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Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Alabama

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2 years ago

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Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Alabama


Luminate Birmingham(Birmingham Botanical Gardens)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (GOOD DAY LIVING) – It’s starting to look so much like Christmas, and what higher approach is there to get into the vacation spirit than gazing on the glowing lights? Seize your winter gear and cargo the household as much as spot a few of this season’s most festive shows. If the chilly climate intimidates you, don’t worry as a result of there are many drive-thru sights to maintain you heat and comfy contained in the automotive with out lacking out on this timeless custom.

This itemizing is in random order. Should you’re out searching for the perfect gentle shows and have a suggestion on locations we should always add, please electronic mail hannah.crowe@wbrc.com.

415 Gilley Rd, Gadsden
Gilley’s Christmas Lights
Gilley’s Christmas Lights(Gilley’s Christmas Lights (Fb))

Gilley’s Christmas lights are again in motion this 12 months after taking the final two years off. J.C Gilley, who has now handed away, welded metallic and handmade every fixture of sunshine to show his household house into a singular winter wonderland. In 2018, the Gilley household received “The Nice Christmas Mild Combat.” The free gentle present is going on now in Ball Play, and also you received’t wish to miss it!

954 Leon Smith Pkwy, Oxford
Oxford Festival of Lights
Oxford Pageant of Lights(Oxford Pageant of Lights (Fb))

Positioned at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, this pageant of lights is enjoyable for the entire household. After driving by means of the lights step into Santa’s Village for ice skating, footage with Santa, slides, and inflatables. And don’t overlook to seize a festive snack and cup of scorching cider earlier than leaving! The pageant is open now by means of December 24.

1450 Noccalula Street, Gadsden
Christmas at the Falls
Christmas on the Falls(Noccalula Falls Park and Campground)

Rejoice Christmas with town of Gadsden and benefit from the festive lights in addition to meals distributors, practice rides, visits with Santa, and a spectacular view. Common admission features a practice experience for under $8 Monday-Thursday and $10 Friday-Sunday. Tickets can be found on-line solely, so be certain that to safe your spot prematurely.

2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham
Luminate Birmingham
Luminate Birmingham(Birmingham Botanical Gardens)

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens Winter Mild Path is open by means of January 2 however is closed on Christmas Day. Strolling the path takes about 60-90 minutes, so costume climate appropriately! Collect the entire household and e-book your time slot on-line to attend this timeless expertise.

2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham
Glow Wild
Glow Wild(Birmingham Zoo)

In the course of the months of November, December, and January, the Birmingham Zoo transforms right into a glowing sensation. On choose nights from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. you possibly can attend this illuminating expertise. Catch a experience on the practice or a spin on the carousel when you’re there, however remember that the zoo animals is not going to be viewable throughout Glow Wild. To keep away from lengthy traces, seize your tickets on-line earlier than your go to.

309 Studdard Drive Clanton
Christmas Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland(Christmas Wonderland (Fb))

This walk-through Christmas gentle attraction is in Clanton. When you’re right here, for those who’re fortunate, you would possibly catch Santa hanging out and taking free photographs!

1544 Sportsman Lake Rd NW, Cullman
Sportsman Lake Park Winter Wonderland
Sportsman Lake Park Winter Wonderland(Sportsman Lake Park (Fb))

This Cullman County Christmas custom options over one million lights, Christmas practice, horse and carriage rides, photograph sales space, and snow machine. This fun-filled attraction is open by means of December 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission to Sportsman Lake Winder Wonderland is barely $10 per car.

1 River Rd, Gadsden
Lights on the Landing
Lights on the Touchdown(Lights on the Touchdown)

This drive-thru gentle present situated in Gadsden operates till January first. Be sure to have money readily available as a result of playing cards aren’t excepted. Youngsters’s admission is $3, and adults are $5.

1225 Palisades Pkwy, Oneonta
Palisades Park
Palisades Park(Palisades Park (Fb))

Palisades Park is in Blount County. The shows are created by quite a few individuals and volunteers which pull this group occasion collectively. Whereas admission is free, donations are accepted. Be certain to tune into 95.3 for holly jolly tunes whereas visiting the park.

218 twenty third Avenue NE, Fayette
Fayette Christmas at the Park
Fayette Christmas on the Park(Fayette Christmas on the Park (Fb))

Christmas on the Park situated at Guthrie Smith Park is a drive-thru Christmas lights expertise and has grow to be a household favourite regional occasion for many individuals. The one charges accepted are donations.

