Anniston’s Chief Ladiga Trail Extension- Official Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
The City of Anniston, Alabama, invites you to join us on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as we celebrate a historic milestone — the official ribbon-cutting and grand opening of Anniston’s Chief Ladiga Trail extension!
This event will be held in conjunction with Alabama Rails to Trails Month, as part of a statewide celebration of trail connectivity and outdoor recreation.
The ceremony will take place on the portion of the trail behind Coldwater Mountain Brewpub (1208 Walnut Ave, Anniston, AL 36201) at approximately 3:30 PM (CT), following a Rails-to-Trails Ride-In along Anniston’s newest section of the Chief Ladiga Trail.
In 2022, Anniston took the final step toward completion by purchasing the last 1.4 miles of the trail, with assistance from the Calhoun Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, from Norfolk Southern Railway and the Anniston Water Works & Sewer Board. Just two years later, in 2024, the Anniston City Council awarded a $7.26 million construction bid to B&B Developers, paving the way for the city’s long-awaited trail extension.
The Final Connection: With this new 6.5-mile expansion, the Chief Ladiga Trail will now stretch 39.5 miles, seamlessly linking Anniston’s Multimodal Amtrak Station to the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia. This achievement transforms the corridor into the longest paved pedestrian pathway in the United States – an uninterrupted 105-mile trail experience!
Old Fashion Speed Meet
Old Fashion Speed Meet Date: Saturday, May 24th Location: McClellan Sports Complex, 356 Summerall Gate Road, Anniston, AL Event Details: • Gates Open: 7:30 AM • Coaches Meeting: 8:00 AM • First Event Starts: 8:45 AM Registration Information: • Fees: $25 per athlete | $5 per relay team • Deadline: Wednesday, May 21st at Noon • Registration: Email completed forms to […]
2025 Spring Break Activities & Day Camp!
Get ready for an exciting week of Spring Break Activities happening March 24-28, 2025! Here’s what we have planned for your little ones:
📅 Monday, March 24
📍 Carver Center (720 W. 14th St.)
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Games and outdoor fun (weather permitting) or indoor activities in the gym!
📅 Tuesday, March 25
📍 Center Free Play Day
🕚 11:00 AM
⚽ Free play as campers from all centers meet up!
📅 Wednesday, March 26
📍 Hodges Center (3125 Spring Valley Rd.)
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎯 Games and outdoor fun (weather permitting) or indoor activities in the gym!
📅 Thursday, March 27
📍 Field Trip to the Birmingham Zoo! 🦁🐒
🔹 Only 40 spots available – Cost is $10 per Camper — Register here by completing the Permission Slip!
📅 Friday, March 28
📍 Spring Break Fun Day at Zinn Park
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎈 Enjoy inflatables, games, food, Kona Ice, and a special show from the Anniston Museum!
🌟 Day Camp Details:
In addition to the activities, an all-day camp will be offered at the Wiggns Center from Monday, March 24 to Friday, March 28, 2025. Camp will run from 7:00 AM until 5:30 PM CT each day! More details are below:
Cost: $55 per child
Open to Pre-K & Kindergarten (ages 3-4, fully potty trained) and Day Campers (ages 5-12)
Bring lunch and two snacks each day
We can’t wait to see you for a week full of fun, games, and unforgettable memories! 🎯🍧🏃♀️
2025 Shamrockin’ 5K Color Run & Walk!
We’ve got some exciting news about the Shamrockin’ 5K! Due to the threat of inclement weather this weekend, we’re making the call to reschedule the race to Saturday, March 22nd at 5 PM—giving you the chance to run into spring with even better weather and even more fun!
What’s New?
New Race Date: Saturday, March 22nd @ 5 PM
Chipped Timing!
Packet Pickup:
Friday, March 21st | 2 PM – 4 PM
Saturday, March 22nd | 2 PM – 4 PM
This change means more time to gather your crew, lace up your sneakers, and get ready for an unforgettable evening in Downtown Anniston! After you cross the finish line covered in color, why not grab dinner with family, hang out with friends, and enjoy live music downtown? It’s the perfect way to turn race day into a full night of fun!
Haven’t signed up yet? Now’s your chance! With the new date, there’s still time to register and be part of the most vibrant 5K of the season. Don’t miss out—spread the word, bring a friend, and let’s make this the most epic Shamrockin’ 5K yet!
Stay tuned for more details, and we’ll see you at the starting line on March 22nd!
Ready to run?
Register Today: https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Anniston/Shamrockin5KColorRun
Early Bird Registration: $30.00 (through February 14, 2025)
Standard Registration: $35.00 (February 15 – March 19, 2025)
Race Day Registration: $40.00 (March 22, 2025)
Registration Processing Fee Applies
The first 50 registrants are guaranteed a Shamrockin 5K t-shirt!
Event Details:
Festive Fun: We encourage participants to wear their best St. Patrick’s Day gear, most colorful attire, or all white to make the most of this vibrant color run!
Door Prizes: Don’t miss the chance to win!
Awards:
Top Three Overall Winners
Age Group Categories:
12 and Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Packet Pick-Up
Friday, March 21: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Main Street Anniston office
Race Day: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Course Information
This USTAF certified course is an open-course run that winds through Anniston’s scenic historic district. While there are minimal road closures, volunteers will be stationed at every intersection to ensure traffic safety.
