Arab’s 2nd Annual Sugarfest sees great weather and huge turnout
ARAB, Ala. - The 2nd Annual Sugarfest was held Saturday, Sept. 4 at Arab City Park. The festival kicked off at 8 a.m. and lasted until 10 p.m., with many events including the Sugar Rush 5K, Cornhole Tournament, Sugar High Rides and Amusements, Sweetie...
Sweet Tater Festival caps off summer at Smith Lake Park
CULLMAN, Ala. - For most people, Labor Day Weekend is the official send off to summer, but in Cullman County, it is also a time to show appreciation for the sweet tater! As the state’s top producer of the sweet potato, this is the...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Crazy for Loving You Birthday Party
America has loved “Grandma” Moses and her art from the moment we saw one of her joy-giving paintings. For “The Crazy for Loving You Birthday Party,” we’re at the Bennington Museum (75 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont) which holds the largest public collection in the...
St. Paul’s Lutheran School announces judges for inaugural Golden Apron Competition
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Golden Apron Cook Off Competition, sponsored by Werner’s Trading Company, is just around the corner! We hope to see everyone Sept. 18 for this exciting cookoff competition. We are happy to announce our judges for the event will be Mrs....
Country Legends Rediscovered exhibition closes Sept. 4
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — This week is the last week to visit the Country Legends Rediscovered exhibition at the Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wallace State Community College.
The exhibition featuring stage wear, costumes and memorabilia from the private collection of country singer/songwriter and north Alabama native...
Sweet Tater Festival to take place over Labor Day weekend
CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. - The 25th Annual Smith Lake Park Sweet Tater Festival will take place this Labor Day weekend. The two-day event will take place Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission to the...
Oktoberfest announces the 2021 Burgermeister: Casey Harbin
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman High School teacher and coach Casey Harbin has been passed the baton as Burgermeister for the 2021 Cullman Oktoberfest. With Cullman’s German heritage and history, Oktoberfest is an annual event that brings members together from all across the community with...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Ringy-Dingy Birthday Party
It’s late-August and we are cooling off with the joy-giving, cool kids on a giant ice ring at “The Ringy-Dingy Birthday Party.”
The United States has hosted the modern Olympic games, which started in 1896, in six locations: Atlanta (Summer, 1996), Lake Placid, New York...
Two enter novitiate at St. Bernard Abbey
CULLMAN, Ala. - The journey of two men, which began with an inquiry to St. Bernard Abbey Vocation Director, Fr. Joel Martin, OSB, has entered into a new phase.
Becoming a monk doesn’t happen overnight. It is a process that takes several years. At St....
Editorial: Rock The South 2021- Grey skies and happy times
There is a nearly constant negativity in the Cullman community surrounding the mere existence of Rock the South. This year was no different and the naysayers are having a field day after this year’s festival. Yes, it rained. It rained a lot. What they...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Bon, Bon, Bon Appetit Birthday Party
We are inspired to greater heights by each of the 365 American joy-givers celebrated in this series, but for “The Bon, Bon, Bon Appetit Birthday Party” we’re taking the tram 630 feet to the top of the tallest monument in the United States.
Gaze into...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The I Can Do Anything Better Birthday Party
“Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better than you…No, you can’t…Yes, I can. No, you can’t. Yes, I can. No, you can’t! YES, I CAN! YES, I CAN!”
“Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)” is a show...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Giant Steps Birthday Party
“Destination Moon” is our destination for “The Giant Steps Birthday Party.” We are being given a preview of this exhibition which promises to be a major blockbuster coming to the National Air and Space Museum in 2022.
Building on the Washington, D.C. museum’s unrivaled collection...
Cullman County Public Library hosts 2nd Annual Harry Potter Birthday Parade
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Public Library on Friday, held their 2nd Annual Harry Potter Birthday Parade. Though the first parade event was held in 2019, last year was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The library has been incredibly excited about being...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021—The Funny Papers Birthday Party
We’ll see ya in the funny papers collection of the National Museum of American History for our next fun, birthday party. Located on Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th streets, this popular D.C. tourist experience is home to more than 1.8 million treasured, American...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: ‘The Nanu-Nanu Birthday Party’
This week, we’re in San Francisco at a luxurious, Victorian residence located at 2640 Steiner St. for “The Nanu-Nanu Birthday Party.” This was the film location for “Mrs. Doubtfire” starring Robin Williams as the titular character, Euphegina Doubtfire, a Scottish nanny for the fictional-but-adored...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Elements of Style Birthday Party
The most famous “kettle hole” in America is the setting for “The Elements of Style Birthday Party.” It was formed by retreating glaciers 10,000-12,000 years ago near present-day Concord, Massachusetts. This “kettle hole” is Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau lived in an intentionally...
Do you believe in the Metal Man?
