With the first ever BBQ & Brewfest at the Event Center Downtown, and the Friends and Family opening of the Irish Bred Pub and live music at Eighth and Rail.  Railroad Avenue looked like South College on Game Day.  I know there were some good pictures for all, and when someone post some, I’ll bring them over here too.

From Irish Bred Pub Today on Facebook: Official Opening Tomorrow – Monday August 30th — Come for Lunch, Dinner or Late night (Texas Hold ‘em starts!!) Limited Menu (to get all the chinks out) for two weeks –There will be Specials of Rick’s Delicious Food each day..We welcome ALL — Families, Business people, Young/old — For a True Pub provides something for Everyone– A local gathering place for Good Food, Good Times, Sports, Entertainment…

I would add something about the beer.  Twelve Beers on Tap. There’s a house beer that changes out, and last night it had Natural Light.  Guinness was at the other end of the flavor line.  With the exception of Sid’s 8th Street Cafe, these could also be the best prices in the area.  My Sam Oktoberfest was just $2.78 if I remember it right.

Saturday from 4p-1A, the Event Center Downtown will rock with 5 bands on 2 stages, plus 30 beers from around the globe, oh yea, and some BBQ.  The sampling of beer is from 6p-9p.  Bands playing include; The Good Doctor, Cedar Hill, Cheaper Than Theraphy, The Packway Handle Band and Glow.  The beer is from Fine Wine and Beer by Gus.  Tickets are $25 and you can call 334-705-5466 for more information.

Tuesday Night is the final Summer Swing in Monkey Park.  It brings and end to summer (if not summer weather) and the beginning of a new school year, which began on Tuesday.  Route 66 is back to close out the year, again this year.

And the Farmer’s Market will continue for a few more weeks. Today at 2PM.

Monday it’s the first full day of school for the kids.  Teachers have been at it a week getting ready for the teturn.  There’s on Open House and Title One Meeting at Carver Primary on Tuesday at 6PM.  Dr. Mark Neighbors will talk about the new school year on WANI with Andy Burcham at 8:35AM on Thursday.  And the week wraps up with OHS Majorette Kiddie Camp from 8 til Noon on Saturday.  Call 745-9715 for more information. You’ll find more school events on the events calendar, so check that out.

And some other upcoming school items: Open House Dates:  Northside Aug.16, Southview Aug. 17, West Forest Aug. 19, OMS Aug. 23, OHS Aug. 24, OLC Aug. 30, Jeter Sept. 16 – Band-O-Rama, August 19 @ Auburn High School – OHS vs. Greenville @ Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, August 20 – OHS Cheer and Mascot Kiddie Camp August 21 @ OHS

Don’t Forget! The Alabama state sales tax holiday is this Friday Aug. 6 – Sunday Aug. 8.  I was remined today that Mike Hubbard was amoung those that supported and helped pass the law that created the sales tax holiday (five years ago) because it provides a tax break for families while also boosting our local economy. During the three-day tax holiday, families can purchase school supplies, clothes, computers and computer software without having to pay state sales tax.  Click Here for a List of What Is and What Isn’t Taxed!  (Thanks Mike for the Reminder!)

PS – Both Auburn and Opelika participate in this, so no local taxes on this stuff either! 

The Farmer’s Market downtown.  Tents and tables in place early this morning. Farmers ready at 2PM today.

At Monkey Park, Martha’s Trouble by Rocky Brook.  Music about 7PM with the Band Boosters Burgers and Dogs about 6:15PM.

When the salt water pool feels more like a warm bath, then, yes, it’s a hot one.  A friend reminded me, we’re in Alabama in July, so I should just stop the complaining about how hot it is.  He’s right, so when I say, It’s Sure July, you’ll know what I mean.  Heat Index was 105!

The folks at Catawampus did an Artist Crawl over the weekend.  I grabbed the picture (watercolor) from Iain’s Facebook to show.  If you stand to the right of the Catawampus (Old Shoe Shine Shop) and look toward the courthouse, this is the view.  Iain continues to capture the best of Opelika, from the most unlikely places.  I’m sure other great art came from the event.

Seems there are lots of things going on this week, so I’ll try and catch up with a post later.  I’m traveling again, with the new job (and where is that new job? Details next week) for a quick trip, uh… Up the Road!

And from a friend traveling this weekend to Niagra Falls, these photos of the falls from above.

Kurt Scobi , Friday July 23rd

Mason Reed, Saturday July 24th

It’s on South Railroad Avenue on Tuesday from 2PM til 5PM.  Check it out for local farmer fresh veggies and more!

So, is summer going by as fast for you?  Just four more event remain. Tuesday Night (July 20th) – The Fedoras will perform!  This acoustic duo plays folk, pop, and bluegrass tunes the whole family will enjoy.

Music Starts at 7PM, with food from the band booster about 6:15PM!