Gulf Shores Planned Events Still On

By ERIN HERNANDEZ
Advocate marketing writer
Published: Jan 5, 2006


Most Gulf Shores beaches have been reopened for families looking for relaxation.

Gulf Shores is bouncing back from Hurricane Ivan's September 2004 hit as well as Katrina's Aug. 29 hit, with lots going on.

"We are doing very well, all things considered," said Bebe Gantt, public relations manager for the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Mississippi and in Louisiana, knowing what we went through and the challenges that come," Gantt said.

According to the CVB, 77 percent of the area's accommodations are open, and more than 90 percent of attractions, public beaches and cruises and charters are open. As for shopping and eating, 84 percent of shopping establishments are open, and 85 percent of restaurants are up and running. Last, 100 percent of the golf courses and marinas in the area are open.

As of now, all planned events in the Alabama Gulf Coast area this fall are still scheduled to take place. "I don't know of anything at this point that has been canceled," Gantt said. "But they may have to be shifted around a little bit. We're still in the assessment mode."


Gantt said Orange Beach fared well, a bit better than Gulf Shores, which had more water damage.

But many hotels are already back up and running, she said.

"Once everything is checked and the power is back on, normalcy is resumed," Gantt said.

Events

Between festivals and concerts, there's always something to do on Alabama's Gulf Coast.

On certain Saturdays, the Gulf Shores Outdoor and Indoor Concert Series presents bands at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores, according to the Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. For example, on Sept. 22, the Sandspur Band will offer bluegrass gospel music with the sounds of the auto-harp, banjo, upright bass, harmonica and guitar along with vocals. On Sept. 29, Top Hat & Jackie will play their renditions of familiar pop tunes. The concerts continue throughout the year.

Oct. 8-22, Fall Bird Banding 2005 will take place at Fort Morgan from daybreak until mid-afternoon. Normally, 2,000 to 4,000 birds of 85-90 species are banded. Birders will also be happy to know that the Alabama Coastal Birdfest will be Oct. 20-23 in Fairhope, Ala., featuring birding field trips highlighting Alabama's Coastal Birding Trail, seminars, exhibits and speakers, the CVB Web site says.

The 34th National Annual Shrimp Festival will be Oct. 13-16 at the main public beach in Gulf Shores. The festival attracts some 200,000 people to view fine arts and crafts from some 200 artists.

The area will end the month with another festival: The Original German Sausage Festival, Oct. 29 at Elberta Town Park, featuring German sausage and other food, music, dancing, children's activities and arts and crafts, the CVB site says.

The Greek Fest will start the month off with music and more Nov. 3-5 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Mobile. Also, Nov. 4-6 is the 5th Annual Harbor Days at Foley Heritage Park.

The Alabama Gulf Coast will finish off the year with the 6th Annual "Sandy Claws" Kid's Christmas Party at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, as well as Taste of the Tropics Dec. 10, featuring "delectable local cuisine."

For more information, visit www.gulfshores.com or call (800) 745-SAND.