Theatre Talks: CAST presents Annie

"We Think You're Gonna Like it Here!" 
Carrie Colton grew up in Salt Lake, and her years of education in both acting and directing also included professional gigs with touring productions, even overseas. Lucky for us, job opportunities in Jacksonville State University's Department of Drama brought Carrie to Calhoun County. This November 16-19, Carrie brings CAST's production of Annie, the family favorite musical set in the 1930s, to life at the Anniston Performing Arts Center.

How did you get involved in CAST? 

CAST Kidz got me involved in CAST! I love children's theatre, and once I got here, I looked up the nearest place for children's theatre.

What’s the development of this production of Annie been like? 

There are so many pieces to string together, and with such a large cast! We have a cast of over 100 people! The development has been slow. 

What’s it like to work with so many kids? 

I love working with the kids, and they are all doing an amazing job. Kids have the best imaginations, and they are therefore always the best actors. They love playing pretend, and it's so fun watching them get into this story.

What is it about this production that you are the most excited about? 

I am most excited about all the community involvement that went into it. We have actors from all over! Some of my best friends are helping out and some new faces. Theatre always brings the best of people to one place! I love that! Anniston is everywhere in this show! So cool!

Why do you think this show continues resonate with audiences of all ages and remain popular? 

You can't help but love this show. It's so fun and cute and heartwarming. Annie is also the ideal of what we all want to be, and so we LOVE her. Ramsey and Vivian are both exceptional Annies. I cannot wait for the audience to fall in love with them. 

This show’s music is popular on and off stage. What’s your favorite Annie song and why? 

"Hooverville" is totally my favorite song. I love it because we forget that Annie was friends with the poorest of the poor and fought for them way before she met Warbucks. It's a political song that's all about the people who were really hurting during the depression. It's fun, and Annie's exposure to them only helps her continue to find the good in life!

In 7 words or less, why should everyone come see Annie?

Heartwarming, Powerful, Festive, and deeply moving night of theatre!
 If you're looking for a few hours of entertainment and family fun, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," so let this production of Annie in "Annie's Town" warm your heart and get you on your feet. Showtimes are 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, November 16, Friday, November 17, and Saturday November 18, and 2:30 PM on Sunday, November 19. Get tickets online through castalabama.com.

24 hours for FOODIES in Anniston

Anniston's restaurants are full of great food and rich history. From Alabama's oldest operating saloon to some of the "Best Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die," Anniston has a variety of culinary experiences, blending quintessential southern cuisine with even international influences. 

Breakfast/Brunch: Classic Too is a great meeting place along Anniston's historic thoroughfare Noble Street, complete with various coffees biscuits and more! Although, if you're here on a Sunday, it's of the utmost importance that you try Classic on Noble's famous brunch. Complete with one of Alabama's 100 dishes to eat before you die, Shrimp and Grits, there's every salad to choose from, numerous desserts, entrees, omelets, kids snacks and more.

Lunch: AL.com recently voted on Alabama's Best Pizza, and decided Anniston's own Mata's Greek Pizza and Grinders take the title. This is Anniston staple is quite popular amongst locals, so it's suggested that you call in your Mata's Special for it to be ready when you arrive.

Dinner & After Hours Fun: Alabama's oldest operating saloon is alive and well. The Peerless Saloon and Grille dishes out local favorites like their Cuban, fish tacos, and more. They also feature live music several nights a week and offer great event space for celebrations.

There are so many great restaurants, and it would be extremely hard to hit them all in 24 hours. So, if you're around for more than a day, look to our restaurant list for some more flavors and options in and around Anniston. From our local bakery, Artisanal Baked Goods and their fresh Friday pretzels to an extremely busy Betty's BBQ lunch, everything is full of flavor. Local chains like Dad's BBQ and Top O' The River also serve up southern favorites like hearty fried green tomatoes and catfish with greens. Local favorites like Thai One On and Effina's serve up flavorful fusion dishes, like drunken noodles and tiramisu. If farm to table is your thing, Rosie's Gourmet 2 Go also has dine in options, including their delicious chicken salad. Local hot spots like Rack & Roll offer up billiards, entertainment and delectable food. Then, you also have dinner with a view at The High Pointe. 

Wanna Learn to Mountain Bike?

Calhoun County, Alabama is and is becoming even more of a mountain bike destination. With Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail plus Henry Farm and Iron Legs, plus the development of McClellan, as well as nearby Black Creek and Cheaha, we're surrounded by reasons you should give mountain biking a try.
There are trails for every skill level.
From basic downhills and climbs like Baby Bear to Bomb Dog, gravity trails and everything in between, there is more than 35 miles of trails at Coldwater alone. The rolling hillsides with giant boulders and rock features can be as easy or as difficult as you'd like. We're near Atlanta, near Birmingham, near perfect for a weekend getaway.
Surroundings
From local bike shops like Wig's Wheels and Fun Wheels to our local rails to trails project at the Ladiga Trail, everything is located in close proximity to our downtown areas, restaurants, hotels, and other attractions.
Weather
Luckily, Alabama has a mild winter, meaning it's great for trail riding year round. Anytime is a good time to hit the trails.
It's fun!
The great thing about cycling is, even though it's exercise, it's fun. It's also judgement free, as we've all been a beginner, and most cyclists are encouraging of newbies. Get the gear, learn the basics, and have fun!
www.VisitCalhounCounty.com

Rewarding Hikes

Calhoun County and surrounding areas are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails abound, and some are easy and still offer the breathtaking view reward.

