National Play Outside Day

By Marla Ballard Reporter

DEKALB COUNTY & JACKSON COUNTY

May 13 - Pisgah, Alabama, 1st Annual Mountain Laurel Arts & Music Festival CR-374 Pisgah, AL 35765 at Pisgah Civitan Park.

10:am – 5:00 pm

Come enjoy Alabama’s best-kept secret, the majestic Pisgah Gorge!

Spend the day walking the mountain trails, seeing the magnificent waterfalls, and learning about the history, lore, and native plants of this awe-inspiring hidden gem.

Talented artists and craftsmen will be showing works of all kinds and will be available for purchase.

Musicians include

JT Traylor, Scottsboro HS Steel Drums,

Northeast State Jazz Band, Grammy Award Winner Bucky Barrett, Judy Nicole, Aaron Shavers & State Route 71, and James Roberts & Jody Rhodes. Plus a car show! 10:00 – 1:00.

And of course, there will be delicious food too!

Free admission. $5.00 parking.

Beautiful memories with the entire family.. priceless.

For more information or to register for the arts and crafts show or car show, email pmiles@ hiwaay.net

Find us on Facebook at Mountain Laurel Art and Music Festival.

- National Play Outside Day goes mostly unnoticed, officially it is the first Saturday of every month, so that makes tomorrow - May 6th the next opportunity to participate. It is a day to put down the electronic devices, get off the sofa, pull away from the desk, ignore problems, and get outside and have some fun.

National Play Outside Day began in 2011 and was founded by Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta because in 2011 it was reported that a mere 30 percent of all children in America were playing out of doors.

The duo recognized the digital age had changed people and their activities and they set out on a mission to challenge families to limit screen time.

One of the reasons for this designated play outside day is the hope that people will develop a lifetime habit of physical activity, create happy memories, and discover new interests.

The benefits to getting out of doors are numerous and include: freeing oneself from routine, relaxing the mind, and revitalizing the inner self.

Persons of all ages and physical abilities can participate in National Play Outside Day. Those with physical limitations can play a board game, blow bubbles, or sit outdoors and read.

The options for play are plentiful: ride a bike, hike, walk, jog, run, swim, play a sport, toss a ball or Frisbee, fish, camp, fly a kite, visit a: city, state, or national park, have a picnic, go horseback riding, go on a scavenger hunt, rock climb or repel, kayak or canoe, geocache, host an outdoor party, take photos, attend a festival, or go boating. Even in wintertime building a snowman or sledding can be enjoyed.

The Alabama Walking Park, located in downtown Fort Payne, is not just for children. A meditation garden located on the north end of the park and the walking track affords opportunities to all ages. The exercise equipment peppered along the path gives exercise enthusiasts more opportunities for increased health benefits. The splash pad and playground