August

August 23 Fyffe UFO Day – 4^th Saturday – Hot Air Balloon Rides showcase this unique family outing! Arts and crafts, children’s games, food vendors, antique tractors, live entertainment, street dance and much more make this event fun for the whole family. Gates open at 9 a.m. and music starts at 10 a.m. 256-623-2222

August 23 Rustic Terrace Outdoor Market Join us on UFO Days, Saturday, August 23rd for our Outdoor Market at the Rustic Terrace. We are currently accepting vendors. Give us a call at 256-601-0690 or send us a message for information on becoming a vendor. 9 am to 4 pm

August 23 Honey Crisp Festival Celebrate the peak of apple season at Little River Orchard! Enjoy a full day of family fun with U-pick Honeycrisp, Day Break Fuji, and Jonagold apples, flower picking, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, and the exciting grand opening of our apple cannon range! Shop local with visiting artisans and vendors, including The Farm at Wendy Hill, Moon Lake Tallow, Cheiman Tea & Coffee, and more. Come make sweet memories in the orchard! 9 AM to 4 PM! 256.674.3476

August 23 Bark Ranger Day Pet Adoptions Calling all animal lovers and adventure seekers! Next week, we’re celebrating National Park Service BARK Ranger Day with an amazing pet adoption event!  Join us at the Little River Canyon Center for a day filled with furry friends looking for their forever homes! The Cherokee County Animal Shelter and Summit Sanctuary will be bringing adorable adoptable pets that are ready for new adventures.  Bring your furry friends along to earn their BARK Ranger Tags then enjoy a fun read-aloud session for families and pets at 1:00 by JSU Field School. 10 am to 2 pm

August 23 Mentone Americana Nights Mentone Americana Nights is a free concert series bringing live music to the Shigley Amphitheater on the Moon Lake Campus. On the fourth Saturday of each month from June through September, these family-friendly evenings will be all about good music, good food, and a good reason to come together. The event starts at 3 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore the artisan shops and galleries on the Moon Lake Campus and grab a bite at Moon Lake Kitchen, which serves up Cajun and Creole favorites. Locals and visitors alike are invited to spend the evening enjoying what makes Mentone special.

August 23 Holy Spurs 3D Rodeo Junior rodeo ran in a 3D format to accommodate beginners-advanced riding levels and low entry fees to promote the sport of rodeo in our area.  Lookout Mountain Cowboy Church at 2974 county road 22, Collinsville, AL.

August 28 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided morning paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Learn about this outstanding water source with its clear water, plant & animal life, and about the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. What to know: This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, under your own power & spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period. Includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water.  7:00 am-10:00 am  DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) Fee: $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00 email to check availability) Pre-registration: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Daybreak-Paddle

August 29 Ribbon Cutting AB’s Avenue Fort Payne’s newest destination for luxury athleisure is here! AB’s Avenue offers curated, designer-inspired pieces perfect for elevating your everyday style. Stop in, show your support, and help us welcome them to the business community! Ribbon Cutting is hosted by the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. 10 am 1303 Gault Ave N Suite III

August 30 Follow Your Art Mentone’s Sweetest Little Festival is back and bursting with creativity! Coming this fall — don’t miss: Judged Art Show ($900 in prizes!) Emerging Artists Showcase, Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Live Music, Storytelling, Kids’ Art Activities, Food Trucks & Festival Fun. Enter the Chalk Art Contest: https://forms.gle/h1wuweDWvYVgonqeA Booth Fees: $20 (Members) | $35 (Non-Members) Can’t wait to see you there

August 30 AFC XII The Great Commission. Edge of your seat, hard hitting, adrenaline fueled entertainment returns to Rainsville Alabama August 30th 2025 at the one and only Dekalb County Schools Coliseum. Whether you’re a fan of slick technical strikers, hard charging wrestlers, jiu jitsu wizards or heavy handed brawlers, The AFC and our partners have planned an amazing event appropriate for the entire family. This card is full of exciting bouts from the first fight of the night all the way to the Main Event. Add to the mix the rowdiest crowd in the country, live entertainment from local up and coming musicians, fun give aways, local charity support and more, and you’ve got a recipe set to make the Dekalb County Schools Coliseum the most electrifying room on the mountain August 30th at AFC XII The Great Commission. 6 pm

