Youth Invited to Fish for Fun and Prizes

Decatur, Ala. – Decatur Parks and Recreation will host a fishing event for youth at Ingalls Harbor on September 8, 2012. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., children between the ages of five and twelve years old are invited to participate in the Young Angler’s Fishing Event and spend the day trying to reel in the big one while also learning why Decatur is known as the “River City.”

Ingalls Harbor will be separated from the Tennessee River by netting and stocked with 500 pounds of channel catfish, with some tagged for prizes. There will be five rounds of fishing for 30-45 minutes with a maximum of forty children per round rolling the harbor. When not fishing, children can check out the various booths displaying the products and services of area businesses, corporations and industries who utilize the Tennessee River in the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion.

According to Decatur Parks and Recreation, the overall goal of the event is to raise awareness and appreciation of the Tennessee River which has been central to the establishment, growth and vitality of Decatur and Morgan County as well as North Alabama. Children will learn responsibility for our natural resources, how the Tennessee River is so important as a water source, how it is unique in providing for goods and services and extending the manufacturing complex of the area to other parts of the country and world.

The event fee is $20 per person and the first 200 to pre-register receive a t-shirt, fishing pole and tackle. Parents and volunteers will offer assistance throughout the event and there will be instructors available to teach the basics of preparing tackle and fishing.

For more information, call Decatur Parks and Recreation at 256.341.4930

Reist Appointed to Scenic Byways Program Advisory Council

Governor Robert Bentley has appointed Tami Reist, president of the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau, to the Scenic Byway Program Advisory Council, effective immediately. Her term of service will run concurrently with Governor Bentley’s term of office.

Patterned after the National Scenic Byway Program, the Alabama Scenic Byway Program seeks to identify, preserve, protect and enhance scenic, historic, natural, recreational, cultural and archaeological resources; enhance recreation; and, promote economic development through tourism and education in the history, culture and natural beauty of Alabama. 

A Scenic Byway is a stretch of roadway that provides an exceptional travel experience through the State of Alabama. The following are state designated byways: Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway, Barbour County Governor’s Trail, Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail, Black Warrior River Scenic Byway, Leeds Stagecoach Route, and Lookout Mountain Parkway. The Natchez Trace, Selma to Montgomery All American Road, Talladega Scenic Byway and Alabama’s Coastal Connection are nationally designated byways. For more information, visit www.alabamabyways.com.

A Soulful Night on the River

Reginald Jackson and Friends will perform at the

 final concert of the 2012 Concerts by the River season

Enjoy a soulful night of music as the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department
welcomes  Reginald Jackson and Friends as the final performer in the 2012  Concerts by the River season on Monday, August 27, 2012.  The free concert will take place from 6:00-8:00 PM at Rhodes Ferry Park.  For updated schedule information, please call 256-341-4818 or visit www.decaturparks.com.  In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced after 4:00 PM on the DPR website and will also be posted on the DPR and Decatur, Alabama Facebook pages.

A dynamic performer on the saxophone, keyboard and other instruments, Reginald Jackson is a true “musician’s musician.”  His soulful style combines elements of contemporary jazz, blues and gospel to produce a sound that is uniquely “Reginald.”  A Decatur native, Jackson has a Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University, and travels the world conducting workshops, keyboard seminars and performing on the piano, saxophone and organ.  Jackson has traveled the world participating in Gospel music workshops in diverse places such as Incirlik, Turkey.  He has published several books on learning to play the piano and keyboard by ear, and serves as Minister of Music at St. Stephens Baptist Church, the Pentecostal House of Prayer and El Shaddi Ministries.  Jackson has also recorded six CD’s, including Walking in My Destiny and I’m Still Here.  Jackson will be joined in this concert by some of his most talented students for a night not to be missed!  For more information on Reginald Jackson, please visit www.jrjmusic.org.

Civil War Reenactment Set September 1-2

The 14^th Alabama Cavalry, the 3^rd Tennessee Cavalry, and Camp 580 Sons of Confederate Veterans will host the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment September 1-2, 2012 at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Ala. The annual event commemorates the four day battle which took place in October 1864, telling the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States. More than 200 reenactors representing both northern and southern forces will transform the 500-acre municipal park into a weekend encampment complete with mock battles.  

On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m., the Civil War camp featuring displays of authentic equipment, dress, and drills is open to the public with maneuvers and battles taking place at 2 p.m. The Union troops will win the day during one battle reenactment while the Confederates will capture the contested ground during the next day’s skirmish.  

