x
Breaking News
More () »

Stuff-a-Truck Athens | Decatur Bike Drive | Christkindl Market | As Seen on FOX54 News

What's happening in the Tennessee Valley?

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — What's happening in the Tennessee Valley? Find local events and things you need to know from FOX54 News.

Stuff-a-Truck Food Drive (Athens)

Saturday, Nov. 12, Athens First United Methodist Church will host their annual Stuff-a-Truck event in the First National Bank parking lot on the corner of Lindsay Lane and U.S. 72 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They're asking people to donate canned goods and nonperishable food items to be redistributed to those suffering food insecurity.    

“Heating up the Holidays” Bike Drive

The City of Decatur’s Fire & Rescue Department is hosting its annual “Heating up the Holidays” Bike Drive.

Residents can purchase a new children’s bicycle and deliver to any of the Decatur Fire & Rescue stations across town or to the Decatur Public Safety Training Center, which is located at 4119 Old Hwy 31.

Bikes are requested for donation by Friday, December 9th.

Those who are unable to deliver their bike may also call Deputy Fire Marshal Kyle Brown at (256) 341-4856 to schedule a pick-up time. 

Christkindlmarket coming to Orion Amphitheatre

Orion Amphitheater has a special holiday event coming. ArtsHuntsville and the Orion Amphitheater are sponsoring a Christkindlemarket on Dec. 10 and 11. The new Christkindlmarket Huntsville will combine German and European traditional traditions with shopping, over 60 juried artists, and holiday food, drink and music.

The Closet Free Clothing Giveaway

Monrovia Church of Christ hosts a free winter clothing giveaway on Saturday. Oct. 29 from 10:00 am - noon. All are welcome, no questions asked. Gently used clothing for all ages will be available.

STEAMFest at the VBC

Alabama Science Week wraps up with SteamFest at the VBC on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Huntsville Tree Planting Days

Mayor Tommy Battle and the City of Huntsville’s Green Team are taking advantage of the cooler temps and sunny skies to plant 350 trees at John Hunt Park – and they need your help!

Grow the City’s beautiful tree canopy by planting saplings during the Mayor’s Tree Planting Day from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2315 Airport Road. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Green Team will give away seedling trees to take home and plant, while supplies last. Complimentary coffee, popcorn, donuts and litter cleanup supplies will also be available during the drop-in event.

Can’t make the Mayor’s Tree Planting Day but still want to help? Green Team and the Land Trust of North Alabama are calling for volunteers to help plant 1,000 trees at Wade Mountain on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. All supplies will be provided.

Athens Shred Day & Drug Take-back Day

Better Business Bureau of North Alabama will host Athens Shred Day on Saturday, October 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Athens State University in Athens, AL. 

This event will give area residents and small businesses an opportunity to help protect identities and the environment in a quick and easy drive-thru setup. 

The following services will be available: 

Free document shredding: There is a limit of 3 bags or boxes per person. ONLY paper documents will be accepted. 

Please remove all other materials such as cardboard, plastic, metal, and binders.

Free drug take back: Athens Police Department will be onsite to collect prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Liquids and needles are not accepted. In addition, donations of clothing and household items will be collected to benefit Make-A-Wish-Alabama.

Free Diaper Distribution

Refuge Church & Amelia's Closet are partnering to host a large-scale diaper distribution on Saturday, October 29 in Limestone County. 

Thousands of FREE diapers for families in need at Refuge Church Athens Campus, 1412 Lindsay Lane S in Athens, AL.

Due to the high volume of people anticipated, each vehicle will receive two packs of diapers and a pack of wipes (enough for one week); Sizes newborn - 6 available.

This will be a drive-thru distribution beginning at 9:00AM. 

Free Flu Shots in Madison County

The Madison County Health Department will offer free shots of the influenza vaccine at several locations this month. 

  • Oct. 19 — Madison City Hall, 100 Hughes Road, Madison 9am-2pm
  • Oct. 21 — District 3 County Shed, 4273 U.S. 72 East, Brownsboro 9am-2pm
  • Oct. 25 — Monrovia Community Center, 254 Allen Drake Road, Huntsville 9am-2pm
  • Oct. 27 — District 1 County Shed, 9457 Moores Mill Road, New Market 9am-2pm
  • Mondays through Fridays each week — Madison County Health Department, 301 Max Luther Drive, Huntsville, 9am-3pm

The health department also offers doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Drive-thru Flu Vaccine Clinic

When: October 18, 2022

Time: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Or until vaccines run out)

Where: Central Baptist Church

Address: 2801 Hwy 31 S Decatur, AL 35603 

Credit: Morgan County Health Dept.

Athens-Limestone Hospital offering Saturday Mammograms

Athens-Limestone Hospital is offering mammograms on Saturdays during the month to raise awareness about breast cancer. Call 256-216-9696 to schedule an appointment.

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Grand Opening

Kids of all abilities, come on out on Saturday, October 15th, 10am - 5pm to the grand opening of We Rock the Spectrum – Huntsville, a kids gym with sensory-safe equipment for kids of all abilities.

Families with children from all walks of life are welcomed for a full day of fun with full access to the specially designed sensory equipment, including the Zip Line and rock wall, and delicious treats and refreshments from local restaurants sponsored by My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation.

326 Sutton Road SE, Suites E-H, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

Rocket City Pride Celebration

This year, Rocket City Pride is going big at the Orion Amphitheatre in Huntville's MidCity district on Saturday, Oct. 8 starting at 11:00 a.m.

