"Life is better here"
Welcome to the City of Orange Beach's community newsletter.
Vol. 5, Issue 41
FALL FUN ABOUNDS
Fall activities are in full swing in Orange Beach. The following events are coming up soon, so plan your family fun accordingly.
OCT. 15 - PUMPKIN PADDLE
The Wind & Water Learning Center is hosting its inaugural costumed Pumpkin Paddle on Saturday, October 15th.
This is a family-friendly Halloween-themed paddle and music event. Wear your best costume and decorate your kayak or paddleboard because there will be prizes up for grabs!
All paddlers must sign in at the W&WLC Office by the 5:30 PM launch time. City of Orange Beach Coastal Resources will guide a short paddle along the southern shore of Wolf Bay to watch the sunset 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Paddle boards and kayaks are to launch from and land at the W&WLC beach launch.
This is an event recommended for 10 years and older; minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own kayak/paddleboard or contact Jackie McGonigal at jmcgonigal@orangebeachal.gov or call 251-424-5909 to reserve a W&WLC kayak.
There is no registration fee, but participants can make a cash or check donation to the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center on site.
Don’t forget to bring a camp chair and pack a cooler for afterwards. We will have live music by local band “Spicy Danger” from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Even if you don’t join us for the paddle, you’re welcome to come for the music - everyone is invited!
OCT. 22 - COMMUNITY COOKOUT
The 2022 Orange Beach Police and Fire Community Cookout will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 22nd at Waterfront Park. Join the police and fire departments for a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs that will be provided free to the community they love to serve! Waterfront Park is at 26425 Canal Road.
OCT. 23 - BALDWIN POPS CONCERT
The Baldwin Pops will perform in the courtyard of the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach from 5-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd. The concert is free. Be sure to bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics and beverages. There will be an award for the best picnic setup.
OCT. 27 - ARTS AFIRE FALL FESTIVAL
The Annual Arts Afire Fall Festival is set for Thursday, October 27th from 5-7 p.m. at the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. The festival is free and will include hot glass demonstrations, pottery raku firings, kids games, treats, face painting, raffles and music. The event is sponsored by the city and The Friends of the Arts.
OCT. 28 - TREATS ON THE TRAIL
The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Foundation and the Orange Beach Coastal Resources Department will hold Treats on the Trail from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 28th. The trail of treats begins at the Orange Beach Sportsplex Trailhead and ends at AL’s Parkour Park on the Twin Bridges Trail. There will be trick or treating, a costume contest, games, races and smores.
Planning Commission to meet October 10
The Orange Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. Monday, October 10th for a work session followed by its regular meeting at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Find the agenda for the October 10th Planning Commission meeting on the City Website.
SHRIMP FEST THIS WEEKEND!
After a two-year hiatus, Shrimp Fest is back! For 49 years this volunteer-driven event has been a tradition on the beautiful beaches of Coastal Alabama. Food, music, art, and so much more make up an action-packed weekend.
The festival began on Thursday and will run through Sunday, October 9th at the beach hub in Gulf Shores, the intersection of Hwy 59 and East Beach Boulevard.
Times - Friday and Saturday - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Annual National Shrimp Festival is a project of the ?Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the hundreds of volunteers who make up all different aspects our community.
Find all the details at http://www.myshrimpfest.com/.
ANNUAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FAIR AND LUNCHEON
The city’s 2022 Annual Employee Benefits Fair and Luncheon, “Rockin’ on to Good Health & Benefits,” was a hit on Thursday at the Orange Beach Event Center. Thank you all of the vendors and city employees who participated.
Freedom Fest - Thank You
Thank you to everyone who turned out last weekend for the 2nd Annual Orange Beach Freedom Fest at The Wharf. The patriotic 3-day weekend was capped off with John Rich of Big & Rich on Sunday afternoon - at The Wharf Amphitheater - along with Bruce Smelley and guest speakers retired U.S. Navy Seal Kevin Lacz, and former Blue Angel Ben Walborn. Mayor Tony Kennon announced that $22,000 was donated to Folds of Honor. A special thank you to Flora-Bama for organizing and managing the benefit concert.
Kudos to everyone involved with making the 2nd Annual Orange Beach Freedom Fest happen: Mayor Kennon and the City Council, City employees, police, fire, volunteers, sponsors, Bama Coast Cruisin’, arts & craft and food vendors, Flora-Bama, The Wharf, and the list goes on. Here are some snapshots of just a few of the folks who make the festival what it is. Click on the image above to see the photo gallery on the City Facebook page.
FESTIVAL MERCHANDISE
Anyone who missed Freedom Fest and would like to purchase a long or short-sleeve shirt, or hat, can do so at City Hall beginning on Monday, October 10th. Only credit cards will be accepted. City Hall is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The address 4099 Orange Beach Blvd.
Click here for More Information