FALKVILLE Ala. – Alabama certainly has its fair share of urban legends and strange occurrences. Recently, on an adventure through the backroads of Cullman and Morgan counties, I heard mention of the “Falkville Metal Man.” Though I had never heard of him before, I...
Taking the American Challenge
HOLLY POND, Ala. - The east Cullman County town of Holly Pond has spent a few days hosting students and leaders from bicycle tour organization Overland Summers, as they travel through on a cross-country journey that will take them from the Atlantic coast to...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Greatest Birthday Party on Earth
“Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages…welcome to “The Greatest Birthday Party on Earth!” The circus is about to begin!
Let our joy-givers lead you to the three-rings of clowning and amazing feats of wizardry in Downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut and the Barnum Museum. This is...
ATF promotes fireworks safety
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wants the public to be safe during the Fourth of July. Understanding the dangers associated with illegal or improperly used/manufactured fireworks can prevent severe injuries, disfigurement or even death.
Illegal devices are not fireworks,...
365 JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Yankee Doodle Birthday Party
This week, we are in Manhattan’s famed Duffy Square between Broadway and Seventh Avenue for “The Yankee Doodle Birthday Party.” The décor centerpiece is the bronze statue of George M. Cohan dancing with top hat and cane created by sculptor, Georg John Lober, and...
Editorial: Has Generation X been lost in the shuffle?
Over the past several years, there’s been plenty of chatter about generational differences between the boomers, millenials and Generation Z. It's been mostly insults and finger pointing as those involved in the ongoing conversation duke it out over who is to blame for everything...
Cullman area restaurant vies for title of Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders among Flavorful Four finalists
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The 2021 Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders Contest has been narrowed down to a flock of four, with one of Cullman County’s very own making the cut!
Online voting determined the Flavorful Four finalists which are, in alphabetical order:
Bobby’s Restaurant in EvaThe Chicken...
Launching the Alabama Arts Recovery Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Alabama State Council on the Arts announces a special grant application opening on Thursday, July 1. The Alabama Arts Recovery Program is supported by recent American Rescue Plan stimulus funding for arts organizations.
$814,100 in funding from the National Endowment for the Arts...
Editorial: Summer recommended reading list
Something magical happens when you first reach for a book. The possibilities become endless and worlds you knew nothing about become visible- fallen cities, lost loves, thrilling challenges around every corner. This summer, allow yourself to explore a book or two--whether it be to...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Accent on Fun Birthday Party
When we arrive at “The Accent on Fun Birthday Party,” we hear women speaking in the next room. Judging by all the accents, it could be a Danish baroness talking about her farm in Africa; a posh, Prada-wearing, devilish fashionista; and perhaps, Prime Minister...
For the mystery lovers: Who put a star medallion outside the Cullman Library?
CULLMAN, Ala. - For over 10 years, staffers at the Cullman County Public Library main branch in Cullman have wondered about a small brass medallion affixed to a sidewalk on the east side of the building. No one knows who placed it or its...
Rescheduled Second Friday celebration tonight in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. – It’s as easy as 1-2-3: 1st Avenue Southeast will host the city’s popular 2nd Fridays celebration on the third Friday of June. That’s tonight!
Downtown Cullman’s 2nd Friday celebration, put on COVID hiatus in 2020 and postponed last week due to the...
‘So creative’
CULLMAN, Ala. - When it comes to art, inspiration can come from anywhere. For Cullman City Primary School student Wilson Carter, he only had to look as far as the name at the top of his classroom.
Wilson, who just finished kindergarten at CCPS, won...
A bag full of books for $3 at the Cullman County Public Library
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Public Library has an absolute abundance of books and this week, they have begun selling them to the public by the bag. Often, the library acquires so many books that it ends up with duplicates, or the book’s...
2nd Friday downtown celebrations return June 11
CULLMAN, Ala. - After the 2020 hiatus, people are ready to head back out, and the City of Cullman is eager to accommodate. On Friday, June 11, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism, Cullman Downtown Merchants Association and...
Hanceville Antique Tractor and Engine Show returns to Wallace State June 12
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – On Saturday, June 12, the City of Hanceville will celebrate the history and heritage of big wheels, horsepower and torque at the 23rd annual Hanceville Antique Tractor and Engine Show at Wallace State Community College.
Charles Allen who, along with Bonnie Hamrick...
Grilled Cheese wins the day at Hanceville’s inaugural Grilled Cheese Festival
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - A huge crowd came out Saturday to Hanceville’s Downtown to enjoy a day dedicated to America’s go-to comfort sandwich. The inaugural Grilled Cheese Festival, hosted by the Hanceville downtown merchants, was wildly popular and successful.
By noon on Saturday, the downtown area...
