Happy Spooky Friday the 13th, Fairhope! 🌕✨

It’s not just Friday the 13th—it’s a full moon and the holiday season! Talk about a recipe for festive mischief. We’ve rounded up some fun local events and happenings for you to enjoy, but if we missed any, let us know so we can spread the cheer (or chills)!

First, your Friday the 13th spooky Christmas joke: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite! 🎄🧛‍♂️

Now that you’ve had a laugh, grab your coziest blanket and dive into this week’s updates. Share this with your favorite holiday helper or even the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come—if they subscribe at FairhopeNow.com (or click the big blue button below), you’ll be entered to win a $25 Kind Cafe gift card! Just email us at [email protected] to let us know, and we’ll add your name to the raffle.

Stay merry and spooky this Friday the 13th! – John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Fairhope’s List of the Best Christmas Lights Displays

2. Old Hardware Store Faces Possible Collapse

3. Mobile Bay Christmas Market

4. Rose Garden removed at the Pier

5. Library Director Retirement Party

6. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Sandy

7. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Fairhope’s List of Christmas Lights Displays

The holiday season is in full swing, and Fairhope and its neighboring areas are glowing with festive spirit. We asked readers on the Fairhope Now FB Group to suggest the best places to see Christmas lights and they gave us a great list. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a romantic evening, this guide to local Christmas light displays will help you find the perfect spot to enjoy the holiday cheer.

1. Downtown Fairhope: A classic destination with sparkling lights adorning trees and storefronts.

2. Downtown Silverhill: Experience the small-town charm with beautifully lit streets.

3. Mr. Spud’s Restaurant on 181: Enjoy a festive atmosphere at this popular spot.

4. North Rolling Oaks Drive: Follow the gravel lane for a hidden gem of holiday lights.

5. Snook House: Take Hwy 9 to Hwy 28, then turn onto Younce Road. Look for the decorated covered bridge to know you’ve arrived.

6. Sehoy Subdivision in Daphne: A neighborhood full of holiday cheer.

7. Greenwood Lights: Visit 10720 County Road 24 in Fairhope for a bright and merry display.

8. Firethorne Neighborhood in Fairhope: A local favorite for festive homes.

9. Hollowbrook Subdivision: Another neighborhood glowing with holiday spirit.

10. Rada Family Lights: Head to 11151 Elysian Circle in Daphne for a dazzling display by the Rada family.

If you know of other great light displays in the area, be sure to share them in the comments on Facebook to keep the list growing. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic of Christmas lights in Fairhope and beyond!

Old Hardware Store Faces Possible Collapse

The Fairhope Times reports that the former hardware store at 301 Fairhope Avenue, slated for redevelopment into a boutique hotel, is in a state of significant disrepair, raising both safety concerns and urgency for action. Architect Matt McKinney labeled the building as “dangerous,” with visible issues that include two areas of roof collapse, which were spotted from the adjacent parking garage. Loose metal pieces were noted hanging from the front awning, potentially hazardous for pedestrians, while missing windows and doors have left the building vulnerable to weather damage. Water leaks were observed through the ground-floor windows, suggesting ongoing interior deterioration. Over a year ago, a planning commissioner expressed concerns about the building’s “wavy” brick walls, which remain a visible structural issue.

Despite these concerns, city building inspector Mr. Cortinas stated he had previously been concerned about the awning but currently believes it does not pose an immediate threat to passersby, although he admitted he had not recently inspected the building’s interior. The owners have cited the building as an “embarrassing eyesore” in the heart of downtown Fairhope and are eager to move forward with their redevelopment project, which has been delayed over parking requirements. The property, purchased in May 2023 for $1.75 million, remains central to ongoing discussions about revitalizing the area while addressing significant safety and zoning challenges.

Mobile Bay Christmas Market at the American Legion

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special appearance at the Mobile Bay Christmas Market and Family Night on December 15. Families can take free photos with the festive duo starting at 5 PM. The market will be open from 4 PM to 8 PM at the American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope, offering plenty of holiday fun for everyone. This event is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with loved ones and enjoy the magic of Christmas! 🎅🤶✨

Roses Removed for Renovation

The Fairhope Times shares that the removal of the large rose garden has begun at the Fairhope Public Pier. The many rose plants are common varieties, not very old. This is a component of the overall pier/waterfront renovation project to be completed next summer. Learn more here: Fairhope Working Waterfront .

Celebrating Tamara Dean

Fairhope Public Library has named Robert Gourlay as the new director and he will move into his position January 1st. He has been serving as the Assitant Director and has been working the Fairhope Library for ten years now.

There will be a celebration to honor the current director Tamara Dean next week - come show your love and appreciation for 23 years serving our library!

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Sandy

Meet Sandy, a lively and lovable one-year-old Shepherd mix with a heart as big as her dreams. Her striking resemblance to Sandy from the movie Grease extends beyond just looks-she has a radiant personality that captures everyone's attention. With her spirited energy and warm eyes, Sandy is a natural star who effortlessly charms those around her. Whether she's enjoying her long walks on the beach, or snuggling up for quiet moments, Sandy's zest for life is contagious. She's loyal, intelligent, and always eager to please, making her the perfect companion for any adventure. Much like her namesake, Sandy embodies grace, resilience, and a touch of whimsy, leaving a lasting impression wherever she goes. Learn more about Sandy and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Warmer weekend

2. Carols on the Bluff

3. The City of Fairhope is Hiring! See positions here

4. Christmas Eve Services at FUMC

5. Wales West Arctic Express: Check it out!

6. Mark Your Calendar: Advent Celebration

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

8. WABF Recent Local Interviews

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

Share this FREE Fairhope Now newsletter to those you think may enjoy it. Or if somebody sent you this e-mail and you want more details than just this, click that big blue button below to subscribe 😍 If you are interested in advertising in our little local newsletter, e-mail us at [email protected]