Hey there, Fairhope! It’s Friday, and after Hurricane Francine tried to crash the party, we’re still standing yeah, yeah, yeah (Elton John) —though maybe a little windblown. Time to shake off the storm and dive into your Fairhope Now newsletter! It’s stuffed with all the local news and happenings for the weekend you didn’t know you needed. Know someone still living under a rock ? Share the love by forwarding this or send them to FairhopeNow.com to join the fun. Just one click of the big blue button, and—boom!—they’re in the loop. Stay safe and enjoy the calm after the storm! 🌪️🌞

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter :

1. Fairhope Barely Feels Hurricane Francine

2. Meet Fairhope Therapy Dogs Sutton and George

3. Fairhope Gets Fit: New Outdoor Fitness Court Opens!

4. Paws Up! Your Dog Could Star in Annie Jr. 🎭🐾

5. Bid Big, Win Bigger: Tails of Hope Gala Auction is Now Open! 🎉🐾

6. ESAC ArtSquared Auction is Open

7. Quick News from around Fairhope

8. Fairhope Faces : Sutton and George

9. Let’s Go! Fairhope Events Section

Fairhope Barely Feels Hurricane Francine

Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana late Wednesday as a Category 2 storm, but here in Fairhope, she barely made an impression. Aside from a little water in the usual low spots and a modest 36 mph wind gust at the airport around 1:35 a.m. Thursday, it felt more like a drizzle than a drama. The real surprise? Thursday turned into a downright lovely day, with cooler temps, a gentle breeze, and a gorgeous sunset. We hope our friends in Louisiana recover quickly from the hurricane.

Meet Fairhope Therapy Dogs
Sutton and George

“Hey sweet boy. You gave me kisses, that's all that matters.”

The sweet boy is Sutton, a yellow lab. He and George, a golden retriever, are therapy dogs for Pet Partners. Sutton and George have been spreading happiness as therapy dogs at Thomas Hospital, Brennity Assisted Living, and Baldwin Family Village. They visit these places several times a week, sharing their warmth and soft fur with seniors, students, and patients.

Beth Roberts and Scott Calhoun, the owners of Sutton and George, respectively, both saw the compassion in their dogs and decided to become pet therapy volunteers. Beth and Sutton have been doing this for ten years–she says it’s all about the conversations. Scott says George absorbs all he sees and has an empathy and love that Scott doesn’t understand.

“It is indescribably rewarding for me to see the impact George has. It's pretty magical, really.”

Fairhope Gets Fit: New Outdoor Fitness Court Opens!

Fairhope just got a serious fitness upgrade! Thanks to a partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the City of Fairhope, and National Fitness Campaign (NFC), the brand-new outdoor Fitness Court at Mike Ford Tennis Center officially opened on September 12. It was quite the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plenty of excitement. The Fitness Court offers seven exercise stations that let you get a full-body workout using nothing but your own body weight—perfect for those of us who never quite figured out how to use a gym machine! And if you need a little extra coaching (because who doesn’t?), there’s a free app to guide you along the way. With this court, Fairhope joins the ranks of 20 other outdoor fitness spots across the state, making us all wonder: is it time to finally ditch those unused gym memberships?

Paws Up! Your Dog Could Star in Annie Jr.

Is your pup ready for their big break? 🐾 Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre is on the hunt for the perfect Sandy to join the cast of Annie Jr.! Whether your dog is a seasoned superstar or just really loves belly rubs and attention, bring them to the Sandy Auditions on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at 1410 Captain O’Neal Drive in Daphne, AL. 🎭🐕 Show off their best tricks, wagging tail, and irresistible charm—because who doesn’t love a K9 with star power? Just make sure to pre-register your pup, pack their favorite treats, and let’s make some paw-some memories together! 🌟🐶 For details and to apply, visit easternshorerep.org.

Bid Big, Win Bigger: Tails of Hope Gala Auction is Now Open! 🎉🐾

🎉 The Haven’s Tails of Hope Gala Live Auction is officially open! 🎉 Bid on incredible items like stunning local art, a 6-day Game of Thrones adventure to Ireland, signed memorabilia from your favorite musicians, and even the chance to name one of The Haven’s adorable animals! 🖼️✈️🎶🐾 Winners will be announced at the Tails of Hope Gala on Thursday, October 10th at Glory Farms. Don’t miss your chance to snag these one-of-a-kind experiences! 🎟️ Get your Gala tickets and place your bids here: https://ow.ly/JMpR50TlgfZ

ESAC ArtSquared Auction is Open

ArtSquared is officially open for bidding, and the talent lineup is amazing! With featured artists like Pinky Bass, Chris Cumbie, Hannah Legg, Cat Pope, and many more, there’s no shortage of incredible work to discover. If you’re new to the Event.Gives platform, it’s easy—just click this link to set up a free account and start placing your bids. The auction will run through October 4th, wrapping up during the next Art Walk. Don’t miss out on your chance to grab a piece of local art!

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather : Nice Weekend Ahead

2. Fairhope West Students in Need of Shoes

3. Cafe Viola is Hiring

4. Review of Sallie Restaurant in Downtown Fairhope

5. Share Your Opinions on Traffic with Local Planners

6. Kind Cafe Fairhope is Alabama Retail Association Emerging Retailer of the Year!

7. Fall Car Festival to have British cars from all over the Gulf Coast

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 13
Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

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

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

• 11 - 2 pm: Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck @ Anya's House

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

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

• 3 - 4 pm: Environmental Advisory Board Meeting @ Fairhope Public Library

• 4 - 8 pm: Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck @ Fairhope Brewing Company

• 6 - 8 pm: Bike Night @ American Legion Post 199

• 6 - 10 pm: Thom Oglesby Solo Piano @ Gambino's Italian Grill

• 6 - 9 pm: Live Music @ Bill E’s

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

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

• 7 pm: Fairhope vs. Davidson High School Football @ Fairhope - Major’s Field

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

• 7:00 - 7:23 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

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

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

  Saturday, September 14
  Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

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

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

• 10 am - 12 pm: Saturday Crochet Club @ Kind Cafe

• 10 am - 12 pm: Youth PirateCon with Trivia, Costumes, Games @ Fairhope Library

• 10 am - 6 pm: Super Second Saturday Sale Event @ Southern Antiques & Accents

• 11 am: Alabama v. Wisconsin @ Wisconsin @ Your favorite local Fairhope pubs

• 6:30 pm: Auburn v. New Mexico @ Auburn @ Your favorite local Fairhope pubs

• 6:30 - 8:30 pm: Game Night @ Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship

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

• 6:59 - 7:22 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

• 7 - 11 pm: Disco Rednecks - Live Music @ Fairhope Elks Lodge

• 7 - 11 pm: The Wrong Terns - Live Music - Doors open at 6 PM

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

• 8 - 11 pm: The John Hall Trio - Live Music @ Bone & Barrel

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

  Sunday, September 15
  Sign up for Let’s Go! Fairhope here

• 7:30 am - 5 pm: Services at @ 3 Circle Church Fairhope, Celebration Church

• Fairhope, Church of the Apostles, Fairhope Christian Church, Fairhope Church of

• Christ, Fairhope United Methodist, Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, First Fairhope,

• Lebanon Chapel, Redeemer Lutheran, St. James Episcopal, St. Lawrence, Trinity

• Presbyterian Church, Twin Beech AME, Unity on the Eastern Shore and more

• 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

• 4 pm: The Wrong Terns - Live Music @ American Legion Post 199

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

• 6:57 - 7:20 pm: Sunset @ Fairhope Pier

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- John Oldshue, Anne Dorman, & Lynn Oldshue