Celebrate Christmas in Auburn-Opelika!

Santa at the Village Mall
November 16 at 6:30 pm
Santa is coming to the Village Mall Friday, November 16th with entertainment by Make Your Move Performing Arts. Santa will be arriving at 6:30 and will be followed by a reading of The Christmas Story.

7th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration
December 1 from 10 am to 3 pm
Join the Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Recreation as we jump aboard the Polar Express! The 7th Annual Polar Express Holiday Celebration, a community event recreating the magical ride to the North Pole, will be held Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Children 12 and under are invited to wear their favorite holiday pajamas and join in on the fun. Children 5 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Festivities include a trackless train, holiday inflatables, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tasty treats, holiday arts & crafts, games, live musical entertainment, and a performance by the East Alabama Community Ballet. Tickets are $8/child and will be on sale Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Last year's event SOLD OUT, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance! For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Arts Center.

Holiday Wreath Workshop at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve
December 1 from 2 to 4 pm
Join us at the Ham Wilson Arena for a fun morning of making beautiful wreaths or sprays with natural elements for your holiday enjoyment. Music and delicious snacks will make the morning festive. Children 6 and older can join parent to help and make an ornament. Fee is $20 per wreath or spray. Registration is required and will start in November. Call 334-844-8091 or e-mail preserve@auburn.edu to reserve your spot. Limited to first 25. Choose wreath or spray when registering. Please specify if bringing child and age.

Opelika Christmas Parade
December 1 at 10am
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce puts on the city's annual Christmas parade to officially bring in the Christmas season! It's a great time for family and friends to gather in beautiful, historic downtown Opelika and see everybody's favorite - a great parade!

Christmas In Camelot
December 2-31 from 4:30 to 10 pm
The magic of Christmas comes alive throughout Camelot with the many large Christmas Cards, painted under art teacher, Roslyn Stern, by Opelika High art students. The neighborhood lights are adorned with lighted wreaths and all the houses are decorated with the wonders of Christmas. This drive-through event begins at sundown.

Victorian Front Porch Tour
December 5-9
The front porches of the North Opelika Historic Neighborhood are adorned in Victorian Christmas splendor, with Old World Santas, angels, toys, teddy bears, carousel horses, sleighs and Victorian ladies and gentlemen. This event has won broad recognition and has been featured in numerous national publications, such as Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, Sew Beautiful and Southern Lady. The Victorian Front Porch brings in about 10,000 visitors annually. Mayor Gary Fuller will open the Walking Tour by lighting the tree. Admission to this spectacular production is free.
                     Driving Tour        Wednesday-Friday, Sunday 5-10 p.m.
                     Walking Tour        Saturday, 6-9 pm (CST)

18th Annual Christmas in a Railroad Town
December 7 from 6-9 pm
Bring the family and enjoy a very Merry Christmas in Historic Downtown Opelika! Children will enjoy a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, train and pony rides, visiting the Children's Village and much more. Create a gingerbread house, buy some goodies at the bake sale, shop for unique one-of-a-kind gifts, screen print a holiday t-shirt and have dinner with family and friends. Complete your evening with a wagon or trolley ride through the Victorian Front Porch Tour. The Opelika Post Office, located inside the Museum for the evening, will be hand stamping your Christmas cards. A courtesy shuttle will be provided. For more information, visit www.opelikamainstreet.org or call Main Street at (334) 745-0466.

6th Annual Holiday Art Sale
December 8 from 9 to 4 pm
The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks & Recreation will host the 5th Annual Holiday Art Sale at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more!

6th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes
December 8-9 from 10 to 4 pm
The 6th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and Buildings 2012 is hosted by the Auburn Preservation League (APL). Tickets for the tour, which will run from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday can be purchased for $20. The tour is a fundraiser for the APL, whose purpose is to foster historic preservation and to promote cooperation in combining the resources of local government, organizations, associations, businesses and citizens in order to enhance the quality and beauty of the Auburn community.  For more information about membership in the Auburn Preservation League, visit the website.

Breakfast with Santa at the Marriott at Grand National
December 15 (time TBA). Make your reservation today for breakfast with Santa at the Marriott at Grand National!

Downtown Auburn Christmas Parade
December 15 at 10 am
Join us in downtown Auburn to celebrate the season with the annual Auburn Christmas Parade. After the parade, enjoy the special events and holiday shopping offered by downtown merchants.

Teddy Bear Tea at Piccolo
December 15-16, 19-21 from 3 to 5 pm
December 22 from 11 am to 1 pm and 3-5 pm
The annual Teddy Bear Tea is returning to Piccolo at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center! Visit their Facebook page to check out the delicious menu their chefs have created. For children, a live Teddy Bear will be available for entertainment and hugs. Tickets are $25 per person. Advanced reservations are required and can be made by contacting Lauren Benson at (334) 321-3116.

