Fishermen and women get ready for Cabela’s KingKat Tournament in Mid August. While this event may change dates from year to year one thing is certain; it is a highlight of the year for anglers. Catfish anglers travel from all around for the invitational tournament on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes. And, this tournament might just qualify you to fish the Crappie USA to be held on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes in Mid October. Weigh in for these tournaments at Riverfront Park, Sheffield.
Also held at the KingKat Tournament is the Kids Fishing Rodeo at Pickwick and Wilson Lakes. Kids, 12 and under can fish from the bank at Riverfront Park, Sheffield. Be sure to be there by 8am to 9am for registration. Fishing from the banks for kids begins at 9 thru 11 a.m. Afterwards, enjoy a hotdog lunch at noon, and fun with family and friends. This FREE event is a thrill for children and offers Great Prizes and Great Fun. Learn more about the Kids Fishing Rodeo by calling the Colbert County Tourism office at (256) 383-0783.
While traveling there are two things my wife, Melody, enjoys to do; visit local yard sales in search of hidden treasures, and attend local festivals. You'll find both taking place this August throughout Alabama, and much more to do along the way.
Begin by attending the World's Longest Yard Sale, which is a annual events that takes place in Early Aug. This is the time to find the hard to find item at "America's Most Scenic Shopping Mall," featuring more than 450 miles of yard sale bargains stretching from Gadsden, Alabama, to Covington, Kentucky. Take your time along the way and enjoy scenic vistas, waterfalls and canyons, and meet friendly people as you stop to shop.
Also in the beginning of August is the Bike-O-Rama Motorcycle Rally in Saraland, Alabama in Early Aug. All makes of motorcycles are welcome at this Motorcycle Rally that features live music, Motorcycle Shows, Ride and Games, Contests, and a Horseshoe tournament. If you're looking for parts you'll find several Motorcycle vendors on site as well as food and drink Vender. Free Primitive Camping is available during the event, and you must be 21 or older to attend. Presented by Bay Minette Civic Club, the proceeds from the Bike-O-Rama 14 Motorcycle Rally benefit needy people, and cost $20 per person. Gate opens Friday at noon. Kickstart Party Friday night.
Music fans head down to Gulf Coast Ethnic and Heritage Jazz Festival that includes Evening of Poetry, and Jazz Music Workshop. There will also be a Jazz Jam Session, and musicians will gather and entertain guests at Jazz in the Square on Dauphin St., featuring national, regional and local bands.
Those who like historic events should visit on Early Aug for the "Battle of Mobile Bay" Commemorative Day. Re-enactors will recreate the setting, and tell actual accounts from those who fought in the Battle of Mobile Bay. Cannon salutes will kick off at 9:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m. & 3:45 p.m., and there will blacksmith demonstrations held all day between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dust off your bicycle and get ready for the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail Ride. This FREE event is a two wheel, non motorized cycle ride commemorating the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Riders will meet at Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama, travel the historic route of the March, and end at the Alabama State Capitol. 7 a.m. Call 915-407-8253 to learn more and join this annual event.
If you're visiting in Mid Aug stick around for events like the ArchiTreats: Food for Thought. Held by the Alabama Department of Archives & History, this free event is a great way to learn more about the city's rich past through a lecture series that features talks on Alabama history presented by leading historians.
August is time to sample foods of the season, including great BBQ and Watermelon, which you can sample at two festivals:
In Mid Aug in Franklin County Watermelon Festival. This festival is a celebration, and a time for families and friends to gather and eat, play and have fun. Activities to enjoy include a Watermelon contests, a motorsports with cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as a antique tractor show. There will also be plenty of rides and games for children to enjoy, a Kiwanis Bike Ride, a 5K/1K Run, and arts and crafts along with fabulous food to enjoy.
The toughest choices you may face is whether to attend the or head over to for the Annual Stokin' the Fire BBQ and Music Festival. Sanctioned by the prestigious Kansas City Barbeque Society, the highlight of this event will be the world-class barbecue competition. Watch as over 80 local amateur barbecue teams compete for the braggin’ rights to the best Q in Birmingham. The festival has something for everyone, including music all-day at the Stokin’ stage, grilling demonstrations by chefs from some of Birmingham’s best restaurants, and a Sloss metal arts iron pour. Kids will also have plenty of rib ticklin’ fun in the kids zone, with a variety of free activities and entertainment under the water tower stage.
By Leroy Worley
Plan Trip To Alabama:
To learn more about events, attractions, and trip planning options for your trip to Alabama visit the Alabama Department of Tourism website.