Other activities include a living history of daily camp life where spectators are encouraged to visit with soldiers, Civil War relic displays, drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols and Civil War related items for sale by sutlers. Everyone is invited to a ladies’ tea at 9:30 a.m. and to the Military Ball at 7 p.m. Both events are held on Saturday at The Chapel in Point Mallard Park.

The historical reenactment is held in honor of General Joe Wheeler and Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan, who both resided in North Alabama at some point during their military careers. The City of Decatur was an important transportation site for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War due to the Memphis and Charleston’s railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River. During the 1864 battle at Decatur, Confederate General Hood attempted to break Union supply lines at the crucial railroad crossing at Decatur. He was not successful and had to cross the river at Florence. Decatur’s involvement in this campaign and the fierce four day battle caused General Hood to refer to the city as “a hard nut to crack.”  

The two-day event is held at Point Mallard Park and admission is free. For more information on the Battle for Decatur reenactment, call the Decatur-Morgan County CVB at 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028.

Free Movie in the Park to be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012

Decatur Parks and Recreation will show Happy Feet Two at Wilson Morgan Park Ballfield # 3

Put on your dancing shoes and join the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department at ballfield # 3 at Wilson Morgan Park for a free, under the stars showing of  Happy Feet Two on Saturday, August 25.   This animated feature stars the world’s most famous tap-dancing penguin, Mumble, his wife Gloria and their son Erik.  Young Erik is trying to find his own niche in the Emperor Penguin world, but as new dangers affect the penguin nation, it will take everyone working and dancing together to save them.  The PG movie lasts 100 minutes and features the voices of Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink and other Hollywood stars. 

All movies begin “at dark” and guests should bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks.  The free “Movie in the Park” series is sponsored by the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department.  Efforts are made to select family-friendly or classic movies for audience viewing, however, parents are encouraged to review movies in advance for appropriateness to age, content and interests.

Additional information on the movie can be obtained by contacting 256-341-4818 or visiting http://www.decaturparks.com/account.php?accountid=71.  In case of inclement weather, cancellation information will be posted on the DPR website and on the DPR  and Decatur, Alabama Facebook pages.

Eightly-three Models Selected for Point Mallard Model Search Auditions

Each year, boys and girls, ages 6 months to 13 years are needed to be photographed and filmed for advertising including television commercials, print advertising, internet ads and billboards.  Models are also featured in the Point Mallard’s upcoming Souvenir Calendar featuring a variety of venues and activities found within the 750+ acre park.

To find these cute kids, the park’s marketing department launched an online model search to seek out new faces.

The following kids have been selected for an audition, the final step in consideration to become an official Point Mallard Park Model for the year 2013:

·        Kyndall Lockley age 4 of Tuscumbia

·        Easton Bostick  age 7 months of Crossville

·        Ashlyn Hale age 12 of Decatur

·        Braelyn Earley age 10 of Madison

·        Olivia Odimegwu age 12 of Spring Hill

·        Anna Dill age 6 of Dora

·        Ethan Williams age 18 mo of Hillsboro

·        Cooper Talley age 1 of Decatur

·        Ian Taylor age 5 of Decatur

·        George Cobb age 3 of Decatur

·        Ava Butler age 4 of Guin

·        Johnny Childers age 1 of Decatur

·        Kaley Miller age 13 of Fyffe

·        Brooklynn Tucker 2 of Decatur

·        River Crittenden 20 months of Athens

·        Jack Letson age 14 months of Moulton

·        Breaonna Allen-Jackson age 9 of Decatur

·        Tiffany Lee age 11 of Decatur

·        Hailey Kensing age 12 of Arab

·        Jett Walker age 3 of Rogersville

·        Darby Keefauver age 8 of Huntsville

·        Kylie Peterson of 4 of Huntsville

·        Drayden Mason age3 of Hartselle

·        Cheyenne Williams age 3 of Decatur

·        Gracyn Eldridge age 19 months of New Market

·        Trenton Alack of 8 of Hodges

·        Caitryn Triplett age 3 of Hodges

·        Austin Hatten  age 12 of Madison

·        Hadley Watson age 13 of Harvest

·        Scarlett Whitehead age 5 of Decatur

·        Brooklyn Cary age 21 Months of Falkville

·        Kaylee Wood age 16 months of Hartselle

·        Isabella Stephenson age 11 of Decatur

·        Evan Ann Bowling age 3 of Florence

·        Triston Brewer, 22 months of New Market

·        Presleigh Kenney age 2.5 of Toney

·        Aubrey Oliver age 5 of Tanner

·        Karli McGehee age 10 of Hazel Green

·        Rraylee Ayers age 1.5 of Dawson

·        Kaitlyn Warden age 6 of Madison

·        Ashley Cole age 4 of Decatur

·        Ella Kate Morrow age 3 of Arab

·        Gammon Smith age 4 of Boaz

·        Lane Nelson age 11 months of Arab

·        Jackson Key age 2 of Huntsville

·        Love Griggs age 9 months of Tanner

·        Kamden Prince age 4 of Birmingham

·        Keriyana Prince 6 of Birmingham

·        Daija Milam age 8 of Decatur

·        Josie Roberts age 11 of Dawson

·        Jessie Roberts age 11 of Dawson

·        Alivia Flores age 4 of Madison

·        Layla Jones age 2 of Somerville

·        Willow Crosier age 9 months of Huntsville

·        Cali Persaud age 9 of Meridianville

·        Alexandria Howard age 6 of Athens

·        Bayleah Willbanks age 6 months of Guntersville

·        Evan Goolsby age 6 of Madison

·        Nickolas Moon age 6 of Decatur

·        Hallee Maddox age 5 of Huntsville

·        Emma Katheryn age Campbell   5 of Ripley

·        Madie Grace Lewis age 5 of Huntsville

·        Kamora Taylor age 4 years of Madison

·        Nadine Kaufman age 4 of Huntsville

·        Taylor Brown age 4 of Winfield

·        Hayden Toelken age 4 of Madison

·        Gracie Lingo age 32 months of Huntsville

·        Kayla Davis age 3 of Decatur

·        James Armstrong age 3 of Fayetteville

·        Raichel Luther age 3 of Toney

·        Sydney Oechsle age 3 of Madison

·        Alexander Theriault age 2.5 of Moulton

·        McKenna Mitchell age 2 of Decatur

·        Eric Foster III age 18 months of Moulton

·        Makenzie Ioia age 15 months of Huntsville

·        Tiarra Mann age 14 of Fayetteville

·        Tyesha Shoulders age 13 of Rainsville

·        Bailey Jamison age 13 of Huntsville

·        Jordan Pierce age 12 of Toney

·        Ryan Anderson age 12   Madison

·        April Marie Roof age 12 Trinity

·        Bobby Scharmann age 11 months of Lacey's Spring

·        Isabelle Burks age 3 of Madison

 Models will now be interviewed and photographed to narrow the field down to 25. 

The contest began in April and ran through Midnight Wednesday evening in search for faces for the Park’s 2013 Advertising campaign which will include a large marketing plan to promote the waterpark’s new attractions to be completed in May of 2013. 

Since 2006, Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama, has launched its own model search as part of their annual advertising campaign.  Each year park’s marketing director features “real” local kids for the next season’s ads including billboards, commercials, print ads and more.  In 2012 alone, an impressive 1,254 kids were entered in the contest.

 All entry photos can still be seen at www.pointmallardmodelsearch.com

Briana Dean and Red Headed Stepchild to perform on August 20

Make Monday your favorite night of the week by attending the Paul Stroud Concerts by the River series in Decatur, Alabama!  Sponsored by the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department, the concert series features a variety of musical styles that are appealing to all ages and provides wonderful family-oriented entertainment.  The

August 20, 2012  Concerts by the River will feature music that celebrates the many different elements embraced in the American musical tradition.  Vocalist Briana Dean  and her band will perform at 6:00 and will be followed by Red Headed Stepchild at 7:00.  All concerts are open to the public and are held at Rhodes Ferry Park. Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and usually conclude by 8:00 PM.  For updated schedule information, please call 256-341-4818 or visit www.decaturparks.com.  In case of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced after 4:00 PM with information posted on the DPR website at www.decaturparks.com  and on the DPR and Decatur, Alabama FACEBOOK pages.

Briana Dean is a 25 year old singer/songwriter who will be making her debut performance at Concerts by the River in 2012.  This Decatur resident has been performing on stage since the age of five and has opened for seasoned artists such as Loretta Lynn, Collin Raye, Sammy Kershaw, John Anderson and Richie McDonald of Lonestar.  Dean has also traveled overseas to entertain US troops.  Briana Dean will be accompanied by her band which includes members Justin Miller, Garrett Dean and Gatlan Vinson.  Find out more about Briana Dean at her Facebook page. 

Red Headed Stepchild brings a diverse set list that embraces folk rock, traditional bluegrass and modern popular tunes.  The band performs at local clubs, benefits, and festivals. This  acoustic band features the talents of Neeve Weinberger (lead vocals, rhythm acoustic guitar); Tasha Jones  (acoustic guitar, vocal); Tim Hopper (vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar); Bobby Blount (vocals, lead guitar); and Philip Hughes (bass.)