Local charitable organizations announce upcoming golf tournaments
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman charity clothing boutique Curt’s Closet and Cullman Child Advocacy Center Brooks’ Place both recently announced plans for fundraising golf tournaments this summer.
Curt’s Classic at Cross Creek, July 31
The “Curt’s Classic” tournament will take place at Cross Creek Golf Course, 2321...
Upcoming Memorial Day weekend events
CULLMAN, Ala. - There are several events happening around Cullman County this Memorial Day weekend. While Memorial Day has become a time that many choose to hit the lake or host a fun barbeque or party, let’s not forget the reason for the holiday....
The halls of knowledge: Cullman County Public Library
CULLMAN, Ala. - When you walk into the Cullman County Public Library, you are greeted by a rush of cool air and quiet, but do not be deceived by the silence. There is so much going on! The several dedicated employees of the Cullman...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The West Less Traveled Birthday Party
John Wayne’s last movie, “The Shootist,” was scheduled for filming in El Paso, Texas but “The Duke,” changed the script to move production near Carson City, Nevada just east of Lake Tahoe.
All the exterior vistas of vast, golden prairie with mountain ranges in the...
Frankweiler Fountain flows again!
CULLMAN, Ala. - To celebrate the twinning of Cullman and its German sister city Frankweiler, the Cullman German Club built the Frankweiler Fountain on 1st Avenue across from A Touch of German in 1988. One of the German gift shop’s owners at the time,...
Welti’s Preston Cook receives $500 scholarship in NASP National Virtual Archery Tournament
WELTI, Ala. - Welti Elementary School’s Preston Cook was selected to receive a $500 scholarship this week following his participation in the National Archery in Schools Program National Virtual Archery Tournament.
Of 15,683 archers who participated in the virtual shoot, 100 were randomly...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Bossypants Birthday Party
This week, our “BOSSYPANTS Birthday Party” is in a factory in Queens, New York City. Hey now, don’t be so bossy about it, this is a very posh factory, the one created by German American Heinrich Engelhard Steinwag (later known as Henry E. Steinway)—Steinway...
East Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church to celebrate 100 years
Photo with cars is the current church building, one without cars is the original before the renovations over the years.CULLMAN, Ala. - On Sunday, May 23, East Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church (EPC) will be celebrating 100 years of "worshipping, serving and loving the Lord."...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Wonders of America Birthday Party
America has many natural wonders: our national parks and forests, majestic mountains, giant Redwoods and Sequoias, Louisiana bayous and the Florida Everglades. And, thanks to American ingenuity, we have many man-made wonders like: the Statue of Liberty (okay, that was French ingenuity), the Washington...
Cullman Strawberry Festival a big success
CULLMAN, Ala. - For 82 years, the city of Cullman has celebrated the area’s prolific strawberry crops and, after facing the COVID shutdown of 2020, folks were ready to celebrate once again last Saturday. Even without the popular Senior Shindig usually held on Friday,...
‘A community arts event unlike any you’ve ever attended’: Cullman playwright to release interactive new work May 9
CULLMAN, Ala. - Mother's Day 2021 will be the online debut of a new "community arts event" from the mind of Cullman-based playwright Ben South. Titled "HOUSEBOUND & GARDEN: The Pandemic Letters Dramedy," the show tells the story of grandmother and granddaughter through letters...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The God Bless America Birthday Party
We’re partying at 167 West 12th Street in New York City, in the cookbook-lined library of The James Beard House. Mr. B was “The Dean of American Cooking.” Across one wall is a giant version of Keith Haring’s graffiti poster, “America’s Music Festival—NYC Ballet,”...
Strawberry Festival returns tomorrow! Miss Strawberry Festival Pageant tonight
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Strawberry Festival, one of the city’s oldest celebrations, returns tomorrow after a year of COVID shutdowns, with a promise of crafts, entertainment and, of course, strawberries! The Festhalle Farmers Market will open at 7 a.m. Saturday and, since selling...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Leaves of Funny Grass Birthday Party
The Great Lawn of Central Park in the middle of bustling Manhattan is the setting for “The Leaves of Funny Grass Birthday Party.” At some point in their life, all the American joy-givers attending this party have enjoyed some splendor on the grass in...
One man’s passion
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Ave Maria Grotto has, since 1934, been home to the artistry of Benedictine monk Bro. Joseph Zoettl, OSB, who built miniature sculptures at St. Bernard Abbey from 1912-1958. After his death in 1961, his workshop on the edge of the...
St. Bernard’s 2021 Bloomin’ Festival considered a huge success
CULLMAN, Ala. - After a year of COVID shutdowns, St. Bernard Prep’s annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair returned April 17-18, more than making up for last year’s disappointment. Coordinators’ estimates after the event closed Sunday afternoon indicated that this year’s show may...
