Mardi Gras parades in Orange Beach will begin on Saturday, February 18th with The Mystics of Pleasure parade that includes The Marshals and other local krewes. On Monday, February 20th, "Moon Pies on Main" rolls at The Wharf, and then the finale will be the city's annual Fat Tuesday parade at 2 p.m. February 21st.

MYSTICS PARADE

The Saturday night Mardi Gras Parade on February 18th is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. on Perdido Beach Boulevard at the traffic signal just east of Phoenix West, near Wolf Bay Lodge (formerly Fin & Fork). The parade will start with motorcycles driven by The Marshals and then followed by 14 Mystics of Pleasure floats as well as marching bands and lots of other floats from various krewes. The parade will end at the intersection of Highway 161 and Perdido Beach Boulevard near the Publix shopping center.

MOONPIES ON MAIN

The Wharf’s annual "MoonPies on Main" event on Monday, February 20th includes a Kid and Pet Parade kicking off the Lundi Gras festivities at 4 p.m., followed by activities, and an evening float parade rolls at 6 p.m. For details, go to alwharf.com/events/2023/02/20/31002.

FAT TUESDAY CITY PARADE

The city will hold its 2023 Orange Beach Mardi Gras Parade at 2 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, February 21st.  In addition to city floats, participants will include the Orange Beach High School band, and Mardi Gras krewes such as The Marshals, Bon Temps Cabrix, Treasures of the Isle, Pirates of Lost Treasure, Sirens of the Sea, Order of Disorder, Order of Aurora, Maidens in Pink Stilettos, Pyrates of Perdido Bay, and Mystics of Pleasure, among others. The parade follows the same Perdido Beach Boulevard route as Saturday's parade.

2023 Mardi Gras Application and Information for Orange Beach Fat Tuesday Parade (PDF) (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2688/2023-Mardi-Gras-Application-and-Information-update-PDF?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508)

Road closure advisory

During the night parade on Saturday, February 18th, Perdido Beach Boulevard will be closed - between Phoenix West II and State Highway 161 - to vehicular traffic from as early as 4 p.m. until as late as 7:30 p.m. Exact lane closure times will vary leading up to the start of each parade.

On Tuesday, February 21st the same 2-mile stretch of beach highway will be closed again from as early as 1 p.m. to as late as 4 p.m.

City offices closed on Fat Tuesday

On Fat Tuesday, February 21st, all non-essential City of Orange Beach offices will be closed for the Mardi Gras holiday. Garbage routes will not be affected and will run as usual.

City offices will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, February 22nd.

Additionally, due to the Mardi Gras holiday, the February 21st City Council meeting has been moved to Tuesday, March 1st, which will coincide with the planned Town Hall meeting at the Performing Arts Center.
Latest News (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/news?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508)
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/city-of-orange-beach/6384f7ef872f8e0e478bf923?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508

Entire family helps with 'The Little Mermaid' production Feb. 2-5
Through their kids’ involvement in sports and theater, the Robertson family has found Orange Beach to be “very welcoming” since moving to the area a little more than a year ago. Several members of the family will soon be involved with the Expect Excellence Community Theatre’s  presentation of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center on Feb. 2-5.

Samatha, (Sam) has performed previously at the P.A.C. in a student production of “Frozen Jr.” and with the E.E.C.T. in “A Touch of Magic - A Disney Musical Showcase” last year.

An eighth-grader at Orange Beach Middle School, Sam attended auditions for “The Little Mermaid” in September. Her mother, Jennifer, drove her, and watched the auditions and dance call while she waited. Jennifer was encouraged to also try a couple of routines, as well.

Sam is starring as a Princess, Sailor, and member of the ensemble. She is also taking voice lessons through the Expect Excellence After School Program.

Her father, Charles, said she can “always be heard singing around the house either for a play or some of her music for church.”

But, the real surprise came when the cast list was announced and Jennifer was also listed to perform.

“Did they really put me in there,” was her response to her husband telling her the news. Jennifer does have previous dance training from her high school days, “but it’s the singing that’s harder for me. They have been very encouraging. I’ve really enjoyed it so far,” she said.

Both of them will dance as Sailors and Fish, and both will act as Maids to attend Ariel, shortly after she transforms from a mermaid to a human.

Even though it was unexpected, Jennifer and Sam are pleased to be performing together. “Sam said she is really excited to be doing this with me, and I think it will be a lot of fun for both of us,” Jennifer said.

