ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The buzz is loud with all of the “cool” happenings in Orange Beach. Attorney General, Luther Strange was at Waterfront Park on October 1 meeting and greeting locals.

Our Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s 2015 President’ elect is Orange Beach resident and business owner Vince Lucido, of Lucido Engineering and Surveying.  Congratulations to Vince! 

The National Shrimp Festival presented by Zatarain’s is October 9 through 12 and detailed schedule is available at www.myshrimpfest.com. 

The City of Orange Beach USTA Alabama sanctioned “Battle at the Beach” Junior Tennis Tournament was September 27-28, 2014, at the Orange Beach Tennis Center. Fifty girls and boys in divisions 10s, 12s, 14s, and 16s competed in the state Level 4 two-day event. Congratulations to the following Orange Beach children: Brooks Mitchell runner up in Boy’s 12 year old category, Marleigh Green runner up in Girl’s 12 year old category and the Girl’s 10 year old category was a clean sweep with Callie Chiepalich, winner and Lillie McInnis runner-up.   

The season’s first Local’s Night was last Thursday at Shipp’s Harbour Grill.  October 9 Local’s Night will be at The Shrimp Festival. Then a special Local’s Night will be at Wildflower’s (new location), Chopper’s and Another Broken Egg on Thursday, October 16. See you there! 

The Wind and Water Learning Center will be offering an introductory kayak fishing class beginning October 8th and every Wednesday, from 9 am til noon. For more information click www.windandwaterlearning.com.  

The Gallery at the Coastal Art Center may be closed but the CAC is offering many opportunities to experience the arts. The annual Scarecrow Festival at the Coastal Art Center will be October 17th from 3 pm to 6:30 p.m. followed by a movie on the lawn at 7:00 p.m. Families and businesses can enjoy a great time creating themed scarecrows that will be judged and left for all to see in the Scarecrow Garden. Pops in the Park is October 19.

The Festival of Art Committee is searching for a voluntary Culinary Committee Co-Chair. Volunteer today by calling 251.981.ARTS.  Also, the ASAP, After School Art Program, is in need of a Voice teacher for the Theatre Troup on Wednesday afternoons. October 23 is Friends of the Arts Fall reception 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Come and enjoy great friends and great art!  Call today for information related to these opportunities and more at 251.981.ARTS. 

Interested in keeping abreast of I-10 Bay Bridge progress? Sign up for a free newsletter at http://www.coastalalabama.org. This bridge has a huge impact on our local economy so stay engaged.

Planning a community event? Make sure to check the Coastal Calendar at www.mygulfcoastchamber.com click events. Submit your event to be included free of charge and receive free advertising. 

Many local artists depend upon The Coastal Art Center Gallery for revenue. Since it is closed at this time other opportunities need to be secured to keep the art community as a viable economic engine in the city. Businesses interested in connecting with local artists to sell their work should email me at obabuzzyo@gmail.com .