First Signs of Fall

The official calendar stats that fall starts September 22nd, but leading up to that point, the weather begins to get a little cooler (or not), while the days become shorter. People decorate their
houses in the various shades of red and orange, welcoming the change of seasons, but in Jacksonville, Alabama, the town surrounding Jacksonville State University has a different kind of
season.
As a student attending the Friendliest Campus in the South, you can spot the beginning of fall in late August as new and returning Gamecocks start up the semester. The Marching Southerners start to resound around campus, preparing for those marvelous half-time performances. The Ballerinas perfect their kicks, and the Colorguard hold onto their flags a little tighter as they gust in the crisp autumn wind.

Sororities anticipate rush week and the celebrated Bid Day. Fraternities reach out to potential pledges. The Greek Life eagerly waits to welcome individuals into their credited organizations. The various religious activities such RUF, Engage, and the Wesley Foundation begin their weekly services.
Any Jacksonville local will notice the increase in traffic starting the Thursday before kick-off. The Farmer’s Market dwindles down as things go out of season. Repeated season-ticket holders drive into town with their RV’s to park them for the duration of football season. The stores on the Square are packed as everyone tries to find that last minute, perfect game day outfit.

Businesses all around Jacksonville start putting out their “Go Gamecocks” signs in the windows or on their changeable letter signs to show their support of the University. Restaurants prepare for the crowds looking for places to eat (and celebrate) between all the games that occur on the first Football Saturday.
Marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars magically find places beside each other in the grocery store. Halloween decorations take over the seasonal aisles at Wal-Mart, and those fall scented candles go on sale.
As the fall season breaches the city of Jacksonville anyone will find that before Jacksonville Mountain is covered in an array of colors the people are well prepared for the harvest season.

BAILY SCOTT

Guest Blogger: Baily Scott  
"My name is Baily Scott, I am a local to the Calhoun County area. I am currently a Senior at Jacksonville State University majoring in Communications with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in English. I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors in my spare time. I first became
involved with the Chamber my senior year in high school. Emily Duncan was my mentor, and I credit this experience with narrowing down what path of communications to take. A year and half into my college career I began interning for Main Street Anniston. It was through this opportunity that I once again found myself involved in Calhoun County. As a chance to work with the Chamber of Commerce surfaced just 3 short years after my initial encounter, I sought to continue my involvement. I look forward to working at the Chamber throughout this Fall semester."

31st OxfordFest

The 31st Oxfordfest will take place Saturday, October 6th, booths open at 8:00 a.m. Teresa Crosson, Secretary on the committee of Oxfordfest, has been with the event for 18 years. Oxfordfest is a non-profit, volunteer based event, the committee that runs it is made up of 7 volunteers. Volunteers are welcomed each year, and this event often assists local college students in logging their needed volunteer hours.

Oxfordfest is an event free to the community that helps bring recognition to the historic downtown Oxford area, with proceeds going to those in need in the Oxford community. There will be a donation booth set up, where monetary donations are equivalent to an entry into the drawing for the grand prize of $1,000 dollars along with various other door prizes.

In an interview, Crosson gave first time attendees some advice:

• Arrive early because Oxfordfest draws in 30,000 - 40,000 people each year.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Parking for Oxfordfest has changed this year as well, shuttles from the Quintard Mall will NOT be available, and parking will be as you find it. The footprint of this community event has been remastered to ease foot traffic and to make the overall shopping experience more enjoyable. 
• Bring money. This year will feature over 300 product vendors, including some of the favorites from the years past and new businesses. 
• Come hungry. 30 different food vendors with diverse menu options ranging from the classic funnel cake and tacos to BBQ will be participating.
• Sit back and enjoy. 8 bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day, with headliner Hutch Edwards Project rounding out the afternoon at 3 p.m. 
• Gather the family and save the date for the 31st Oxfordfest, Saturday, October 6th. 

Great Fun for Family

Fall is a great time for family fun in Northeast Alabama! Here are some examples:

Anniston Museums & Gardens 
With weekly programs, including animal shows and festivals, or just a tour of the Natural History or Berman Museum with their daily hands on activities, this complex always has something going on for families, which is why membership is a no brainer.

