs, and professionals, the largest Racking Horse Show in the United States is set for September 21-29, 2012 at the Morgan County Celebration Arena located at 67 Horse Center Road (off Highway 67 East) in Decatur. The nine day competition culminates with the announcement of the new World Grand Champion and show organizers extend an invitation to the general public to come and experience the excitement of crowning a new grand champion.

The annual World Celebration also offers other activities, including a dog show, horse sales, a barn decorating contest, nightly consignment sales, and a golf tournament. The general public is invited to participate in the Pleasure Association’s 50/50 raffle and the “When Pigs Fly” contest. Each night of the show, participants can attempt to fly a pig toward a target with the closest one winning a cash prize. On Saturday night prior to announcing the World Grand Champion, 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.

Shows are held nightly at 6 p.m. except on Wednesday when show time begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person September 21through 26 and $7 per person for the remaining nights of the competition. Parking is $5/daily.

With the formation of the Racking Horse Breeders Association of America (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.

For more information on the 2012 Racking Horse World Celebration including a schedule of events, visit its new website at www.rackinghorse.com or contact the RHBAA at 256.353.7225.

Decatur to Host Alabama State Chess Championship

Decatur to Host Alabama State Chess Championship September 28-30

The Alabama Chess Federation recently announced it is bringing its 2012 Alabama State Chess Championship to Decatur September 28-30. The State Championship is Alabama’s most prestigious tournament typically drawing up to 100 of the state’s best chess players to the three-day event.

The 2012 tournament was awarded to the Huntsville Chess Club who is organizing the event in cooperation with the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department. The event will take place at the T. C. Almon Recreation Center located in Point Mallard Park in Decatur. On-site registration will be available on September 28^th from 6 to 6:45 p.m. with rounds beginning at 7 p.m. Rounds resume Saturday at 9:15 a.m. and again on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

The championship event will feature an Open and a Reserve section where cash prizes totaling over $2100 will be awarded to the top four players in each section. In addition, a one-day scholastic tournament will be held for scholastic players (grades K-12) on September 29^th. This event will have three rated sections for players of various playing levels. On-site registration for the scholastic tournament is at 8:30 a.m. with rounds set at 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

The tournament is sponsored by the Alabama Chess Federation, a non-profit corporation and the United States Chess Federation affiliate for the state of Alabama whose goal is to promote chess in the state for the benefit of all Alabama players. For more information, visit www.alabamachess.com or contact Neil Dietsch, president of the Alabama Chess Federation, at 205.391.9648.

Jack Allen Recration Complex to Host Inaugural Fall Classic

Jack Allen Recreation Complex to Host Inaugural Fall Classic

 

The city of Decatur has been selected to hold the inaugural Fall Classic, an Alabama Youth Soccer Association and United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) sanctioned tournament hosted by the North Alabama Soccer League. Set for September 21-23, 2012, organizers are expecting approximately 60 teams (U9-U18) from across the Southeast 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 Challenge, Classic, and Academy level U9-U18 girls’ and boys’ competitive soccer opportunities. Medals will be awarded to the championship and runner-up teams in each age division.

For complete registration information on the tournament, visit www.nasoccerleague.org.

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

 

DECATUR’S RIVERFEST NAMED AN ALABAMA TOP 25 FOOD EVENT

Decatur, Ala. – The Alabama Tourism Department has named Riverfest one of 25 top food events in celebration of the 2012 Year of Alabama Food. The list is compiled in conjunction with the year-long promotion designed to attract tourists to Alabama to experience the rich cultural flavors of the South.

Riverfest joins top events such as the Orange Beach Seafood Festival, Chilton County Peach Festival in Clanton, Oktoberfest in Cullman, and Alabama Pecan Festival in Mobile. A complete list of the top 25 food festivals and events can be found in the Sweet Home Alabama 2012 Calendar of Events published by the Alabama Tourism Department. A copy may be requested at www.alabama.travel. The 2012 Year of Alabama Food is the ninth in a series of marketing campaigns produced by the Alabama Tourism Department. For more information, visit www.yearofalabamafood.com.

 Hosted by the Decatur Jaycees, Riverfest offers fun for the entire family with music and lip-smacking barbeque along the banks of the Tennessee River. The 18^th annual event is set for September 14-15, 2012 at Ingalls Harbor. Riverfest is recognized by the State of Alabama as an official State Barbeque Championship competition and is sanctioned by, and conducted under, the rules of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Competing for prize money and trophies totaling $20,000, the BBQ cook-off is open to professional and amateur teams. The Grand Champion winner of Riverfest automatically qualifies for the American Royal World Championship Barbecue Cook-off in Kansas City, Mo., and is entered into the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational drawing.

 Live music featuring popular local and regional bands entertains the crowd on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Country music singer-songwriter Lee Brice will headline this year’s event. Slated to perform on Friday are Moulton-based Southern Comfort, Southern rock band Doubleshot, Nashville singer-songwriter Brent Cobb, and Brice. Saturday’s lineup includes Gadsden native Albert Simpson, the Decatur band Wheelers, Newgrass band Rollin’ in the Hay, and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Tuesday’s Gone.

 Along with the BBQ cook-off and music, there are food vendors offering barbeque from mild to fiery and other traditional festival food and a free children's area.

 For more information on Riverfest, visit www.decaturjaycees.com.

Ingalls Harbor to Host FLW Tour Open

FLW Outdoors will bring its Walmart FLW Tour Open to Ingalls Harbor in Decatur September 20-23, 2012. The tournament will feature 150-boat fields where pro anglers will compete for a top award of up to $100,000 and co-anglers will vie for a top prize of up to $20,000. Spectators are invited to join in on the fun of competitive fishing by attending the weigh-ins and a free outdoors expo.

Daily launches and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. Launch time at Ingalls Harbor is set for 6:30 a.m. daily Ingalls Harbor is located at 802 Wilson Street NW. On the first and second days of the tournament, weigh-ins begin at 3 p.m. and will take place at Ingalls Harbor. Weigh-ins on days three and four are set for 4 p.m. at Walmart located at 2800 Spring Avenue SW in Decatur.

A free Outdoors Expo is set for September 22^nd and 23^rd from noon to 4 p.m. at Walmart. The Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers and learn more about the sport of fishing, and interactive games, activities, and giveaways provided by sponsors. All activities are free and open to the public.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest tournament-fishing organization in the world, offering anglers the chance to win millions through 191 tournaments in 2011. For more information, visit www.flwoutdoors.com and click on Walmart FLW Tour found under the Tournaments tab or call 270.252.1000.