November

November 8-10, 15-17 The Mountain Song Tickets $8. Appropriate for all audiences.  The Mountain Song is the tale of a carpenter who climbs mountains and traverses’ rivers in order to attend his daughter’s wedding – without a clue as to where it’s taking place.

November 8 – 9 Rainsville Holiday Open House Get ready for Rainsville’s Holiday Open House on November 8th and 9th! It’s the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses. Explore festive stores, find unique gifts, and enjoy a holiday atmosphere as you shop locally for the season. Plus, there are fun surprises like the “Find Santa” event for a chance to win $200 in Chamber Bucks.

November 9 & 10, Creative Spirit Market, DeSoto State Park 9th Annual Creative Spirit Market Hosted by DeSoto State Park & Little River Arts Council Adding a new twist to a typical art fair, this event is designed as an open air showcase, with artist demonstrations, locally & regionally created fine & folk art, premium hand-crafted goods, & live acoustic music. Shoppers can browse and watch artists in their creative process, listen to music, plus purchase goods from fine and folk artists such as painters, potters, quilters, weavers & basket makers, fabric spinners, culinary artists and craftsmen. Some unique and one-of-a-kind gifts will be available for purchase. Stop by and get some early gift-shopping in!

November 9 – 10 Tigers For Tomorrow “Big Cat Pumpkin Toss” For the next weekends to come in October Tigers For Tomorrow will have a big cat pumpkin toss.  Visitors that want to help support the preserve can donate medium and large pumpkins for the animal of their choice. Pumpkins will need to be donated at the admissions window by 1:30 p.m. Keepers will present the animals with their pumpkins around 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. 256-524-4150

November 10 Whisk Broom Workshop Spend an afternoon learning the Appalachian craft of broom making! Join Frea with Wild Earth Crafts to design and make a turkey wing style whisk broom made with traditional broomcorn straw and natural cordage. Whisk brooms are incredibly useful and attractive and make great handmade gifts! This class is open to total beginners as well as professional crafters. Age limit: 13+ or with special permission of instructor. Frea Forager (pronounced FREE-yuh; she/her) is the craftswoman behind Wild Earth Crafts. She has been avidly foraging and crafting with various grasses, vines, sticks, and other wildcrafted materials since 2014. Please email Frea at freawild@gmail.com for questions or potential scholarship opportunities specifically for BIPOC/PGM candidates, in the hope of fostering greater inclusivity and support for diverse perspectives. Little River Canyon Center, Fort Payne, AL 12:30 – 3:30 pm (CST) Fee: $60 per person. No refunds after October 28. Register now – https://secure.touchnet.net/C20…/web/product_detail.jsp…

November 10 Author Talk at Moon Lake Library Father Roy Pollina will discuss his book “Justified by Her Children,” which tells the story of the struggle to desegregate an Episcopal Church camp in Virginia in 1958. 2pm

November 10 Sunday Suppers: Eat With Nancy Style If it’s Sunday, rest assured Nancy Wall Hopkins is hosting one of her famed low-key Suppers. There are many secrets to Nancy’s effortless laid-back entertaining style—for this Autumn Supper at Andiamo Lodge, Nancy will share multiple philosophies guaranteed to inspire. You’ll learn: How to set a stylish, inspiring and comfy table; how to rely on collected boards instead of fussy serving pieces; and how to add sparkle with hints of silver and crystal. Best of all, Nancy will share a favorite recipe for her house Pitcher Cocktail. Then, she’ll share how she turns farmstand favorites into a completely fuss-free menu. Best of all, Nancy will show you how to sneak in a few of her go-to grocery-store finds for guest-please success.  This is a cozy class that you don’t want to miss. Grab a sweater and head on over. 4:00pm–7:00pm

November 11 Veteran’s Day

November 12 Author Talk at Moon Lake Library Jerry Ellis will discuss his latest book, “Quote the Raven on the Ferris Wheel,” which debuted as a #1 New Release in Native American Religions and Spirituality. The story/book, a thriller, is being nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. 6:30 PM,

November 15 – 16 Holiday Open House at The Shop on 40 We are so excited to get our Christmas Open House. We will have special discounts on men’s and youth apparel, find a unique gift and enjoy some of our stocking stuffers.  November 15 – 16 Holiday Open House at Indigo House Come celebrate Christmas with us and receive special discounts. We will have tree ornaments, a diverse inventory selection and perfect gifts for those you love. Nov 15^th – 9 am to 5 pm and Nov 16 10 am to 2 pm

November 15-17 The Mountain Song Tickets $8. Appropriate for all audiences.  The Mountain Song is the tale of a carpenter who climbs mountains and traverses’ rivers in order to attend his daughter’s wedding – without a clue as to where it’s taking place.

