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| Tuesday, February 9, 2010 |
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Packed-full weekend
Published September 7, 2009
There isn’t a need to travel far to enjoy the Labor Day Holiday.
With pleasant weather on tap there is plenty to do over the long holiday weekend in Scottsboro and Jackson County without the frustration of having to travel long distances.
The Southeast’s oldest trade day begins Saturday and continues through Monday in downtown Scottsboro. Hundreds of vendors selling and trading everything from coins to cards and chairs to tables will be on hand for the year’s biggest First Monday weekend.
What about the weather? The forecast is for pleasant temperatures in the lower 80’s through the period. There is a 30 percent chance of rain Sunday increasing to 40 percent on Monday.
There is more fun to be had than just those activities associated with First Monday.
Scottsboro’s Three Arts Club’s annual Art in the Park is scheduled for Sunday in King Caldwell Park adjacent to the public library. It is widely acclaimed as one of the best such events across the state and draws artists and visitors from throughout the southeast to the city.
The town of Section gets in on the act on Monday with its annual Labor Day in the Park festival. The 35th annual event provides plenty of entertainment, food, fun and games for the entire family.
First Monday, dating back 107 years, brings thousands of visitors to Scottsboro, especially on the Labor Day weekend, which has become the largest of the year. Vendors will be set up on the town square, adjacent streets and in parking lots nearby during the three-day holiday weekend in hopes of selling a few items and enjoying visiting with the huge crowds that patronize the event.
First Monday began as “Horse Swapper’s Day,” in December 1902. While animals and guns are no longer bought, sold or traded and horse drawn carriages are a rare sight at the event, there is still plenty to see and do.
After a visit to the square on Sunday it’s time for Art in the Park. There is plenty of shade available at King Caldwell Park for those interested in a leisurely stroll to take in unique art, a variety of crafts, entertainment and plenty of tasty and wonderful treats. And book lovers are sure to find a hidden treasure at the Scottsboro Public Library book sale.
Artists not only compete for recognition in a variety of categories as part of the festivals juried art show, but also most are willing to take the time to chat with visitors and explain their craft. The atmosphere and the sights and sounds make for a relaxing time for all. And for those with a little extra cash there are bargains galore to spruce up the home or as gifts.
Kids can get in on the act too. There is a kids play area, the park’s playground and almost non-stop entertainment in the pavilion area.
Art in the Park benefits the Three Arts Club’s benevolent efforts to promote art, music and drama in local schools. Admission to the event is $2 for adults and $1 for students.
Section’s Labor Day festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday with opening ceremonies on the Section Pharmacy stage. After a brief welcome, the raising of the flag and the National Anthem the fun truly begins. It’s no holds-barred time for the kids and adults who for a time become kids again.
The event includes a toddler walk, car show, and recognition of Honor Flight participants and veterans of the nation’s various branches of military service. Entertainment begins at 10:15 a.m. and continues into the night. A street dance, sponsored by FNB Bank, concludes the day’s activities.
And like First Monday and Art Sunday there’s food – lots of it. The Section Lions are among the groups who get in on the action as members widely and loudly proclaim the organization’s annual barbecue as the best around.
A silent auction benefitting Christmas Charities of Jackson County will be held from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Kids can enjoy a variety of kids games, including a coin dig, beginning at 11 a.m. Kiddies rides, competition games for all ages and horseshoes and dominos provide everyone a chance to get in on the fun and games.
Brothers and Others will conclude the day’s activities with a concert at the Section Pharmacy Stage from 7-9 p.m. while teenagers can enjoy a street dance on the basketball court in the park at the same time.
So for Labor Day fun – stay at home with family and friends.
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