Collinwood Luminaries
December 20 from 5-9 pm
Enjoy the peaceful feel of luminaries as they line the streets of Collinwood subdivision in Opelika. Traditionally, the hope was that the lights would guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home. The Collinwood Luminaries is in its 28th year and involves a live nativity scene. Drive through this beautiful enchanted neighborhood and watch Christmas come to life!

Auburn Area Activity Highlights for Homecoming Weekend

Check out these great events happening November 2- November 8! There are so many things to do, it is impossible not to have a great time this weekend.

Friday Events

Downtown Opelika

First Friday is a monthly event in Historic Downtown Opelika featuring extended shopping hours, live music and more.

Friday, November 2nd All Day - Homecoming Float Display (Roosevelt Concourse)
Homecoming floats, sponsored by ODK, are a long-standing tradition at Auburn!

Friday, November 2nd 8 a.m.-12 p.m. - Forestry and Football Program (School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Building, 602 Duncan Drive) Forestry education courses will be offered before all home football games. For more information or to register, contact Kelly Knowles at 334-844-1010 or register online.

Friday, November 2nd 3 p.m., 4 p.m. - Campus Walking Tours  (Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College Street) Spend your Friday afternoon with a student guide exploring the highlights of Auburn's beautiful campus.

Friday, November 2nd 4 p.m. - Football Fans and Feathers (Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater on Raptor Road off Shug Jordan Parkway) The Southeastern Raptor Center will again host its annual birds-in-flight raptor programs on Fridays before Auburn University home football games.


Friday, November 2nd 4 p.m. - All-Star Lecture Series (Goodwin Room, Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College Street) The speaker will be Auburn Dwayne Cox, speaking on the origin of the Auburn vs. Alabama rivalry. The Friday lecture series is a free 30-45 minute presentation by all-star faculty and special guests on topics related to their field of expertise.

Friday, November 2nd 4 - 6 p.m. - Jordan-Hare Stadium  Locker Room Tours  (enter Gate 10 of Jordan-Hare Stadium) Auburn fans have the opportunity to tour the Jordan-Hare Stadium locker room as it is set up for Gameday.  Admission is free.

Friday, November 2nd 5 p.m. - Reverse Tiger Walk (Athletics Complex, 392 S. Donahue Dr.)
Join us every Friday before home games for Reverse Tiger Walk. Fans will have an opportunity to create a spirit tunnel as Coach Chizik and the football team departs Auburn for their hotel stay in Montgomery.

Friday, November 2nd 7 p.m. -Auburn Volleyball vs. Arkansas (Auburn Student Activities Center)

Friday, November 2nd 7 p.m. - Homecoming Swing Dance (The Marriott Grand National, Opelika)
The Auburn Knights Orchestra will present a night of swing dancing and big band jazz at the Opelika Marriott at Grand National. Admission is $5 for students with an ID, $10 for the general public and $15 for couples.

Friday, November 2nd All Night - Hudson Family Foundation Benefit Concert (Auburn Arena)
The Auburn Homecoming Benefit Concert will feature Dierks Bentley, Craig Morgan and Easton Corbin.

Friday, November 2nd 6:30 p.m. - DISNEY’S “101 DALMATIANS KIDS” (Auburn Junior High)
Come watch AACT’s first musical for our littlest actors! 101 DALMATION KIDS is the familiar tale of kidnappers, puppies, and villains. Tickets: $4- Children, Seniors, Students, $6- Adults. Box office opens 30 min prior to show time.

Friday, November 2nd 7 p.m. - AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL VS. EAST LIMESTONE FOOTBALL (Duck Samford Stadium)

Friday, November 2nd 7 p.m. - OPELIKA UNPLUGGED (Event Center Downtown Opelika, 614 N. Railroad Ave.) Opelika Unplugged is a new performance platform for songwriters and musicians. It will run the first Friday of every month beginning. Admission is free and doors to the upstairs lounge will be open at 4pm with the music starting at 7pm

Football Saturday 

All Day - Homecoming Float Display (Roosevelt Concourse)
Homecoming floats, sponsored by ODK, are a long-standing tradition at Auburn!

Saturday, November 3rd 7:35 a.m. – Tiger Transit Service Begins

Saturday, November 3rd 8:30 a.m.-Kickoff Ag Roundup (Ag Heritage Park)
The Fall Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture will be held at Ag Heritage Park for Auburn's largest tailgate party. Admission is $5; children 6 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at the gate.

