Annual Events

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce's Health Council of Jackson is organizing a weight loss incentive program for 2006 and is setting a goal for area residents to lose 2006 pounds as a community by the end of 2006.

Participants can weigh one time per week if they choose, but must weigh at least one time per month. Monthly door prizes will be given away and those taking part in the program can register each time they "weigh in" and one time for each pound lost. Participants must go by their original "weigh in" weight and then the lowest weight recorded to calculate pounds lost. For those who lose and gain and lose and gain like many people do when they are dieting, those pounds do not count. Registration for prizes is only for true pounds lost from the participant's original "weigh in" weight and then the lowest weight recorded. Door prizes will be valued up to $100 per month. Everyone in the program will be required to "weigh in" at least one time per month to qualify for the grand prizes.

"We want this to be a lifetime commitment to better health, so we are offering educational classes on nutrition, exercise, cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease," said Kay Crosby, one of the organizers. "Reducing the risk of these diseases are good reasons to get your weight in control and improve your health."

Those signing up for the program will be required to attend at least four of the classes offered to qualify for the grand prizes. A number of local businesses are participating as weigh stations. Some are also helping sponsor the prizes. Participation in the program is free, but individuals were required to sign up before January 14 in order to be eligible for the prize drawings.

The following is the schedule for the first three months of the free educational classes offered with this wellness program:
On Feb. 6, from 12 - 1 p.m. and Feb 9, from 7 - 8 p.m., at Health Actions in Jackson there will be nutrition classes with Kay Crosby. There will be two classes on Feb 16. One will be from 12 - 1 p.m. and the other will be from 6 - 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. The classes will be on heart disease; the presenter will be Dr. Sid Crosby.

There will also be two classes on Mar 23. One will be from 12 - 1 p.m. and the other will be from 7 - 8 p.m. The classes will be at Health Actions and will be on Exercise presented by Marlene Davis. Those who plan to attend are asked to call and reserve a seat. There is an 80 person limit. Call 251-246-5761 ext. 222 to reserve a seat. These classes will be offered many times to allow everyone an opportunity to attend.

JANUARY
 
The Thomasville Winter Baseball Clinic is held the third Saturday in January. Its purpose is to provide children ages 8-18 with an opportunity to learn from professional and college players and coaches. The clinic also gives them a chance to be around some of their "heroes" of the game. The event is sponsored by Thomasville Amateur Baseball and many corporate sponsors in the area.

FEBRUARY
 
Jackson Civitan's Citizen of the Year Banquet is held every third Thursday in February at the First United Methodist Church. This year's event will be held on February 17th. Civic organizations, schools, and individuals are asked to submit names of nominees. Nominees are selected based on their contribution to the city in the past year.
 
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University's School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences are presenting a workshop for women forest landowners in Jackson on Friday, February 24. Topics will include hunting and outdoor recreation, tax planning, using foresters for help with prescribed burning and inventory, the TREASURE Forest program, Classroom in the Forest, the Alabama Forestry Museum, and resources and opportunities for women. There is a $30 registration fee which covers program supplies, resource materials, lunch, and refreshments. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 17. The event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. If you have questions, contact Sonya Wood Mahler at 251-709-7588 or by email at mahlesw@auburn.edu or Rhonda Bryars at 251-937-7176, email bryarrm@aces.edu.

MARCH
 
Bass Tournament near Thomasville at Lake Miller's Ferry. Date to be announced.
 
CCARC Jubilee Fest is held in March to showcase the arts and crafts and accomplishments of Clarke County People First. The events include the arts and crafts show, a walk, a dog show, games, food, and more.
 

APRIL
 
Youth Day is the kick-off for Thomasville Recreation Department's summer baseball, softball, and t-ball activities. The event is held on the first weekend in April traditionally, with a parade starting at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies at Gates Drive Park at 10 a.m.
 
Park Appreciation Day is Grove Hill's ball season kick-off at S.P. Hudson Park. A fun day of food, games, ball, speeches, and good fellowship unites the citizens of Grove Hill. The day begins with a parade to the ball field by all the softball, t-ball, and baseball teams.
 
