Orange Beach Mardi Gras 2023 parade information for Fat Tuesday, February 21
It’s almost time to let the good times roll in Orange Beach. Join the fun by participating in the city’s annual Fat Tuesday parade.
The City of Orange Beach is pleased to present the 2023 Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday, February 21st at 2 p.m.
The parade route will remain the same, beginning at Wolf Bay Lodge on Perdido Beach Boulevard, traveling east and ending at the intersection of Perdido Beach Boulevard and Hwy. 161 (Walgreens).
Parade Participation Information
-All parade entries must complete an application and pay the appropriate entry fee for each entry; which includes contact information, description of the entry, activities, and other details about the entry.
-The application will be screened by the City of Orange Beach Mardi Gras Committee and upon acceptance. The Committee reserves the right to refuse entry based on application information or past parade infractions. ALL activities must be kept “family friendly” for all to enjoy.
-An entry fee of $50 for the first unit, and $25 for each additional unit must be included with the completed application and must be received before Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. at City Hall. Applications without FEE will NOT be screened.
-Proof of vehicular liability insurance MUST accompany your parade application if parading a motorized vehicle. Proof of Insurance on each vehicle used in the parade is required.
-All participants in the Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade will be subject to photography and videography.
-All vehicle drivers must be licensed and be in possession of their current, valid driver’s license. The driver must be at least 19 years of age or older. All drivers, including those riding motorcycles and golf carts, will be given a breathalyzer test, administered by the Orange Beach Police Department.
- Parade Guidelines will be included in the packet with the float assignment number. The float assignment number will be given out no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.
To participate in the 2023 Orange Beach Mardi Gras parade, please complete the official application and return it along with the appropriate entry fee and copy of proof of insurance for each motorized entry by Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. to City Hall. Click here to download the application and information for the City of Orange Beach’s 2023 Fat Tuesday parade. (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2688/2023-Mardi-Gras-Application-and-Information-update-PDF?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
For more information, contact Angela Bateman, Event Operations Director, at 251-981-6629 or abateman@orangebeachal.gov (mailto:abateman@orangebeachal.gov) .
For additional information about Mardi Gras in Orange Beach, visit the Mardi Gras page on the City Website (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/427/Mardi-Gras?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) .
Latest News (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/news?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
https://www.orangebeachal.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=52&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508
City Council to meet Jan. 17
The Orange Beach City Council is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 17th in the Council Chambers at City Hall, followed by the Committee of the Whole work session. The council meeting will be streamed live on the city's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/orangebeach. Once posted, the agendas will be available at the new City Website's Agenda Center (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/AgendaCenter/Search/?term=&CIDs=2,3,&startDate=&endDate=&dateRange=&dateSelector=&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) .
City offices closed January 16th for 2023 MLK Jr. Day
All non-essential City of Orange Beach offices will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Trash and recycling routes will run on normal schedules and will not be affected.
City offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, January 17th.
Nighttime lane closures planned on East Canal Road
In an effort to avoid daytime lane closures, the East Canal Road widening contractor will be performing road construction in the roundabout area this coming Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights (January 16th through January 18th) between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. There will be single lane closures during these times.
SAVE THE DATE:
Town Hall meeting set for March 1
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council invite the public to a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 1st at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.
The Town Hall will immediately follow the 5 p.m. City Council meeting and work session, which will also be at the Performing Arts Center.
The mayor will give a presentation updating everyone on projects in the city, including transportation and capital improvements.
As with all city town hall meetings, after presentations are done, the floor is open for anyone to ask questions.
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Acoustic Arts at the Coastal Arts Center
The Coastal Arts Center’s Acoustic Arts Series will feature David Jones, trumpeter, performing “Jazz Stories” on January 19th at 6 p.m. On February 16th at 6 p.m. the series will feature the Victory Vertical Project, “Pianos That Helped Win the War.” All tickets are $20. Seating is limited. Call 251-981-2787 (ARTS) for ticket information or stop by the art center at 26389 Canal Road.
Annual Book Sale on Jan. 20-21
Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library will hold its Annual Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 20th, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 21st at the Orange Beach Community Center. The Members’ Only Preview Sale, with wine and snacks, will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, January 19th, with membership purchase available at the door.