Saturday, November 3rd 8:35 a.m. - Coca-Cola Tiger Fan Fest (Nicholls Center on Donahue Dr.)

Saturday, November 3rd 8:35 a.m. - Alumni Hospitality Tent (Wallace Center Lawn)
Admission is free for association members and children ages 3 and under; members’ first guest is $5, each additional guest is $10. Children ages 4-12 pay $5. Admission is $10 for all other guests.

Saturday, November 3rd 9:35 a.m. - Red Diamond Tailgate Show
Get a close up view of your favorite Auburn personalities with the Tiger Tailgate Show, presented by Red Diamond, located in the parking lot at Plainsman Park. Hosted by Paul Ellen, the Tiger Tailgate Show features Rod Bramblett, Stan White, and Quentin Riggins.

Saturday, November 3rd 9:35 a.m. - Verizon Autograph Tent (Plainsman Park parking lot) Former Auburn football players will be featured in the Verizon Autograph Tent as part of the Tiger Walk Tailgate Party in the Plainsman Park parking lot.

Saturday, November 3rd 9:35 a.m. - Tiger Walk (corner of Samford Ave./Donahue Dr. traveling North to Gate 10 of Jordan-Hare Stadium)

Saturday, November 3rd 10 a.m. - Spirit March Each game the marching band and spirit squads march from the four corners of Donahue Drive and Heisman Drive. The march culminates with a Pep Rally outside the south end of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Saturday, November 3rd 10:10 a.m.  - Pep Rally (Heisman and Donahue)

Saturday, November 3rd 11:20 a.m. - Eagle Flight

Saturday, November 3rd 11:35 a.m. – Kick-off AUBURN VS. NEW MEXICO STATE

Saturday, November 3rd 6:30 p.m. - DISNEY’S “101 DALMATIANS KIDS” (Auburn Junior High)
Come watch AACT’s first musical for our littlest actors! 101 DALMATIAN KIDS is the familiar tale of kidnappers, puppies, and villains. Tickets: $4- Children, Seniors, Students, $6- Adults. Box office opens 30 min prior to show time.

2012 BEAT BAMA FOOD DRIVE Monday, October 8th - Monday, November 19th at Auburn University Campus
The East Alabama Food Bank distributes an average of 315,000 pounds of food per month. As the Food Bank's biggest fundraiser of the year, we believe our donation should match that distribution amount. So we challenge you, Auburn students, fans, alumni, and community members, Can WE "CAN" Hunger?

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 4th at Downtown Opelika
Get a head start on your shopping at the 2012 Holiday Open House as Downtown merchants showcase their NEW holiday items. We have great new additions to downtown shopping. Be sure to enter in the draw for door prizes!

AU VS. GEORGIA VOLLEYBALL Sunday, November 4th at Student Activities Center

THE 2012 FACES 5K FESTIVAL Sunday, November 4th at Auburn High School | Auburn, AL 36830
The 2012 FACES 5K Festival will be held on November 4 at Auburn High School. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. and the event begins at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $15 for pre-registered runners and $20 the day of the race. ACS students are $10. A one mile fun run will immediately follow the 5k.

AU VS. GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN MEN'S BASKETBALL Monday, November 5th at Auburn Arena

Auburn-Opelika Halloween 2012

Farmer In the Dell Pumpkin Patch
October 29-31 from 3-6 pm

Customers can also enjoy the chicken pen at the patch, the Hay Bale play area and a hay ride. Remember you can reserve a group time for birthdays, daycares, schools, moms group, etc. anytime including mornings during the week by email, fb message, or calling! Also, this year we have fall Mums for sale that we grew, just like the pumpkins!! There is also a trebuchet and a smaller slingshot where participants can sling the pumpkin of their choice.

6th Annual Howl-o-ween Dog Costume Contest in Opelika!
Oct. 29 from 5-7 pm

Bring out your pooch in their best dressed costume this Halloween! Registration is from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. in front of Taylor Made Designs in Opelika. Canine Trick or Treating at local downtown merchants will begin at 5:00 p.m. Stores will have special dog treats available. The costume contest begins at 6:00 p.m. Prizes will be given for the best costumes!!! A supporter donation is $10 and allows your canine to walk in the parade. A V.I.P. or “Very Important Pooch” can be registered for $25. This ensures that your pup will be one of the first in line to show off their costume. You may also make a dog food donation in lieu of money. Pre-registration begins Monday, October 1, 2011 at Taylor Made Designs at 120 S. 8th St. Donations will support Rescue K911. Rescue k911 is a non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse and neglect of domestic animals. They provide food, shelter and care for animals in need. For more information visit www.rescuek911.com. This year Howl-o-ween will be a new experience ensuring that your dogs feel special and can enjoy the holiday as their own. Participant’s owners are encouraged to register early to guarantee a spot in the costume contest and parade.

