July 2 Independence Day Celebration in Fort Payne The City of Fort Payne invites you to a wonderful celebration with free hot dogs, soft drinks, American flags, live entertainment, and a fantastic fireworks display. Event takes place at the Fort Payne High School football stadium and begins at dusk. 256-845-1524

July 3 The 28th Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival Sand Mountain is well known for its rich diversity of agricultural products, including potatoes. Celebrate our heritage with live music, arts and crafts, entertainment, games and fireworks. Held in the Henagar Park. Event begins at 10 a.m. and culminates with a beautiful fireworks display. 256-657-6282

July 3 4th of July Events at DeSoto State Park DeSoto State Park invites you to our annual 4th of July events atop Lookout Mountain! Enjoy good ol' fashioned fun by participating in the homemade-flag making contest if you wish, sit back & enjoy DeSoto's parade, & eat home-made ice cream! 256-997-5025

July 3 and 4 Invitational Art Show at the Mentone Spring Hotel Several local and invited artist will be displaying their arts at our chapel on Saturday and Sunday.  The chapel is located one block from the Hotel. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 256-634-4040

July 4 Low Country Boil The Mentone Springs Hotel prides itself with their array of fresh shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. This is our most popular dining experience at the hotel.  Call ahead for reservations, seating is limited. 6 p.m. 256-634-4040

July 12 - 16 One World's Summer Day Camp (ages 7-10) One World's summer day camp program is a great opportunity that your child will remember for the rest of their life. Our summer camp program exposes campers to a variety of challenging and exciting activities that will strengthen their appreciation for teamwork and personal accomplishment. Your child will enjoy activities like Swimming, Art, Horseback Riding, Service Learning, Character Building Games, Nature Hikes, Rock Climbing, Canoing, and a whole lot of fun. Nippersink Lodge in Mentone; You will drop off at 7:30 a.m. and pick up at 4 p.m. $360 *Deadlines are 2 weeks before each session so book your space to ensure placement!! Spaces are limited. 256-634-8370

July 17 Native American Pottery Workshop Join nationally renown potter, Tammy Beane, to learn how pottery was made on Lookout Mountain thousands of years ago. We’ll provide the clay as well as bone needles and paddles to make designs on your pots. This workshop is very popular and fills with a long waiting list. Pre-register early to assure your place. Little River Canyon Center 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m to 3 p.m. $20 adult/$15 child; Pre-registration is required. 256-782-5697

July 17 Campfire Talk: Leave No Trace for Children Join us for a fun campfire talk in the great outdoors! Join State Park Ranger Josh Hughes to learn more about this nationally-recognized program! Learn how to plan & prepare, leave what you find & more! Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. DeSoto State Park Campfire Ring  (In case of inclement weather will be located in Nature Center) 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

July 19 -23 One World's Summer Day Camp (ages 11-14) One World's summer day camp program is a great opportunity that your child will remember for the rest of their life. Our summer camp program exposes campers to a variety of challenging and exciting activities that will strengthen their appreciation for teamwork and personal accomplishment. Your child will enjoy activities like Swimming, Art, Horseback Riding, Service Learning, Character Building Games, Nature Hikes, Rock Climbing, Canoing, and a whole lot of fun. Nippersink Lodge in Mentone; You will drop off at 7:30 a.m. and pick up at 4 p.m. $360 *Deadlines are 2 weeks before each session so book your space to ensure placement!! Spaces are limited. 256-634-8370

July 23 Campfire Talk: Introduction to Musical Instruments of Appalachia Join musician Tony Thomas as he introduces acoustic instruments (such as the fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin) by using stories and songs to give the audience an appreciation for the sound & history of each instrument. DeSoto State Park Campfire Ring (In case of inclement weather will be located in Nature Center) 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 256-997-5025

July 24 River Rhythms Family Fun Programs: Animal Tracks Join Canyon Center staff and volunteers every fourth Saturday of the month for fun nature programs including hikes, crafts, games, nature talks, activities and more. Kids will learn about identifying creatures by looking at the tracks they leave behind. Each child will make his or her own track as a keepsake. Limited supplies please pre-register. Little River Canyon Center  1 p.m. Some programs may have limited space so preregistration is encouraged. 256-782-5697

July 24 Learn How to Play the Harmonica Workshop Musician Tony Thomas teaches this fun class intended for beginners. Harmonicas will be on sale or you can bring your own. The harmonica workshop is very popular since the harmonica is very compact and the whole family can join in the fun. Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. DeSoto State Park Nature Center 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 256-997-5025

July 24 Campfire Talk: Songs of the Civil War Join musician Tony Thomas to hear his repertoire of songs that were written during the Civil War period. DeSoto State Park Campfire Ring (In case of inclement weather will be located in Nature Center) 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 256-997-5025