August 30 Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast We’ll have a yummy Southern Breakfast with plenty of Pancakes & Planes! Come out to enjoy Good Food, check out some Cool Aircrafts, and chat with Fellow Aviation Enthusiasts. All weather event!! 7 am to 10 am

August 31 Recovery Month Event Join us as we join forces with DeKalb, Cherokee, Marshall, Etowah and Jackson Counties to take a stand against Substance Use Disorder on Sand Mountain! Come hear stories of hope and transformation, celebrate those in recovery and help us remember those that have lost their battle to a drug overdose. DeKalb Schools Coliseum 4 pm to 7 pm

September

September 1 Labor Day Festival Join the Town of Sylvania for their annual Labor Day Festival. There will be good music, crafts, food vendors, and the Wheels of Time Car Show! Free activities for the kids also! Sylvania Town Park 10 am to 4 pm

September 2 Ribbon Cutting: Meal & MarketHelp us welcome Meal & Market, a farmer, veteran, and family-owned restaurant and market bringing delicious, wholesome food to downtown Fort Payne! They’re seed oil free, use pasture-raised products they render themselves, and are passionate about sourcing the best ingredients while supporting fellow farmers and veterans. 10:00 AM 113 1st Street W, Fort Payne AL 35967

September 5 Hike with a Naturalist: DeSoto Scout Trail

September 5 Campfire Talk: Sandstone Glades of Lookout Mountain Join us for a fun campfire talk in the Great Outdoors! A glade is an open area where the bedrock is at or near the surface, and where soils are so thin, trees and shrubs find it difficult to grow, yet you’ll find thriving, rare and unique plant communities that depend on the chemistry and conditions the environments provide. Through hot and dry summers and cold and wet winters, beautiful and tough plants live on in these sunny and hostile islands of rock among the sea of shady forests. Join naturalist Michelle Reynolds for a slideshow on sandstone glades of Lookout Mountain, Little River Canyon, and DeSoto State Park. Learn about this unique environment and the rare and beautiful plants that inhabit it.  8:00 p.m. DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Campfire Ring in the Improved Campground (In case of inclement weather will be located in the CCC Pavilion in picnic area) Campground gates will open 30 minutes before program. Free and open to everyone, no pre-registration required; For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov.

September 5 – 6 Mrytle Jane’s Fall Open House You don’t want to miss our Annual Fall Open House this year. Friday September 5th 10-5 and Saturday September 6th 10-4

September 6 Yoga on the Brow Yoga on the Brow is hosted by Soul Shine Yoga & Wellness Studio. Join in on a relaxing outdoor class under a pavilion in Mentone’s Brow Park off of Cool Street. Class is for all levels, just bring a mat and enjoy a morning flow to awaken the senses and energize the body.  Donation/tips appreciated.

September 6 Volunteer Open House Learn more about the volunteer positions, volunteer passes, volunteer events, and much more! We need enthusiastic volunteers at our front desk, litter pickup, and group events such as National Trails Day, Earth Day, Bio Blitz, Public Lands Day, and more. 10 am to 1 pm Little River Canyon Center.

September 6 Falconry with Matt Whitfield Matt Whitfield, president of the Alabama Hawking Association, returns to Moon Lake Library for a program about falconry.  This was one of our most popular sessions last year, and we are happy to bring Matt back! He will bring his hawk with him. All ages are welcome. Additional parking is available on the grass beside the library as well as around the block at the Moon Lake Campus parking lot. 10:30 am

September 6 Meandering Moonlight Guided Paddle DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided moonlight paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Enjoy this flatwater paddle as the sun goes down and the full moon comes up. Experience the peace & quiet of the gloaming-time! This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period and includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather (you may get wet), headlamp or flashlight, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water.  7:00 pm-10:00 pm  DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) $30.00 for single kayak rental (2 person-tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00, email to check availability) Pre-registration closes September 1st. Pre-registration is required. www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

September 10 Community Health Fair Join in for the 52nd Anniversary of the Senior Center programs at the Annual Heath Fair for DeKalb County Residents ages 60 and older.  Lots of vendors, food, & fun!!  8:30 AM- 12:00 PM VFW Fairgrounds If you would like to attend this as a participant or a vendor, call us to be put on our list at (256) 845-8590 extension 2.