Fall Festival – Children’s Carnival at the Opelika Sportsplex
Oct. 30 from 6-8 pm

Children wear costumes and bring a treat bag! Enjoy fun activity booths, win prizes, visit local mascots and ride the hay wagon or train. Special musical entertainment will be provided by “ROUTE 66”.

Popes Haunted Farm in Salem, AL
Lee Rd. 724 Salem AL
Salem, AL 36874
Oct 30-31 from 7:30- 10 pm

This haunted attraction is one of the largest in the southeast! Events include haunted hayride, walk through the haunted barn, walk through the haunted forest, and 3D clown maze. Over 30 live actors for each event will be sure to scare you this year! Open every Friday and Saturday through October from 7:30pm to 11:30pm, and Sunday October 21, 30, and 31 from 7:30 pm to 10 pm! TICKETS - General Admission - 1 Event - $12.00 - 2 Events - $20.00 - 3 Events - $25.00 - 3D Clown Maze - $5.00

Opelika City Wide Halloween
Oct. 31 from 5-8 pm

City-wide Trick or Treat activities in Opelika are for children 12 and under, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

City of Auburn Downtown Trick or Treat
Oct. 31 from 6-8 pm

Downtown Trick or Treat - Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Auburn Downtown Merchants will partner for the 12th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. This FREE, community event features candy and giveaways - courtesy of downtown merchants, live music, and children's activities. Downtown Trick or Treat offers children 12 years and younger and is an excellent alternative to door-to-door trick or treating. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Downtown streets will be closed during the event.

Auburn City Wide Halloween
Oct. 31 from 6-8 pm

Neighborhood Trick or Treat - Auburn citizens are invited to participate in door-to-door trick or treating on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. During this time, Auburn's Public Safety Department will provide additional patrols throughout the City for participants. Neighborhood Trick or Treat is for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Auburn vs Arkansas Football Friday!

On Friday before home football games, fans can find an array of amazing events to attend in the area. Here is what you can find Friday, October 5 before the Arkansas game!

Football, Fans & Feathers

Forest Ecology Preserve

All Day - Campus Fitness Trails
Fans who are looking for a way to keep in shape while enjoying the campus during football weekends should take advantage of three new walking trails. Two one-mile loops and a three-mile path are available. Each is identified with tiger paws painted on the sidewalk. To view maps of the paths, visit the Healthy Tigers website.

All Day - Football First Friday (Opelika Main Street)
First Friday is a monthly event in Historic Downtown Opelika featuring extended shopping hours, live music and more. Shops stay open until 8 p.m. or later, giving shoppers a chance to browse the one-of-a-kind stores and make new friends. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants and finish up with a dessert while enjoying the live music entertainment on each street corner. First Fridays happen on the first Friday of every month, rain or shine. For more information visit http://www.opelikamainstreet.org/

8 a.m.-12 p.m. - Football and Forestry Program at the School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Building, 602 Duncan Drive. Forestry education courses will be offered before all home football games. They are sponsored by Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and the Longleaf Pine Stand Dynamics Lab. These courses are designed not only for professional foresters and land managers, but for anyone who owns land and wants to learn how to manage it. Once completed, there will be a tailgate style lunch afterward. Some of the course topics are introduction to woodland management, forest regeneration for the future and managing the forest with fire. Continuing forestry education credits are available for these courses. For more information or to register, contact Kelly Knowles at 334-844-1010 or register online.

10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (901 S. College Street)
One of Alabama's leading art museums, housing approximately 2,000 works of art ranging from traditional to contemporary. The museum stands as the center of visual arts for the Auburn community and has hosted more than 100,000 visitors since opening. The goal of the museum is to engage Auburn University students, staff, members and visitors in a unique, imaginative experience. Located just minutes from Auburn University's central campus, the museum consists of seven galleries, an auditorium, a café, gift shop and botanical gardens. As a part of the university, the museum represents the commitment and dedication Auburn has to advancing the arts community. Admission is free. For additional information call (334) 844-1484 or visit http://jcsm.auburn.edu/index.html Open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM. *The third Thursday of each month is Late Night with extended hours to 8:00 PM


2 p.m. - Luke Bryan Farm Tour (Adams Farm; 2065 Sand Hill Rd.)
Calling all Luke Bryan fans! It's your lucky day-Luke Bryan is making a stop in Auburn this fall while on his Farm Tour. This is an event you don't want to miss. Come out to Adams Farm at 2 p.m. to tailgate before the festivities begin. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and Luke takes the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and will increase $5 the day of. This event is open to the public. For more information or for directions click here.