Courtney’s Dance Artistry wins big at major dance event
CULLMAN, Ala. - In Birmingham last weekend, Courtney's Dance Artistry competed against dozens of dance studios from around the area and state for prestigious top honors at Showstopper, the largest dance competition in the country.
Their entries placed as follows:
''Flashback'' (River Ayers, Kayleigh Fincher,...
Mythology comes alive at East Elementary School’s ‘Gallery Walk’
CULLMAN, Ala. - A recent art project reached across history — and grade levels — at East Elementary School, as sixth graders brought their study of The Odyssey to life with a “Gallery Walk” which fourth graders were able to explore.
Sixth grade teacher Laura...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021—The April Shower of Stars Birthday Party
The lush, verdant setting for our “April Shower of Stars Birthday Party” is in Kentucky. Loretta Lynn proudly hails from this state, but instead of her old stomping grounds in Butcher Holler, we are picnicking on a beautiful, finely laid, closely mown stretch of...
Looking to their ‘Futures’
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College’s Allegro Dance Theatre returned to the stage Wednesday evening with the student-produced and choreographed show “Futures” on campus in the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre, presenting a variety of styles from classical ballet to jazz and hip-hop.
After the...
Dance returns to Cullman County stages starting this week
ULLMAN and HANCEVILLE, Ala. - As the world reopens from a year of disappointing COVID shutdowns, Cullman County is seeing live arts and entertainment events return to local stages. Dance productions will open this Wednesday, April 7, with a show by Wallace State Community...
Watch next Space Station crew launch live on NASA TV, NASA app
HOUSTON, Texas – Three space travelers, including NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, are poised to launch Friday, April 9, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station. NASA Television, the agency’s website and the NASA app will provide comprehensive prelaunch and...
Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nelly, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Ingrid Andress, Flatland Cavalry, Laine Hardy, Drew Parker, DeeJay Silver, Trey Lewis and Alex Hall among artists announced...
CULLMAN, AL. - What’s billed as the “The South’s biggest party”, Rock the South announced Monday morning what the concert promoters are calling “an incredible lineup of musicians for Pepsi Rock the South in Cullman, Alabama on August 13-14, 2021.”
This year’s lineup is packed...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: Betty, Bette and The Boys Birthday Party
You might have anticipated the setting for the “Betty, Bette and The Boys Birthday Party” would be one of Hugh Hefner’s swanky mansions or the even more cinematic Sonoma Valley winery owned by Francis Ford Coppola. Instead, we opted for “a place where even...
Bloomin’ Festival returns April 17-18
CULLMAN, Ala. - After a year of COVID shutdowns, St. Bernard Prep’s annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair is returning April 17-18, 2021.
The school describes its festival as “a two-day juried arts festival attracting more than 25,000 visitors to the beautiful campus of...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: ‘The Winners Circle Birthday Party’
Brooke Astor was known as “The Queen of New York.” Her beloved country house, “Holly Hill,” in Briarcliff, New York is the regal setting for “The Winners Circle Birthday Party.” The Westchester County estate has more than 10,000 square feet, including 24 rooms, 13...
Spring break: local events
CULLMAN, Ala. - With spring break next week, many families will be looking for fun things to do. Of course, there are the beaches of Alabama and the mountains of Tennessee, but there are also many great and inexpensive events happening around north Alabama.
N.E.A.C.A...
Fantastic weather brings optimistic crowd to Hanceville’s 4th annual Irish Festival
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The city of Hanceville celebrated its Irish heritage Saturday with the fourth annual Hanceville Irish Festival, enjoying perfect weather and a noticeable increase in attendance from past years. It was a stark contrast from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic loomed large....
Colony holds Black History Month celebration
COLONY, Ala. - The town of Colony on Saturday, Feb. 27 concluded Black History Month with a celebration at its educational complex, inviting members of the community to bring photos and other artifacts to create a temporary museum, tell their families’ stories and commemorate...
Celebrating our history: Colony will hold Black History Month celebration Feb. 27
COLONY, Ala. - The Town of Colony will celebrate Black History Month Saturday, Feb. 27 by creating a temporary community history museum at the town’s Educational Complex to “reflect the many milestones and accomplishments of our ancestors,” according to a notice from Colony’s Black...
Día de Muertos: La Tradición Cuando la Noche Cobra Vida
Read the English version here.
La celebración del Día de Muertos es una costumbre que empezó en el siglo 16 en México y que comparte la historia de tradiciones que se formaron debido a la integración de dos culturas.
Estudios históricos y antropológicos han permitido constatar...
Día de Muertos: Tradition when the night comes alive
CULLMAN, Ala. - As many in Cullman prepare for the now largely social celebration of Halloween, and the area’s large Catholic population prepares for All Saints Day (preceded by All Hallows Eve or Halloween) and All Souls Day, the county’s growing Hispanic community brings...
