Having been on the lucky side of Hurricane Helene, I think we can all appreciate that we're able to look for fun things to do this coming week rather than focus on recovery or worse. If you know …
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Having been on the lucky side of Hurricane Helene, I think we can all appreciate that we're able to look for fun things to do this coming week rather than focus on recovery or worse. If you know someone who's been impacted, all of Gulf Coast Media hopes for them a fast recovery and sincere condolences for what they've lost. If you're in town because you evacuated your home, welcome to the Alabama Gulf Coast. I hope something in this article can help you, whether it's finding something to bring the kids to, take your mind off your hardships for just a little or connect with other people who also love the communities all around the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast.
And if you live here or are a returning visitor, you know the deal...
This coming week has everything from festivals celebrating local birds or our American freedom to fundraisers and live community music.
To discover more happenings or plan ahead for future weekends and holidays, visit our event calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/calendar. You can also upload and feature your event there. Did we miss something here? Email us at pressrelease@gulfcoastmedia.com.
What: Birders and nature lovers from across the United States and Canada flock to South Alabama every year to experience one of the prime birdwatching opportunities on the Gulf Coast during fall migration. More than 370 bird species have been spotted at various locations along the Alabama coast, and BirdFest guides expertly lead attendees on boat and walking trips to some of the best birding spots in the area, including locations along the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail.
Alabama Coastal BirdFest takes attendees into the Mobile Delta, to the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, historic Fort Morgan and the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, among other locations. The three-day event also includes workshops on subjects such as hummingbirds, the basics of birding, monarch butterflies and, new this year, how to use common birding apps, such as eBird and Merlin Bird ID, and understanding bird box design for specific species. A free family-friendly Bird and Conservation Expo will be held at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Expo highlights other local nonprofits and environmental agencies, hands-on activities and short boat cruises led by a junior birder.
Since 2004, BirdFest has raised more than $100,000 to help preserve and protect vital coastal bird and wildlife habitats and increase awareness of the Alabama Gulf Coast's great biological diversity.
When: Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-6, various times
Where: 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort; and all around Baldwin and Mobile counties
Cost: Prices, schedules and registration for guided trips are available on the event website: https://southalabamalandtrust.org/birdfest/.
What: This two-day event features Bama the Coast Cruisin' Car Show, patriotic military and arts, crafts and outdoors vendors and booths, live music, first responder demos, helicopter rides, a Jeep rally and more. New this year, the nonprofit Gulf Coast Gun Collectors Association will host a collectible firearms show at the Orange Beach Event Center on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 with children 15 and under free with adult supervision. Also new this year, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber will have beer booths on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. There is also a free 1-mile Mogadishu Mile run at the Flora-Bama in partnership with the event. For details and schedules of activities and live music, go to https://www.orangebeachal.gov/429/Freedom-Fest.
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
Cost: Free to attend
What: All proceeds from this event benefit the Baldwin County Boys Ranch, helping boys in unfortunate circumstances. House tours begin at 4 p.m., and dinner is at 5 p.m. in the sheriff's office gymnasium. Dinner includes pulled pork, fixin's and dessert. There will be a Split the Pot fundraiser, silent auction, live auction and more.
When: Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: 21870 CR 32, Summerdale
Cost: $35 per adult, $350 for a table; to purchase tickets, call (251) 989-6392 or email steven@alsyr.org.
What: The concert theme is "Salute to First Responders," and it will feature the premiere performance of a march by an Orange Beach composer who is a former conductor of the Baldwin Pops Band. "Vigilance" by Roger Park Jones is "a march dedicated to America's first responders." In addition to this special piece, conductors Chad Faison and Wayne Fillingim will lead the band in performances of "Amazing Grace" by Frank Ticheli, "Elegy For the U.S.S. Arizona" by Larry MacTaggart, "Esprit de Corps" by Robert Jager, "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland, "Heroes Near and Far" by Richard L. Saucedo, "Into the Storm" by Robert W. Smith and others. Members of McGuire's Pipe Band will make a special appearance in the performance of "Amazing Grace." Guests should bring chairs or blankets for seating and are encouraged to bring a picnic meal. After intermission, children will be invited to parade with flags to a Sousa march. A Checkered Tablecloth Award will be presented to the person or group judged to have the most interesting picnic setup. For more information, go to www.baldwinpops.com, search Facebook for Baldwin Pops Band, or call (251) 987-5757.
When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Henry George Park, intersection of Fairhope and Magnolia avenues, Fairhope
Cost: Free
What: The Reserve at Fairhope is hosting a "Mini Walk" leading up to the National Walk to End Alzheimer's. Walk is the largest event to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. This is a great opportunity to raise money to help fight this neurodegenerative disease and make new friends and fellowship while making a difference. Registration is from 10-11 a.m. and will include light refreshments, music by local guitarist and vocalist Jerry Powell, lawn games and raffle prizes. Enjoy a pop-up market featuring local vendors along with a classic car show featuring British vehicles sponsored by the British Car Club. To register and/or donate to a team, go to https://tinyurl.com/hv8xj5sc.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 10a.m.-noon
Where: The Reserve at Fairhope, 604 Reserve Loop, Fairhope
Cost: Donate to a team to raise funds for the cause