November 16 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 16 Christmas Market at the Mercantile on Gault We are planning a spectacular Christmas Event and Vendor Market at the Mercantile! The outdoor market will be open on Saturday, November 16 from 10:00 AM until 6:30 PM, and Sunday November 17 from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM.  Come celebrate the spirit of the season with us as we enjoy live vocalists, Christmas carols, the Mercantile’s 1st Annual Christmas tree lighting, and Santa himself on Saturday evening! Christmas festivities begin at 5:00 PM on Saturday!

November 16 Dinovember at the Library It’s the most wonderful time of the year for dinosaur fans – Dinovember! Little Library Learners are invited to come to two sessions this month to celebrate the amazing thunder lizards. If you have a favorite dinosaur, please bring it along. Ms. Lynn will share stories and crafts for kids ages 3-6. Moon Lake Library 9:30 am to 11 am

November 16 Pumpkin Pop Up Vendor Fair Enjoy a day browsing local vender/craft wares. Fill up with food trucks from around the area while listening to live music. Try your luck with raffles and delight in the fall festivities with your family at SonRise Retreat! 9 am to 3 pm

November 16 Serious Skills Series: Nature’s Elements in Metal Art Workshop The Serious Skills Series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors. Unleash your creativity as you design and create your own unique metal art piece inspired by the beauty of nature. Join artist Kevin Watson from Tintations for a fun workshop that utilizes reclaimed tin and barn wood. Make your own piece of art to hang at home or give to someone special. This class is for ages 14 to adult. What to Bring: Enthusiasm (all materials and tools needed to complete this project will be provided). Wear comfortable, casual clothing and bring drinks/snacks if you wish. This workshop emphasizes the use of hand tools, students should have moderate hand strength. 1:00-3:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama-Location disclosed at time of registration $40.00 includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-register here
 
November 16 – 17 Gun & Knife Show The Fort Payne Gun & Knife Show will be held next on Feb 10th-11^th in Ft Payne, AL. This Ft Payne gun show is held at Dekalb County Fairgrounds and hosted by A.G. Gun Shows. All federal and local firearm laws and ordinances must be obeyed.

November 16 – 17 Tigers For Tomorrow “Big Cat Pumpkin Toss” For the next weekends to come in October Tigers For Tomorrow will have a big cat pumpkin toss.  Visitors that want to help support the preserve can donate medium and large pumpkins for the animal of their choice. Pumpkins will need to be donated at the admissions window by 1:30 p.m. Keepers will present the animals with their pumpkins around 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. 256-524-4150

November 17 May’s Gulf Songwriter Series May’s Gulf Songwriter Series featuring O’l Man Russell Gulley & Friends, Microwave Dave and a birthday celebration to follow the concert honoring Russell Gulley. Tickets $25 in advance. Seating is limited, make reservations early! 2 pm to 4 pm Little River Canyon Center

November 19 Art Talk If you are an artist or an art appreciator, this is an evening for you. Mikel Yeakle leads an informal conversation about art, why we create it, and how it affects our lives. Having worked as a professional artist all his adult life, Mikel has useful tips for anyone new to selling their work. All are invited to bring their artwork and share their process and inspirations. The conversation is open to anyone who is drawn to art (pun intended) not just creators of art. Held at the Moon Lake Library in Mentone and is free & open to all! 6 pm to 7 pm