In addition, Charles, and Kaitlynn (Sam’s older sister) have agreed to volunteer as members of the backstage crew for “The Little Mermaid”, helping the stage manager move set pieces, backdrops and furniture on and off the stage.

“We’ll be there for the grunt work,” he said.

Both Sam and her older sister, Kaitlynn, also play on the Orange Beach High School softball team. Sam is the junior varsity catcher and Kaitlynn is the varsity pitcher and first baseman.

Kaitlynn, 15, was part of the 2A State Champion Orange Beach Makos softball team last year (the team’s second in a row) and also participates in travel ball on a team based out of Tennessee.

The girls are following in the sports footsteps of their older siblings, Michael, who wrestled, and Karolyn, who played softball.

Both girls also go to private hitting and pitching practice sessions throughout the year. Sam is currently attempting to add pitching to her softball skills, according to her parents. All of the theater rehearsals and softball practices definitely add up to a very busy schedule for the Robertson household.

To keep it all straight, Charles said they “have a definite schedule and keep it updated on a dry erase board at home.”

The Robertsons said friends have also been willing to step in to get the girls where they need to go.

“We’ve been really lucky that we have made some friends since we have been here. Visiting, it seems bigger, but now that we live here, we realize it really is more of a small town,” Charles said.

Jennifer agreed.

“They make it a lot easier to get involved here”, versus Arab, AL, where they moved from, she said. “The support the town gives to all the sports and the drama (department) is just top notch. The way they all support the kids is unbelievable. The kids can go (take different classes) and if they fall in love with something, then the path is there for them,” said Charles, pointing to the Expect Excellence program.

Based on their Orange Beach experiences to this point, “it’s been very welcoming and it feels like we were meant to be here,” Jennifer said.

“The Little Mermaid” hits the stage Feb. 2-5 at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center! The performance will be held Feb. 2-4 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for all ages. For each show, the doors will open one hour prior to the performance time.

Purchase tickets for 'Disney's The Little Mermaid'. (https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/city-of-orange-beach/6384f7ef872f8e0e478bf923?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508)

THE LITTLE MERMAID is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All materials were provided by MTI. www.mtishows.com

TICKETS FOR 35TH ANNUAL GAME DAY 'WILD AT HEART' ON SALE NOW!

Orange Beach Garden Club President Virginia Burkhalter and Ways & Means Chair Annette Mitchell visit Director Melissa Vinson and Great Horned Owl ‘JB’ at the Wildlife Center to discuss plans for the February 15th animal encounter at the Garden Club’s Game Day & Salad Luncheon.

Themed "Wild at Heart," the 35th annual event will celebrate the Orange Beach Wildlife Center with a rehabilitated animal encounter and presentation on daily
life at the center and exciting plans for its future.

Come meet our rescued wildlife friends, enjoy a day of games, great food and fellowship for a great cause!

Wednesday February 15th
Event Center at the Wharf
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Donation - Tickets $35 at The Emporium and Wildflower Boutique

Orange Beach Arbor Day tree giveaway set for Feb. 25

The City of Orange Beach will observe Arbor Day with the annual tree giveaway on Saturday, February 25 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Trees will be given away in front of the Orange Beach Community Development building at 4101 Orange Beach Blvd.

The potted trees that will be given away will consist of a variety of hardwoods for citizens to plant in their yards. Some of the trees will include the following:
-Willow Oak
-Slash Pine
-Summer Red Maple
-Overcup Oak
-Shumard Oak
-Assorted evergreens

There will be a limited quantity per resident, which is defined as those who live within the city limits of Orange Beach.

Volunteers are always welcome! For more information, contact City Environmental Specialist ?Woody Speed at 251-981-1062 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Arbor%20Day%20Tree%20Giveaway) .

https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508
KEEP VOTING FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL!

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is in the running for Best Recreational Trail in the country by USA Today! Vote each day, through February 6th, at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508 (https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail-orange-beach-alabama?fbclid=IwAR3ZwXSL8bWWViKyAj8liU_Url4tLHFpueGDdr1yBr2Zr1SDZlJci7dzh2U&utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508) .

Baldwin Pops free concert set for Feb. 5 at Event Center

The Baldwin Pops Band will present a “Reflections of Jazz” concert with special guests at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 5th at the Orange Beach Event Center. Doors open at 2 p.m.

The concert is free, courtesy of the City of Orange Beach. It will be an afternoon of jazz and swing tunes, with space for dancing, as well.

