Good morning, Fairhope! Happy Friday—we’ve survived another week! Time to kick off your shoes, pour yourself something fun, and dive into your Fairhope Now FREE newsletter. It’s stuffed with all the local news and weekend events you need to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Got a friend who’s still clueless about what’s happening? Do them a favor—forward this or send them to FairhopeNow.com. One click of the big blue button, and boom!—they’re officially in the loop. Who knows, they might even buy you a drink this weekend to say thanks! - John Oldshue, Anne Dorman, & Lynn Oldshue

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter :

1. Fairhope’s Future: A Plan for Growth, Green Spaces, and Innovation

2. 37th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup Tomorrow

3. Hatch Fairhope Launches First 8 Startups in Innovation Accelerator

4. Quick News from around Fairhope

5. Fairhope Adoptable Pets : Meet Vivian

6. Let’s Go! Fairhope Events Section

Fairhope’s Future: A Plan for Growth, Green Spaces, and Innovation

The City of Fairhope released a draft version of The Fairhope Comprehensive Plan which outlines a blueprint for the city’s future growth, addressing a wide array of topics such as land use, natural resources, infrastructure, and economic development. It highlights the importance of maintaining Fairhope’s unique character while promoting sustainable growth. This involves managing residential development, expanding community facilities, and leveraging technology to diversify the local economy. Key strategies include the promotion of local businesses, preservation of natural resources, and the use of low-impact development techniques to manage water runoff and protect the environment. You can read more about the plan and download the entire document here.

37th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup Tomorrow 

LetsGoFairhope reports that the 37th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup event is more than just a local affair—it’s a global movement with some fascinating stats. For example, in 2023 alone, nearly 2 million cigarette butts were collected during this one-day effort! Volunteers also found everything from 16 toilet seats to 298 golf balls, and even a Magic 8 ball. This year’s Alabama Coastal Cleanup is set for Saturday, September 21, 2024, with check-in at 8 AM at the Fairhope Pier and you can find more info about helping with this ALL volunteer effort by clicking here. Started back in the late 1970s, the cleanup has grown into the world’s largest beach and waterway cleanup effort, with Alabama joining the cause in 1987. Over 110,000 volunteers have since participated, helping remove trash that travels from storm drains to the Gulf. With volunteers across the globe working together, this is a huge opportunity to make a difference in your community—so grab your gloves and join the fun! 

Hatch Fairhope Launches First 8 Startups in Innovation Accelerator

Hatch Fairhope, Baldwin County’s tech and entrepreneurial hub, recently celebrated the success of eight startups completing its Powered by Bessel accelerator program. During the program, these companies participated in workshops designed to help them bring their innovations to market. Several have secured funding, moved into commercial development, and signed licensing and distribution deals. For example, DNA Nanobots received exclusive commercial licensing for gene-editing tech from UC Berkeley, while Endeavor Orthopaedics raised over $400,000 and signed a distribution deal for their Summit Patella Plating System. The program, funded by partners like Coastal Alabama Community College, the city of Fairhope, PNC Bank, and Innovate Alabama, marks an exciting first step in building a thriving innovation economy in Baldwin County. Hatch Fairhope’s new space is set to open in in the old K-1 building in downtown Fairhope by 2026.

Fairhope Adoptable Pets : Meet Vivian

Vivian is a sweet, gentle 3-year-old basset hound mix with a calm and loving nature. Though a bit shy, her soulful eyes and warm, velvety ears instantly win over anyone she meets. She brings quiet joy to any home, expressing her affection through gentle wiggles and cuddles. Vivian’s reserved demeanor makes her a calming presence, and her love for her favorite people is deep and unwavering, making her the perfect companion for those who appreciate peaceful, heartfelt connections. Find Vivian and more adoptable pets from the Haven here.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather : Gulf Tropical System Possible Next Week

2. Fairhope Pier Fountain Rehabilitation Begins

3. Baldwin Family Village gains support

4. Fairhope Brewing Oktoberfest

5. The Hope Farm: Art of Mixology

Let’s Go Fairhope sifts through endless posts, websites and insider-scoop information to bring you the skinny on events locally. It’s a simple list, presented in a friendly format, reminding us at-a-glance of what’s happening each week. Let’s Go! fans say they like it because it’s basic, easily accessible, can be printed and posted on the fridge, and found on social media. Click here to visit website and subscribe to the newsletter.