4500 fifth Ave S Constructing C, Birmingham
Wacky Tacky Light Tour
Wacky Cheesy Mild Tour(Wacky Cheesy Mild Tour)

The Wacky Cheesy Mild Tour is the proper time to decorate in your cheesy Christmas sweater and hop on the bus for the perfect of the worst cheesy Christmas tour. For $45 you possibly can take part on the enjoyable with a normal admissions bus ticket or reserve your personal get together bus for an evening of laughter and enjoyable. The busses depart from Cahaba Brewing Firm each quarter-hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. December 13, 15, 20, and 22.

Bearden Lane, West Blocton
Bearden Christmas Lights
Bearden Christmas Lights(Bearden Christmas Lights (Fb))

The drive-thru Bearden Christmas Lights situated in West Blocton begin at 5:00 p.m. nightly. Make sure to tune into the radio stations posted on the shows to get the total vacation expertise.

500 County Street 128, Calera
Christmas Fantasyland
Christmas Fantasyland(Christmas Fantasyland (Fb))

Christmas Fantasyland’s lights in Calera are on from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the course of the week and 5:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. throughout weekends. When you’re there don’t overlook to go to Elsa’s fortress and Whoville!

6415 Previous Springville Rd., Pinson
Smith Family Lights
Smith Household Lights(WBRC FOX6 Information)

Should you don’t wish to cope with the crowds or the chilly climate, Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic is a superb place to view the lights. The veterinarian, Dr. Hart, and his staff flip the clinic into a vacation deal with for teenagers and adults alike.

505 E Three Notch St, Andalusia
Christmas in Candy Land
Christmas in Sweet Land(Christmas in Sweet Land (Fb))

Should you’re searching for stunning vacation lights, ice skating, horse drawn carriage rides, snow exhibits, and a fun-filled vacation expertise, you’ll wish to go to Christmas in Sweet Land in Andalusia. With quaint B&B’s and several other eating choices, flip your Christmas lights go to right into a full-blown Christmas weekend. Admission to Christmas in Sweet Land is FREE whereas some sights are a further payment.

Winners Approach, Birmingham
Lights of Noel
Lights of Noel(Alabama State Honest (Fb))

Lights of Noel Drive-Via Vacation Mild Present is situated at Birmingham Race Course till January 2. The spectacular gentle present is synchronized to Christmas music and is enjoyable for all ages. Ticket costs for a automotive or household van are $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.

925 Important Avenue, Gardendale
Rocket Around the Christmas Tree Trail
Rocket Across the Christmas Tree Path(Gardendale Chamber of Commerce (Fb))

Rocket Across the Christmas Tree Path is an occasion supporting the Dick Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tree sponsors get a 6–7-foot Christmas tree arrange on the Gardendale Civic Heart garden dealing with Gardendale Excessive College. The timber are displayed FREE to the general public from December 6 although January 1.

1813 Arrow Drive, Alabaster
The Richardson Family Christmas Light Show
The Richardson Household Christmas Mild Present(The Richardson Household Christmas Mild Present (Fb))

Positioned in Alabaster, this Christmas present begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs till New Yr’s Day. Pack up the household and get within the Christmas spirit with the free music and light-weight present.

5703 HWY 39, Chelsea
The Cloutier Christmas Lights
The Cloutier Christmas Lights(The Cloutier Christmas Lights (Fb))

This gentle present in Chelsea has been put collectively by Ricky and his household every year since 2010. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. pull as much as the house and switch your radio to 97.1 FM for the vacation magic!

8333 West Hill Street, Pinson
Bama Lights
Bama Lights(Bama Lights (Fb))

Now by means of Christmas evening head over to Bama Lights in Pinson for loads of FREE vacation magic. Be certain to vary the radio station to 88.1 FM for the total expertise. You additionally would possibly catch a glimpse of Santa on December 9 or December 16. Though this magical present is free, donations are appreciated.

21. The Toy Store on Magnolia

211 Magnolia Avenue, Trussville
The Toy Shop on Magnolia
The Toy Store on Magnolia(Tandi Glenn Smith)

Invoice and Trisha Latham handmade all of the decorations at this stunning show of lights and decorations. The home is cute and made to look identical to Santa’s toy store.

