35th Annual Ellen McAnelly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Begins at the intersection of Spraggins Street and Monroe Street in downtown Huntsville, outdoor activities, performing arts and other activities. 11:30 a.m.

Acting up! Academy of Dramatic Arts

8402 B Whitesburg Drive (256-270-9636)

Irish Insanity Improviganza with comedy troupe Nuclear ReActors. Tickets are $8, children under 8 are free.

Bench Warmer

2998 University Drive (256-539-6268)

St. Patrick’s Day party with live music by Random Conflict, The Dirty Swagger and The Casket Kids. Food and drink specials and giveaways. Doors open at 11 a.m., first show at 9:30 p.m. $5 for ages 21 and over, $10 for ages 19 and 20.

Bench Warmer Too

3000 University Drive (256-539-6268)

St. Patrick’s Day party with “Party Like It’s Panama” beach theme for spring break. DJ Yella Boy mix tape release party, bikini contest, food and drink specials. Party begins at 8 p.m. Get in free by wearing beach attire until 11 p.m.

Brickhouse Sports Café

7 Town Center Drive (256-585-1599)

Live music with Josh Allison on the patio, the Providence fountain will be dyed green, specials include $5 Irish Car Bomb, $5 Jameson shot, $4 Bushmills shot, $3 Guinness pints, $3 Smithwick pints. 4 p.m.

Carson’s Grille

6585 U.S. 431, Owens Cross Roads (256-585-1842)

Live music with Alex and Hunter of .45 Surprise. Drink and food specials, including $2 beer. 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Crossroads Cafe

115 Clinton Ave. (256-533-3393)

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration, live music with Kush. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Drink specials include $2 Green Coors Light Draft, $3.50 Killians Red, $4.25 Guiness (16 oz.), $5 Irish Whiskey, $6 Irish Car bombs.

Finnegan’s Irish Pub

3310 S. Memorial Parkway (256-881-9732)

Live music with Nancy Pendergrass. Lunch of corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew. Guinness and Bud Light on tap, Jameson and Bushmills Irish Whiskey. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill

2211 Seminole Drive (256-489-7000)

“All Star” St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, live music with a 10-piece band featuring top Irish music players from the Tennessee Valley area. 7:30 p.m. $8 admission.

Furniture Factory

619 Meridian St. (256-539-8001)

Live music with Fatso, new patio grand opening. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Humphrey’s Bar & Grill

109 Washington St. (256-704-5555)

Live music with Bourbon and Shamrocks, 3 to 7 p.m., and Black Eyed Susan, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (Main)

915 Monroe St. (256-532-5940)

Story Time with the Irish Dancers, books about all things green, St. Patrick’s day crafts. All ages. 10:30 a.m.

Huntsville Young Professionals

115 Clinton Ave. (256-533-3393)

Beer tasting at Crossroads Cafe, music, food, drinks and door prizes. 4 to 8 p.m. $10 in advance for a VIP pass with two drink tickets, $15 at the door.

Lone Goose Saloon

108 Cleveland Ave. (256-715-0705)

Live music with The Robertsons. 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

The Nook Tavern

3305 Bob Wallace Ave. (256-489-0911)

St. Patrick’s Day party with Murphy’s Irish Stew, bangers and mash, keep the glass when you buy from selected Irish beers. Noon.

Sammy T’s Music Hall

116 Washington St. (256-539-9974)

St. Patrick’s Day Party, $4 green pitchers, $1 jello shots, specials on Irish shots and drinks, party favors, DJ Keibot. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Stem & Stein

10871 County Line Road (256-325-3779

St. Patrick’s Day Party, live music with Alyssa Jacey from 7 to 9 p.m., corned beef panini and homemade potato salad for $9.99, $3 Straight to Ale Rocket City Red and Boulevard Irish Red, green beer (Green Flash IPA) and $5 Hands wines, including chardonnay.

Straight to Ale brewery

3200 Leeman Ferry Road

Live music with Whiskey River Kings, release of Rocket City Red, a traditional Irish Red Ale and all standard beers will be on tap. 2 to 8 p.m.

The Sports Page Lounge & Deli

9009-M S. Memorial Parkway (256-880-9471)

Live music with 5ive O’clock Charlie at 4 p.m. and Bourbon and Shamrocks starting at 9 p.m. Irish food and drink specials.