3 p.m., 4 p.m. - Campus Walking Tours (Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College Street, parking behind Alumni Center)
Spend your Friday afternoon with a student guide exploring the highlights of Auburn's beautiful campus. A great introduction for first-time visitors, tourists or golden eagles. Campus tours are led by the Auburn War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, who combine knowledge of our historic campus with information about the student experience. During the tour you'll have the chance to ask questions about all of the great things going on at Auburn University. Campus walking tours are free of charge will be offered at two different times (3 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and last approximately 45 minutes. The tours will leave and return from the Auburn Alumni Center. Parking is provided behind the Alumni Center. Please note these tours differ from a regular tour offered Monday-Friday. For information on campus tours offered by the Office of Admissions, Click Here http://www.auburn.edu/admissions/visit/

4 p.m. - Football Fans and Feathers  (Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater on Raptor Road off Shug Jordan Parkway)
The Southeastern Raptor Center will again host its annual birds-in-flight raptor programs on Fridays before Auburn University home football games. During "Football, Fans and Feathers," visitors learn about the residents of the Southeastern Raptor Center. Hawks, falcons and eagles will be free-flown from flight towers allowing guests to see these raptors flying close. Admission is $5 each and registration is not required. For school groups of 25 of more, admission is $3 a person. For information about school groups, call (334) 844-6943. Children under three are admitted free. Raptor Road is located off Shug Jordan Parkway just north of the Wire Road intersection. For more information visit http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/raptor.

4 p.m. - All-Star Lecture Series (Goodwin Room, Auburn Alumni Center, 317 South College Street, parking behind Alumni Center)
The All-Star Lecture Series, presented by Auburn's Office of Communications and Marketing, the Auburn Alumni Association and the Auburn Athletics Department, will feature some of the most respected professors and lecturers in their fields to entertain and educate fans on a variety of exciting subjects. For the Arkansas game, the speaker will be former Auburn football letterwinner and current actor Thom Gossom, speaking about his book WalkOn: My Reluctant Journey to Integration at Auburn University and on his time as part of the 1972 Amazins. The Friday lecture series is a free 30-45 minute presentation by all-star faculty and special guests on topics related to their field of expertise.

4 - 6 p.m. - Jordan-Hare Stadium Locker Room Tours (enter Gate 10 of Jordan-Hare Stadium)
Auburn fans have the opportunity to tour the Jordan-Hare Stadium locker room as it is set up for Gameday. It's a unique look at the facilities that house the team as they mentally gear up for game and get their last-minute prep from the coaching staff. Fans will enter through Gate 10 at the Tigers Den, tour the locker room and go onto the warning track of the South endzone at field level through the tunnel of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Admission is free.

4:30 p.m. - AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles Program (2222 N. College St.)
Come out to the Forest Ecology Preserve Pavilion for an AUsome program on frogs, snakes, lizards and alligators. Admission is $3 per person and registration is not required. For more information call (334) 844-8091 or visit https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/events.html.

5 p.m. - Reverse Tiger Walk (Athletics Complex, 392 S. Donahue Dr.)
Join us every Friday before home games for Reverse Tiger Walk. Fans will have an opportunity to create a spirit tunnel as Coach Chizik and the football team departs Auburn for their hotel stay in Montgomery.

6 p.m. - Bodda Getta Bash (Graves Amphitheater) 381 Graves Drive, Auburn University, AL 36849
Mark your calendar for the inaugural Bodda Getta Bash hosted by Auburn University SGA and UPC.  Be a part of a brand new Auburn Tradition and show your Auburn spirit for an exciting evening of entertainment including Aubie, cheerleaders, dance lines, the marching band, and other special guests! And hang around for an exciting concert by the well-known Auburn band, Trotline.  The action starts at 6:00 pm at the Graves Amphitheater and admission is free.

6:30 p.m.  - AU Volleyball vs. Mississippi State (AU Student Activities Center)
Come out and support the Auburn University Women's Volleyball team as they take on Mississippi State. Admission is free.

7 p.m. - Cafe Jordan-Hare (Jordan-Hare Stadium)
Ever wanted to eat dinner on the 50 yard line? Now is your chance. Auburn University is bringing in a chef to cook food for a Friday night feast on the field. Make your reservations here.

7:30 p.m. - AU Soccer vs. Mississippi State (AU Soccer Complex)
The Auburn University Women's Soccer team will play against Mississippi State at home. Come out and support your tigers. Admission is free.

(For all updates, changes and additional information please visit http://www.auburntigers.com/gameday/arkansas.html)

Easter Events!

