GULF SHORES, AL - The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, in partnership with the City of Gulf Shores is gearing up for the inaugural Ballyhoo, a celebration of art and culture.

This juried fine art and fine crafts festival will be March 5, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in the beautiful Waterway Village district of Gulf Shores. This event is unique in its focus on fine art combined with cultural charm and the fun-loving spirit of the residents of Coastal Alabama.

Artists are encouraged to submit their applications online at gulfcoastartsalliance.com to register for $2500 in awards. The deadline for entry is Feb. 10. 

Ballyhoo will feature two performances by the Poarch Creek Indians of Poarch, Ala.  Our neighbors to the north will perform original tribal dance in Pow Wow regalia at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Each dance has a special meaning and will be described by Chris Blackburn, Tribal Cultural Director.

In addition to regional bands, the Ballyhoo Performing Stage will feature a Ballyhoo Queen Contest and a Ballyhoo Dance Contest, moderated by Darwin Singleton of Channel 15, Mobile. 

Judges will be Bill Black, Program Director for WKSJ in Mobile and Kevin Keith, Program Director for Sunny 105.7 in Gulf Shores. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners to be donated to the civic, religious or educational entity of their choice.

These contests are designed to be free-spirited, fun events.  Entry information is available at the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Art Gallery, telephone 251-948-2627.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will host a “petting zoo” for children.  Little ones will have a chance to see and pet their favorite zoo animals.

In addition, there will be a trackless train making its rounds around the perimeter of the festival grounds, with a special stop for sweet treats for children.  This train is in the shape of a cow and will be named the “Ballymoo Train.”

Children can also create their own art at several art tents.

Visitors can also enjoy on site demonstrations of basket weaving, fabric weaving, plein air art demonstrations, caricature painting, glass art lampworking and many more “sit and watch” demonstrations.

Waterway Village restaurants will be serving some of the best food available along Coastal Alabama.  Festival visitors can plan to sit, dine, and spend the day enjoying the music, performances, and browsing the fine art exhibits.

Ballyhoo parking will be available at the City parking lot in Waterway Village, at the First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores, the Gulf Shores Church of Christ and Meyer Park.  A shuttle will be provided to and from the festival.  Entry to this event is free to the public.

Ballyhoo information is available on Facebook at Ballyhoo (Community), at gulfcoastartsalliance.com, by emailing gulfcoastartsalliance@gmail.com or by calling 251-948-2627 or 251-223-3970. 

The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization with office and Gallery at 225 E. 24^th Ave. in the Waterway Village District of Gulf Shores.