Happy Merry Monday, Fairhope! 🎄✨

The holiday season is in full swing, and we’re here to keep the cheer going as you start your week! From festive lights to local happenings, there’s plenty to enjoy around town. If we’ve missed any events, let us know so we can help spread the holiday joy!

But first, your Monday Christmas joke: Why don’t Christmas trees ever sew? Because they always drop their needles! 🎅🎄

Now that you’ve had your laugh, grab a peppermint latte and dive into this week’s updates. And remember, if you share FairhopeNow.com with your favorite holiday helper—or even a Scrooge—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.

Have a jolly Monday, Fairhope! – John Oldshue & Anne Dorman

In Today’s Fairhope Now Newsletter

1. Vacant Fairhope School to Possibly Become Hub for Community Growth and Education

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

3. Parking a Problem for New Hotel Plans

4. Fat Boys Grilling is Helping Around Fairhope

5. Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Edith

6. Quick News from Around Fairhope

Vacant Fairhope School to Possibly Become Hub for Community Growth and Education

The Fairhope Times reports that the Baldwin County Board of Education has approved the sale of the former Alternative/Anna T. Jeans school property at 705 Twin Beech Road to the city for $100, along with the city’s commitment to continue supporting recreational facilities used by school students. The city council The 14-acre property, vacant since 2015, is no longer needed for school purposes and is designated for future public use, including recreation and community education. The city council must still approve the agreement, which is expected given prior discussions. The nonprofit organization Hope Community plans to repurpose the site for a teaching farm, community gardens, and a history/cultural center, with a 5K Race/Walk fundraiser scheduled for January 4. Other community suggestions for the property are also being considered.

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. You can also see a map here and another map here of locations around Baldwin county with great light displays. 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. 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!

Parking a Problem for New Hotel Plans

AL.com reports on the ongoing struggle for plans to transform the iconic corner of Fairhope Avenue and Church Street. The plans are to replace the long-vacant 94-year-old building at 301 Fairhope Ave. with a three-story boutique hotel featuring 27 rooms, a rooftop terrace, a restaurant, a medical spa, and offices. However, the project faces a significant hurdle: the lack of a parking solution. Despite options such as utilizing an underused parking garage, building new lots, or revising zoning requirements, no resolution has been reached. The debate highlights Fairhope’s growing pains and the need for a comprehensive parking strategy downtown. The city council and developers are working to find answers, with discussions expected to continue into January.

Fat Boys Grilling is Helping Around Fairhope

Our Southern Souls reports on Fat Boys Grilling — a group of passionate cooks who use their skills to support veterans and individuals with medical needs by hosting events where proceeds benefit the person in need. Founded by friends Jay, Sean, and others, the group started as a way to raise money for a family member battling cancer and has since grown into a 12-member team dedicated to giving back. Their mission extends beyond food, addressing issues like veteran isolation and suicide by fostering community through meals and fellowship. From cooking turkeys for the Fairhope VFW’s Thanksgiving dinner to organizing fundraisers, Fat Boys Grilling brings people together, inspired by a love for cooking, camaraderie, and helping others. With community sponsorships and more participation, they hope to expand their impact and continue building relationships through shared meals and service.

Fairhope Adoptable Pets: Meet Sandy

Meet Edith, a sweet and spunky 3-month-old orange and white female kitten with a heart full of personality! As the "middle child" of her litter, Edith has perfected the art of balancing playfulness and independence. While she may not always be the first to steal the spotlight, this adorable little girl is full of charm and has a knack for quietly winning over hearts with her gentle nature and irresistible purring. Her soft orange and white coat is as bright as her spirit, and her playful antics will bring joy to anyone who meets her. Edith may have a bit of "middle child syndrome," but don't let that fool you-she's an affectionate kitten who thrives on love and attention, though she's never too demanding. She enjoys playing with her siblings, but is equally content to snuggle up for some quality one-on-one time. Whether she's chasing after a feather toy or curling up on a warm lap, Edith's sweet and slightly mischievous personality makes her the perfect addition to any family looking for a kitten with both brains and charm. If you're ready to make a special place for this lovable middle kitten, Edith is sure to bring endless joy to your home! Learn more about Edith and other adoptable pets by clicking through to The Haven.

Quick News from Around Fairhope

1. Fairhope Weather: Cold Temps Return Later This Week

2. Volunteers Needed to Drive Cancer Patients to Appointments

3. Home items needed for single mom with 4 children at FMS

4. Band instruments for two Fairhope Middle School students

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

6. Christmas Eve Services at FUMC

7. Wales West Arctic Express: Check it out!

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

9. 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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