September

September 3 Campfire Talk: American Revolution, the Birth of a Nation Join us for a campfire talk in the Great Outdoors! Campfire Talks are a series of educational & entertaining programs located outside in DeSoto State Park. Campfire programs are held many Friday & Saturday evening (June –October) in our large campfire ring inside the improved campground. Talks are for all ages, & open to everyone! : 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): Free, no pre-registration required; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household. For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov Events In & Around DeSoto State Park: www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park/desoto-events

September 3 – 5 Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area will be open this weekend to help you begin your scenic kayak trip up the West Fork of Little River. Rent sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip, or as long as you want to make it!Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided.Boat Shack Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00 pm (CST).Kayaks are also available by reservation Monday-Thursday: Appointment only during the times of 10 AM-6 PM, $50 Minimum.Location: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, 7 miles from the main park area of DeSoto State Park..Fee: Single sit-on-top kayak: $15.00 per hour. Tandem sit-on-top kayak: $25.00 per hour. Corcl’s: $10 per hour. Call DeSoto State Park’s Lodge for info-256.845.5380 www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

September 4 Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip  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, spans a 3 to 3 1/2-hour period and includes kayak, paddle, & personal flotation device.What to bring: Appropriate clothing, 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)  $30.00 for single kayak rental (tandem kayaks are available on a limited basis for $50.00). To register, email Paige.Norsworthy@dcnr.alabama.gov. **Please provide date of paddle, a phone number; indicate number of boats and what type (single/tandem) requested for the trip. Payment will be required at time of registration**

September 4 Follow Your Art! Sponsored by Little River Arts Council and the Mentone Educational Resources Foundation Follow Your Art will feature between 20 and 30 local artists and the return of last year’s popular sidewalk chalk art contest. Bring the whole family for an uplifting celebration of summer fun with music, art demonstrations, and a visit from the Little Something Extra Ice Cream truck, a remarkable business out of Dawson, AL, whose CEO is Hunter Norwood, a young man with Down syndrome. The track itself is a destination, since its makeover last year with funds from the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama’s Big Idea Grant. Visitors can browse the track’s hand-painted picket fence, play on the chimes and other musical installations on the grounds, rest on the colorful Buddy Benches, and enjoy Lydia Randolph’s murals on the storage shed. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CST): MERF’s Pathway to Community Walking Track in Mentone, AL (within 10 miles of DeSoto State Park) More  info: www.littleriverartscouncil.org/followyourart info@littleriverartscouncil.org.

September 10 – 12 Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area will be open this weekend to help you begin your scenic kayak trip up the West Fork of Little River. Rent sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip, or as long as you want to make it!Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided.Boat Shack Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00 pm (CST).Kayaks are also available by reservation Monday-Thursday: Appointment only during the times of 10 AM-6 PM, $50 Minimum.Location: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, 7 miles from the main park area of DeSoto State Park..Fee: Single sit-on-top kayak: $15.00 per hour. Tandem sit-on-top kayak: $25.00 per hour. Corcl’s: $10 per hour. Call DeSoto State Park’s Lodge for info-256.845.5380 www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

September 11 Toys For Tots Fly In Come join us for a great day in supporting NE Alabama Marine Corps League Toys For Tots Fly In. Flying, fellowship, food and giving to toys for tots. Gates open at 10 am. Everyone Invited. 404-502-0933

September 14 Sav-A-Life Fall Concert After much prayer, the board made the decision to change directions this year and go with a worship and praise concert.  Wes Hampton, who sings with the Gaithers, will be the featured singer.  There will also be a time of prayer for the pro-life work, salvation of the lost, and our country.  Please SAVE THE DATE and make plans to attend.  Tickets are free but you must have one for admission.  The tickets can be obtained from the Women’s Care Center.  Rainsville First Baptist Church 7 p.m. doors open at 6:15 p.m.

