The 10: Have a heart and show your spirit this week
As we inch our way toward Valentine's Day, there's a ton of fun stuff happening that you could be part of, from shopping to baking to making a difference. Take your pick in this week's The 10 for Feb. 6-12.
1. It’s homecoming week for the AUM Warhawks
Auburn University at Montgomery is celebrating homecoming, including a CAP Block Party and DJ Battle on the intramural fields Monday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. An SGA Fashion Show at Taylor Center is planned for Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. where you can meet the homecoming court. On Wednesday at Taylor Center, Silent Disco will begin at 7 p.m. On Thursday at 4:30 p.m., a pre-game tailgate is planned at the athletics complex before the AUM women take on Union University at 6 p.m. and the AUM men take on Union at 8 p.m. After the games, hit the homecoming tent party from 10 p.m. to midnight behind the library tower. On Friday, the SGA pep rally and bonfire is 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. behind Library Tower. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a homecoming tailgate at the Cement Hall parking lot, while Warhawk Tennis takes on Columbus State University at 10 a.m. Also Saturday, at 2 p.m., AUM women basketball takes on Christian Brothers University at the Athletics Complex, while the AUM men face Christian Brothers at 4 p.m. Learn more online at https://www.aum.edu/student-affairs/homecoming/#1672960316128-3125b33c-45b2
2. Welcome to Hollywood Nebraska!
A new play by Kenneth Jones opens Thursday at Wetumpka Depot. "Hollywood, Nebraska," directed by Cushing, Phillips, brings two actresses back to their dying hometown. While Jane is there from LA checking on her ailing mother, Andrea returns from New York to bury her father. It's a comedy about the urge to be creative. It runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. It runs through Feb. 18. Tickets are $15 at http://www.wetumpkadepot.com/.
3. Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Shoppe
Still looking for that special something to give your loved one? The Shoppes at EastChase has just the thing happening all weekend. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., visit the Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Shoppe and shop your favorites all in one spot, near South Boutique on Main Street, 6858 EastChase Parkway. Vendors include Aqualime Skincare, Bubba Co., Flare Candles, The Pastry Vault, TEEs by Taylor, and PERMALINX Jewelry. Plus, you can snap a photo in front of the Valentine’s Day mural.
4. Hearts for Children Gala
Come dressed for a night of cocktails, dancing, photos and fun on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.. That's when the Montgomery Capital Rotary Club is sponsoring its annual gala for Children at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club, 7900 Wynlakes Blvd., Montgomery. There will be prize raffles and a wine wall raffle. It benefits the Rotary’s flagship charity, Lunches for Learning, and the Rotary’s disaster relief efforts. Tickets are $75. For tickets, contact Stanley Presley at 334-319-5924. Learn more online at https://montgomerycapitalrotary.org/
5. Mutts Be Love Event & Adoption Pawtry
If it’s Saturday, it Mutts Be Love at Camp Bow Wow, 3712 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery. It’s free to get in. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’ll be a serious case of puppy love for this third annual event where fur babies will be available for adoption from Montgomery County Humane Society, Humane Society of Elmore County, Lee County Humane Society, Prattville Autauga Humane Society, and Lake Martin Animal Sanctuary. Beyond the pups, there will be raffles, a bone bar full of treats for the dogs, food trucks full of treats for the humans, a puppy kissing booth (Smooth-a-Pooch!), camp tours, and more than 20 vendors. Donations will be accepted for the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, which offers grants to pet parents and shelters for dogs in need of life-saving procedures. Learn more online at https://www.campbowwow.com/montgomery/
6. Are you up for the Chocolate Challenge?
If you see yourself as the best thing to happen to chocolate since Willie Wonka, it’s time to step up and put your best chocolate recipes where the judges’ mouths are. That would be at the Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St., Prattville. Entries can be dropped off Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Judging begins at 1 p.m., and awards for 1st place, runner up and People’s Choice will be presented at 2:30 p.m. And even if you’re not a baker, the library needs eaters to taste and help judge. You can get more info from the front desk, by email at kwilson.appl@gmail.com, or by calling 334-365-3396, ext. 15.
7. Valentine’s Wine Tasting at Vintage Café
Vintage Café is hosting a Valentine’s Wine Tasting on Saturday, featuring Cavicchioli Prosecco, Cline Sauvignon Blanc, Chocolate Shop red wine and a cabernet. It’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they’ll have gift wrapping available for bottles. They’re at 416 Cloverdale Road. Learn more online at https://www.vintagecafemgm.com/
8. Fun night at Sweetheart Ball in Autaugaville
On Saturday, recording artists Ladi Di and Mr. Soulkeeper are the featured artists helping kick off a first-time event, the Sweetheart Ball at Autaugaville Elementary’s gym. It’s being hosted by Z 105.3’s Dr. Ray the Music Man. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11, and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door. Free appetizers will be available. This is being advertised as a BYOB event. For more information, call 334-303-5882, 334-425-5071, 334-930-9464, 334-312-1152, 334-314-6756, or 256-267-4958.
9. Alabama Truck Meet on Saturday
All the vehicles will need a good washing after this one. Alabama Truck Meet is Saturday at Capital City Motorsports, 2600 N. Belt Drive, Montgomery. Along with drag racing, they’ll have a designated mudding area. This is an all-day event, 7 a.m. to midnight. Entry is $20 a person, and $10 per ATV and dirtbike. Kids 10 and under get in free.
10. The Love Run-Montgomery
If you want to show how much Montgomery loves the kids at Brantwood Children’s Home, get on your feet and start moving Saturday. It’s the Brantwood Children’s Home Love Run at Paterson Field, 1215 Madison Ave. The fee is $25 through Friday. On race day, it’s $30. All registered runners and walkers will receive a custom T-shirt and goodie bag. Runner and walker packets may be picked up at Brantwood, 1309 Upper Wetumpka Road, on Friday from 2-6 p.m. Register online at https://loverun.itsyourrace.com/register/. Registration at Paterson Field is from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. There’s a warm up from 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., and the run and walk start at 8:30 a.m.
BONUS!: Sweethearts Day with pygmy hippos at the Montgomery Zoo
Parents have some truly special little — or not so little — sweethearts in their lives: their kids. And as Valentine’s Day approaches, the zoo is offering a way to bring joy to your children. On Saturday, the zoo is celebrating Sweethearts Day, where you get a free child’s admission with the purchase of an adult admission. Along with all the cool stuff the zoo normally has, you can participate in Pygmy Hippo Day activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m., daily. Learn more at https://www.montgomeryzoo.com/
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: The 10: Have a heart and show your spirit the week of Feb. 6, 2023