November 21 Canyon Kids – Native Americans – Traditions & Innovations Join us for hands on adventure learning. The fall semester of Young Explorers will meet the 3rd Thursday of August, September, October and November of 2024! Children ages 7 to 12 years old will want to attend ALL of these hands-on adventures! To creatively learn about animals, plants, bugs, and more with JSU Field Schools.  Little River Canyon Center in Fort Payne, AL. $8 per class or $25 when registering for entire spring semester. Registration required. Limited availability. For more details, email rmtaylor@jsu.edu or call 256-845-3548 Young Explorers – Ages 7 to 12 years old

November 22 Trail Trekker Hike: DeSoto Scout Trail The trail follows the West Fork of Little River and traverses a varied terrain of ridges, valleys, fern glades, rock formations, waterfalls, beside deep pools, riffles, through rhododendron tunnels, creek crossings, swimming holes, and sandy stretches. About the hike: Hike is approximately 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous along rocky mountainous terrain with some steep slopes. We will go from Gilliam Loop Trailhead down Exit 1 and upstream to Indian Falls and back. Closed toed shoes are preferred.  12:00-4:00 p.m. (CST)
Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Gilliam Loop Trailhead (past the Lodge on cabin road) Fee: Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of hike.  Contact Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for any details. www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park/hiking  Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks/lunch, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended) WEATHER: Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather. As with all outdoor events, if it is stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please call the park before you leave home to check if the hike is still on (256.845.0051) Please note: GPS can be unreliable in this area, for directions to Desoto State Park see www.alapark.com/DSP-Plan-Your-Trip

FULL November 23 Serious Skills Series Flintknapping Workshop Delve into the ancient art of stone tool-making! Long ago, the earliest humans transformed simple pieces of stone into sophisticated tools that revolutionized their lives. Many people are familiar with stone artifacts such as arrowheads created by traditional cultures in North America and around the world. Uncover the secrets behind these ancient techniques and create your own stone projectile points, similar to those used by traditional cultures across North America and around the world. No prior knowledge of or experience with flintknapping is necessary. All materials and tools will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities.  9:00-4:00 (CST)  DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama. Country Store & Information Center on Country Road 89. $85-includes all supplies. Class space is limited to 4, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-registration: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/flintknapping.html 

November 23 Discovery Hike: Unveiling the Geological Wonders During the Fall months, particularly along Laurel Creek, it’s common for the waterfalls at DeSoto State Park to experience reduced flow or even dry up. Surprisingly, this dry spell enhances the hiking experience, providing a unique opportunity to observe the rocks beneath and the intricate markings etched on them over countless eons. Embark on this expedition with DSP staff to uncover the mysteries concealed within the rocks. About the hike: the trail will be moderate, rugged terrain over approx. 3 miles. We will utilize the orange and blue trails for this hike. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store on County Road 89. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store on County Road 89. Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of walk. Contact Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for any details. www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park/hiking

November 23 – 24 Tigers For Tomorrow “Big Cat Pumpkin Toss” For the next weekends to come in October Tigers For Tomorrow will have a big cat pumpkin toss.  Visitors that want to help support the preserve can donate medium and large pumpkins for the animal of their choice. Pumpkins will need to be donated at the admissions window by 1:30 p.m. Keepers will present the animals with their pumpkins around 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. 256-524-4150

November 28 Happy Thanksgiving

November 28 Fisher Rescue Squad’s Annual Turkey Shoot Come have some fun at Fisher Rescue Squad Turkey Shoot and Shotgun giveaway!!  Make sure and buy raffle tickets from any Rescue Squad member. $5 each or 5 for $20. Drawing will be Thanksgiving Day! Starts at 6 am at the Rescue Squad

November 28 Thanksgiving Day Buffet Let us do the cooking for your family Thanksgiving Day! DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant is open for Thanksgiving. There will be serving all the Thanksgiving fixings such as dressing, ham, turkey, sweet potato crunch, pecan pie and more! We will be serving from 11:30 AM to 8 PM.  Call ahead for reservation for 8 or more. DeSoto State Park Mountain Inn Restaurant 256-845-5380

November 29 Black Friday Boutique Market A shopping event providing an outstanding Black Friday shopping experience with 50+ boutiques/vendors including women’s/men’s apparel, accessories, home decor, gift items, and food. VFW Fairgrounds. Doors open at 6 am

November 29 Hike with a Naturalist We will be hiking the 2 mile trail to Little Falls in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. This hike is a moderate to strenuous 2 mile journey with varying steep terrain and approximately 140 stone steps into the canyon. Cell phones may have little to no reception. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking, bring water, sun protection and a snack! WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it’s raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please check with the Canyon Center. Meet at the Little River Falls Parking lot at 10:30 am. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm (CST). Free and open to everyone! For details, call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548.