Great Flashlight Egg Hunt
Thursday, April 05 @ 7:30 PM
Location: Moore Stadium, Opelika

Bring a flashlight and a basket and hunt for eggs and prizes in the dark! Ages: Grades 3rd - 5th.

31st Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 7 @ 11am
Location: Kiesel Park in Auburn

Get ready for the largest egg hunt in the area! Auburn Parks and Recreation presents the 31st Annual Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Wells Fargo, on Saturday, April 7, at 11 a.m. at Kiesel Park. Enjoy a morning of egg hunts, music, children’s activities and much more. This free community event features more than 35,000 eggs hidden for youth ages 12 and under; free soft drinks and balloons courtesy of Wells Fargo; prize eggs; a chance to have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and more! Parents, be sure to allow plenty of time to arrive, park, and find your child’s age-appropriate hunting ground. All hunts will begin at 11:15 a.m. sharp. The rain date for the event is April 8 at 2 p.m.

Easter on the Square
Saturday, April 7 @ 10am
Location: Courthouse Square in Downtown Opelika
10:00 a.m. Egg-tivities
 10:45 a.m. The Ultimate Parade
11:00 a.m. Super Spectacular Egg Hunt
Children 2nd grade and under will enjoy Easter arts and crafts on the Square. Come visit with the Easter Bunny or take a ride on the Easter Express. Join us for an old fashioned good time!

Easter Brunch at Ariccia Trattoria & Bar
Sunday, April 8 @ 10:30am

Delectable dishes, live jazz music, and a visit from the world’s most famous bunny will make Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar the place to celebrate Easter this year. Friends and family can spend time together and enjoy the mouth-watering brunch at one of three seating times – 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. – while listening to the smooth sounds of the Tim Chambliss Jazz Trio. The Easter Bunny will return to Cottontail Corner to celebrate with the children, where they can participate in face painting, egg hunts, and sugar cookie decorating. Children will be able to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and place the photo in a special egg-shaped frame that they decorate themselves. At $39.95 for adults and $19 for children ages 12 and under, everyone can enjoy live entertainment, wonderful company, and a scrumptious meal from Ariccia’s culinary team. Reservations are required for Easter Brunch and can be made by calling (334) 844-5140.

Annual Events in Auburn Opelika!

Be sure to check your calendar and keep the dates below open! The community, as well as out-of-towners, look forward to these annual events each year. Of course all of this information and MUCH more can be found on our website aotourism.com or mobile site m.aotourism.com!

Keep Opelika Beautiful will present the Garden in the Park Festival on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Opelika Municipal Park from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This arts and craft style event will feature a variety of vendors, children's activities and entertainment. Garden in the Park is a fundraiser to benefit the little red caboose located at the Depot in Downtown Historic Opelika.

2012 Amphibious Warrior Mud Run on April 7
The Mud Run is a CHALLENGING course full of MUD and just clean fun brought to you by the The Few and Proud Marines of Auburn University. The route will consist of about 4 miles of off-road trails, creeks, hills, obstacles and of course MUD PITS! This event is open to women and men of ages 13 and up. There will be individual and team registration available for those like us that don’t like leaving a buddy behind when the “going gets tough”. So grab an old pair of shoes and some worn out clothes and get ready to get MUDDY! aumudrun.eventbrite.com/

A-Day 2012
This year A-Day will be Saturday, April 14. Each year Auburn gives students, alumni, parents, and friends a sneak peek at the upcoming football season by holding a spring football game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. It is always Orange vs. Blue and the entire Auburn football team is divided in half to make up the two teams.

All of the players are given the chance to participate, which allows Auburn fans to see the depth and future of the team. Since football is such a huge part of Auburn, A-Day serves as a way to carry us over until the true football season begins again. Bring your shakers and wear your orange and blue, and enjoy a day on the Plains watching the Auburn Tigers play. Stay tuned for more information on the events around town, game time and more!

On the Tracks

"On the Tracks" is a Biannual Food & Wine Festival held on Friday Night at the Historic Downtown Opelika from 6pm 'til Midnight. This spring it will be Friday, April 20.

Food vendors lined the street, as live music was performed from a stage in the middle of the Railroad Avenue. A wine tasting trail took participants through quaint shops and galleries. The private corporate tables draw friends and co-workers together for an elegant night of fun. Entrance, food and beverages are priced accordingly. Trail tickets are available online or on the night of the event. www.onthetracks.org

Auburn CityFest 2012
The arts & crafts festival is not only known for the spectacular artists and exhibitors, but also for delicious food, family oriented entertainment and a variety of interactive activities for the entire family to enjoy. In year's past, a variety of activities were offered, including a National Guard Rock Climbing Wall, more than 15 inflatables for kids of all ages, the Auburn Fire Department Smoke House, a Children's Art Exhibition, Meet and Greet with the Auburn University SEC Sports Teams, the Story Maker, Gamma Phi Beta Carnival, Cartoon Network Characters, Martial Arts Show, the Charter Communications Trailer and much more.