September 12 Hernando’s Adventure Storytime Hike Join DeSoto State Park staff on a meandering hike along the Azalea Cascade Interpretive Trail in DeSoto State Park. Hike along and stop at points along the trail to hear the tale of a little raccoon named Hernando. Hernando is a little on the lazy side…and he gets left behind while his mother and siblings are off hunting for food. He awakens some time later to find himself alone…and hungry…and not really sure what to do!  About the book: Hernando’s Adventure is a short book for children in which the ways of the woods are explained so that kids from pre-school to elementary school can understand them.  About the hike: Trail is approx. .7 of a mile long on slightly rocky terrain (not suitable for strollers) Bring snacks/drinks/daypack if you wish. 4:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89. $2.00 per person. For ages 3 to 103. Participants should bring a lunch/snacks/water, clothes & footwear suitable for the river. Pre-registration is required.

September 12 Park After Dark Fireside Chat A laid-back evening around the campfire with s’mores, good conversation, and the serene sounds of nature. Explore the frog pond, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire under the stars. Join DeSoto State Park staff to get to know the park after dark, talk about any critters we wish, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the night.  Just a quick walk along a dirt road to the pond area, closed toed shoes are preferred. Seating is on the ground or on rocks, so bring your own comfortable camp chair, or ground blanket if you wish. Can even bring a hammock. Come & hang out with us!  8:00 PM (CST)  Meet at the frog pond, near DeSoto’s South entrance. Turn Down Blalock Dr to go towards the Lodge, and park in the first gravel parking lot on the right. Dirt path to pond is a quick walk.  Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of fireside chat.

September 13 Fall Festival Vendor Event We are having our 2nd annual Fall Festival!!! We will have Food trucks, lots of Vendors, Pony rides, Axe throwing, a DJ, Bounce houses, painting, Games with prizes, Yard games for the whole family and so much more. Some of the yard games included are giant sorry, golf, checkers, corn hole, and so many more. We will have something for everyone!! So be sure to come out and enjoy a fun filled day with the whole family!! we are super excited for this year’s festival and can’t wait to see everyone! Rainsville Farmers Market 9 am to 4 pm

September 13 Glow Run Get ready to shine at the Movin’ for Main Street GLOW RUN – a 5K like no other! Hosted by Fort Payne-Main Street in Historic Downtown Fort Payne. Join us at the Rotary Pavilion for an electrifying night of fun, fitness, and glow-in-the-dark excitement! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or just in it for the glow, this is your chance to hit the streets under the neon lights and make some unforgettable memories. Registration is now open!  https://raceroster.com/…/movin-for-main-street-glow-run…  $39 + tax – The first 100 runners will receive an official race day shirt! All runners will receive GLOW Sticks, Bracelets, Necklaces, and much more!

September 16 Ribbon Cutting: Fever Dream For the past year, Fever Dream has been providing a friendly and welcoming space for kids and adults of all ages — a place where fun, imagination, and new friendships are always sparking. Now, it’s time to celebrate their incredible first year in Fort Payne with an official ribbon cutting!  10:30 AM 104 1st Street Fort Payne AL

September 16 Women’s Care Center Annual Banquet Please make plans to attend for a wonderful evening!  The guest speaker will be Evie Lastra West. The speaker will share her experiences as a former gang member and teen mother who became a police officer in TN and an advocate for life, abstinence, and obedience to Jesus Christ. The tickets are on sale at the Women’s Care Center office.  They are $35 each.  Sponsorships are also available.  Held at the Life Center of the First Methodist Church in Fort Payne.  Sponsorships $160 Bronze, 4 tickets $320 Silver, 8 tickets $600 Gold, 16 tickets $1000 Platinum, 24 tickets All sponsors will be listed in banquet program. Call 256-845-0838 for more information

September 18 Fall Social Join us for the Fall Social, where we’ll celebrate Leanne Sharp and her inspiring journey from music educator to full-time artist. And don’t miss the Porch Pickers, playing every Friday from 2–4 p.m. at the gallery — with extended hours and refreshments to enjoy while you shop!