November 30 – December 1 Tigers For Tomorrow “Big Cat Pumpkin Toss” For the next weekends to come in October Tigers For Tomorrow will have a big cat pumpkin toss.  Visitors that want to help support the preserve can donate medium and large pumpkins for the animal of their choice. Pumpkins will need to be donated at the admissions window by 1:30 p.m. Keepers will present the animals with their pumpkins around 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. 256-524-4150

December

December 5 Holiday Open House Join us for an exclusive holiday shopping experience at The Shop at the Little River Canyon Center. we are featuring extended hours, exclusive specials, complimentary gift wrap, sounds of the season & holiday treats. Little River Canyon Center 10 am to 6 pm

December 5 Rainsville Christmas Parade at 5:30 pm

December 5 Christmas with the Isaacs Northeast Alabama Community College presents Christmas with the Isaacs. Tom Bevil Lyceum on the NACC campus. Tickets can be purchased at nacc.edu or call 256-638-4418 ext. 2248. Starts at 7 pm

December 6 Junior Ranger Adventure Series: Secrets of the Forest Floor This once-a-month series is designed for explorers aged 3 to 103! Participants will have the opportunity to earn the coveted DeSoto State Park Junior Ranger Patch while discovering the wonders of nature and the park’s historical treasures. DSP Naturalist Brittney Hughes will be guiding this fun hike, geared toward all ages. This program will begin with an overview of the DSP Jr Ranger Program and will hike along different trails and focus on several topics in the booklet. About the hike: the hike is considered moderate, because of the uneven, rocky terrain. Each month will utilize a different trail in the park, be beginner friendly, and be between 1-3 miles each. We will take our time, so this hike is good for all skill levels. We will explore along the trails of DeSoto State Park, & discover who lives on the forest floor. What to bring: Backpack with plenty of water, lunch, snacks. And a journal with a pen or pencil. Closed-toed shoes.  4:00 p.m. (CST)  DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at the Benefield Nature Center next to the Country Store on County Road 89
Fee: Free, but RSVP is required, so we know how many to expect. Email us OR pre-register here: https://alapark.itinio.com/register/DSP-JR-Adventure

December 7 Christmas @ the Cabin in Henagar

December 7 Civilian Conservation Corps History Hike: Morris Branch Bridge This incomplete bridge stands as a powerful testament to the commitment of the CCC in advancing the development of DeSoto State Park. Between the mid-1930s and early 1940s, the CCC undertook various stone projects in the park, including the construction of this bridge over Morris Branch. Their ambitious goal was to establish a direct highway connecting DeSoto State Park to May’s Gulf, which is today recognized as Little River Canyon. Regrettably, their honorable mission was left unfinished when the CCC disbanded in 1942. Take the opportunity to accompany DeSoto State Park staff as they delve into the history and significance of this remarkable endeavor. About the hike: the trail will be moderate, no major inclines, approx. 2 ½ miles total. Meet at DeSoto State Park Lodge and car caravan to the trailhead in the Little River WMA. 10:00-12:30 p.m (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at 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. Contact Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for any details. www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park/hiking

December 7 Canyon Christmas Join us for Canyon Christmas at the Little River Canyon Center, December 7, 11am-2pm central time. – The fun begins with Story Time at 11:00. – Santa arrives at 11:15.  Get your picture made with Santa, and enjoy a free 4×6 photo print to take home. Bring the entire family, even your four legged fur babies are welcome, just make sure they are on a leash.
Join us the That Puppet Guy’s Christmas puppet show at 11:30 and 1:00.  Meet the Canyon Center’s “Teacher Creatures” and see what each animal will be getting for Christmas at 12:15. Join us anytime from 11 am to 2 pm to hike the story book trail. Create special holiday crafts, enjoy a sweet treat and more throughout the event. You don’t want to miss this special day! All times are Central Time. All activities are free and open to the public. Call the Little River Canyon Center, 256-845-3548 for more information.