The Event Center is located at 4671 Wharf Pkwy West.
SCHOOL NEWS

ORANGE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Congratulations to January’s Kiwanis Terrific Kids ~ Grades PreK - 2nd

Elizabeth Bengston, Carson Turk, Lyla Wilson, Zoey Rogers, Alexa Rogers, Jaye Brumfield, Charlotte Grice, Lincoln Epperson, Lila Katherine Tate, Wyatt Cagle, Emma Serigny, Nola Cowan, Scarlett Niel.

Congratulations to January’s Kiwanis Terrific Kids ~ Grades 3 - 6

Jelani Cousins, Milly White, Henry Grissom, Kyleigh Hurst, Carter Cox, Bennett Loy, Jayna Vittetoe, Audrey Davis, Miller-Kate Hoyle, Izabel Wamstad, Rainer Smith, Leah Millwood, Averi Adams, Allie Roach, Nicole Yalacki, Kinsley David, Katie Davis, Hutch Semiklose

ORANGE BEACH MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

Congratulations to the OBMHS Students of the Month!

https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid0ahx98L6i8jWkESZkczzbrMc79Bxo5Me7oU27ygnrjRvy4ct89ewxM9Sr1taiKLfUl?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508

Channing Cantu- 12th Grade
Cal Creel- 7th Grade
Linley Bennett & Mattison West- 9th Grade
Kenlee Leighton- 8th Grade
Sam Lee- 11th Grade
Zane Rogers- 10th Grade

Congratulations to OBMHS Teacher of the Month, Ms Carol Chambers!

https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid02SiMV61zMcLfQr3M7a6o253higZp38Aa8LV5PBQ7PX7LBQmLBmumVAHK9BpbS3ca9l?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508

Congratulations to the OBMHS Support Person of the Month, Ms. Leah Cooper!

https://www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachHS/posts/pfbid02HVLJj9YTXcMyHnkJGC9fLqBKpJmLNoi9tYcqHr8B4CL38KoBZWryBDA51Z78z8ail?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508

Makos Academics, Arts & Athletics Club

Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown set for Feb. 4

MAAAC's Mako Masquerade Ball and Drawdown will be held on Saturday, February 4th at 6 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center. The 2023 Masquerade Ball will have entertainment by Fly By Radio and catering by Wolf Bay. Tickets are available online at https://www.obmaaac.org/events?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508 for $75 per person. A single ticket includes one drawing. A table for 10 is $1,500 and includes 12 drawings and a bottle of champagne. It will be a $7,500 drawdown jackpot!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: SEAFOOD FEST AND CAR SHOW RETURNS FEB. 25

The Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and Car Show will return to the Wharf on Saturday, February 25, 2023. The 31st annual event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is the major fundraising event for MAAAC.

Each year, the open car show features antique, classic and hot rod vehicles. For 2023, the registration fee per car is $75 in advance and $100 day of the show. The lineup begins at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.  All vehicles must be in place by 9:30 a.m. Awards are presented to Top 10 cars. There will also be goody bags and prize drawings throughout the day.

See a PDF of the Car Show Registration Form. (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2704/2023-Seafood-Fest-Car-Show-Registration-update-PDF?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508)

Register online on the MAAAC website (https://www.obmaaac.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508) . For more information on the car show, please email Jean Hogue (mailto:[email protected])  or call 251-200-8037.

The application deadline for Arts & Crafts vendors is closed and we are full for the 2023 event. Find more information and a map of the festival site on the Seafood Festival page on the City Website (https://www.orangebeachal.gov/428/Seafood-Fest?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508) .

Follow all of the latest happenings at Orange Beach City Schools on the Orange Beach City Schools Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OBMakos?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508) .

Orange Beach City Board of Education

Upcoming scheduled meetings and/or work sessions:
* Thursday, February 9, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers
* Thursday, March 9, 2023, 4:30 P.M. Work Session followed by 5:30 P.M. Regular Meeting in Council Chambers

Find more information on the Orange Beach City Schools website at https://www.orangebeachboe.org/?utm_source=City+of+Orange+Beach+Community+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efa504817d-Jan.+5%2C+2018+City+Newsletter%2C+Vol.+1+Issue+1_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_50a576ca9e-efa504817d-171456508.

School Websites

Orange Beach Elementary School: www.obschools.org.

Orange Beach Middle/High School: www.obcityschools.org.