High School Essay Contest

Sept. 17-Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Free

5 participating regions—Southern Region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia as well as Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands For more, visit BillofRightsInstitute.org/Contest Essay question: “How does the Constitution establish and maintain a

culture of liberty?” Essays must be submitted to BillofRightsInstitute.org/Submit. Winners announced February 2012. No more than 1,000 words. Judged on: Adherence to Essay Question, Originality, Organization, Writing Style and Depth of Analysis. Judges

are high school teachers.

Three cash prizes per region will be awarded to students: $1,000 each, $500 each and $250 each. Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded to the teachers of all winning students.

Relay for Life

6 p.m.-6 a.m. Nov. 18.

Free

Central Baldwin High School

For more, email carolyn.kinney@cancer.org, call Tiffany Lynn, 989-6935

or call Jessica Devine, 947-7378.

Honor Flight Program

10 a.m. Nov. 18

Free

David’s Catfish House, Spanish Fort

For more, call Andy Schottgen at 928-2104 or 472-6924.

All Baldwin County Retired Educators, who are veterans, are asked to be present at the meeting.

First annual Fall Bazaar

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 19

Prices vary

Grace Lutheran Church ELCA in Gulf Shores

For more, call 968-5991

Featuring sales of handmade items, collectibles, jewelry and gourmet baked goods. Enjoy a soup and dessert luncheon from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

2nd Annual Movie in the Street: The Polar Express

6:30 p.m. Nov. 19

Free

Intersection of Fairhope and Section streets downtown Fairhope

For more, call 929-1466, visit www.cofairhope.com or follow us on Facebook.

Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs (and children in holiday PJs) for this event.

First Annual TaTa Ride

Nov. 19

The Hangout

For more, visit thehangoutal.com.

Support breast cancer research and enjoy a motorcycle ride and party at the Hangout.

Fairhope's Annual Christmas Open House

1-5 p.m. Nov. 20

For more, call 929-1466, visit www.cofairhope.com or follow us on Facebook.

For more than 50 years, the merchants of Fairhope have provided a Christmas shopping experience that is second to none. With live entertainment and refreshments throughout town, this Fairhope tradition grows every year.

Holiday Painting

9 a.m.-noon Nov. 21

James P. Nix Center, Fairhope

Space is limited. Cost is $2 and all supplies are provided. Sign up at

the front desk!

Community Thanksgiving Meal and food distribution

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 22

Free

First United Methodist Church and Little Zion UMC at 120 W. Second St., Bay Minette

For more, call 937-8303.

Each family will be entitled to one bag of groceries and a Thanksgiving meal. Must show current form of I.D.

The International Tenors Concert

7 p.m. Nov. 28

$20

L.D. Owen Performing Arts Center, Faulkner State, Bay Minette

For more call 232-0620 or 937-5995.

Be Your Own Boss

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 29

$10

Bryant Bank, Community Room, 1801 US Hwy. 98, Daphne

To register, call the Women’s Business Center, Inc. at 660-2725, or

email info@womenbiz.biz.

This course focuses on what is actually means to be a business owner. We start the class with a quiz, ‘Is Entrepreneurship for You?” We examine the traits of entrepreneurs, skills and qualifications, mental, emotional and financial requirements necessary to consider

entrepreneurship. Participants leave with an idea of what the next steps are to making their dream a reality.

Christmas Open House in Gulf Shores

6-8 p.m. Dec. 1

Free

1905 W. First St., Gulf Shores

For more, call 968-1172 or visit gulfshoresal.gov.

There's no place like home for the holidays to see sparkling decor, enjoy music, dancing, crafts, refreshments and more! Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and many special elves while catching up with friends and neighbors as you stroll between each location. Celebrate with us the things that make the holidays a special time for family. View award

winning Gingerbread houses, holiday village, train sets, moonwalk bounce house, storied, music and children's activities. Bring a camera for photos with Santa in a sleigh. His elf will reward you with a treat. Pick up a schedule of entertainment at any site listed and join the free family oriented fun! Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, Thomas B. Norton Library, David L. Bodenhamer Recreation Center, Gulf Shores Museum, South Baldwin Community Theater.

Mystical Order of Mirams Taste of the Island

6-10 p.m. Dec. 2

$50 per person. Tickets only sold in advance.

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach

For more, call 923-9862 or visit mirams.info.

A tropical affair offering local cuisine, cocktails, entertainment,

and a silent auction. Proceeds to benefit Toys for Tots and do not

forget to bring a toy.

Christmas Concert Mark Harris and Roman Street

7 p.m. Dec. 2

Free

Downtown Bay Minette

Part of Christmas Fest

Fairhope's Magical Christmas Parade

7 p.m. Dec. 2

Free

Downtown Fairhope

For more, call 929-1466, visit www.cofairhope.com or follow us on Facebook.

The lighted floats, bands, and marching units make their way along Section Street, from Morphy to Oak. Santa himself arrives in town that night, closing out the parade and riding into town on a shiny red Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department truck.

29th annual Christmas Fest and Car Show

Dec. 3

Free

Downtown Bay Minette

For more, call North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at 937-5665.

North Baldwin Infirmary Christmas Run

Dec. 3

For more, call 937-9099.

It is hosted by the North Baldwin Infirmary Wellness Center and benefits that North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation who also works with the local schools. The Foundation will award the winning school a cash prize for the most participation.

