Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail

The PPBT mascot is the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus).

This majestic owl will grace our directional signs, interpretive panels, brochures and all printed materials. Its distinctive silhouette will easily announce our trail and sidebar locations.  Each portion of the Alabama Birding Trails has its own mascot to differentiate it from the other seven  trails. All mascot signs will be similar to create a consistent presentation.

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce is assisting the Alabama Tourism Department and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to complete a state-wide system of birding trails.  Four trails already exist.  The Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail (PPBT) is one of the remaining four that will complete the Alabama Birding Trail system.

Clay County is working toward launching its PPBT Trails in the Fall of 2011. There are 5 sites approved for Clay County: Ashland Park, Lineville Park, Clay County Lake, Lake Chinbee and Ashland/Lineville Water Shed. We’re still working on funding from the county and cities.

The PPBT consists of the following nine counties:  Autauga, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Randolph and Tallapoosa.  Each of these counties has tremendous tourism ‘assets’ that will provide a multitude of experiences for visitors, not the least of which is the immense bird population the state is privileged to have.   The secret to a successful birding trail is having the proper habitat for the numerous species of birds that call Alabama home.  We are also a favorite on the migratory pathways during the Spring and Fall. Alabama is fortunate in that we have the most diverse habitat in the Southeast, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf coast and everything in-between, with the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail in the center. Add the extra special side trips on the trail and your complete birding adventure is sure to please.

A 2006 survey by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&W) shows that 48 million people participated in bird watching and spent $35 billion to do it.  This includes motels, food, shopping, gasoline and all that is needed to sustain you when you visit birding locations. It can also include canoe/kayak rentals for the incredible floating bird-watching.

Talladega Superspeedway Fan Appreciation Day Is Sept. 26, 2010

Talladega Superspeedway will welcome race fans to the track on Sept. 26 for the second annual Fan Appreciation Day. This event is open to the public and free of charge.  Best of all, ticket buyers to either of the two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events at Talladega, the Aaron’s 499 in the spring or upcoming AMP Energy 500, will be given the opportunity to drive their cars around the track on paced laps.

“We are delighted to open the track once again for Fan Appreciation Day,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch.  “It is a privilege for us to continue to give back to the devoted fans that support us every season. Having the opportunity to share this day with our ‘DEGA family is also a great way to get fired up for the AMP Energy 500 weekend, October 29-31.”

In addition to thrilling laps around Talladega’s historic high banks, there will also be a Kids Zone in the infield for children to share in the excitement of the day.  Snacks will be provided by Talladega Superspeedway sponsors and there will also be photo opportunities in Gatorade Victory Lane.

Laps around the track begin at 9 am, with the infield opening to the general public from 10am – 2 pm.

Additional activities are planned, so race fans should follow www.talladegasuperspeedway.com for the latest details.

Will more NASCAR history be made when racing returns to Talladega Superspeedway for the AMP Energy 500 weekend? Race fans will have to be here to find out.  NASCAR action returns with the Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and Race Number Seven in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the AMP Energy 500, Oct. 29 – 31.  To experience it all, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Alabama Cruise-In and FREE Concert

CALLING ALL JEEP RIDERS, CAR CLUBS, MOTORCYCLE RIDERS and CLUBS

Featuring
Jonathan East
&
Shotgun Giddens

Saturday, September 11th

Clay County Alabama Cruise-In

Produced by the Clay County Rescue Squad.

Join the fun at the monthly Clay County Alabama Cruise-In on the 2nd Saturday of every month from April to October 2010. All cars welcome.

50/50 Draw – Door prizes – Fun – Music – Food – Swap Meet.

Cruise-In from noon to 4:00 pm. To benefit the Clay County Rescue Squad.

Where: Clay County Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Chevy dealership located at 86635 Hwy 9 in Lineville, AL.

FREE MAP OF TRAILS

Stop in at the dealership – Clay County Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Chevy – any time after 8 am and get your route map. Cruise the Roads of Clay County, Alabama.

• Jeep Trail is a 58 mile long ride, mostly dirt roads that fords creeks and rides through some of the prettiest mountain scenery in Alabama.
• Bike Trail with 242 curves is a 76.5 mile course, with an offshoot to Mt. Cheaha, a gold mine, camping and some of the prettiest mountain scenery in Alabama.
• Classic cars & sports cars – Three routes to choose. Curves, hills, historic towns, battle sites, antique shops, and some of the prettiest mountain scenery in Alabama.