Voodoo Lounge

110 South Side Square (256-539-0335)

St. Patrick’s Day Party, live music with Fistful of Beard. Drink and food specials. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Wilcoxon Municipal Ice Complex

3185 Leeman Ferry Road (256-883-3774)

Shamrock Skate. 1 to 4 p.m. $7 to skate, $3 to rent skates. $1 off if you wear green.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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MLS#686193

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nsiN80duQg

Large windows adorn this home with breathtaking views! A bright and airy floor plan with gleaming wood floors and detailed molding is centered on a double gas fireplace. Sprawl out in the inviting great room boasting soaring ceilings and spectacular backyard views. The delicious kitchen features gorgeous cabinets, counter space galore plus serving bar. Wakeup to panoramic bay window views in the sunny breakfast area. A distinguished formal dining room is accented by a dazzling chandelier, columns and detailed moldings. The luxurious master suite features soaring ceilings, a toasty fireplace, deck access and a sitting area with bay window views. A pampering master bathroom features dual vanities, a walk-in shower and a bubbly whirlpool tub. The additional bedrooms are designed for comfort and share a hall bathroom. A super recreation room with vaulted ceiling, recessed lighting and a full bathroom is an ideal man cave. Extensive decking overlooks natural stone landscaping and mature trees. The ultimate privacy awaits you! Call today for your private tour.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Presents Dragons is coming to the Von Braun Center Arena April 26-29.

Tickets are $11 to $70 for celebrity circus seating and will be on sale at the VBC box office and Ticketmaster locations or ticketmaster.com. For group rates and information, call 256-603-2420. Children ages 2 and up must have a ticket

During the new Dragons show, circus-goers will see Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, charging Cossack riders, Asian elephants, tigers, the Globe of Steel and continued glimpses of the Dragon. But what will it take to lure a true dragon from its golden lair? You’ll have to come to the show and see.

The circus includes an all-access pre-show an hour before the show to all ticket holders. Families can join pre-show host Andre McClain and participate in interactive experiences such as learning juggling and balancing skills, get performer autographs, see one of the Asian elephants paint a picture and meet the Ringling Bros. clowns.

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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MLS#758871

Nestled on a private cul-de-sac lot this gem is sure to please. A lovely formal dining room combined with an elegant formal living room is ideal for entertaining. Imagine all the delicious meals you can create in this gourmet kitchen. Flourishing with an abundance cabinet and counter space, a smooth-top range, a center island plus a huge pantry, cooking is sure to be a pleasure. An impressive family room with soaring ceilings, skylights and patio access is just waiting for family fun. A luxurious master retreat provides a soothing oasis of special conveniences and comforts at day’s end with a trey ceiling, two walk-in closets and sunny views. The pampering master bathroom features a garden tub, separate shower and dual raised vanities. The additional three bedrooms are generously sized and there are two additional full bathrooms.  Bring all your toys as the two car garage plus a detached storage building is ready for stocking. Mosey out on the patio or relax in the screened porch. The private backyard is ideal for grilling and chilling. This the perfect place to call home. Call today for your personal tour.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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December 20 -28.  Hanukkah (or any one of a dozen spellings). 

This  Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt of the second century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is observed by the ;lighting of the candles on a nine-branched menorah, one candle on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night, and it is customary to give children one gift (gelt) each night.  Although it is based on a military victory, it is actually considered a time to celebrate Jewish independence and religious freedom in general.  Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year; in the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving, special foods, and games.

December 25.  Christmas

The religious basis:   Christmas is a Christian holy day which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated on December 25^th, and the word Christmas comes from “Christ’s mass.” The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the gospels of Luke and John.  Each contains different elements of the Christmas story. The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are from Matthew.

Over the years Christmas has also become a very popular social holiday with an emphasis on lighted and decorated trees and wreaths, exchange of presents, caroling, special foods, and the colors red and green.  Christmas traditions abound throughout the Western world, many of which have secular origins, some with their roots in ancient folklore and pagan beliefs. Click here to learn about a wide range of Christmas customs.

December 26-January 1. 

Kwanzaa.  Neither political nor religious, Kwanzaa is a reflective holiday which was created in the 1960’s to foster pride and unity among African-Americans.  Kwanzaa is a week -long celebration honoring universal African-American heritage, family life, and culture. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles—each representing an important principle of life–and culminates in a feast and gift giving.  Visit Wikipedia for much more information about this holiday.

December 31.  New Year’s Eve. 

New Year’s Eve is a social holiday observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies New Year’s Eve is often celebrated at festive gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to say goodbye to the current year and celebrate the incoming one. The observance of New Year’s Eve generally extends through midnight of January 1.  It is a holiday celebrated throughout the world and has many different names.  The dropping of the ball in Times Square and the singing of Auld Lang Syne are symbolic of this holiday in the U.S.           

Here are outstanding power point presentations dealing with each of these holidays. Although the site is designed primarily for children, the extensive array of topics and interesting information provides excellent reading for adults, too.

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At this time of year when lists play such a large role in our lives, it is also necessary to revisit a safety checklist to ensure an accident-free holiday for your family, guests, and even your pets.  The U.S. Fire Administration offers these suggestions:

DECORATIONS:

• Inspect lights for damage and link no more than 3 strands together.  Use only UL approved and follow directions.
• Beware of overloading outlets. 
• Don’t leave on when you’re not home.
• If you prefer a live tree, make certain it is fresh when you buy it and water, water, water!
• Use non-flammable or flame retardant decorations
• Never leave lighted candles unattended, near combustible materials, or within reach of children or pets.  Make certain to extinguish them before retiring for the night.

