Happy Wednesday, Fairhope!

We may be a small town, but our Calendar of Events is bursting at the seams! One of the best things about living here is the sense of community—where you know your neighbors, recognize familiar faces around town, and can even name most of our local leaders (or at least nod like you do). Today, we’re bringing you some of our favorite updates to keep you in the loop. But if we’ve missed anything, let us know—we love spreading the word!

First, your Wednesday chuckle: The trouble with jogging is that by the time you realize you're not in shape for it, it's too far to walk back. 🌾😆

Now grab your coffee (or sweet tea, we won’t judge) and dive into this week’s updates! Don’t forget to share this with friends and neighbors—if they subscribe at FairhopeNow.com (or click the big blue button below), you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card to Kind Cafe! Just email us at [email protected] to let us know, and we’ll add your name to the raffle.

Here’s to a wonderful Wednesday and a fantastic rest of the week!

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Fairhope Group has Free Introduction and Discussion on AI

2. Fairhope Halts Housing Expansion; Developers to Revise Plans

3. Celebrating Black Art for Black History Month: Gallery Talk on Feb 8

4. Pirate Dash 5K Races Into Fairhope on Feb 8

5. Library Events this month

6. New Fairhope Sticker Available

7. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Deuce

8. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Fairhope Group has Free Introduction and Discussion on AI

AI enthusiasts, professionals, and curious newcomers are invited to Lower Alabama AI’s (LA-AI) upcoming meetup on Saturday at Hatch Fairhope (36 N. Section St.). The event kicks off at 3:00 PM with a mini workshop led by Dominik Fretz of PortCity AI, followed by the regular LA-AI meetup from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Attendees will have the chance to network with local AI professionals from 4:30 to 5:00 PM while exploring the latest in AI technology and innovation. The public event is designed to foster AI literacy and build a strong tech community in Lower Alabama. Whether you’re an industry expert or just starting to explore artificial intelligence, this meetup offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and support local tech growth. More information is available here.

Fairhope Halts Housing Expansion; Developers to Revise Plans

WKRG reports that a proposed expansion of the Colony at the Grand subdivision in Fairhope has been tabled after residents voiced strong opposition at a recent Planning Commission meeting. Developers are seeking to shift from single-family homes to multi-family units like townhomes and carriage homes in the new phase. This has sparked concern among existing residents who worry about the changing character of the neighborhood and a departure from the original development plan. A petition against the proposal has gathered approximately 200 signatures. The Planning Commission has asked developers to reconsider their plans and address potential environmental impacts before the proposal is revisited at next month's meeting.

Celebrating Black Art for Black History Month: Gallery Talk on Feb 8!

The Fairhope community is invited to a special gallery talk on Saturday, February 8, at 10 a.m., featuring the talented artists behind an impactful new exhibit celebrating Black History Month. Curated by Soynika Edwards-Bush, the exhibition showcases the work of African American artists from the Mobile area and highlights themes of culture, identity, and heritage. The event, which is free and open to the public, offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their creative process and inspirations. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments while exploring the exhibit, which remains on display through February 28, 2025.

A Growing Town: New Restaurant

Downtown Fairhope is set to welcome a record number of runners for the 2025 Thompson Animal Hospital’s Pirate Dash 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run, happening on Saturday, February 8. The event, presented by Dorman Group - Mobile Bay Realty, benefits Fairhope East, Fairhope West, and J. Larry Newton Elementary Schools. The 5K kicks off at 8:00 a.m. from Bayview Street at Fairhope Avenue, followed by the Fun Run at 9:00 a.m. at Knoll Park. Runners can pick up race packets on Friday, February 7, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Running Wild Fairhope, or on race day starting at 6:45 a.m. New this year, the 5K will feature chip timing for accurate race results. Participants should allow extra time for parking and review the updated course map, as volunteers will be stationed along the route for guidance. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each age group, with all Fun Run participants receiving a finisher’s foot bead. Race results will be available online following the event. For more information or to register for the race please click here.

Little Library with a Big Impact

Join friends and neighbors at The Fairhope Public LIbrary in the Giddens Conference Center in February for our Book Review and Lecture series. This month we will have four great book reviews. The presenters are Jo Sides, Savan Wilson, Mary Gottschalk, and Dick Schmidt.

Did you know? Ernest B. Gaston (1861-1937) once said that Fairhope and the Single Tax Colony had essentially been a poor man’s effort. Gaston was referring to physical or material wealth. The fact cannot be denied that the community of Fairhope from the very beginning attracted individuals of the highest intellectual and spiritual wealth and character. Fairhope has fostered an atmosphere of idealistic equality and democracy which, let us hope, will always be one of Fairhope’s charms.

Less than six months after the first pioneer Single Tax families began grubbing out homesteads from the harsh environment on the Fairhope site, a Single Tax friend, George B. Lang of Seneca, Missouri, donated a collection of books for the “Fairhope Free Library.” This basic library material brought pleasure and relaxation to the hardy settlers after days of toil and during rainy periods when work outside was not possible.

We can be very proud that our little town has had access from the very beginning to a collection of books and other reading material to keep its citizenry informed. The Single Tax Colony envisioned the formation of a public library in Fairhope even before they came to “Stapleton’s Pasture” on the Eastern Shore of  Mobile Bay. Learn more about the Library Here

New Fairhope Sticker Available

Lorie Ward has created a fun Scenic 98 design. You can get the stickers at Fairhope Juice Co. More items to come….

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Deuce

Meet Deuce, a 1.5-year-old white Boxer mix with tan and black spots He has strikingly beautiful eyes that will melt your heart. Though Deuce can be a bit shy at first, his kind and gentle nature shines through once he feels comfortable. He's a sensitive soul who thrives on positive interactions and will quickly bond with those who take the time to earn his trust. Deuce is incredibly smart and picks up on commands with ease, making him a quick learner. Deuce absolutely loves people and enjoys spending time with his favorite humans, whether it's cuddling on the couch or going for a walk. His calm, affectionate personality makes him an ideal companion for someone who's patient and understanding of his quieter nature. Once you get to know him, Deuce will reward you with loyalty, affection, and plenty of sweet moments. If you're looking for a loving and intelligent companion who will warm your heart, Deuce could be the perfect fit for your family! Learn more about Deuce and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Warm for the Rest of the Week

2. The City is Hiring!

3. Baldwin County Opportunities for Kindness

4. Fairhope Library: Chocolate & Champagne

5. Page & Palette: Kate Alice Marshall Event

6. WABF, Fairhope’s Local Radio Station, Live Streaming Here

7. WABF Recent Local Interviews

Want to stay up to date on even more local events? Check out Let’s Go! Fairhope .

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