September 18 Bear Aware! A Growing Population If friend shaped, why not friend? Black Bears may resemble a beloved childhood stuffy but can be 4ft-6ft in length and weigh upwards to 600lbs! Blackbears are a keystone species meaning their species makes a large impact in the ecosystem they live in! With a rapidly growing population in Alabama, it is important to be aware of precautions to take while camping to ensure our animal friends don’t become dependent on our leftovers!  Join the Park Naturalist to learn more black bears, how to live with them, and the consequences of a “nuisance” bear!   6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama.  Campfire Circle  Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Contact Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for any details.

September 19 Campfire Talk Firefly Facts & Flashes Join us for a fun campfire talk in the Great Outdoors! Campfire Talks are a series of educational & entertaining programs located outside in DeSoto State Park. Talks are for all ages, & open to everyone! Each talk there will be a different subject to learn about from snakes, to vultures, to insects and so much more. DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Campfire Ring in the Campground (In case of inclement weather will be located in the CCC Pavilion in picnic area) Free, no pre-registration required; For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

September 20 Yoga on the Brow Yoga on the Brow is hosted by Soul Shine Yoga & Wellness Studio. Join in on a relaxing outdoor class under a pavilion in Mentone’s Brow Park off of Cool Street. Class is for all levels, just bring a mat and enjoy a morning flow to awaken the senses and energize the body.  Donation/tips appreciated.

September 20 – 27 2025 FALL/WINTER Consignment Sale 2025 FALL/WINTER Consignment Sale is scheduled For Saturday, September 20th & Monday, September 22nd thru Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Go to www.FindersKeepersSale.com for more information. 

September 20 Boom Days Heritage Celebration – 3rd Saturday – This annual art and musical event displays citizens of Fort Payne taking a second look at their past and the heritage passed down to them through the arts and crafts of our area.  Many events will take place the week prior to the celebration. The Boom Days Heritage Celebration will feature many of these facets in the presentation of musical performances as well as art displays in City Park.  256-845-1524

September 20 Annual Book Sale Need to replace a Landmarks publication, or just add to your collection? Come by and see us during Boom Days at the Richard C. Hunt Reception Hall for our Annual Book Sale. Everything will be 1/2 off!

September 21 May’s Gulf Songwriter Series  This small-stage concert series celebrates the artistry of local and regional singer-songwriters, bringing their original music to life in a unique and personal setting. Join us from 3 PM to 5 PM at the beautiful Little River Canyon Center for an afternoon of extraordinary performances featuring Pat Byrne and Jordan Gillis Band. Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 at the door;  Coolers welcome – Bring your favorite refreshments!  Rain or shine – The show goes on no matter the weather!  Don’t miss this chance to connect with the heart and soul of authentic songwriting. Secure your tickets now and be part of an unforgettable evening!

September 25 Plant Discovery Walk In the H. Stanley Sims Native Plant Area  Join DeSoto State Park Staff for a meandering walk in the park, taking in every opportunity to learn more about the natural world. On this walk we will identify many native plants of the southern Appalachians and will be teaching you how to recognize the species found in the park. Bring a notebook/camera if you wish and discover what can be seen along the way. All ages welcome About the walk: We will be walking from the Lodge to the H. Stanley Sims Native Plant Area, which is a short 1,000-yard loop. Easy terrain, approx. 1 mile total. 2:00-4:00 pm (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet outside DeSoto’s Lodge Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of walk. 

September 26 Mentone Americana Nights Mentone Americana Nights is a free concert series bringing live music to the Shigley Amphitheater on the Moon Lake Campus. On the fourth Saturday of each month from June through September, these family-friendly evenings will be all about good music, good food, and a good reason to come together. The event starts at 3 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore the artisan shops and galleries on the Moon Lake Campus and grab a bite at Moon Lake Kitchen, which serves up Cajun and Creole favorites. Locals and visitors alike are invited to spend the evening enjoying what makes Mentone special.