Remaining Dates:
September 11
October 9

Ashland Businesses Sponsor “Second Saturday on the Square”

Many people who grew up in rural counties can remember a special weekly entertainment that preceded television – going to town on Saturday. Farmers and other folks from near and far would crank up their pickups or cars and head for town. Some still used mules and wagons for the trip.

Years ago, several grocery and dry goods stores were located on the square around the Clay County Courthouse in Ashland. While grown-ups were involved with stocking up for the next week, children could also find plenty to do.

Most Saturdays the Ashland Theatre would show a cowboy movie along with a serial, a cartoon, and a newsreel that reviewed recent events around the nation. Of course, Saturday in town was also a handy time for catching up on the latest local news.

This year businesses in Ashland are promoting a once-a-month return to special downtown Saturday activities. They are cranking up a series of events that will be held on the second Saturday of each month.

All Classes from 1928 through 2003
Saturday, October 9th, 2010 from 3 pm to 7 pm.

At Mellow Valley Christian Academy on Hwy 77 South.

BBQ Plates available at 5 pm at $10 per plate

We are seeking old photos, memorabilia and anything you would like to share.

To reserve your BBQ Plate and/or need more info, contact:

Betty Wellborn at 256-354-7151 or 256-354-7539
Geneva Wilkerson McRay at 256-749-3502

CLAY COUNTY SADDLE CLUB ANNUAL LITTLE RASCAL RODEO
SEPTEMBER 25, 2010 AT 2:00 P.M.
AT THE ARENA
FREE FUN FOR ALL KIDS
COME ON OUT AND ENJOY AN EVENING OF FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

THERE WILL BE  GOAT, HORSE, SHEEP AND PONY RIDES
AS WELL AS A GREASED PIG CHASE  AND A STICK PONY RACE
(SO GRAB YOUR STICK PONY AND HAVE A GREAT TIME) AND MUCH MORE.
WE WILL BE SELLING CONCESSIONS AND RAFFLE TICKETS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

256-618-2565

DONATIONS ARE WELCOME

We encourage you, your family and chamber members to vacation on the gulf shores of Alabama and support the businesses in this area of our state.

Come see for yourself…sugar-white sand, emerald water and golden sunsets! An atmosphere that clears the mind and inspires the soul. Consider holding your next meeting or chamber board retreat on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. (They belong to all of us!)

Womanless Beauty Pageant

The Clay County Livestock Club will be hosting a “WOMANLESS BEAUTY PAGEANT” – Saturday Night, August 14th at 6pm at the Lineville Elementary School Auditorium. $5 per person admission. All proceeds go to help the Clay County Livestock Club.

Talladega Superspeedway officials recently announced that the Goodyear Tire Test on August 24 will be open to the public.  Drivers scheduled to participate are Justin Allgaier, Aric Almirola, Joey Logano and Elliott Sadler.

“Our close relationship with Goodyear has allowed us to open our grandstands for a test session that normally would be closed to the public,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch.  “This is an important test for Goodyear as they work on tire combinations for the AMP Energy 500 on Oct. 31 and next year’s Daytona 500.”

Parking lots open at 8:30 with the test officially kicking off at 9 am.  The event is free to the public and food and beverages will be permitted.  (Standard admission rules apply – No glass containers, only soft-sided coolers permitted and coolers must meet size requirement: 6”x6”x12” or smaller).  For questions on permissible items, please contact the Talladega Superspeedway Ticket Office at 1-877-Go2-DEGA.

Will more NASCAR history be made when NASCAR returns to Talladega Superspeedway for the AMP Energy 500 weekend? Race fans will have to be here to find out.   NASCAR action returns with the Mountain Dew 250 fueled by Fred’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and Race Number Seven in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the AMP Energy 500, Oct. 29 – 31.  To experience it all, call 1-877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Drop by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce new office in Lineville (across from the old theater) on September 22nd from 10am to 3pm and help us celebrate.

Refreshments and lots of fellowship with all of our Chamber members.

Guest Speaker Ralph Stacy of the Business Council of Alabama.  Scheduled to speak around noon.