Come to Kiesel Park this April 28, 2012 to enjoy spectacular scenery, exceptional musical entertainment, fine, funky, and hip art in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Stretch out on the lawn and enjoy non-stop entertainment, or dance to the irresistible sounds, while savoring tasty treats from a variety of food vendors!

AO Tourism Goes Mobile!

At the beginning of February aotourism.com went mobile! We now have a fun, easy to use and very helpful mobile website for all of our visitors. You can browse through restaurants, shopping, nightlight, things to do and events in the area all in one place! This mobile site is GPS oriented so it will show you directions, photos and everything you need to know about.... EVERYTHING!

Just go to aotourism.com from your phone and you will be directed to our mobile site. Want to visit the page directly? The web address is http://m.aotourism.com. 

What's next? Why an AO Tourism app of course. It's in the works!

Running through Auburn & Opelika

 23rd Annual Love Your Heart Run/Crank Your Heart Ride
When: February 18 at 7:30am
Where: Chewacla State Park
Contact: Alison Hall 334.501.2940
Website: www.loveyourheartrun.com/

What: Love Your Heart Run is sponsored by the Exceptional Outreach Organization and the City of Auburn. The Love Your Heart Run is our premier fundraising event benefiting children and adults with special needs that participate in Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn University, Premier Academy Shining Knights Therapeutic Cheerleading Team, Friends for Life and City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Summer Camp. Participants may run or walk the event!
Crank Your Heart Ride is being held in conjunction with the 23rd Annual Love Your Heart Ride. The Crank Your Heart Ride was introduced in 2008 in an effort to broaden the Exceptional Outreach Organization’s annual fundraiser event and further raise awareness of the many therapeutic programs we support throughout the community.

Couch to 5K Run
When: February 25at  8am
Where: Downtown Opelika
Contact: Tracey Buckingham at 334.332.6536
Website: www.celebratelife.eamc.org/

What: On Saturday morning, February 25th, the Celebrate Life 5k Run will be held in downtown Opelika, followed by a celebration concert in front of the Lee County Courthouse. Route 66 will provide the entertainment as participants celebrate the culmination of their 12-week health and fitness program sponsored by AORTA. The Celebrate Life Couch to 5K program is open to any business, department, or group of individuals who would like to train for a 5K event together. Participants can run or walk the event. Regardless of current fitness level, we will provide training programs for all individuals to be able to complete the 3.1-mile event in February. We are asking and encouraging businesses to form teams to enter the Celebrate Life 5K together. Schedules and training information will be provided for participants and group run/walk times will be announced. On the day of the run/walk, teams will not only compete for the fastest times, but for a variety of other categories, such as Best Team Name, Biggest Team, Smallest Team, Most Pounds Lost Team, Slowest Team, Best Team Spirit, and others.

Mud Mania
When: March 31 from 9am to 3:30pm
Where: Southern Springs Equine Farm in Auburn
Contact: Gabe Gotthelf at 404.964.4613
Website: www.mud-mania.com/

What: Mud Mania is a mud drenched outdoor obstacle adventure race fueled by excessive and unreasonable enthusiasm. Whether competing alone or on a team, ultimately it is a challenge that will pit your raw grit against the notoriously rugged Alabama mud.
Set in the backwoods of rural Auburn on Southern Springs Equine, Mud Mania is a bootcamp style 5K run embedded with 20+ obstacles. Participants will run in 30 minute heats of 300 participants each. Your momma spent 18hrs a day trying to keep you clean. Give us 3 miles...we'll getcha' dirty!

2012 Amphibious Warrior Mud Run
When: April 7 at 8am
Where: The Great American Park , 3935 US Highway 29 North in Auburn
Contact: James Summerlin 256.541.2863
Website: www.aumudrun.eventbrite.com/

The Mud Run is a CHALLENGING course full of MUD and just clean fun brought to you by the The Few and Proud Marines of Auburn University. The route will consist of about 4 miles of off-road trails, creeks, hills, obstacles and of course MUD PITS! This event is open to women and men of ages 13 and up. There will be individual and team registration available for those like us that don’t like leaving a buddy behind when the “going gets tough”. So grab an old pair of shoes and some worn out clothes and get ready to get MUDDY! Included this year is a chance to camp on site to experience the full feeling of the event.
Also new this year is the ability to go off roading in your ATV or truck out there on the mud pits of the American Off Road Park's area followed by a concert. Disclaimer: this course requires running, jumping, climbing, slogging, sloshing, crawling and raw determination!