September 27 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip DeSoto State Park staff offers this relaxing guided morning paddle trip on scenic Little River. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature as we paddle upstream on the ‘coke bottle clear’ waters of the West Fork of Little River. Learn about this outstanding water source with its clear water, plant & animal life, and about the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. What to know: This trip is approximately 4 miles round trip on flatwater, under your own power & spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period. Includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device. Participants must be able to paddle upstream and back (no current) Weight limits: 300 pounds for singles & 450 for tandems. Ages 8 to adult. What to bring: Appropriate clothing for weather, bug spray, snacks, and drinking water.  7:00 am-10:00 am  DeSoto Falls Picnic Area-Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack (about 7 miles from main park area of DeSoto State Park) Fee: $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00 email to check availability) Pre-registration: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Daybreak-Paddle

September 27 Valley Head Cemetery Run  The  Cemetery Association hosts a race each year to help cover the cost of mowing and maintenance on the cemetery grounds.  This will be year 10 for our race.  We started running on the paved driveways in the cemetery with a 5K and Fun Run.  We recently added a 10K by request and relocated the races to begin on the Valley Head Town Square at the Robert Johnson Roofing and Construction Office. The route will take runners through the valley following the rail road tracks on a scenic run up Violet Hill Road and back to the town square. Runners can choose between a 5K, a 10K or Kids 1 Mile Fun Run. Registration forms are available at Valley Head Town Hall and Hammondville Town Hall, our Facebook page, at early pickup or at registration on the morning of the race or you can request one by mail by calling Sherryl 256-657-1616 Help us honor your loved ones by sponsoring a memorial in their name and we will run in their memory. Come run or walk with us in memory of all the memorials. If you would like to sponsor a memorial or an ad, make a donation or for more info contact Sherryl Lewis at 256-657-1616. (deadline for the memorials and sponsor ads is August 20, 2025). Cash Prizes for the 5K and 10K overall Male and Female finishers will be awarded. The top 3 Male and Female 5K and 10K finishers in each age category will receive medals.  Fun Run Registrants: Ribbons will be given to each of the and medals will be given to the top 3 Fun Run finishers. Register by September 10, 2025 to guarantee a t-shirt in your size. Registrations received after September 10, 2025:   Tshirts will be available at the packet pickup and the morning of the race but sizes may be limited   All Mail-in Registrations and Registrations from the town halls must be received by September 20, 2025.  Online Registrations closes September 25, 2025 Race Day Registration and packet pickup will open at 7:00 am. Packet pickup and early registration on Friday September 26 from 6:00-7:00pm at Robert Johnson Roofing and Construction office on the square in downtown Valley Head

September 27 Wildflower Watercolors for Beginners- Fall Blooms ​Discover the beauty of native wildflowers through the art of watercolor in this beginner-friendly class. Designed for those who think they can’t draw a stick figure, this course focuses on easy-to-learn techniques to capture the delicate charm of local flora. Using simple brush strokes and basic color mixing, you’ll create vibrant, nature-inspired artworks while exploring the unique features of native wildflowers. No prior art experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment. By the end of the class, you’ll have a collection of small watercolor paintings and newfound confidence in your artistic abilities. 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, AL. Nature Center next to DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89 $55.00 -includes all supplies. Ages 12 to adult. Class space is limited to 10, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class.

September 28 Weaving a Reed Handbag Basket Join artist Brittney Hughes to discover how to weave a large reed basket; learning how to set up & form the basket, start & stop weaving techniques, and how to add a rim & handles. Complete basket kit for the Evening Out basket (kit pictured) will be provided, as well as all tools & supplies to use. This class is for ages 12 to adult (please no younger children for safety reasons)  Enthusiasm (all materials and tools needed to complete this project will be provided). Wear comfortable, casual clothing (this can get messy), and bring a sack lunch if you wish. This workshop emphasizes the use of hand tools, students should have moderate hand strength. JSU’s Little River Canyon Center  9:00 – 4:00 (CST) $130 supply fee. Pre-registration required by August 24th. Space is limited to 5 participants. Pre-registration required by emailing Brittney Hughes (NOT via Facebook/social media). For details and to pre-register email Southernchick888@hotmail.com

October

October 3 Fort Payne Fire & Rescue Golf Tournament Fort Payne Fire & Rescue Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and MDA. Terrapin Hills Country Club Registration: 8 a.m. Shotgun Start: 9 a.m. Over $1000 in prizes! Team: $400 4 Man Team Hole Sponsorship: $200 Company Name & Logo on Hole Sign Corporate Sponsorship $500 4 Man Team Hole Sponsorship with Company Name & Logo on Hole Sign Company Name & Logo on Banner Company Name & Logo Recognized on Social Media

October 3 Hike with a Naturalist YCC Loop Trail Come along with the Field School Staff on a guided 3.75-mile hike at the Little River National Preserve. The hike on the YCC Loop Trail will take us through the beautiful, wooded hills of Little River’s backcountry. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking. Bring water, sun protection and possibly a snack.

