Calendar of Events

The festival provides an atmosphere to promote all writers, whether they had written hit songs which made people open their eyes and view the world in a different way or they are aspiring writers and musicians who knew they could do the same but needed a forum in order to get their music out to the world.

The holiday season is right around the corner and the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating by hosting the 24th Annual “Nautical Night of Lights” lighted boat parade. Santa Claus will arrive from the North Pole to start the parade. This year’s parade will be held on Friday, December 11th. The parade will assemble at Zeke’s Marina in Orange Beach and end at LuLu’s Homeport Marina . The parade will initiate its cruise at 5:00 P.M. from Zeke’s Marina proceed through Terry Cove at 5:30, around Bear Point at 6:30, The Wharf at 7:30 and end at Homeport Marina at 8:30 P.M. This annual holiday event continues to delight the many spectators who view the parade from various points along the route throughout Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

5:30 p.m. Surround yourself with family and friends at United Way of Baldwin County's Symphony by the Bay, featuring the holiday sounds of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and a delightful buffet.

8:00 pm. Festive decorations, laser effects, and holiday lighting. Festivities will include jugglers, fortune teller, caricature artist, and other street entertainers. Party horns, hats, and tiaras; concessions and a cash bar; and projection screens highlighting other New Year’s Eve events around the country.

2010 GMAC BOWL 7:00 p.m. A national television audience will tune in to ESPN for the 110th Annual GMAC Bowl.The GMAC Bowl has built a reputation of fielding some of the most competitive and exciting games of the bowl season, including breakout performances by many NFL standouts including LaDanian Tomlinson, Byron Leftwich, and Ben Roethlisberger.

Kickoff to be 6:00 p.m. The contest will be nationally-televised by NFL network. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s most unique football game and football’s premier pre-draft event, annually featuring the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South which are coached by the entire coaching staffs from two National Football League teams.

Laissez les bons temp roulet! (Let the good times roll!) Parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Get ready to shout, "Hey, Mister! Throw me a Moon Pie!" Parade route: here. Future Mardi Gras dates: February 16, 2010 March 8, 2011 February 21, 2012 February 12, 2013 March 4, 2014 February 17, 2015

Laissez les bons temp roulet! (Let the good times roll!) Parade kick off at 10:00 a.m. Get ready to shout, "Hey, Mister! Throw me a Moon Pie!" Future Mardi Gras Dates: February 16, 2010 March 8, 2011 February 21, 2012 February 12, 2013 March 4, 2014 February 17, 2015

Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The show will be larger than ever this year with 55 artist displaying in this first of the season fine art show. Adding to the long tradition of fine arts and fine crafts, the 2010 Festival will add four complimentary attractions. A Literary Arts Tent with house regional and celebrity authors, book readings and book signings. The new Drama and Dance Stage will see performances of theater troops and dance performances. For our youngest artists the Children's Art Alley plans more than half a dozen hands-on exciting art experiences. At the Songwriters and Musicians Stage guest will enjoy the amazing regional talent as songwriters share their songs, play and sing for everyone.

Held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The best German Sausage you have ever tasted! Made from a secret recipe developed by the founding fathers of Elberta, AL. This is the only place you can get the real thing! Arts & crafts, live music, carnival rides, baked goods & more. Don't forget to visit the Bier Garten for a large selection of imported beers.