Junior League of Lee County Walk Run
When: April 14 at 8am
Where: Town Creek Park in Auburn
Contact: jllcart@gmail.com
Website: www.juniorleagueofleecounty.com/jllc/npo.jsp?pg=fundraiser&article=514

What: The Junior League of Lee County Walk Run in an annual event held each April.  The race is family and pet friendly.  Participants can choose from a 1.5 mile or 5K walk or timed 5K run and offers goody bags, prizes, refreshments and children's activities.  In 2010-2011, the race raised $13,151 for arts and literacy programs for the children of Lee County.  Choose to walk (1 mile or 5k) or run (5k).
Includes a free T-shirt and goodie bag.  No refunds.  Registrations received after April 1st are not guaranteed a T-shirt. All registrations: $15 until April 1st, $20 after April 1st. Children 10 and under: Free Registration, T-shirt not included. 5K Run Prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers and to the top male and female finishers in age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60

Aubie Wins 7th National Championship

Once again, Aubie’s come out head and tail above the competition.

Aubie competed in the 2012 Universal Cheerleaders Association National Mascot Competition Jan. 13 in Orlando.

“Aubie has won UCA nationals six times before, which is more than any other mascot, but it’s been six years since he won so we wanted to win more than anything,” said Caroline McGill, assistant director of Aubie. “The last four years he’s gotten second place. This year we were ready to get it.”

Aubie and his friends spent an entire month building, painting and practicing in hopes of bringing home a seventh national championship.

“Right after finals Aubie cracked down and started working on it,” said Anna Grayce West, director of Aubie. “He worked on it a couple weeks before Christmas, and then Aubie had a three-day Christmas before we came back and went to the bowl game. After that we did a couple more weeks. It was probably about four or five weeks of very consistent 12-hour days of working on the skit.”

View his 2011 National Championship Performance Here!

Aubie adviser Mike Reynolds has been with Aubie the past eight competitions. He said most people don’t understand the amount of work that goes into preparing for these events.

“It’s such a serious, important aspect because this is a national championship to Aubie,” Reynolds said. “It’s no different than the football or the equestrian or the basketball (championships).”

Scores were based on a two-minute compilation video of Aubie’s highlights throughout the year and a one-and-a-half-minute skit performed live at the competition.

“This year he decided to go with a theme of Aubie’s Saturday,” West said. “He went through a bunch of different iconic things that are known to be happening on Saturdays. For instance, it started with Saturday morning cartoons that had a couple good jokes like Bert and Ernie turning into Bernie, and he did the dance to the Bernie song.”

McGill said the entire Aubie team was in the front row when the first-place win was announced.

“It was the same feeling for me as down in Arizona last year when our football team won the national championship,” Reynolds said.

With the most UCA national championship titles at seven, Reynolds said Aubie’s success attracts imitators.

“It’s a lot harder for Aubie to win the national championship because he sort of sets the bar,” Reynolds said. “I’ve been around it enough to know he’s a premiere mascot that other programs try to duplicate.”

The UCA win comes after a loss in the Capital One Mascot Challenge to Wolfie Jr. of the University of Nevada, Reno. Reynolds said Aubie’s Capital One loss doesn’t accurately represent his ability as a mascot or the intense love Auburn fans have for him.

“Aubie is a competitive mascot,” Reynolds said. “He wants to win everything, so anytime there’s a competition for a mascot we’ll be in there. With the support we get from our students and our administration, Aubie should win everything.”

McGill said Aubie stands out because he doesn’t just love Auburn athletics, he loves the Auburn students and community.

“Aubie is run through the Student Government Association, unlike so many other schools where their mascot programs are run through athletics,” McGill said. “Although Aubie works very closely with athletics, he’s for the students and the Auburn family.”

Reynolds said Aubie is more an ambassador of the Auburn spirit than a mascot.

“It wasn’t just that someone picked up the phone and said, ‘I want a tiger mascot. Shoot us a costume,’” Reynolds said. “He came from the pages of Phil Neel’s drawing for the basketball game program. That’s one thing that makes it so different. So much effort goes into everything Aubie does.”

West said she hopes students will celebrate Aubie’s victory and take the time to watch him perform his skit at upcoming events.

“We just want a lot of people to enjoy and relish this experience with us,” West said. “It’s not just for Aubie, it’s for all of Auburn.”

Article courtesy of the Auburn Plainsman.