Hundreds of lawn chairs have already been set up in front of Founders Hall on the campus of Athens State University in preparation for the 53rd annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The convention doesn’t begin until Thursday, but the chairs were already in place at the beginning of the week as people sought out a good spot to watch the musicians from the Founders Hall stage.

Today

Class of ‘56 meeting

The Athens High School class of 1956 and Friends will meet for lunch at 11 a.m. on Oct. 5, at the Fish Creel in Anderson, Ala.

Thursday

Job Fair

The ALC-Family Resource Center is hosting a job fair on Thursday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Immediate openings and interviews are available. Please bring your identification. Location: 406 S. Jefferson St. Athens, AL (next to Dub’s Burgers).

This Week

Tennessee Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Athens State hosts the Old Time Fiddlers Convention from Oct. 6-8, at Athens State University. Tickets are $17-25 and are available in advance on www.Eventbrite.com.

Friday Fiddling

On Friday, Oct. 7, the there will be dulcimer players at the Flea Market on Highway 31, in celebration of the Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The event begins at 11 a.m.

Community Yard Sale

There will be a community yard sale at the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8, with gates opening at 6 a.m. The rodeo arena grounds will be open for anyone who wishes to sell items. Those wishing to participate will need to pay a $20 fee. The fee must be received at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby

A rubber duck race to support Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful (KALB) will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8th, 4 p.m, at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens (duck pond). Need not be present to win. Adopt ducks for $5 each or get a Papa Murphy’s Quack Pack — 6 ducks and a coupon for 25 percent off Papa Murphy’s — for $25. Adopt ducks at KALB office 125 East St. (across from the duck pond), Visit www.KALBCares.com and follow the EVENT link, or visit KALB’s booth at the Fiddler’s Convention. More Information: (256)-233-8000.

Cemetery Stroll

Athens-Limestone County Tourism is hosting the free interactive cemetery stroll on Oct. 9 from 2-4 p.m. at Athens City Cemetery.

Upcoming

Swamp John’s Tanner

Tanner United Methodist Church (19607 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road) is hosting a Swamp John’s Meal on October 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. The cost is $14.

Gettin’ Dirty at the Library

The Limestone County Master Gardeners are offering a free presentation on “Butterflies of Limestone County and their Host Plants” on October 11, from 11 am to noon at the Athens-Limestone Public Library. Betty Patterson is this month’s guest speaker.

Athens Garden Club meeting

The monthly meeting for the Athens Garden Club is taking place on October 12, at 9:30 p.m., from the Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. The guest speaker is a representative of the RESEDA Nursery.

NAACP Youth Council Can-A-Thon

For the W.E.W. of Alabama Food Pantry, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the NAACP Youth Council is sponsoring a Can-A-Thon on October 15. Location is the Walmart Supercenter on Hwy 72 in Athens.

Elkmont Community Festx

On Oct. 22, from 4-9 p.m., the Elkmont Community Fest will take place, with food trucks, fun for kids, craft booths and a cruise-in all available with no entry fee. For the cruise-in, people can register at the Elkmont Methodist Parking lot.

Ongoing

Book Sale continuing

The Houston Memorial Library will continue running their big book sale this week through Friday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We still have hundreds of hardback books in like-new condition by popular authors, plus hard-to-find gems from our light romance and western collections. The library is located at 101 N. Houston Street.

Haunt Walks

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism office is hosting the haunt walks again this year every Tuesday and Thursday night in October (6:30, 7, & 7 p.m. sessions). Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com.

Free bread giveaway

The Frazier CME Church Ministry will be giving away free bread every Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

BrainBlast Trivia

Casa Blanca hosts BrainBlast Trivia each Tuesday night at 6. p.m. Casa Blanca is located at 1802 U.S. Hwy 72 in Athens. Athens Alehouse & Cellar will host Blazin Beatz Bingo by Pop Culture Trivia Challenge each Thursday night starting at 6:30 p.m. Athens Alehouse & Cellar is located at 111 W. Washington Street in Athens.

Chess Nights

The Houston Library and Museum is currently hosting Chess Night on Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. for beginners and experienced players. Call the library at (256) 233-8770 for additional information. The Library is located at 101 North Houston Street and is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 10-4.

Athens Scarecrow Ball

The Robert Beaty Historical District invites all of Athens to participate in the 6th annual October Athens Scarecrow Ball, spanning from Oct. 1-31. This is not a competition and no judging or prizes are involved. Please keep characters family friendly.

Digital Literacy Classes

Athens-Limestone County Public Library will host a series of Digital Literacy Classes in conjunction with Calhoun Community College & Drake State Community & Technical College. Classes will boost your digital confidence & provide you with skills and training needed in today’s job market. Classes are Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m. Call (256) 306-2830 to learn more.

Houston Memorial Library Daily Book SaleHouston Memorial Library and Museum, 101 North Houston Street in Athens, hosts a book sale daily. The book sale, museum and library are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. Tuesdays they are open from 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.

Bingo

Bingo is running for the public at Decatur Elks Lodge each Monday. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. No outside food or drink will be allowed. Elks Lodge is located at 2625 Centron Drive SW in Decatur. More information: https://www.loc8nearme.com/alabama/decatur/elks-lodge/6449656/.

After-school feeding program

Women Empowering Women of Alabama, in partnership with FreshWind Christian Fellowship, is offering free meals for students after school. Meals are available 3–5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. More information: Janice Williams, (256) 233-5995.

Food giveaway

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church’s food pantry will be open 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month at 1911 Hine St., Athens. Patrons must provide proof of at least one of the following: eligibility to receive supplemental food assistance (SNAP/food stamps); eligibility for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; eligibility to receive Supplemental Security Income; income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level; or special circumstances. Eligibility forms provided at distribution site. Must have valid ID card or driver’s license. Only one distribution per household while supplies last. Monetary and food donations accepted. More information: (256) 424-5403.

Used book sale

Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library host a used book sale from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. each Tuesday and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. at the library, 603 S. Jefferson St., Athens. More information (256) 232-1233.

Virtual exercise class

Limestone County Council on Aging presents virtual exercise class 2–3 p.m. Mondays and Fridays via Zoom. The classes are called S.A.I.L., which stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life. More information: (256) 233-6412.

Cemetery cleanup

City cemeteries

The City of Athens reminds residents and families of the following regarding its cemeteries: No flowers or decorations allowed on the ground between April 1 and Oct. 31, unless following a funeral; flower placement acceptable year-round on monuments, at their base or at foot markers; fresh flowers will be removed one week after a funeral; silk flowers will be removed 21 days after a funeral; approval by cemetery superintendent required before planting flowers, shrubs, trees or sod; city personnel will remove all trees or shrubs deemed detrimental to adjacent lots or grave openings; and worn, tattered or damaged U.S. flags will be removed and disposed of properly.

Bethel Cemetery

Bethel Cemetery Annual monetary contributions for cemetery upkeep are due. If you have family members buried in Bethel Cemetery, send donations to Tommy Sprague at 25917 Pepper Road in Athens. Total funding for the cemetery comes from contributions. Cleanup of family burial sites is also encouraged as mowing season will begin soon. For more information, reach out to Sprague at (256) 874-8491.

Blood donations

LifeSouth

You can schedule a time with the Athens Donor Center online anytime.

For more information, or to find and participate in blood drives, visit https://donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/zip.

Red Cross

American Red Cross is asking eligible donors to make an appointment for blood or platelet donation.

October donors will receive a $5 e-Gift card. For more information, or to find a drive, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.