September 17 Campfire Talk: Traditional Southern Cooking There’s just something about Southern food. As cliché as it may sound, there’s an innate sense of character and soul to it. Authentic Southern cooking is as diverse and multicultural as the regions in the South and the families who live there. Southern cooks have always creatively drawn upon the mix of cultures that compose the South, starting with Native Americans, Europeans and Africans.Come help food enthusiast (he likes to eat) Dr. Kelly Gregg in an exploration of the “Where?”, “When?”, “Who?” and “What?” of Southern Cooking. Bring your ideas and opinions and together we’ll have some fun talking about what makes “real’ Southern Food. Seating is limited, so bring your own chair. 8 pm: 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)  No pre-registration required; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household. For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

September  17 – 18  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 17 – 19 Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area will be open this weekend to help you begin your scenic kayak trip up the West Fork of Little River. Rent sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip, or as long as you want to make it!Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided.Boat Shack Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00 pm (CST).Kayaks are also available by reservation Monday-Thursday: Appointment only during the times of 10 AM-6 PM, $50 Minimum.Location: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, 7 miles from the main park area of DeSoto State Park..Fee: Single sit-on-top kayak: $15.00 per hour. Tandem sit-on-top kayak: $25.00 per hour. Corcl’s: $10 per hour. Call DeSoto State Park’s Lodge for info-256.845.5380 www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

September 18 Tumbler Glassblowing Class This introductory glassblowing class teaches many fundamentals through the process of making a small tumbler (cup). Some safety material is provided before the class for you to review. Please join us for some in-depth discovery. Call us at 256.523.3188 or email us at info@orbixhotglass.com for more information or to make a reservation. Reservations and full payment required. Cost – $160  9m – 1pm Minimum age is 13 years old with parent.

September 18 Serious Skills Series: Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking 101 Hosted by DeSoto State Park. 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.  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! Starts around 4:00 p.m, 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 p.m.-6:00 p.m.: 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; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household. For any details about the demo, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

September 18 Night Zipline Tour Taking the fun to a whole new level-soar through the tree canopy in DeSoto State Park with the moon light guiding your way! Are you brave enough to explore the dark forest with us? Enjoy six ziplines that range from 100 ft to 350 ft in length and six sky bridges that range from 50 ft to 150 ft in length. A spiral staircase tower begins the trek and allows for a bird’s eye view from up to 55 ft in the air. The full moon is sure to make your tour even more exciting with suspension bridges and zip lines to discover as you traverse the tree canopy and explore with your guide. Tour times: 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 PM DeSoto State Park~ Fort Payne, Alabama. Country Store & Information Center on County Road 89: Tickets are $49 per person, Spaces are limited. See Screaming Eagle’s website to book your tour: At www.desotozipline.com or over the phone from 9am-5pm. More info: www.alapark.com/DSP-aerial-adventure

September 18 Campfire Talk: Corn~A truly a-maizing Plant! Join geographer Kelly Gregg in a casual discussion of the origins of Native American corn, how it shaped American culture and cuisine, and how it went on to help feed the world!” Free & open to the public, bring the family along for fresh popcorn! Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. DeSoto State Park’s Campfire Ring in Campground.  256.997.5025

September 24 Hiking 101 First time hiker, or one not yet confident on the trails? Join guest naturalist Amanda Glover from Lake Guntersville State Park for some ‘before’ you go’ info; the 10 essentials you will want to carry in your daypack, how to plan your hike, and what to be aware of while out in the Great Outdoors! Tips to help you feel confident on the trail Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish.  7:00 pm (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) : No pre-registration required; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household. For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

September 24 – 26 Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area will be open this weekend to help you begin your scenic kayak trip up the West Fork of Little River. Rent sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip, or as long as you want to make it!Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided.Boat Shack Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00 pm (CST).Kayaks are also available by reservation Monday-Thursday: Appointment only during the times of 10 AM-6 PM, $50 Minimum.Location: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, 7 miles from the main park area of DeSoto State Park..Fee: Single sit-on-top kayak: $15.00 per hour. Tandem sit-on-top kayak: $25.00 per hour. Corcl’s: $10 per hour. Call DeSoto State Park’s Lodge for info-256.845.5380 www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

September 25 Valley Head Cemetery Run Get ready to come run in memory of a loved one at the Valley Head Cemetery Run In Memory of 5K and 10K on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 8 am. CHIP TIMING provided by PinPoint timing. Online Registration opens soon. Cash prizes for overall male and female. Great door prizes. Races will start and finish on the Valley Head Town Square. All proceeds go toward maintenance on the cemetery. Check back for updates or contact Sherryl Lewis 256-657-1616 for more info.

