Welcome to the City of Orange Beach's
community newsletter.
Vol. 6, Issue 7
Celebrating over 30 years of Mardi Gras and Seafood Fest in Orange Beach

Both Mardi Gras and the Seafood Festival, originally called the Red Snapper Festival, have been celebrated for over 30 years in Orange Beach. Both had their humble beginnings in 1993 and the good times continue to roll for both events.

Don't miss any of the Mardi Gras festivities this year:

The Mystics of Pleasure parade and The Marshals are expected to start rolling at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 18th on the normal Perdido Beach Boulevard route between Wolf Bay Lodge and the Publix shopping center.

The Wharf’s Annual "Moon Pies on Main" parade and outdoor activities will be held on Monday, February 20th on Main Street. A Kid and Pet Parade kicks off the fun at 4 p.m., followed by activities and an evening float parade at 6 p.m. For details, go to go.alwharf.com/MoonPiesOnMain.

Orange Beach Fat Tuesday parade - 2 p.m., February 21st on Perdido Beach Boulevard. Find more details on the City Website's Mardi Gras page (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/427/Mardi-Gras?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) .

31st Annual Seafood Festival and Car Show

The Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/428/Seafood-Fest?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) will return to the Wharf on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The 31st annual event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature the festival's first-ever Makos on Main parade with students and a Mako Mudbug Mania crawfish-eating contest.

The festival is the major fundraising event for the Makos Academics Arts & Athletics Club (MAAAC), which directly benefits Orange Beach schools. The original Orange Beach Sports Association, which started the Red Snapper Festival, was rolled into MAAAC when the new Orange Beach Middle/High School opened in 2019.

The annual festival features a full day of delicious food, 100+ artists from throughout the South, and music for the whole family to enjoy on two stages. In addition, there is a large Kids' Zone with activities, and a huge car show - featuring antique, classic and hot rod vehicles all along Main Street.

There is no admission charge to the event and plenty of parking. Volunteers from Orange Beach schools help park cars and donations are accepted in support of our schools.

CAR SHOW

Each year, the open car show features antique, classic and hot rod vehicles. For 2023, the registration fee per car is $75 in advance and $100 day of the show. The lineup begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.  All vehicles must be in place by 9:30 a.m. Awards are presented to Top 10 cars. There will also be goody bags and prize drawings throughout the day.

2023 Seafood Fest Car Show Registration Form (PDF) (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2704/2023-Seafood-Fest-Car-Show-Registration-update-PDF?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)

Register online on the MAAAC website (https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) . For more information on the car show, please email Jean Hogue (mailto:[email protected]) or call 251-200-8037.

https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508

ENTERTAINERS
Mako Stage:
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Strickly Rivers
11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m.: Lisa Zanghi and LeeAnn Creswell
2 p.m.-4 p.m.: JERI

Main Street Stage:
11 a.m.: Makos on Main Parade
Noon: Mako Mudbug Mania - Crawfish-eating contest
1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Al & Cathy

MAKO MUDBUG MANIA

Love crawfish! Think you've got what it takes to win the very first Orange Beach Seafood Fest Crawfish Eating Contest? Register now for $25 and show MAAAC what you've got. The winner receives a trophy and bragging rights until 2024! We'll see you on Main Street at 12 noon, Saturday, Feb. 25th. Register on the MAAAC website (https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) .

https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508

Latest News (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/news?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)
Mayor Kennon attends State of the Union

At the invitation of U.S. Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Mayor Tony Kennon was a guest at the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 7th at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. In the photo above are Mayor Kennon and Rep. Carl with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, center.
https://www.orangebeachal.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=63&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508
Planning Commission to meet Feb. 13

The Orange Beach Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. Monday, February 13th for a work session followed by its regular meeting at 4 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Find the agenda for the February 13th Planning Commission meeting on the City Website. (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=63&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)
Library and Senior Center parking lot remains temporarily closed

Please be advised that the parking lot at the Orange Beach Public Library and Orange Beach Adult/Senior Activity Center will remain closed through Friday, Feb. 17th for paving. Unfortunately, inclement weather has stalled progress on paving the parking lot.

Parking will be available next door on a portion of GT's lot, and on the east side of the library by the Wind and Water Learning Center. Library patrons need to use the Arts Center entrance to access the library east side gravel parking lot.  Please see the map for exact parking locations.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

NEW OFFICER WELCOMED
Orange Beach Police Department Chief Steve Brown introduced new Officer Adam David at Tuesday's council meeting. Officer Brown previously served as an officer in Michigan. Welcome to Officer David!
Spring Sports registration now open

Registration is now open for Spring 2023 Orange Beach Youth Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, Tiny T-Ball and Sand Volleyball. Registration is open until Feb. 24th but don't wait until the last minute.