Candy Cane Christmas, a Gift Market by the Bay

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3

Booths are $75

James P. Nix Center at 1 Bayou Drive in Fairhope

For more, contact Mary Bunch 591-1338, Terri Thompson 463-7183 or the Children of the World office at 990-3550.

The annual fundraiser for Children of the World will include retail merchants, arts and crafts vendors from all over the Gulf Coast, Rivers of Love Pet Adoption, children¹s choir performances, photos with Santa and lots of great food and desserts.

NAIA Youth Play Date

11 a.m.-6:15 p.m. Dec. 3

Free, $3 parking

Orange Beach Sportsplex, 4389 William Silvers Parkway, Orange Beach

For more, call 850-207-5910, email heyeflier@me.com or visit perdidobayfc.com.

Youth soccer competition comes to Orange Beach. Over 20 teams predicate in this one day showdown, don't miss the action!

2nd Annual Christmas Parade and Christmas at the Beach in Gulf Shores

2 p.m. Dec. 3

Free

1905 West 1st Street, Gulf Shores

For more, visit gulfshoresal.gov.

Follows Gulf Shores parkway from Clubhouse Drive to East Beach Boulevard, ending at Gulf Shores Public Beach. Floats, throws, music, beauty queens, dancers, winter characters, Gulf Shores schools, clubs, organizations, businesses, and all the classic parade features. Line the streets and watch for your favorite. Then gather at Gulf Place for a Winter experience complete with snow! Refreshments, inflatable fun and much more. Caroling by Gulf Shores High School chorus, live Nativity and free petting zoo, giant stocking to decorate free to each child, write letters to Santa in style. Professional photographer on site. First 100 visitors to Santa receive a free 5x7 photo.

Recreational Classes in Culinary Arts presents: Cheesecake

3-7 p.m. Dec. 3

$30 per person, register by phone.

3301 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores

For more, call 990-0445.

Learn how to make a variety of cheesecakes, from sweet to savory. This class will look at ingredients, tools and techniques of making great cheesecakes. After a brief lecture we will prepare a variety of cheesecakes, looking at different crusts, different styles (New York, French, California) and different garnishes and sauces.

Harpist Katie Ott

2 p.m. Dec. 4

Tickets are $15.00 per person

Eastern Shore Art Center

You may purchase tickets on-line at esartcenter.com/tickets.

Join the Mobile Symphony’s Principal Harpist, Katie Ott to celebrate the Holidays with a selection of traditional holiday favorites and the angelic glissandos of the harp. What a perfect way to start off the holidays – with the festive sounds of the season!

A Community Christmas performance

7 p.m. Dec. 5

Free

Fairhope Civic Center

For more, visit baldwincountyyouthorchestra.com.

Baldwin County Youth Orchestra, Baldwin Homeschool Band and RamCorp:The University of Mobile will perform. Bake sale refreshments and special solos begin at 6:30 p.m.

Orange Beach Christmas Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10

Adults $5, kids free

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach

For more, visit wharfresort.com.

Come and Enjoy a day full of arts, crafts, decorations, and holiday baked goods. Also enjoy Christmas carolers, a Christmas tree competition, live reindeer. First 200 kids each day get a FREE picture with Santa.

Dance with the City Rhythm Big Band

7-10 p.m. Dec. 10

Loxley Civic Center

For more, call the Loxley Civic Center Monday through Friday at

964-4995 or 964-7733.

City Rhythm Big Band is an 18 piece band composed of both present and past band directors, students, and people who just enjoy Big Band music. We play music from the big band era of the 40's made famous by such artists as Count Basie, Woody Herman, Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, and many others.

Upcoming Dances: Christmas Dance, Jan. 21st - Winter Dance, Feb. 11th—Sweetheart Dance, Mar. 17th—March Dance, Apr. 7th—Spring Fling Dance, May 19th—May Flowers Dance.

4th annual Rummage and Bake Sale

7 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10-11

Free

Brett/Robinson Laundry at 25050 Canal Road, Orange Beach

If you are interested in donating items and want to schedule a time and day for a pick up of items please contact Jeremy Smith at 233-8767. For more information please contact Randy Hartley at 981-6901 ext. 17936 or email randy@brett-robinson.com.

The sale includes items such as: furniture, household goods and home accessories, clothing, toys, appliances, tools, and much more. The items are kindly donated by employees, condo owners, friends and people in our community. Split the Pot: Employees have started selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle that are $1 each. Winner receives half the money in the pot…to purchase tickets for a chance to win contact Ricky Johnson at 974-1158. Last year’s winner won over $700, what an awesome win during the Holidays. Drawing will be held Sunday December 11th at 3:00pm; you do not need to be present to win.

Gulf Coast Golf Expo

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10-11

$8 admission and children younger than 14 are free. Parking is free.

23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach

For more, visit rvexpo.net.

The Expo will feature all of the top golf industry manufacturers, as well as courses, resorts, carts, apparel, and retail outlets from across the northern gulf coast. Along with over 75 vendor booths, attendees will have a chance to compete in putting; chipping, and long drive challenges for cash and prizes. There will be 12 demonstration tee boxes, giving you the chance to try out the latest in golf club design from all of the top manufacturers. Take your game to the next level with the daily seminars given by tour pros. Learn everything from short game to long, putting and chipping, nutrition and exercise, everything to make you a complete golfer.