ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — November is here and Thankfulness is abuzz everywhere. Express your thankfulness to live in a democracy by voting Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open at the Orange Beach Community Center from 7:00 am- 7:00 pm for election of county, district and state offices. 

Oliver North was in Orange Beach at Columbia Southn University's graduation. We are so thankful for our city’s largest employer, CSU. Go Knights! Yes, CSU has a new mascot. 

Other things to be thankful for in Orange Beach include: God-given talents like Ellie Dorazio making UAB’s honor band before entering High School,  opportunities such as the 13 people from OBUMC that spent seven days caring for children in Honduras last week, community events like Christian Life’s Trunk o' Treat at The Wharf, new beginnings like Joe at Masters' Joe’s Restaurant on Canal and Michelle Deerman the new owner of Duck’s Diner, pets like Plato (owner Lonesome Mel McFatter) who won his 4th gold medal at the doggie Olympics, donations made to Carehouse during their fundraiser at Gilbey’s, music played on the Bay at the Baldwin Pops Concert on the Orange Beach Library Green, art demonstrations during the Friends of the Arts Fall reception  at the Coastal Art Center, friends at local’s night, etc. 

November 7 is Orange Beach Elementary School Fall Festival at the Orange Beach Event Center; cost is free, fun for all ages including Karoke, test drive of new vehicles, silent and live auction, and more. Consider donating a prize for the event today.

Wildflowers and Fisher’s are teaming again for the $25 Christmas Event on November 13. Purchase tickets at Wildflower’s Boutique (new location) or make a donation for area children in need. Local’s Night will be celebrated at The FloraBama Yacht Club on November 20. 

November 21-22 the City of Orange Beach Wind and Water Learning Center will host the American Canoe Association Coastal Kayaking Level 1-3 Instructor Development Workshop (IDW). For more information contact Caroline at 251.424.5909.

It is time to plan your Coastal Christmas! The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber has a great Coastal Christmas Calendar for all organizations to post their upcoming events and others to plan by at AlabamaCoastalChristmas.com. 

Tickets are on sale for Aaron Neville who will be in concert at the Orange Beach Event Center on Wednesday, December 3 at Coastalchristmasconcert.eventbrite.com/.   

December 4 tickets for Classical Christmas Concert are on sale at Summerdale Library. The Miram’s Taste of the Island Gala’ tickets for December 5 are available at http://www.mirams.info. 

Many other events and happenings are coming during Coastal Christmas November 28 – New Year’s that are at no cost such as Lighted Boat Parade, Tree lighting, Santa Sightings, and Merry Market. Contact the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber if you are interested in having a booth at the 3rd Annual Merry Market at 251.968.7200.     

Congratulations to Bailey Kennon who will be in concert at the “Dying to Live” Converge Ministry Winter Retreat at Christian Life Church December 26.

Thankful to live in the South! Happy Fall Y’all!