Bald Rock
At Cheaha State Park, the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail to Bald Rock offers an elevated handicap accessible 1,520 ft walkway to Alabama's highest point. The trail also has benches along the way and multiple access points to side trails. This 1/4 mile trail is easy and accessible to everyone.

Pulpit Rock
Also at Cheaha State Park, this .6 mile trail is an out and back trail good for all skill levels. There is a slight elevation change, but it's accessible year-round.

Baby Bear
Coldwater Mountain is home to mountain bike haven, but it's also great for hiking. The baby bear is the shortest and easiest loop, about 1.1. miles with gradual rollers.

Desoto State Park
This park offers a variety of trails and difficulties, but the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail is a 360 yard trail for people of all abilities.

Little River Canyon
From the Visitors Center, there are several trail options, including the family friendly "Path to Learning Trail," with information geared toward school programs.

In Calhoun County, there's so much to explore outdoors. Learn more at VisitCalhounCounty.com.

It feels like home!

Known as the "friendliest campus in the south," Jacksonville State University welcomes home the Gamecocks this October for Homecoming! Complete with parades, tailgates and activities, campus is buzzing for Hoco 2017!

October 24-
- Harvest Festival -  4:30-7 p.m. 

Families are invited to bring their children to trick or treat the quad. 

October 26- 

-  J-Day - 2-6 p.m. 

Come out to the Theron Montgomery Building Lawn for this field day of relay races, music and free food

- Homecoming Pep Rally - 8 p.m. 

Join us as we crown the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen. Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium.

October 28
- Gamecock Gallop 5K - 8 a.m. -
- Homecoming Parade - 10:30 a.m. -
- Football Game - 3 p.m. - 

Gamecock Football vs. Southeast Missouri, with a halftime presentation of Alumni of Year and Homecoming Court winners. 

There's so much more, so make plans Gamecock Fans! 

www.jsu.edu

"Do you wish to go to the festival?"

It's October, and Fall Fests are in full swing.
OxfordFest always kicks off the month, the first Saturday of each October, shutting down Historic Downtown Oxford, bringing in hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors. This annual arts and crafts festival also features like music, food, kids activities and fun for all ages.
Cheaha State Park hosts their annual Chili Cook-off, aka "Chill-o-ween" and Salsa Challenge. At the Bald Rock Lodge, to go along with the tasty treats, there will be folk music, storytelling, haunted hikes, games, crafts and more.
The Anniston Museum of Natural History also hosts an annual Fall Fest. This year's fest features the museums "creepy crawlers," the Sensory Safari, a haunted Bird of Prey Trail, face painting, hay rides, costume contests and more!
Fall also means it's time for the Coldwater Mountain FatTire Fest, featuring demo bikes, beer garden, poker ride, vendors, guided rides, and more!
From JSU Football to OPAC and Knox Concert performances and much more, October is packed with excitement!

Fall into Adventures with your BFFs

Looking for something fun to do with friends over the weekend? Look no further...

• North Alabama Wine Trail

Enjoy tastings with six Appalachian wineries, including: Albertville's Jules J. Berta, Anniston's White Oak Vineyards, Attalla's Wills Creek Vineyards, Fruithurst Winery Co., Heflin's High Country Cellars, and Hokes Bluff's Maraella Winery. Each winery stamps your "passport," and once it's filled, submit it to receive your commemorative gift. 

• Aim for Par or Bullseye

From the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to the award winning Cider Ridge, take in the perfect temps, changing leaves and autumn breeze while hitting the links. If golf isn't your thing, the Civilian Marksmanship Program offers indoor air rifle range or their Marksmanship Park, featuring sporting clays, shotgun fields and rifle & pistol ranges.

Hike & Bike 

Calhoun County is blessed to have so much outdoor recreation. From the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails to the highest point in Alabama at Cheaha State Park, there is so much to experience in the fall. If camping is your thing, we recommend pedalling up the Ladiga Trail toward the Alabama Georgia Line, and near the Ladiga Campground, between miles 6 and 7, you'll find the Pinhoti Trail, a 338 mile trail connecting to the Appalachian Trail. 


• Test Time 

Test your problem solving skills and try out Oxford's interactive live escape room, Escape Zone! It's a fun way to encourage communication and try to breakout of the room in 60 seconds or less. 

• Shopping followed by dinner and a show!
  
  
  Historic Downtown Oxford offers a unique blend with classic antique shops, one of a kind jewelry making, olive oil tasting room, sinful coffee shops, delectable restaurants, and a state of the art performing arts center all within walking distance of one another.