September 25 White Tailed Deer in Alabama White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are some of the most recognized wildlife in Alabama. They are a common sight along roadsides, in fields, and even in some backyards throughout the state. Deer are common residents of most rural parts of Alabama, as well as many of the urban and suburban areas of the state. Join guest naturalist Amanda Glover from Lake Guntersville State Park to learn more about White-tailed deer. Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish.  7:00 pm (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) : Free, no pre-registration required; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household. For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

September 25  – 26 Serious Skills Series: Glass Mosaic Stepping Stone Workshop Hosted by DeSoto State Park. 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. Learn the beautiful and ancient art of mosaics! Artist Linda Munoz will teach design, techniques, and the skills of class cutting, gluing, and grouting with special emphasis on safety. Participants will work on their own dragonfly stepping stone and discover different ways of working with glass. 10:00 am-3:00 pm (will break for lunch)  DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama  $45.00-includes all supplies. Due the day of class. Workshop space is limited, pre-registration is required. Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov to sign up or for more info. Linda taught mosaic glass and helped to create the famous community project, A River Runs Through It (pictures/info) https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/desoto-falls-art…

September 25  Tumbler Glassblowing Class This introductory glassblowing class teaches many fundamentals through the process of making a small tumbler (cup). Some safety material is provided before the class for you to review. Please join us for some in-depth discovery. Call us at 256.523.3188 or email us at info@orbixhotglass.com for more information or to make a reservation. Reservations and full payment required. Cost – $160  12 pm – 4 pm Minimum age is 13 years old with parent.

September 25 Summer Music Series: Sponsored by Little River Arts Council, made possible in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Featuring Music Showcase  7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Free & open to everyone! Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion For any details, email: nfo@littleriverartscouncil.org 

September 27 – October 2 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

October 1 – 3 Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area will be open this weekend to help you begin your scenic kayak trip up the West Fork of Little River. Rent sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy a peaceful flatwater paddle on Little River overlooking beautiful DeSoto Falls. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip, or as long as you want to make it!Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided.Boat Shack Hours: Saturday & Sunday 10:00-6:00 pm (CST).Kayaks are also available by reservation Monday-Thursday: Appointment only during the times of 10 AM-6 PM, $50 Minimum.Location: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, 7 miles from the main park area of DeSoto State Park..Fee: Single sit-on-top kayak: $15.00 per hour. Tandem sit-on-top kayak: $25.00 per hour. Corcl’s: $10 per hour. Call DeSoto State Park’s Lodge for info-256.845.5380 www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

October 2 Paperweight Class This class is designed for those who really just want see what molten glass is all about.  Feel the heat, gather from the furnace, sculpt the glass into you own design.  Please join us for some in-depth discovery at Orbix Hot Glass.  Reservations Required $160 per person. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  256-523-3188

October 2 Campfire Talk: Falconry in Alabama Falconry is the hunting of wild animals in their natural state and habitat by means of a trained bird of prey. Join guest speaker Matt Whitfield to learn about falconry, which is one of the world’s oldest forms of hunting. Falconry is currently practiced in many countries around the world. In Alabama, the most commonly used bird is the red-tailed hawk and squirrel is the most commonly pursued game animal. There are currently 58 permitted falconers in the state. Hawk he will be bringing. Come on out to meet them and learn about these beautiful birds! Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. : 6:00 pm: 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) Fee: Free, no pre-registration required; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household. For any details about the talk, email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov

October 9 Little River Canyon Half Marathon and it’s set for October 9, 2021 at 8 am. One of the most scenic and challenging certified half marathon courses in the country. Registration coming soon to active.com!

October 16 – 17 Mentone Colorfest  – 3^rd Weekend – Come and enjoy the Fall season at the annual Mentone Colorfest. This event is filled with arts, crafts, great food, live entertainment and much more. It is held at the scenic Mentone Brow Park and downtown Mentone on Saturday and Sunday.

October 29 – 30 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 6 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

November 6 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 13 – 14 Creative Spirit Market Hosted by Little River Arts Council & DeSoto State Park 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, as well as interactive kid’s art area. 10 am to 3 pm each day: DeSoto State Park. Country Store/Picnic Area on County Road 89 Fee: Event is free & open to everyone. Rain or shine. Call 256-997-5025 or email for more details.