July 26 - 30 One World's Summer Day Camp (ages 11-14) One World's summer day camp program is a great opportunity that your child will remember for the rest of their life. Our summer camp program exposes campers to a variety of challenging and exciting activities that will strengthen their appreciation for teamwork and personal accomplishment. Your child will enjoy activities like Swimming, Art, Horseback Riding, Service Learning, Character Building Games, Nature Hikes, Rock Climbing, Canoing, and a whole lot of fun. Nippersink Lodge in Mentone; You will drop off at 7:30 a.m. and pick up at 4 p.m. $360 *Deadlines are 2 weeks before each session so book your space to ensure placement!! Spaces are limited. 256-634-8370

July 30 DeSoto State Park Campfire Talks: Ecology of the Canyon for Children An evening program geared toward introducing children to local environmental issues. Topics will include rare plants and animals, clean water, and more. National Park Ranger Larry Beane will entertain children and adults with his knowledge of Little River Canyon’s special qualities. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

July 31 Climate Change: Economy, Energy & the Environment! Join Dr. Joyce Lanning, Alabama Manager for The Climate Project, for this fascinating and educational look at how we can leave a habitable and life supporting planet to our children (and the young of all species). Little River Canyon Center 1 p.m. 256-782-5697 

July 31 Forging Dinner Bells & Pigtailed Forks Join Walter Howell for this incredible demonstration of forging metal. Metal art and useful objects will be on display and for sale. Little River Canyon Center 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-782-5697

July 31 Native American Tools & Weapons Join National Park Service archaeologist Larry Beane for a demonstration of how Native Americans utilized natural resources to hunt and gather food, to make weapons, to start fires and more! 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 256-997-5025

July 31 DeSoto State Park Campfire Talks: Insects of Little River Canyon Little River is home to hundreds of different type of insects. National Park interpreter Larry Beane will introduce you to a number of them. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

August 2010

August 5-8 The 24th  Annual World’s Longest Yard Sale Travel the scenic byways of America for more than 630-miles of yard sales and unique treasure finds. Follow the Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden, Alabama to Chattanooga, TN for the southern portion of the sale. Connect with the U.S. Highway 127 in Chattanooga for the remainder of the route to Defiance, OH.  888-805-4740

August 7 DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention  Founded in 1908, this day long event features over 10 categories in which contestants can register to participate.  It will include old-time fiddling, banjos, blue grass, and much more.  For more information about admission or entry fees, contact the Big Wills Arts Council at 256-845-2224.

August 13 Campfire Talk: Constellations from Lookout Mountain Join us for a fun campfire talk in the great outdoors! An out of this world experience! JSU astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf will explore the science and myths of the constellations that can be seen from Lookout Mountain during different seasons. Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. CCC Pavilion in DeSoto’ State Park Picnic Area 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

August 14 Campfire Talk: Moon Views Join us for a fun campfire talk in the great outdoors! Join astronomer Dr. Laura Weinkauf as she reveals the science and mysteries of our closest celestial neighbor and other moons in our solar system. Take a CLOSE look at our moon through a telescope! Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. CCC Pavilion in DeSoto State Park Picnic Area 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

August 21 History Tour of Howard’s Chapel Join DSP staff for a trip to the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel to learn the history of the chapel & its builder, Milford. W. Howard. Meet at DeSoto State Park’s County Store. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Registration appreciated but not required. 256-997-5025

August 21 Legends on the Lookout Series: Milford Howard & Howard’s Chapel Join DSP staff for a fun campfire talk in the great outdoors! Learn about the history of the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel & its builder, Milford W. Howard. Seating is limited, so bring your own comfortable camp chair if you wish. DeSoto State Park Campfire Ring  (In case of inclement weather will be located in Nature Center) 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

August 27 DeSoto State Park Campfire Talks: Animal Camouflage Many animals at Little River mimic backgrounds or other more threatening critters to survive the challenges of their environment. Some are pretty nifty; others become almost invisible for defense or attack. Join Little River Canyon National Park Ranger Larry Beane to learn more about animal camouflage. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 256-997-5025

August 28  The 6th Annual Fyffe UFO Days Hot Air Balloon Rides showcase this unique family outing! Arts and crafts, children’s games, food vendors, antique tractors, live entertainment, Civil War re-enactors, street dance and much more make this event fun for the whole family. 256-623-2222

August 28 River Rhythms Family Fun Programs: Dragonfly Eye Join Canyon Center staff and volunteers every fourth Saturday of the month for fun nature programs including hikes, crafts, games, nature talks, activities and more. Kids will learn how insects see the world...and take a stroll on the trail using a “dragonfly” eye to make the world look a little different! Little River Canyon Center 1 p.m. Some programs may have limited space so preregistration 256-782-5697

August 28 Black Smith & Forging Demonstration Join blacksmith Walter Howell for this incredible demonstration of forging metal into beautiful fire pokers. Metal art and useful objects will be on display and for sale. Little River Canyon Center 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-782-5697

August 28 DeSoto State Park Campfire Talks: Rare Plants & Animals of Little River Little River is home to over 100 rare species. National Park interpreter Larry Beane will introduce you to a number of them. Children will get to feed a model of a local carnivorous plant, the endangered green pitcher plant. Held at the Little River Canyon Center 8 p.m. to 9 p.m 256-997-5025