Snowbird Trivia Night set for Feb. 11
The Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library are also hosting Snowbird Trivia Night on Saturday, February 11th at the Orange Beach Event Center. Locals are welcome. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play begins at 6 p.m. There are eight players per table, $160 per table. For more information, contact Sharon or Larry at 405-630-8731 and leave a message. Registration forms are available at the public libraries in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.
'Disney's The Little Mermaid' on Feb. 2-5
Expect Excellence Community Theatre will present "Disney's The Little Mermaid" on Feb. 2-4 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Orange Beach Performing Art Center. Tickets are $15 for all ages. For each show, the doors will open one hour prior to the performance time. Purchase tickets for 'Disney's The Little Mermaid'. (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/city-of-orange-beach/6384f7ef872f8e0e478bf923?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
Baldwin Pops free concert set for Feb. 5 at Orange Beach Event Center
The Baldwin Pops Band will present a “Reflections of Jazz” concert with special guests at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 5th at the Orange Beach Event Center. Doors open at 2 p.m.
The concert is free, courtesy of the City of Orange Beach. It will be an afternoon of jazz and swing tunes, with space for dancing, as well.
The Event Center is located at 4671 Wharf Pkwy West.
Garden Club's Game Day on Feb. 15
The Orange Beach Garden Club will hold its 35th Annual Game Day and Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, February 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. Tickets are $35. The theme will be "Wild at Heart" with the club celebrating the Orange Beach Wildlife Center and members will introduce attendees to some of the local wildlife the center has rescued and rehabbed.
The guest speaker Melissa Vinson, who manages the Wildlife Center as part of Orange Beach Coastal Resources, will describe daily life at the center and the exciting plans for the future.
The public is invited to join club members for this day of food, fun and prizes!
The attendee’s $35 donation includes morning coffee and cookies, a day of gaming - participants organize the players and game - the wildlife encounter, the club’s famous member-made unlimited salad luncheon and desserts and door and raffle prizes from area local businesses.
Tickets are available at The Emporium Gift Shop in the Orange Beach Rouse's Shopping Center on the Beach Road, and at Wildflowers Boutique in The Commons Shopping Center on Canal Road, next to Another Broken Egg Restaurant.
Questions? Call Cathy Oakes 251-233-0900.
SCHOOL NEWS
School board and Superintendent Wilkes honored
Last night, we were able to honor our Board of Education and Superintendent Randy Wilkes. While January has been deemed appreciation month, we are grateful for the effort and personal investment you make to guide our system each and every day. A special thank-you to AK Bradford and Channing Cantu for their help in presenting tokens of our appreciation from our students.
Congratulations to Maggie Slaton,
OBES Teacher of the Year!
MAKO ATHLETICS
Congratulations to Mako volleyball libero/defensive specialist Leyni Young for earning a spot on the AL.com (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FAL.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2JJiz3swqKXFKTp3CudvKSkqbU3nY1rwxIBjK7GPJDXDmaFLzceDdvxwI&h=AT1vT846hUL4lkKmTw1qp-6pk1boN5AcuuiDBe8zQSLZxaOuhztuowMAfSCNe7PpU_eoNO0mIrY4uT_bcooB4PKEhmhpBTf8aEVaHADk2LG3OaNh1HpCDe_37Dj-Dm7t5g&__tn__=-UK-R]-R&c[0]=AT0DXXSANAJuQ0T6OtHeKiNKTSIH9Q5vmn8Z42hdJCzcIZxn3KcfQ_i_SQwoZVZCnsSO7iH5HXAq7n26nzV0a6SuqHe25cF4OD2WQbfbllW_wAPTcIsNpoT19oxdxZxvgx4l4KirIjdXWP3RxgDMUlinKodHk0PBGCyikdJIzoXSb-claoE3q97xZm-eI15qB4L48ZPImV0H&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) Super All-State team.
Article: Meet the AL.com Super All-State volleyball team (https://www.al.com/sports/2023/01/meet-the-alcom-super-all-state-volleyball-team.html?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
Go Makos!
ORANGE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Congratulations to the Orange Beach Elementary School spelling bee classroom champions and winners! Classroom Champions, 3rd-6th participated in the virtual spelling bee on Thursday and the winners are: 1st-Fisher Waite, 2nd- Katelyn Clark, 3rd- Lacey Carswell and Adalyn Martin.
Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club
Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown set for Feb. 4
MAAAC's Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown will be held on Saturday, February 4th at 6 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. The 2023 Masquerade Ball will have entertainment by Fly By Radio and catering by Wolf Bay. Tickets are available online at https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508 for $75 per person. A single ticket includes one drawing. A table for 10 is $1,500 and includes 12 drawings and a bottle of champagne. It will be a $7,500 drawdown jackpot!
SEAFOOD FEST RETURNS FEB. 25
The Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show will return to the Wharf on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The 31st annual event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is the major fundraising event for MAAAC.
Each year, the open car show features antique, classic and hot rod vehicles. For 2023, the registration fee per car is $75 in advance and $100 day of the show. The lineup begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. All vehicles must be in place by 9:30 a.m. Awards are presented to Top 10 cars. There will also be goody bags and prize drawings throughout the day.
See a PDF of the Car Show Registration Form. (https://al-orangebeach.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/2635/2023-Seafood-Fest-Car-Show-Registration?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
Register online on the https://www.obmaaac.org?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508 (https://www.obmaaac.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) MAAAC website (https://www.obmaaac.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) . For more information on the car show, please email Jean Hogue (mailto:j.hogue@obmaaac.org) or call 251-200-8037.
The application deadline for Arts & Crafts vendors is closed and we are full for the 2023 event.
Follow all of the latest happenings at Orange Beach City Schools on the Orange Beach City Schools Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) .
Orange Beach City Board of Education
Upcoming scheduled meetings and/or work sessions:
Thursday, January 12, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers
Thursday, February 9, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers
Find more information on the Orange Beach City Schools website at https://www.orangebeachboe.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508.
School Websites
Orange Beach Elementary School: www.obschools.org.
Orange Beach Middle/High School: www.obcityschools.org.
VOTE FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL!
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail was nominated for Best Recreational Trail in the country by USA Today! Without the support the trail receives from our amazing community, recognitions like this would not be possible. Vote in the Reader Choice Awards for our Backcountry Trail! Vote daily through February 6 at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508 (https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama?fbclid=IwAR3ZwXSL8bWWViKyAj8liU_Url4tLHFpueGDdr1yBr2Zr1SDZlJci7dzh2U&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) .
Library Winter Calendars Available
The Orange Beach Public Library has its winter lineup of activities all set. See the calendars here and visit the library's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachPublicLibrary?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) for more information.
Starting a Business in Baldwin County workshop set for Jan. 24
A free in-person workshop focused on Starting a Business in Baldwin County is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coastal Alabama Community College - Gulf Shores Campus.
Registration is required. Register and find more information on the Alabama Small Business Development Center's website (https://asbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/9359?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508) .
This workshop is focused on how to start a business in Baldwin County, Alabama and is for entrepreneurs of all ages from millennials to encores. This is an open forthcoming discussion of LLC development, business licenses, tax responsibilities, financing options and resources to start and grow your business.
It will be held at Coastal Alabama Community College - Gulf Shores Campus located at 3301 Gulf Shores Parkway/Hwy. 59. Workshop participants will meet in Frederick's, the culinary learning area, which is the building to the left of the main entrance building.
IN THE NEWS
OBA WEBSITE:
Friends of Orange Beach Arts to have open house Jan. 26 (https://www.obawebsite.com/friends-of-orange-beach-arts-to-have-open-house-jan-26?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
Mardi Gras Season means King Cake Season (https://www.obawebsite.com/mardi-gras-season-means-king-cake-season?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
MULLET WRAPPER:
Alabama anglers land 11 record setting saltwater fish in 2022 (https://mulletwrapper.net/alabama-anglers-land-11-record-setting-saltwater-fish-in-2022/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
Pier &?Shore Fishing Outlook Jan 11, 2023 (https://mulletwrapper.net/pier-shore-fishing-outlook-jan-11-2023/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=a225eddd56-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-a225eddd56-171456508)
Need to grab a few essentials or feel like an afternoon of browsing for goodies? Alabama is full of great places to shop, so check out any of these top shopping outlets across the state.
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