December 7 Serious Skills Series:  Creative Spirit Nature Art Workshop Explore your wild creativity and discover ancient art with nature as your muse! For thousands of years, humans have been creating art through nature. Our ancestors’ sacred relationship with the natural world prompted them to express themselves thru the materials around them, in all seasons. In this workshop, participants will create works of art using a variety of natural materials, using materials like clay, leaves, acorns, pinecones, etc. Nature Journaling supplies will also be available to create your own unique memory of your day in DeSoto State Park. (Bring your favorite journal if you wish) Art forms such as watercolors, leaf pounding, leaf rubbings, clay imprints, etc. 2:00 pm-5:00 pm (CST)
Where: 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. Pre-registration

December 7 Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park We’re excited to announce that we are going to do Christmas in the park directly after the Christmas parade. There will be pictures with Santa, cocoa, and more. Please get the word out so the kids can come and tell Santa what they want for Christmas and their dream, to come true. 2:30 pm Ider Town Park

December 8 Valley Head Christmas Parade 5 pm

December 12 Hike with a Naturalist Please join us Hike with a Naturalist! We will be hiking Powell Trail. This is 2 mile trail in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. This hike is a strenuous 2 mile journey with varying and steep terrain into the canyon. Cell phones may have little to no reception. Please wear footwear suitable for hiking, dress in layers, bring water, hiking poles, sun protection and a snack! WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it’s raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please check with the Canyon Center.

December 13 Hollywood for the Holidays You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, and now you can see them on the NACC Gym stage! Hit the Holiday Road and join us for a walk down Christmas Memory Lane. Guaranteed to soften the heart of even the biggest Grinch. Featuring the NACC Chorus, Encore, Jazz Band, & Mustang String Band. 6:30 pm

December 13 Fort Payne Christmas in the Park

December 13 Fort Payne Christmas Parade

December 14 Primitive Skills Natural Cordage & Pitch Glue The Serious Skills series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors. Create glue and cordage using only simple, natural elements! Scientists have written that cordage (string) and glue were not merely for making the lives of traditional cultures easier; they literally held their world together. In this workshop students will learn two important skills: how to process plant fibers to create cordage, and how to combine natural elements to create glue. 9 am to 4 pm

December 14 Adventure Hike-DeSoto Falls Basin Set out on an adventure hike with DeSoto State Park staff to the bottom of one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls, DeSoto Falls! Learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & animal life. Discover the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. About the hike: This hike is approximately 1.5 miles total but considered moderate to strenuous due to the mountainous terrain and elevation. Will be hiking on rocky terrain down to the West Fork of Little River and walking upstream to the view of DeSoto Falls. 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CST) DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto falls Trailhead on County Road 613 Free & open to everyone, no-preregistration required. Weather-dependent, please call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to check on status of hike. Contact Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for any details. www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park/hiking

December 14 Nature’s Elements in Metal Art Workshop Serious Skills Series: Nature’s Elements in Metal Art Workshop The Serious Skills Series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests and park visitors. Unleash your creativity as you design and create your own unique metal art piece inspired by the beauty of nature. Join artist Kevin Watson from Tintations for a fun workshop that utilizes reclaimed tin and barn wood. Make your own piece of art to hang at home or give to someone special. This class is for ages 14 to adult.  What to Bring: Enthusiasm (all materials and tools needed to complete this project will be provided). Wear comfortable, casual clothing and bring drinks/snacks if you wish. This workshop emphasizes the use of hand tools, students should have moderate hand strength. 1:00-3:00 p.m. (CST)  DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama-Location disclosed at time of registration. $40.00 includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Pre-register here: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/metalarts2.html

December 14 Fyffe Christmas Parade 12 pm

December 14 Collinsville Christmas Parade 5 pm

 Dec 14 Crossville Christmas Parade & Christmas in the Park 5:30 pm

December 14 Geraldine Christmas Parade 6 pm

December 21 Sylvania’s Christmas Parade at 1:00 p.m.