Additional Information
For more details, email us at mainstreet@annistonal.gov.
Get ready for a morning of fitness, fun, and festive cheer! See you at the starting line!
Carver Center Thanksgiving! (11/28/24)
The City of Anniston is thankful for the Pot of Manna Lodge #478 for hosting our Thanksgiving Day Program at the carver community center! The Pot of Manna Lodge’s program will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with free meals being served for those in attendance! for questions or for more Information on this event, please contact the Pot of Manna Lodge Worship Master, Gerald Murphy, at: 256-225-8020.
Noble Street Festival & Sunny King Criterium! (04/05/25)
The Sunny King Criterium brings a kaleidoscope of colors and whirl of action to Anniston with twenty exciting bicycle races in Downtown Anniston. Nine hours of live web streaming showcase the sights and sounds to cycling fans across the U.S., and around the globe. Racing action will be called by professional sports commentators Brad Sohner and Lauren Hall. It’s one of the best days of racing to watch in person, or online, providing valuable exposure for the hundreds of competitors and their teams as well as area tourism.
“There’s no better place to start up the criterium racing season for USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour than in Anniston. It’s a fast, smooth course in downtown with plenty of spectators. Being close to Talladega, speed is the name of the game for the Sunny King Criterium,” said Sohner.
Sunny King Automotive Group continues as a longtime supporter of the Sunny King Criterium. Admission for spectators is free for all bicycle races, making it one of the most unique professional sporting events in the country. A portion of proceeds from all bicycle race registration fees are donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life chapter of Calhoun County. Since 2002, more than $200,000 has been raised for cancer research and patient support.
Vendors
You can download the vendor application below. All applications must be received no later than March 21, 2025, this is a hard deadline.
Vendor Application | 2025 Noble Street Festival
Festival Attractions
Noble Street Festival boasts of “something for everyone”. With crowds of 8500-10,000+ we guarantee that the whole family will enjoy their time in Downtown Anniston on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Returning this year is the Sunny King Kid Zone with FREE inflatables. Within the action packed Kid Zone you will find Big Sam the Balloon Man, Whit’z Kidz, face painting, and so much more.
In the heart of Noble Street Festival you will find the music stage with live music all day. Check below for more information on this year’s music lineup.
We expect to see more vendors than ever before, allowing you to shop with 50+ food and craft vendors.
Volunteer!
If you are interested in volunteering at Noble Street Festival, contact Sherrie Carter 256-454-4500 or rflcalhoun@gmail.com!
The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off
The 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off is BACK!
Main Street Anniston has teamed up with the Anniston Police Department to bring you a spicy event that’s all about fun, community, and giving back!
Friday, November 22nd
NEABA Headquarters | 26 West 10th Street
Local officers and community teams are going head-to-head to claim the title of Anniston’s Best Bowl of Chili! Who will come out on top?
Here’s how YOU can join the fun:
Admission:
$10 at the door.
Includes 5 sampling tickets, drinks, condiments, AND a voting ticket for People’s Choice – Best Chili.
Want more chili? Purchase a bowl of your favorite for just $5 (while supplies last)!
This is a family-friendly event, and all proceeds go toward helping local kids this holiday season.
Interested in competing?
Get your chili pots ready and email us at mainstreet@annistonal.gov to sign up! Deadline to register is Monday, November 18th. application available here:https://www.annistonal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chili-Cook-Off-App.pdf
Let’s fill the holiday season with warmth, good food, and even better company!
2024 Veterans Day Ceremony at Centennial Park
Veterans Day holds deep meaning across the nation, especially in Anniston where nearly 13% of our community members are veterans having served their country admirably.
In celebration of Veterans Day, join us at Anniston’s Centennial Memorial Park for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, as we commemorate our veterans and their service to our country.
When: Monday, November 11th
Time: Ceremony begins at 11:00 AM
Where: 225 Ken Rollins Way, Anniston, AL 36207
For more information, please contact Ken Rollins at: 256-239-9234
2024 Calhoun County Veterans Day Parade
The City of Anniston is honored to welcome back the annual Veterans Day Parade!
The parade will start on November 11th at 2:00 PM! It will follow the same path as the annual Christmas Parade down Noble Street!
Those interested in participating may fill out the application form here: https://www.annistonal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Veterans-Parade-20241111-Sign-Up-Sheet.pdf
For questions or more information, please contact event organizer, Linda Peters, at 256-591-3093 and/or CalhounCountyVeterans@gmail.com.
2024 Jazz & Art Festival
Welcome to the Mainstreet Anniston Jazz and Art Festival!
Get ready for an exciting event filled with jazz music and stunning art. Join us at the City Market at 126 W. 11th Street for a lively, in-person, event that will make your heart sing. Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of talented jazz musicians while admiring the incredible artworks on display. This is an event you don’t want to miss! So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of jazz and art at the Mainstreet Anniston Jazz and Art Festival.
VIP tickets are on sale for the exclusive low country boil happening on Friday, October 11th, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Admission to the Jazz and Art Festival on Saturday, October 12th from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM is FREE to the public
Proceeds benefit Cheaha Creative Arts – a premier organization that provides an affordable fine arts education for children and adults. Cheaha Creative Arts celebrates and promotes the arts in our community.
Interested in displaying your art in the Art Market and Gallery? Contact ccafineartsdirector@gmail.com for more information