Cheaha State Park
If you're into primitive camping, RV camping, cabin life or just hiking, fall is the perfect time to hit Alabama's highest peak! They too are packed we events and educational programs for the whole family!

JSU Gamecock Sports 
From football to soccer, fall gains speed as school is back and the whistle blows. Check out JSU Football at Burgess Snow Field and see one of America's best bands take the field at half-time!

September Adventure

As the fall season approaches event in the Calhoun County area flourish! There are events for every age group this year! Keep your Saturdays reserved for community fun!

Saturday, September 8th kicks off the Bigfoot Bio Bash at Cheaha State Park. The Conservation Festival is from 8:30 am – 2 pm and will include hands-on activities such as archery and geocaching. The 5k trail race begins at 8:30 am and dressing up as Bigfoot is highly encouraged. Online registration is open at Active.com and race day registration opens at 7 am.

Saturday, September 15th, the 11th annual Fall Fest at Cane Creek Community Gardens is taking place! This kid –friendly event will host many local vendors, an auction, a hayride, and so much more! Admission is free and the gates open at 9 am, a $1 donation is asked to support the community garden project. If you are interested in being a vendor more information can be found on Facebook on the Visit Calhoun County page.

Saturday, September 22nd Blackberry Hills Alpaca Farm is hosting an open house. Admission is free and the gates open at 9 am. There will be live animals, pony rides, alpaca tours, delicious foods, shopping, and much more!

Wednesday, September 26th the Disaster Relief Benefit Concert for Jacksonville State University will take place from 4 pm – 11 pm.  Alabama is the headlining band for this event, and will donate all proceeds to Jacksonville State University and their disaster relief fund. Other artists to be featured are Charlie Daniels Band, Jamey Johnson, Riley Green, Shenandoah, Darren Knight “Southern Mama”, and many more! Tickets start at $25 dollars and can be purchased at Ticketfly.com.

Saturday, September 29th the CMP Talladega 5k Range Run will take place! The race will begin at 7 am and last till 11 am. The race benefits CMP Youth Marksmanship Programs and Presbyterian Home for Children. Tickets are available at thecmp.com!

Water Ways

Calhoun County has so much outdoor recreation, and during a hot Alabama summer, we're glad to have these options to cool off.

Terrapin Creek, Choccolocco Creek & Willis Creek 
From Piedmont to Oxford, we've got choice to kayaking and tubbing. No Worries Kayaks can take care of you as you paddle Terrapin. Big Willis floats you alongside farm and rock. Coming soon, the City of Oxford will shuttle you to Cider Ridge, where you can float to Choccolocco Park. Floating Fun tubing is great for the whole family.

Neely Henry
From fishing to sailing, Neely Henry Dam creates an private oasis for anyone on boat and even has Ohatchee Beach.

City of Oxford, City of Jacksonville & City of Piedmont
From the City of Piedmont's Aquatics Center to Oxford Lake's swimming pool and splash pad, and including the Jacksonville Community Center Pool and Anniston's Splash Pad, there's summer fun for the whole family.

Cheaha State Park 
From their newly renovated swimming pool to Cheaha Lake and its beach, and the waterfalls at Devil's Den, Cheaha has more than trails and views.

Dog Friendly Calhoun County

Calhoun County has so much outdoor recreation that allows "Fido" to tag along, but here are some ideas for your itinerary.

Dining 

Classic Too 
Patio Dining
1021 Noble Street, Anniston
Breakfast M-F: 7:30-10 AM
Lunch M-F: 11:00 AM - 3:00 P.M.

Mellow Mushroom
Patio Dining
33 Industrial Drive, Oxford
Monday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Panera Bread 
Patio Dining
21 Commons Way, Oxxford
Monday-Thursday 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Accommodations

LaQuinta Inn & Suites 

100 Colonial Drive, Oxford 

(256) 241-0950

Activities 

Choccolocco Park 

954 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford

Trails and Lake 

Germania Springs Dog Park 
801 Roy Webb Rd, Jacksonville

Dog Park, Ladiga Trail and Germania Springs Stream 

Bicentennial Scavenger Hunt Week 7

Since we already have a winner, here's this week's clues for you and your family to solve.