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser. In North Clarke County it's held at Gates Drive Park in Thomasville on the last Friday and Saturday in April. In Grove Hill it’s held on the first Friday in April in front of the Clarke County Museum, and in Jackson the event is held on varying weekends during the month of April. The Relay involves citizens from all walks of life—those who have survived the dreaded disease, families of those who have lost their battle with cancer, concerned individuals of all ages, organizations, businesses, clubs, and churches.
 
PALS Clean-Up is held across the county in the month of April. The different communities and municipalities join the People Against a Littered State in making our county a cleaner, prettier, safer place to live. In Jackson, the spring clean up is held on the fourth Saturday. A kick-off breakfast, sponsored by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, will be held for all the volunteers at 8 a.m.
 
Forestry Awareness Week is April 24-27 in Clarke County. Planned activities include Forest Products, Forest Management, Soils, Conservation and Wildlife, Tree Identification, and Forest History are all topics covered during a four-day program held in the outdoors.

MAY
 
The Clarke County Junior Miss competition is held the first week of May. Contestants from across the county vie for the prestigious title and for the opportunity to travel to Montgomery to represent the county at the state pageant. The county event is held at Clarke County High School’s Sage Auditorium.
 
Culture Fest is held the second weekend in May in Jackson; this event is sponsored by the Genesis club. Food booths and entertainment celebrate the area’s African American community and culture.

A Memorial Day Ceremony is presented by VFW Post 5355 in Jackson at the War Memorial adjacent to City Hall on Commerce Street downtown.

JUNE
 
Juneteenth Celebration is held in Grove Hill on the third weekend of the month at S.P. Hudson Park. The event is free and open to the public; the African American community celebrates the ending of slavery and the contributions of their ancesorys with food, entertainment, activities, and visits from special guests and politicians.

JULY
 
The City of Thomasville Patriotic Fireworks Show is held on the Saturday before July 4th at Anderson Field and Gates Drive Park starting at 9 p.m.
 
The American Legion Fourth of July Barbecue is held on Independence Day each year at the American Legion Post #112 building in Thomasville. Old-fashioned barbecue is sold by the plate or by the pound. Serving begins at 11 a.m. A variety of entertainment and prize drawings are part of the celebration.
 
The University of Alabama Alumni Association and Friends will hold the annual meeting in the summer. A guest speaker is invited from the university. Money raised from this function goes toward the scholarship fund.
 
State Dixie Baseball Tournaments are held in Thomasville each year in the month of July.

AUGUST
 
The Thomasville Reunion is held in August biennially. In 2005, the dates are August 27-29. This reunion of Thomasville’s African American community includes a gathering at Johnson’s Shopping Center on Friday night and a picnic in McFadden park on Saturday; homecoming services are held at associated churches on Sunday. For more information, visit www.thomasvillereunion.com.
 
The second annual Rural Supplier Conference is scheduled for August 9th on Alabama Southern Community College's Thomasville campus. Last year's conference drew nationally known firms such as Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Teledyne Brown and EADS. Organizers say the event will give local businesses and suppliers an opportunity to pitch their products and services to these and other companies as well as to federal agencies and the military. Participants will have booths set up to detail their business and needs. Breakout sessions will focus on specific topics.
 
The Jackson Chamber of Commerce sponsors a Back to School Breakfast for teachers and support staff in August each year.

SEPTEMBER
 
Grove Hill Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Golf Tournament is held each year to raise money for projects at the hospital. The tournament draws participants from all over the southwestern part of the state. Cash prizes are awarded to the winners.
 
Health and Safety Fair at the Grove Hill Memorial Hospital is held the second Saturday in September. Booths are set up on the grounds and in the parking lot of the hospital with information about everything from bike safety to hunting safety to AIDS awareness. Entertainment, food, games and activities for the kids, door prizes, arts and crafts, and special appearances by local TV personalities are some of the highlights of the day. Free health screenings are provided along with plenty of information. An antique car show is held in conjunction with the fair in the hospital parking lot.

OCTOBER
 
White-Smith Memorial Library Dinner and Auction is held the first Thursday in October at the Community House.
 
Fulton's Fire Department Singing is held on the first Saturday in October. All types of music is presented, with gospel music showcased. Bring your lawn chair for this event, which is held at the ballfield behind the old Fulton School.
 