Registration details are as follows:
TINY T-BALL (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/511?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)  - Age 4 (co-ed) on May 1st, 2023 - $90 Registration Fee.
T-BALL (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/510?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)  - Ages 5-6 (co-ed) on May 1st, 2023 - $90 Registration Fee.
BASEBALL - Ages 7-12 on May 1st, 2023 - $100 Registration Fee.
+ 8U Boys Baseball (ages 7-8) (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/514?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)
+ 10U Boys Baseball (ages 9-10) (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/515?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)
+ 12U Boys Baseball (ages 11-12) (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/516?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)

SOFTBALL - Ages 7-12 on Dec. 31, 2022 - $100 Registration Fee.
+ 8U Girls Softball (ages 7-8) (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/517?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)
+ 10U Girls Softball (ages 9-10) (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/518?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)
+ 12U Girls Softball (ages 11-12) (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/519?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)

SAND VOLLYEBALL
+ 12U Division (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/513?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)  - Boys and girls ages 10-12 years old on May 1, 2023 - $75 Registration fee
+ 16U Division (https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/orangebeach/activity/search/detail/512?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) - Boys and girls ages 13-16 years old on May 1, 2023 - $75 Registration fee

Find more information on the Youth Sports page on the City Website (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/264/Youth-Sports?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) .

Feb. 11 - Snowbird Trivia Night: The Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library are also hosting Snowbird Trivia Night on Saturday, February 11th at the Orange Beach Event Center. Locals are welcome. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play begins at 6 p.m. There are eight players per table, $160 per table. For more information, contact Sharon or Larry at 405-630-8731 and leave a message. Registration forms are available at the public libraries in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Feb. 15 - Garden Club's Game Day: The Orange Beach Garden Club will hold its 35th Annual Game Day and Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, February 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. Tickets are $35. The theme will be "Wild at Heart" with the club celebrating the Orange Beach Wildlife Center and members will introduce attendees to some of the local wildlife the center has rescued and rehabbed.  The guest speaker Melissa Vinson, who manages the Wildlife Center as part of Orange Beach Coastal Resources, will describe daily life at the center and the exciting plans for the future. The public is invited to join club members for this day of food, fun and prizes! The attendee’s $35 donation includes morning coffee and cookies, a day of gaming - participants organize the players and game - the wildlife encounter, the club’s famous member-made unlimited salad luncheon and desserts and door and raffle prizes from area local businesses. Tickets are available at The Emporium Gift
Shop in the Orange Beach Rouse's Shopping Center on the Beach Road, and at Wildflowers Boutique in The Commons Shopping Center on Canal Road, next to Another Broken Egg Restaurant.

Feb. 16 - Acoustic Arts: The Coastal Arts Center's Acoustic Arts Series wraps up on February 16th at 6 p.m. with the Victory Vertical Project, “Pianos That Helped Win the War.” Tickets are $20. Seating is limited. Call 251-981-2787 (ARTS) for ticket information or stop by the art center at 26389 Canal Road.

March 1 - Town Hall Meeting: Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and the City Council invite the public to a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 1st at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center. The Town Hall will immediately follow the 5 p.m. City Council meeting and work session, which will also be at the Performing Arts Center. The mayor will give a presentation updating everyone on projects in the city, including transportation and capital improvements. As with all city town hall meetings, after presentations are done, the floor is open for anyone to ask questions.

Feb. 25 - Arbor Day tree giveaway: The City of Orange Beach will observe Arbor Day with the annual tree giveaway (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=57&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) on Saturday, February 25th from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Trees will be given away in front of the Orange Beach Community Development building at 4101 Orange Beach Blvd. There will be a limited quantity per resident, which is defined as those who live within the city limits of Orange Beach.
March 11-12 - Festival of Art: 49th Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/338/About?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) - Saturday-Sunday, March 11th-12th

SCHOOL NEWS

MAKO ATHLETICS

Congratulations to Leyni Young on her signing with Webber International University to play volleyball.
https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics/posts/pfbid02m78G9ukj37frSNWJuTBocWyW81q3XcGn7aVarCGVJyWGSHz6Ltq7E3WBvSQYS8Qnl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508

Congratulations to Bryce Collins, Ava Coburn, Joey Robertson and Weston Lee for their selection to the All Area Tournament Team. Thank you for all your hard work. Keep it up. They are not done yet! As 4A Area 1 runners-up, both teams advance to the sub-regionals early next week. Go Makos!
https://www.facebook.com/obmakoathletics/posts/pfbid02i1hCCvj1jB5ApwLfBVge3nu2QtK7C88NfkdaVvaL299e1KS4Gdn2HkjCUyHDd5xNl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508

ORANGE BEACH HIGH SCHOOL
Welcome to  Mike and Kiara Chase who will be joining the Mako family. Coach Chase will take over as the OBHS Head Girl’s Basketball coach for the 23-24 season and his wife Kiara will join the PE Staff and will coach as well. Mike joins us from Spain Park High School and Kiara is coming from Homewood Middle School.

https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid0YqJ7wNvyCK4rxKzEeEtbPBtYrZpLiNi9HYmgShE44QGY2NAnv87ou9zRX8SbDT3zl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508

AL-com: Spain Park’s Mike Chase taking over Orange Beach girls basketball program (https://www.al.com/sports/2023/02/spain-parks-mike-chase-taking-over-orange-beach-girls-basketball-program.html?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508)

Follow all of the latest happenings at Orange Beach City Schools on the Orange Beach City Schools Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508) .

Orange Beach City Board of Education

Upcoming scheduled meetings and/or work sessions:
Thursday, March 9, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers

Find more information on the Orange Beach City Schools website at https://www.orangebeachboe.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=3a0d31cf8c-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-3a0d31cf8c-171456508.

School Websites
Orange Beach Elementary School: www.obschools.org.
Orange Beach Middle/High School: www.obcityschools.org.