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!
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!
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 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
Anniston Downtown Fall Market
Join us for a celebration of the bountiful autumn season at The Downtown Market, 126 W. 11th Street Anniston
Every other Thursday from October 10th to November 21st, 2024
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
With something for everyone to enjoy, including farm vendors, food artisans, craftsmen, games, contests, prizes and live music. Gather your friends and family and join us downtown!
For more information call (256)343-6560
Fb: @AnnistonDowntownMarket
Downtown Anniston Christmas Parade
🎄 You’re Invited to the Annual Downtown Anniston Christmas Parade! 🎄
Join us as we travel through time in our “Christmas Through the Decades” parade! Experience the magic of Christmas past on Saturday, December 7th at 6:30 pm in Downtown Anniston.
✨ What to Expect:
Nostalgic Floats: Relive the charm of Christmases from the roaring ’20s to the vibrant ’80s!
Festive Music: Enjoy classic carols and modern hits that span generations.
Dress Up: Come in your favorite decade’s holiday attire—whether it’s a flapper dress or neon leg warmers!
Family Fun: Enjoy activities, treats, and photo ops that celebrate both the past and the future of Christmas.
✨ New This Year:
Holiday Vendor Market: Open from 3 PM to 9 PM! Discover unique gifts, delicious treats, and local artisans.
Christmas Concerts: Enjoy live performances that will get you in the holiday spirit!
Official Tree Lighting Ceremony: Watch as we illuminate our holiday tree and kick off the season with a dazzling display.
🎅 Festivities Include:
Santa Pictures: Capture the magic with Santa himself!
Hot Cocoa & Treats: Warm up with some festive drinks and snacks.
Christmas Shopping: Find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!
🎁 Looking Back & Dreaming Forward:
As we celebrate the joy of Christmases gone by, we also embrace the wonders yet to come. Let’s create new memories together and spark the magic of the season for generations to follow!
Don’t miss this enchanting evening of nostalgia, joy, and holiday spirit!
Bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer! 🌟
Neewollah on Noble!
Join us for Main Street Anniston’s FAVORITE HALLOWEEN event….Neewollah on Noble!
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 12pm till 4pm
Where: Historic Downtown Anniston
Bring the entire family! We will have a Kids Zone, Costume Contest, Live Music, Cruise-In Trunk or Treat, plus Candy and Food! There is something for everyone… including your 4 legged family members!
Would you like to be a vendor at Neewollah on Noble? Vendor applications available here https://www.annistonal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Newollah-App-24.pdf
Downtown After Dark Outdoor Music Series featuring Dalton Moses
Get ready to groove under the stars! Downtown Anniston’s newest outdoor music series, Downtown After Dark, is hitting the stage at Noble Street Park.
Join us every 2nd and 4th Friday from 7-9pm for a musical experience like no other. From soulful melodies to energetic beats, our diverse lineup of musicians will keep you moving and grooving all night long.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the music. Make a night of it in the heart of Anniston’s Arts and Entertainment District! Explore our unique shops, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of our many restaurants, and grab a drink to go. Then, head over to Noble Street Park for an unforgettable evening of live entertainment under the stars.
Bring your chairs, blankets, and the whole crew! Downtown After Dark is the perfect event for a night out with friends or a fun family outing. We can’t wait to see you there!
Mark your calendars for the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month and get ready to experience Downtown Anniston like never before. Let’s make some unforgettable memories, Anniston!
