Opelika, AL

Collinwood Christmas Luminaries

The neighbors of Collinwood will once again present the traditional "Collinwood Christmas Luminaries" on December 18, 2008. The traditionhas been going on for over 37 years. During this time, all of the homes line the street with luminaries and Christmas decorations, leading to a live Nativity Scene at the end of the trail. The trail begins at the intersection of Collinwood and North Tenth Street / Oakbowery Road. Motorists are asked to please turn their headlights off when you enter the trail so that they and the cars around them can enjoy the path to "Bethlehem".

Hope you will be able to join the fun!!!!

This event has become part of the Christmas festivities for my family. We look forward to it every year. This year it will be held from December 10 - 14, 2008.

"During the Victorian Front Porch Tour visitors may walk or drive through the Opelika Historic Neighborhood, where families lavishly decorate their elegant, restored Victorian homes for the Christmas season and dress in period costume. The event, which has captured national attention and draws up to 10,000 visitors each year, brings the neighborhood to life in full Victorian dress and features Old World decorations that include life-size Santas, carousel horses and other figures designed by local artist Jan Jones. Admission is free and you can drive through the tour, except on Saturday when the streets are closed to cars so that carolers and other entertainment may be provided. For more information, contact the Auburn-Opelika Visitors and Convention Bureau at 887-8747.

Christmas In A Railroad Town, held on the same December weekend with the Victorian Front Porch Tour, transforms Railroad Avenue in Historic Downtown Opelika into a Christmas wonderland and festival. Treats for children include rides on a miniature train and time with Santa and Mrs. Claus as everyone enjoys live music, hot wassail and a variety of holiday treats.

The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. along Railroad Avenue. For more information, contact Opelika Main Street, Inc. at 334-745-0466 or the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 745-4861."

Hope to see you there!!!!!!!

In support of The Food Bank of East Alabama, The Opelika-Auburn Newspaper staff teamed up with the WRBL News 3 group, Praise 88.7 and The Well, to sponsor a day-long food drive on Saturday, Nov 1st. The event was held at the Opelika Wal-Mart Supercenter. It opened up with Opelika Mayor, Gary Fuller, cutting a ribbon, marking the start of building community spirit and sponsorship for the drive that will be unceasing in its efforts to collect food for the fall and holiday season. This is the time of year when the supply of food begins to wane, and the Food Bank relies on our support for replenishing. Several of us volunteered to greet shoppers and distributed the shopping list of most needed items. A lot of shoppers participated, and it was heartwarming to see the efforts some of them made, no matter how small, all of the generous donations added up to a community gift for neighbors in need. When we share our resources, we provide essential nourishment and enrichment for the heart of our communities, blessing our homes and families. This day was big with blessings.

Visit the East Alabama Food Bank website HERE to learn more about their current fight for hunger and drop-off locations for food donations around Auburn and Opelika.

ITEMS MOST NEEDED:

-peanut butter

-rice

-canned tuna / chicken / meat

-canned fruits and vegetables

-canned soups, stews and pasta

-macaroni & cheese dinners

-100% fruit juice

"I BAGGED HUNGER"Volunteer, JR SMITH, Rotary ClubVolunteers, IWPUAuburn Jr High School JAZZ BAND

SPARKY, Opelika Fire Dept Mascot

© Copyright of photos and content, 2008. Mara Hawks, All Rights Reserved

For homes in Auburn-Opelika, Alabama, visit www.marahawks.com