October 3 – 4 Vintage Fall Days Come Shop Vintage Fall Decor   Produce , Sweet Treats and more ! 6778 Hwy 137 Valley Head, AL 35989

October 4 Yoga on the Brow Yoga on the Brow is hosted by Soul Shine Yoga & Wellness Studio. Join in on a relaxing outdoor class under a pavilion in Mentone’s Brow Park off of Cool Street. Class is for all levels, just bring a mat and enjoy a morning flow to awaken the senses and energize the body.  Donation/tips appreciated.

October 11 – 12 Christmas at Eddie’s  Over 150 Christmas trees, each sporting a different theme; ornaments ranging from western to whimsical, cartoons to retro, Victorian to collegiate; and festively decorated rooms provide endless decorating ideas for the upcoming holiday. Eddie’s is located at 9112 Alabama Highway 40 in Henagar. 256-657-3841

October 17 Hernando’s Adventure Storytime Hike Join DeSoto State Park staff on a meandering hike along the Azalea Cascade Interpretive Trail in DeSoto State Park. Hike along and stop at points along the trail to hear the tale of a little raccoon named Hernando. Hernando is a little on the lazy side…and he gets left behind while his mother and siblings are off hunting for food. He awakens some time later to find himself alone…and hungry…and not really sure what to do!  About the book: Hernando’s Adventure is a short book for children in which the ways of the woods are explained so that kids from pre-school to elementary school can understand them.  About the hike: Trail is approx. .7 of a mile long on slightly rocky terrain (not suitable for strollers) Bring snacks/drinks/daypack if you wish. 4:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89. $2.00 per person. For ages 3 to 103. Participants should bring a lunch/snacks/water, clothes & footwear suitable for the river. Pre-registration is required

October 17 Campfire Talk: History of Moonshine Moonshining began very early in American history & for early moonshiners, making and selling alcohol wasn’t just for fun or a few extra bucks — it was a means of survival. Learn about the history of moonshining in the Appalachian chain. Bring the family along for fresh popcorn! (Sorry, no samples of the moonshine) Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. 7:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Campfire Ring in the Improved Campground (In case of inclement weather will be located in the CCC Pavilion in picnic area) Campground gates will open 30 minutes before program. Free and open to everyone, no pre-registration required; For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov.

October 18 Mentone Fall Festival  – 3^rd Weekend – Come and enjoy the Fall season at the annual 3^rd Annual Fall Festival. This event is filled with arts, crafts, great food, live entertainment and much more. It is held at the scenic Moon Lake Village

October 18 Yoga on the Brow Yoga on the Brow is hosted by Soul Shine Yoga & Wellness Studio. Join in on a relaxing outdoor class under a pavilion in Mentone’s Brow Park off of Cool Street. Class is for all levels, just bring a mat and enjoy a morning flow to awaken the senses and energize the body.  Donation/tips appreciated.

October 18 Serious Skills Series: Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking Demo Dutch ovens have been in use for hundreds of years; especially when our country was expanding and families were on the move. Unable to bring their large cook stoves with them, women learned how to cook entire meals from stews & soups to bread & desserts, in their Dutch ovens. Learn the basics about Dutch ovens, how to clean & care for your cookware, AND cook (& eat!) dinner & dessert at the same time! Located at the DeSoto State Park Campfire Ring in the Improved Campground. This is a demonstration so you can swing by anytime, & the best time is when food is just coming off the fire! Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. Drop in whenever you like & check out the food!  4:00-6:00 p.m. (CST)  DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Campfire Ring in the Improved Campground next to site 93 (gate will open to the public) Free & open to everyone, no pre-registration required. For any details about the demo, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

October 18 Third Saturday Third Saturday Sunset Cruise-In will be an afternoon of family fun activities in the Main Street District of Fort Payne. This public event will include food, live music, motorcycles, antique car show, and much more. 5 pm to 9 pm

October 21 – 25 DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair Rides on the midway, great food, live entertainment, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, awards, and so much more. Held at the VFW Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. 256-845-4752

October 25 Halloween in Henagar Come on out to the Henagar Park for a Trunk-or-Treat, and stop by City Hall to pick up a map of other activities throughout the city!