This free, family-friendly event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community of North Alabama will feature special guest performer Eureka O'Hara, with appearances by Rocket City Pride's newest Royal Court and comedian Rakafella, performances by Katie Beth, UBU, Orian, DMRSOUL, Showstoppers Dance Team, and over a dozen drag entertainers! A kids' activity area with a bounce house, music, and more will be a part of this incredible celebration, along with food trucks, community organizations, and vendors. 

International Observe the Moon Day

Join the U.S. Space and Rocker Center on Saturday, Oct. 8, for International Observe the Moon Night from 5:30 - 8:00 P.M at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Davidson Center for Space Exploration in Huntsville, Alabama. 

According to USSRC, this free, family-friendly event will feature Moon and solar system exhibits along with a variety of hands-on activities for children and adults. The Von Braun Astronomical Society will be outside with telescopes, providing guided tours of the Moon, planets, and other celestial objects for visitors after sunset. Janet Ivey, host of the PBS series "Janet's Planet," will give a talk on lunar landers. Mister Bond & the Science Guys of Nashville will lead space science experiments. Other highlights include a LED mirror robot show, face painting, a photo booth, and DJ dance party.

You should enter the Davidson Center through the doors facing the parking lot beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Wallace State Travel

The Wallace State Alumni Association is offering several overnight trips and daytrips that will strike a tune with any traveler who doesn’t want the hassle of planning, driving, parking, or even handling their bags. Travelers are not required to have attended Wallace State to participate; anyone may travel with or join the Alumni Association. 

Click here for more on trips and trip planning.

Decatur Scam Warning

The Decatur Police Department has received multiple reports of scammers spoofing our number and calling residents, claiming to be a DPD officer.

Residents are told they have an outstanding warrant and must pay up or risk jail time. Do not fall for it! Law enforcement will never call and ask for money over the phone to resolve a warrant.

If residents receive a call requesting payment over the phone or by purchasing gift cards, police say you should hang up immediately.

Coffee with a Cop

White Bison Coffee is celebrating "Coffee With A Cop Day" on Wednesday, October 5. The goal of "Coffee With A Cop Day" is to connect members of the community with local law enforcement and build positive interactions. 

The following is a list of the select White Bison locations who are participating:

  • 115 Graphics Drive Madison, Al 35758
  • 22048 Us Hwy 72 Athens, Al 35613
  • 2000 Winchester Road NE Huntsville, AL 35811

Drake State Student Bash

Drake State Community and Technical College hosts an all-ages community Student Bash on Wednesday, October 5 from 2:00 P.M to 5:00 P.M. There will be free food, music, games, and prizes for everyone to enjoy. Learn more about the school's apprenticeship programs, academic programs, and on-campus student organizations.

Huntsville Botanical Gardens Festifall

Huntsville Botanical Garden is kicking off the fall season with with "Festifall". It's the garden's annual celebration of the changing seasons. You can enjoy pumpkin displays, late-season blooms such as mums , and a fall family photo with a 1949 ford tractor. The popular Scarecrow Trail feature is one way the community is involved.

Madison Street Festival

Oct. 1: The Madison Street Festival is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The parade kicks off at 9:00 A.M. and the day will be filled with community groups, food vendors, local artists and crafters, community stage performances, and a classic car show. New this year is an app to help you navigate the festival.

Click here for more information.

Rocket City Pride Parade

The Vincent Rutherford Equality March kicks off on Oct. 1 at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Huntsville. The first block is a "Quiet Zone" with no loud noises or flashing lights so that those with sensory concerns can enjoy the event.

Click here for more information.

Huntsville Police Department Halloween Party

Join the Huntsville Police Dept. for its annual free Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 2-9 p.m. This year, it's at the Orion Amphitheater, located at 701 Amphitheater Drive.

 Children of all ages are invited and costumes are welcome

This free community event is for children of all ages, and costumes are welcome. There will be "spooky" activities, candy, live music, and police demonstrations. The haunted house opens at 5:00 P.M. Food trucks and vendors will also have items for purchase.

CulturA Festival

El Olmeca presents CulturA Festival: A Celebration of Hispanic Culture, Food, and Music in Huntsville at The Orion Amphitheater on September 25, 2022.
The Orion Amphitheater and Revel Events have partnered this year to bring CulturA Fest, a FREE celebration of Hispanic culture, food, and music in Huntsville.

The event will feature:

  • A diverse selection of Hispanic food trucks from the following countries; Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua
  • Musical performances by Rocket City Latin Band, Tomas Gorrio from Peruvian Coin, and DJ Teddy plus special guests Baila Huntsville
  • A Latino-owned vendors village
  • A panel discussion with Latin-owned business owners and community leaders in Huntsville

Madison County Bridge Repair

Madison County District 4 crews will be preforming bridge repairs near the address of 1411 Burwell Road, just west of Highway 53 in Harvest. 

Work will begin Tuesday, September 20 at 8:30AM.  Work is expected to be completed by Thursday, September 22 at 4:00PM.

Please avoid the area if possible and use extreme caution while workers are in the area.

Credit: Madison County
Madison County bridge repair

RELATED: Developer in Huntsville envisions building a 22-story high-rise connected to the newly approved pedestrian skybridge

RELATED: Hershey warns of Halloween candy shortage this year

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out