FIREPLACES:

• Place the tree in your Huntsville real estate at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.
• Keep a screen in front of the fire to prevent flying sparks.
• Remove stockings hung with care when the fireplace is in use.
• Never burn wrapping paper in your fireplace and risk a flash fire.

GUESTS:

• When entertaining friends at your Huntsville real estate, be certain that you have childproofed your home–not just to protect breakables but also to protect young ones.
  
• Make sure that outside walkways and steps are well lighted.
• Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
• Add non-slip mats in your tub and shower–and possibly grab bars for the older set.

PETS:

• Avoid feeding the cats or dogs which also reside in your Huntsville real estate food such as rich and fatty fowl meat, onions, grapes, raisins, or chocolate.
• Do not give animals turkey bones as they will splinter and cause great damage.
• Keep all trash out of reach.  Better yet, take it outside frequently.

Got all that?  If so, relax and enjoy the season!

Search all Huntsville AL real estate and Huntsville homes for sale.

Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special.  In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville. 

Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.

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Sarah Joespha Hale, author Mary Had a Little Lamb, campaigned vigorously for 20 years to have Thanksgiving made a national holiday.  Five presidents turned a deaf ear to her pleas, but Abraham Lincoln listened, and on October 3, 1863, he declared that the last Thursday in November would be a national holiday.  Sarah was also the one who urged that the Thanksgiving feast include such foods as turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes of two kinds.  Sound familiar?

And speaking of food, are you thankful for the abundance of our planet?  Show your gratitude by implementing these “green” suggestions for your holiday meal:

• Use organic cranberries, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin
• Shop at a famers’ market
• Start a compost pile with all your leftovers

Click here for other earth-friendly holiday ideas.

Interested in giving traditional foods a modern twist?  Try baby greens with fennel, wheatberry stuffing, and wild mushroom gravy.  What about shredded Brussels sprouts or cranberry spinach salad?  For recipes for these dishes and other updated foods, visit the web sites of Good Housekeeping and Allrecipes.

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?  Pumpkin Pi!

“Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”
William Jennings Bryan

Giving back…Thanksgiving is a perfect time to share our blessings with those less fortunate than we are and to spread the spirit of friendship and community.  Opportunities for helping others during the holiday season are many and can involve one individual or the entire family.  Some ways to foster goodwill and embrace the idea of sharing include:

• Collecting and contributing non-perishable foodstuffs for a local food bank.
• Giving money to local agencies who feed the hungry.
• Volunteering your time to sort supplies, set up and/or clean up, or serve meals on Thanksgiving Day.
• Inviting a neighbor who lives alone to join you for dinner.
• Taking a warm plate of Thanksgiving food–and a big smile–to a shut-in.
• Contributing to holiday food collection bins in grocery stores.
• Purchasing pre-packaged boxes of food (generally under $10.00) to be distributed by local grocers.
• Checking with your local place of worship to see where you help is most needed.

And remember our military personnel… by contacting A Million Thanks, a year-round campaign to show our appreciation for our U.S. military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers.  Over 5 million pieces of mail have been sent to date.  Zazzle will send free holiday cards to military folks, and Coupons to Troops has a great program in which you donate unwanted or expired coupons to military families living overseas.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!  Remember to be grateful for what you have and to “give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way.”  (Native American saying)

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It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy!  Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending?  Yep–$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia! 

Other little-known facts include:

• 86% of Americans decorate their houses.                                                  
• 10% of pet owners costume their pets. (Click here for unique ideas)
• 35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your Huntsville home?)

Halloween traditions are many and varied.  “Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating.  Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Huntsville home this year?  How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, themed pencils, or goldfish snacks?

Ghoulish Groaners:  

What is a mummy’s favorite music?    Wrap
Best Halloween insurance?  Mediscare
Favorite drink of ghosts and goblins?  Ghoulade    

Carving a Jack-o-Lantern: 

Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your Huntsville home to be individual and unique.  Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.

If you see a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.

Costumes: 

Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch.  Get creative and think about the unusual.  A bearded lady? A cupcake?  Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium?  Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb.  Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.

A kid came up with a bright idea to dress up as an IRS Agent. This way he could take 28% of the man’s candy and leave without saying ‘Thank You!’ J)))

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART CAN BE FOUND AT Caboose.com, Halloween.com, ZombiePumpkins.com, and TheTeachersCorner.net.  For creative ideas such as wicked wreaths, friendly ghosts, fright lights, tasty treats, and much, much more, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  

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Scarecrow Trail at Botanical Garden

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