Friday, September 20
Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

• 8 am, 9:05 - 10 am: Local Info & Gulf Coast Swap Shop @ WABF 1480 AM Radio

• 9 - 12:30 pm: Diagnosing/Treating ADHD Women & Girls Class @ 357 Morphy Ave.

• 11 am - 1 pm: Community Cafe Donation Lunch @ Fairhope United Methodist

• 12 - 2 pm: Close Knit Knitting Circle @ Fairhope Public Library

• 1 - 3 pm: Eastern Shore Islamic Center Weekly Jummah @ FH Unitarian Fellowship

• 3:30 pm: Lower Alabama Artificial Intelligence Meetup @ Hatch Fairhope

• 6 pm: Open Mic Night with Drew @ American Legion Post 199

• 6 - 8 pm: Alexandra Thomas @ Gambino's Italian Grill

• 6:30 pm: Eastern Shore Sacred Harp Event @ Homestead Village Ballroom

• 6:30 pm: “Singo” Night “Where Bingo meets your favorite tunes” @ Rotolo’s

• 6:30 - 8:30 pm: Line Dancing Lessons with social dancing after @ Lucky Horseshoe

• 6:30 - 9:30 pm: White Lang - Live Music @ District Hall

• 6:51 - 7:14 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

• 7 - 11 pm: Live Music / 10 pm - 2 am: Live DJ @ McSharry’s Irish Pub

• 8 - 11 pm: Cecil Blue - Live Music @ Bone & Barrel

• 9 pm - 12 am: Live Music @ The Ravenite Pizzeria

Saturday, September 21
Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

• 7:30 am: 28 Miles Ride + Casual/Beginner Rides @ Procycle

• 8 am: 37th Annual Coastal Cleanup @ Check-in at Fairhope Pier

• 8 am - 12 pm: Hope Community CleanUp & Potluck @ Anna T. Jeanes School

• 9:05 - 10 am: Gulf Coast Swap Shop @ WABF 1480 AM Radio

• 9 am: 3rd Saturday Yoga @ The Book Cellar at Page & Palette

• 9 am: Grief Support Group in the Pool Room Before Business Hours @ 2 Shots In

• 9 am - 2 pm: Fall Outdoor Flea Market Event @ 16821 ST Hwy 181

• 9 am - 5 pm: Annual Mullet Contest Entries Begin @ Father and Son's Barber

• 10 am: Houseplants for Beginners Class @ Corner Copia Gardens

• 10 am - 4 pm: Bay Area Events Shoppers Market @ Fairhope Civic Center

• 11 am - 1 pm: Author Signing: Cebo Campbell @ Page & Palette

• 11 am - 8 pm: Oktoberfest @ Fairhope Brewing Company

• 1 - 3 PM: Author Signing: Veronica Valli @ Page & Palette

• 5 - 7 pm: Paint & Sip w/ Chris Murray @ Eastern Shore Art Center

• 6 - 8 pm: David Butler - Live Music @ Gambino's Italian Grill

• 6:30 - 8:30 pm: Rock & Roll Bingo @ District Hall

• 6:50 - 7:13 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

• 7 - 11 pm: Live Music or DJ Doors open at 6 PM @ The Lucky Horseshoe

• 7 pm: Live Music - Live DJ 'til 2 AM @ McSharry’s Irish Pub

• 8 - 11 pm: Disciples of the Crow - Live Music @ Bone & Barrel

• 9 pm - 12 am: Karaoke @ The Ravenite Pizzeria

Sunday, September 22
Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

• 9 am - 2 pm: Mobile Bay Makers Market @ American Legion Post 199

• 9: 30 am: Vets/First Responders Support Group Prior to Open Hours @ 2 Shots In

• 9:30 am - 2 pm: Bill Coleman Live Jazz Guitar Brunch @ Tamara’s Downtown

• 12 pm - 8 pm: NFL Football @ Your favorite local Fairhope pubs

• 2 - 4 pm: Pickleball @ Fairhope United Methodist

• 6 - 8 pm: Live Traditional Irish Music @ McSharry’s Irish Pub

• 6 - 9 pm: Live Music - David Butler / The Jane Hana Band @ Gambino's Italian

• 6:48 - 7:11 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

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- John Oldshue, Anne Dorman, & Lynn Oldshue