Spring is officially here along the northern gulf coast and folks are already heading to the beach and hitting the waters to fish and play. It’s definitely one of the best times of year to enjoy everything our region has to offer. And if you needed another reason to get out and soak up the sun and warm temps, Dauphin Island will be hosting a variety of events and festivals in the coming weeks and months that you’ll certainly want to check out.
Family Friendly Events
For instance, on April 8 alone there are three separate family-friendly offerings including Discovery Day at DI Sea Lab, DI Veterans Chili Cook-Off and a FREE concert by the Mobile Pops. Discovery Day (10am-2pm) is an “open house” opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the actual workings of the Lab, meet some of the scientists and graduate students and learn about ongoing research and studies that are important to the marine environment. Get up close and personal with “critters of the sea” at the popular touch lab. Lots of activities for the kids and food/beverages are available on site. Take advantage of reduced admission to the Estuarium and discounts at the gift shop. At noon, make your way over to the Pelican Pub for the Annual DI Veterans Association Chili Cook-Off. Multiple teams will be serving up a variety of their own special dishes for you to sample for a donation of $5 per person. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to support the construction of a community basketball court. What better way to cap off a wonderful day on Dauphin Island than with a FREE concert at Water Tower Plaza by the Mobile Pops. Music starts at 6pm and you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and bug spray (just in case).
Community Easter Sunrise Service
On April 16, the community Easter Sunrise Service will take place at 6:30am on the Great Lawn within the walls of historic Fort Gaines. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.
21st Annual Spring Motorcycle Show
The Mobile Bay Vintage Motorcycle Club will hold its 21st Annual Spring Motorcycle Show here on Dauphin Island on Sunday, April 23 and proceeds from the event will support the DI School PTO. Located in the parking lot east of Fins Bar, you’ll have an opportunity to get up close and personal with dozens of bikes including Vintage American & European, American & Metric Cruiser, Custom, Unrestored Original, Scooter, Vintage Japanese over/under 305cc and many more. Registration ($10 per bike) opens at 1030am, judging starts at 115pm and the awards ceremony kicks off at 3pm. Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each class plus a best-of-show trophy. Free admission. Food will be available on site. For more information contact Rick Moritz 591-8804 or Carlos Forte 509-5451.
Gumbo Cook-off Festival
Pirate’s Bar & Grill and Fins Bar will serve as the official host sites for this year’s Gumbo Cook-Off Festival on Saturday, April 29 from 11am-2pm and you’re invited to attend. Tickets are $10 per person which allows you to taste as much delicious gumbo as possible. In addition, enjoy live music and activities for the kids at each location. Proceeds from the event will go to support the community basketball court project and after school activities at DI Elementary. Cooking teams will be split between the two sites and attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or drive to each venue. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the St. Francis Episcopal Church Arts & Crafts Festival (9am-4pm) and the Annual Sailboat Regatta!
St. Francis Arts & Crafts Festival
Featuring over 50 local and regional artists, the Annual St. Francis Arts & Crafts Festival is a “must see” and you’ll have an opportunity to do just that on Saturday, April 29 from 9am-4pm. In addition to all the artwork and crafts for sale, you’ll also want to stock up on a delicious variety of fresh baked goods, soups, homemade gumbo, pickles and Wimberly Hory’s Famous Chicken Salad Sandwiches! Proceeds from the event will support a variety of local charities. For additional information contact Cissy Napper (318-548-4376) or Daena Myers (251-391-4558)
Health Fair
Have you been putting off that routine annual check-up? Noticed a skin discoloration or growth that recently “popped up”? Feeling a little blah lately? If so, make plans now to attend the “Sailing Into Better Health” Health Fair on Saturday, May 13 from 9am-Noon at the rodeo site. Physicians and staff with Singing River Health System (among others) will be on hand to check blood pressure, glucose levels, heart rate and much more—all for free! Sponsored in part by the Town of Dauphin Island, the health fair provides a convenient one-stop-shop to make sure your health is up to par. Put this important event on your to-do list and look for additional information in the May issue of Connections.
4th Annual Sunset Cruise Car Show
Rev up those engines and cruise on down to Dauphin Island for the 4th Annual Sunset Cruise Car Show on Saturday, May 20! The event will be headquartered at Green Park and dozens of classic and vintage vehicles will be on display from 9am-4pm. Entry Fee is $20 per vehicle. Multiple car entries are $15 each. Add $5 per entry for day-of-event registration. Car show participants can compete in a Poker Run to win 40# Shrimp! Check out the Swap Meet…always a favorite among car owners and fans alike. Raffle tickets are available at $5 each and prizes include 1st Place – 60 Qt. Bayou Cooler & 50# Shrimp, 2nd Place – 30# Shrimp, 3rd Place – 20# Shrimp. Businesses/individuals are encouraged to support the show by sponsoring a trophy for $100. Judging will take place starting at noon with an awards ceremony at 3pm. For more information contact Town Hall at 861-5525 X222.