22. Peppertree Neighborhood

Peppertree subdivision in Trussville
Peppertree Neighborhood
Peppertree Neighborhood(Tandi Glenn Smith)

Lots of the homes within the Peppertree subdivision of Trussville go all out for the Christmas vacation. Take a leisurely drive by means of the neighborhood to see some festive gentle shows!

23. Christmas on the Jenkins

1008 Wooden Duck Approach, Alabaster
Christmas at the Jenkins
Christmas on the Jenkins(Christmas on the Jenkins (Gina Jenkins))

Go see the Christmas gentle show at 1008 Wooden Duck Approach in Alabaster “Christmas at The Jenkins!” Yearly the Jenkins add extra to their show, and that is their largest show thus far! Get pleasure from over 20,000 lights to incorporate stunning vivid arches and a 20 ft. mega Christmas tree!

24. The Protect in Hoover

The Protect subdivision in Hoover
The Preserve in Hoover
The Protect in Hoover(Kenneth Smith)

The homes in The Protect neighborhood in Hoover all the time show stunning Christmas lights by means of the vacation season. Seize your loved ones and head by means of this subdivision to get a free gaze on the sparkly lights.

25. Smith Household Lights

3212 Hint Circle, Trussville
Smith Family Lights
Smith Household Lights(WBRC FOX6 Information)

Should you’re close to the Hidden Hint Subdivision in Trussville, you received’t wish to miss these lights! The glowing star upon the practically 50 ft. tree will seize your consideration from a number of streets away. The Smith household began adorning in 2014 and have grown their lights assortment by including one thing new every year. A number of of the decorations, together with the star, cross, and arches, are handmade by the couple.

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Copyright 2022 WBRC. All rights reserved.

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Alabama

Indiana’s Poor Showing at Notre Dame Has Alabama Fans Angry About CFP Snub Once Again

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10 minutes ago

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December 21, 2024

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Indiana’s Poor Showing at Notre Dame Has Alabama Fans Angry About CFP Snub Once Again


A season ago, the Alabama Crimson Tide advanced to the College Football Playoff despite losing a game during the regular season. Their inclusion in the four-team CFP caused controversy as it forced undefeated Florida State to be left out of the tournament for the national championship.

One year later, and Alabama did not get the benefit of making the now 12-team CFP with a worse record than another team in contention. Despite ranking No. 11 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 and the AP poll, Alabama was left out of the inaugural 12-team CFP after finishing the regular season 9–3. Instead of competing for a title, Alabama will face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

The exclusion of Alabama has garnered further scrutiny after No. 8 Indiana fell completely flat at No. 5 Notre Dame in the first game of the CFP. Several college football and Alabama fans called out the committee putting Indiana into the tournament over the Crimson Tide following the Hoosiers’ 27–17 loss to the Fighting Irish.

Though Indiana disappointed in their CFP debut, they were not necessarily on the brink of missing the CFP this season. While the Hoosiers faced an easy schedule during the regular season, they went a commanding 11–1, only falling to Ohio State during the regular season, another CFP team.

As plenty of other fans pointed out, Alabama did not take care of business when it mattered during the regular season. The Crimson Tide were blown out by Oklahoma at the end of the season, and also fell to Vanderbilt. They might have been a better team overall, but losing to two unranked teams cannot be overlooked.





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Alabama

Big Lots to close all stores – including 23 in Alabama – Yellowhammer News

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8 hours ago

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December 20, 2024

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Big Lots to close all stores – including 23 in Alabama – Yellowhammer News


Big Lots has announced it is preparing to close all its remaining store locations, marking the end of an era for the chain that has served customers for decades. This announcement follows months of uncertainty surrounding the company’s financial future and its efforts to secure a going concern transaction.

Big Lots has 23 stores in Alabama, according to their website.

“We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale,” said Bruce Thorn, President and CEO of Big Lots. “While we remain hopeful that we can close an alternative going concern transaction, in order to protect the value of the Big Lots estate, we have made the difficult decision to begin the GOB process.”

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Big Lots’ decision to initiate GOB sales underscores the challenges the retailer has faced in an increasingly competitive retail landscape. While the company will continue to operate both in-store and online during this process, the impending closures signal a significant shift for loyal customers who have relied on Big Lots for affordable home goods, furniture, and everyday essentials.

The company has assured customers and stakeholders that it will provide updates as developments occur. Additionally, those involved in related legal proceedings can find detailed information, including how to file a proof of claim, through resources provided by Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC.