The Jackson Fire Department's annual Town Inspection and Fire Prevention Parade are held on the second Wednesday in October. This year's Fireman's Banquet, which recognizes the court, will be held on October 10th. This event will take place at the Downtown Fire Station. This year's parade will be held on Wednesday, October 11th. The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. Parades are judged on theme, originality, and appearance, and the top three winners are awarded cash prizes. The band judged to be the best is also awarded a cash prize. A poster and essay contest is held at the elementary school level, and prizes will be awarded.
 
Coffeeville’s Community Yard Sale is held along U.S. Highway 84 in October. This event is growing every year.
 
Also in October is Coffeeville’s Annual Fireman’s Ball honoring the town’s volunteer firefighters.
 
The Arts Council of Thomasville holds an annual Ghost Walk in the downtown business district on the Saturday before Halloween. Hay rides transport those attending to various “haunted” sites in the city, where Arts Council mbmers in costume regale listeners with scary tales. Admission is charged.

NOVEMBER
 
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce attracts thousands of people to the streets of Jackson for the annual Fall Festival. The event is held the first weekend of November. Arts and crafts booths and food vendors line the streets of downtown from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. selling a variety of items perfect for holiday gifts. The Fall Festival is a family event offering entertainment for every age. The children can enjoy unlimited use of various games with the purchase of an armband. Outdoor enthusiast will be entertained by the Lumberjack Competition and the Bob Smith Memorial Antique Auto Show. To purchase booth spaces feel free to call 251-246-3251 or email at jacksonchamber@earthlink.net.
 
The Clarke-Washington Fair is held the first week of November at the fair grounds in Jackson, just off Highway 43. Carnival rides and games, competitions, exhibits, and entertainment go on throughout the week.
 
Pioneer Day is an annual event held on the grounds of the Clarke County Historical Museum on the second Saturday in the month. The grounds are transformed into a living history exhibit for visitors interested in the pioneer way of life. How to make syrup from sorghum cane… how a pioneer wife washed her family’s clothes… how cotton was cleaned, combed, spun, and eventually woven into fabric… candle making… lye soap making… corn husk doll making… and many other techniques are revisited and demonstrated for the public. Children can even play games from the late 1800’s. Admission is free.
 
Fulton’s Christmas Parade is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

DECEMBER
 
Grove Hill’s Christmas Parade kicks off the season on the first Thursday in December. The parade begins at 4 p.m. and travels down the middle of town via Jackson Street. During the day, businesses hold Christmas sales, and booths with arts and crafts can be found around town.
 
Jackson’s Christmas Parade is a night-time event featuring beautifully decorated and lighted floats. It’s held on the first Friday evening in December. Bands and floats are judged.
 
The Annual Christmas Parade in Thomasville is held the first Saturday in December each year. The parade starts at 10 a.m. It features bands, floats, Shriner units, and Thomasville’s Citizen of the Year as the grand marshall. And, of course, Santa is also a special guest. Floats are built around a theme and are judged in several categories.
 
Coffeeville’s Annual Christmas Parade is held the second Saturday in December. The community comes out for this celebration of the holiday season.
 
The Annual Tree Lighting at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital is held on the second Thursday in December. This is a very special and solemn event. The hospital’s auxiliary sells lights to place on the Christmas tree in front of the hospital in honor or in memory of individuals. Over 2,000 lights are sold each year. The ceremony at the hospital is marked with entertainment, food, and good fellowship. A reception is held after the program and the lighting of the tree, and the names of those honored are displayed in the hospital lobby.
 
Life of Christ Drive-Thru is held at Grove Hill Baptist Church every year. Twelve scenes depict the life of Christ from the announcement of his birth to his ascension to heaven. The scenes are all located on the church grounds, and they include live performers. The drive-thru is held for two nights only.
 
Christmas Singing at the Gazebo is a tradition in Fulton on the second Wednesday in December. Several church choirs and individuals participate. Refreshments are provided. Everyone’s encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and come to the Dr. Jack Dozier Memorial Gazebo in the middle of town for this event.

First United Methodist Church Annual Step Sing is held every first Sunday of Advent. All community choirs are invited to participate. Hot cocoa is served to those attending. The event is held at 6 p.m.

Spirit of Christmas in the Pine City is held the second Saturday in December. It is presented each year by the music ministry of First Baptist Church. This Christmas musical features First Baptist Church Choir along with several children's choirs and other choral groups. Admission to the event, held at Jackson High School's McCorquodale Auditorium, is free and includes a sampling of desserts prior to the musical.