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In This Issue
Spirits of Athens by Shane Black
Christmas Open House
Southern Shorts
Trinity's
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"Square Dealer" Main Street Tips for Downtown Merchants & Property Owners

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Spirit of Athens is a non profit organization that uses the Main Street approach to focus on revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Athens.
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filmmakers in limo

Join Carole Foret on November 12 from 5:30-8 PM to create your own courthouse masterpiece. Reservations still available. The class is $75 and includes 11x14 canvas and art supplies.  Half the proceeds benefit SOA!

Visit Carole's blog to sign up!
Greetings!

Downtown Athens continues to boom with activity.  This month, we welcomed Wildwood Deli, hosted the Southern Shorts Film Festival, held last Cruise In of the year, and watched Haunted Walks filter down the streets (just to name a few).

This weekend, be sure to attend the Athens Storytelling Festival on October 29-31.  On Friday night, Kathryn Tucker Windham and Granny Sue will be telling ghost stories beginning at 10 PM.  What a treat!  Be sure to get those tickets now as they will likely be sold out.  Tickets are available at the Chamber office and starting Wednesday, will be sold at the Clubhouse, 121 S. Marion Street. Tickets can also be purchased online.

Look forward to seeing you Downtown!
BOO! 
Great design in spooky window display at U.G. White Hardware
ug white halloween
The Spirits of Athens: Haunting Tales of an Alabama Town

Spirits of Athens book coverFour years ago, Shane Black, a local attorney, began conducting Historic Haunts Walks through downtown Athens for the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce. Every year, the tours quickly sell out. After several requests, Shane decided to write a book noting the stories that are told every October on those 1 1/2 hour walks. The collection of stories have been passed down for generations and some claim to continue to have "experiences." Proceeds of this book benefit SOA. Books can be purchased at Pablo's on Market Street, by making arrangements through SOA, or autographed can be purchased through Paypal.
 

Christmas Open House
November 21-22
santajrSOA is joining the Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce to host the 23rd Annual Christmas Open House on November 21-22. Enjoy savings and specials in participants throughout Athens.  Watch for announcements and advertisements listing this year's participants.

Activities held downtown include visits from Santa, Mother Christmas, carolers, carriage rides, door prizes and more.

If your business wants to participate, contact the Chamber at 256-232-2600 for registration info. 

J.R. Douthit is pictured with Santa during last year's Christmas Open House.

Working Together Makes for Red Carpet Evening
by Diane Lehr, SOA Organization Chair and AOTS Board Member

filmmakers in limo
Winning filmmakers in the limo on the way to the Premiere Party at the Clubhouse.

SOA's Organization Committee, recently worked in cooperation with Art On The Square to bring The Southern Shorts Film Festival to Athens! Two great events were held on Oct. 16 & 17. Members of the film committee from AOTS and SOA worked on hundreds of party and film festival details and in obtaining sponsors! On Oct.16, the Premier Party was a huge hit at The Club House in downtown Athens.Then,on Oct 17, at the historic McCandless Hall, on Athens State University's campus, The Southern Shorts Film Festival was presented. It was amazing! So much talent was evident right here in Alabama, and film entries were obtained from all around the South. The Premier party and festival served to highlight Athens as a filmmaking destination, as well as a happening place to see and be seen.
 
Trinity's on Market
trinity's
It is soon going to be snowing strawberries on the north side of the Athens Square!   "Trinity's Gifts and Interiors" formerly "Grayson Scott Interiors" is putting the final touches on their new store sign.  The design was inspired by a drawing from "Trinity's" namesake and daughter of store owners, Tammy and Ty Strickland.

Trinity, six years old, drew a special picture of herself with new baby sister Tess (due in a few months) standing under a shower of strawberries.  She told her mom, "It's snowing strawberries on us!" And with that, the new sign and logo was born!  The beautiful new sign and logo reflect "Trinity's" personality:  Whimsical, fun with a splash of tradition.

For more, check out Trinity's blog.
Got some Downtown News to share.  Email and let me know. 

Sincerely,
Trisha Black
Executive Director