October 25 May’s Gulf Music Fest Held at the Canyon Center Amphitheater. Doors open at 4 pm music 5 pm. Featuring Will Kimbrough | The Collective Review: Tom Petty Tribute. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. Rain or shine event. Coolers and leashed pets welcome.

October 27 High Cotton Bull Sale Join us for our 12th Annual High Cotton Angus and Hereford Bull and Female Sale. Also featuring a select group of commercial females.

October 24 – 26 Spookapalooza at DeSoto State Park Trick or treating, games, live animals, storytelling, and more are in store during this popular annual event. Grab your favorite costume, bring the family, and come stay with us! All events are free to the public & great for all ages! More details to come. DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama Call 256-997-5025 or see www.alapark.com/DSP-Spookapalooza for complete details.

November

November 1 Canyon Fest: A Celebration of Arts and Nature Little River Canyon Field School and Interpretive Center want you to come and enjoy live music, nature and arts activities, arts demonstrations and sales, great food, vendors, children’s activities and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-782-5697

November 2 Annual Meeting 2025

November 8 Collinsville Historic Turkey Trot –  Join us for food, fun and games. An antique car and tractor show, turkey shoot, cake walk, and historic “turkey toss” from the roof of a building make this an event fun for all ages. Sponsored in part by the Collinsville Historic Association. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-524-2788

November 8 – 9 Creative Spirit Market Set in beautiful surroundings, this unique open-air art fair offers a vibrant mix of creativity and community. Enjoy live acoustic music as you explore locally and regionally made fine and folk art, handcrafted goods, and live artist demonstrations. Watch painters, potters, weavers, quilters, and other skilled artisans at work, and discover one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for early shopping. Fun for all ages, the event also features interactive art stations for both kids and adults—inviting everyone to get creative and be part of the artistic experience. Some unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will be available for purchase. Stop by and get some early gift-shopping in! 10:00 am-3:00 pm each day The market is held near DeSoto State Park’s picnic area across from the Country Store on County Road 89. If the weather is chilly, market-goers can enjoy a blazing fire in the stone fireplace in the CCC pavilion. Bring your own camp chair to hang out a while and listen to the music. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park. There is limited parking in the picnic area, the tennis court area, and in front of the Country Store. If parking anywhere in the picnic area, a $2 per vehicle fee applies. There is no fee to attend the open-air market. Rain or shine event.

November 14 Hernando’s Adventure Storytime Hike Join DeSoto State Park staff on a meandering hike along the Azalea Cascade Interpretive Trail in DeSoto State Park. Hike along and stop at points along the trail to hear the tale of a little raccoon named Hernando. Hernando is a little on the lazy side…and he gets left behind while his mother and siblings are off hunting for food. He awakens some time later to find himself alone…and hungry…and not really sure what to do! About the book: Hernando’s Adventure is a short book for children in which the ways of the woods are explained so that kids from pre-school to elementary school can understand them.  About the hike: Trail is approx. .7 of a mile long on slightly rocky terrain (not suitable for strollers) Bring snacks/drinks/daypack if you wish. 4:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store & Information Center on Co. Rd. 89. $2.00 per person. For ages 3 to 103. Participants should bring a lunch/snacks/water, clothes & footwear suitable for the river. Pre-registration is required

November 15 – 16 Gun and Knife Show VFW Fairgrounds  – The Fort Payne Gun and Knife Show is held at the Dekalb County VFW Fairgrounds and is promoted by A.G. Gun Shows.    All federal, state and local firearm laws and ordinances must be followed. 250 tables of guns (new & used, antique & modern), knives, ammo, military surplus, tactical gear and more! Come check us out! Sat 9 to 5 and Sun 10 to 4

December

December 6 Christmas @ the Cabin in Henagar Join us on the first Saturday in December for Christmas at the Cabin! The night will begin with our annual lighted Christmas parade at 4:00 pm and will finish with entertainment, pictures with Santa, train rides, and delicious food from Crossover Cowboy Church at the Henagar Park as the parade ends. Be sure to visit the Henagar Park throughout the month of December to see all the beautiful Christmas Trees sponsored and decorated by members of our community.