As Big Lots prepares for its closure, its legacy as a go-to destination for budget-conscious shoppers will not be forgotten. For now, the focus remains on the transition process and the possibility of securing a transaction that could preserve some aspects of the business. In the meantime, shoppers can expect significant discounts as the GOB sales commence in the coming days.



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Takeaways from The Associated Press' reporting on prison labor in Alabama

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16 hours ago

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December 20, 2024

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Takeaways from The Associated Press' reporting on prison labor in Alabama


DADEVILLE, Ala. — No state has a longer, more profit-driven history of contracting prisoners out to private companies than Alabama. With a sprawling labor system that dates back more than 150 years — including the brutal convict leasing era that replaced slavery — it has constructed a template for the commercialization of mass incarceration.

Best Western, Bama Budweiser and Burger King are among the more than 500 businesses to lease incarcerated workers from one of the most violent, overcrowded and unruly prison systems in the U.S. in the past five years alone, The Associated Press found as part of a two-year investigation into prison labor. The cheap, reliable labor force has generated more than $250 million for the state since 2000 — money garnished from prisoners’ paychecks.

Here are highlights from the AP’s reporting:

Where are the jobs and what do they pay?

Most jobs are inside facilities, where the state’s inmates — who are disproportionately Black — can be sentenced to hard labor and forced to work for free doing everything from mopping floors to laundry. But in the past five years alone, more than 10,000 inmates have logged a combined 17 million work hours outside Alabama’s prison walls, for entities like city and county governments and businesses that range from major car-part manufacturers and meat-processing plants to distribution centers for major retailers like Walmart, the AP determined.

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While those working at private companies can at least earn a little money, they face possible punishment if they refuse, from being denied family visits to being sent to high-security prisons, which are so dangerous that the federal government filed a lawsuit four years ago that remains pending, calling the treatment of prisoners unconstitutional.

Turning down work can jeopardize chances of early release in a state that last year granted parole to only 8% of eligible prisoners — an all-time low, and among the worst rates nationwide — though that number more than doubled this year after public outcry.

What is oversight like for the prisoners?

Unlike many states, those working among the civilian population include men and women with records for violent crimes like murder and assault. Many are serving 15 years or longer.

It’s not unusual for Alabama prisoners to work outside their facilities without any correctional oversight. And in some cases, there is no supervision of any kind, which has led to escapes, often referred to as “walkaways.”

Kelly Betts of the corrections department defended the work programs, calling them crucial to the success of inmates preparing to leave prison. But she acknowledged that even those sentenced to life without the possibility of parole are eligible for so-called work release jobs.

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“Each inmate’s situation is unique, and each inmate is evaluated on his or her own record,” Betts said.

Most companies did not respond to requests for comment, Those that did said they had policies against the use of forced labor and prison labor and would investigate.

How much money does this involve?

As part of its investigation, the AP analyzed 20 years of Alabama corrections department monthly statistical reports to calculate the more than $250 million generated for the state since 2000 — money taken in via contracts with private companies and deductions taken out of prisoners’ paychecks.

Reporters also parsed information from more than 83,000 pages of data obtained through a public records request, including the names of inmates involved in Alabama’s work programs. Over the past five years, prisoners were hired by public employers — working at landfills and even the governor’s mansion — and by around at least 500 private companies. That information was cross-referenced with an online state database, detailing the crimes that landed people in prison, their sentences, time served, race and good-time credits earned and revoked.

What do prisoner advocates say?

Few prisoner advocates believe outside jobs should be abolished. In Alabama, for instance, those shifts can offer a reprieve from the excessive violence inside the state’s institutions. Last year, and in the first six months of 2024, an Alabama inmate died behind bars nearly every day, a rate five times the national average.

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But advocates say incarcerated workers should be paid fair wages, given the choice to work without threat of punishment, and granted the same workplace rights and protections guaranteed to other Americans.

Prisoners nationwide cannot organize, protest or strike for better conditions. They also aren’t typically classified as employees, whether they’re working inside correctional facilities or for outside businesses through prison contracts or work release programs. And unless they are able to prove “willful negligence,” it is almost impossible to successfully sue when incarcerated workers are hurt or killed.

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AP data journalists Arushi Gupta and Larry Fenn contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press receives support from the Public Welfare Foundation for reporting focused on criminal justice. This story also was supported by Columbia University’s Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures. The AP is solely responsible for all content.



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