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Celebrate Art and Culture at the 2025 Ballyhoo Festival
R. Ken Cooper • February 22, 2025
Enjoy fine arts, live music and cultural performances
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The 11th Annual Ballyhoo Festival is set to liven up the shores of Lake Shelby in Gulf Shores March 1st & 2nd. This unique event, organized by the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, blends fine arts with rich cultural traditions, offering attendees a diverse and immersive experience.
The Ballyhoo Festival is a family and pet-friendly event, welcoming visitors of all ages to celebrate art and culture in a picturesque setting at Lake Shelby, with the Gulf of Mexico just across the street. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover, or someone seeking a weekend of cultural enrichment, the Ballyhoo Festival promises a memorable experience.
Below are details about this year’s festival…
Event Details:
- Dates: Saturday, March 1, 2025 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and Sunday, March 2, 2025 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Location: Gulf State Park, 20115 State Hwy. 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Admission: Free and open to all ages
Festival Highlights:
- Juried Fine Arts and Crafts: Featuring 100 artists from across the United States, the festival showcases a wide array of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry and ceramics.
- Cultural Celebrations:
- Saturday: The Poarch Creek Indians will present their heritage through historical narratives and traditional tribal dances performed in ceremonial regalia. The Cultural Director will provide insights into the significance of each dance, offering a deep dive into indigenous traditions.
- Sunday: A Fiddle and Banjo Competition will highlight Early Americana Appalachian music, with musicians vying for $3,000 in cash prizes. This segment is sponsored in part by Flora-Bama and the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival.
- Additional Attractions:
- Children's Art Pavilion: A space dedicated to young artists, encouraging creativity through hands-on activities.
- Live Music: Local bands will perform throughout the weekend, providing a lively soundtrack to the festivities.
- Food Court: A diverse selection of culinary delights, including Cajun and Asian cuisines, will be available to satisfy all palates.
- Art Demonstrations: Live demonstrations will offer insights into various artistic processes, allowing attendees to engage directly with creators.
For more information, visit the official Ballyhoo Festival website:
ballyhoofestival.com
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Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores Middle School has been selected as one of 16 schools in Alabama to join Cohort 18 of the A+ College Ready College and Career Readiness Program. This statewide initiative, in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, aims to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life by expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) and other challenging courses for grades 6-12. Participating schools receive training, incentives, supplies, curricular materials, student study sessions, AP exam subsidies, and ongoing support. Gulf Shores Middle School will participate in this program through May 2028.
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Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Kris Anderson, a senior partner of Yates Anderson law firm in Orange Beach, apologized to the Mayor and City Council saying he may have "jumped the gun" with the lawsuit. However, Mayor Tony Kennon accused Anderson of trying to act like "Superman," being a "despicable individual," and painting the community in a racist light.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores Golf Club in Alabama has appointed Grant Cole as its new head superintendent. Cole, a Class A Superintendent, previously led Braelinn Golf Club in Peachtree City, Georgia, and has extensive experience in course restoration and southeastern agronomic practices.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Alabama's 14th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is set for Friday, February 21, through Sunday, February 23, 2025. During this period, residents can purchase essential severe weather preparedness items without paying the state's 4% sales tax. In some areas, local taxes will also be waived, allowing shoppers to save up to 10% on eligible items.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley Planning Commission will review several requests for approvals of subdivisions located in the city limits and the city’s planning jurisdiction including a 258-lot development located east of County Road 65 and south of Dairy Lane. Staff will recommend approval.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 33rd Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and MAAAC Car Show is set to take place this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The event, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises a day filled with culinary delights, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and an impressive display of classic automobiles.
