New Member Artists exhibit

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15-Jan. 21

Orange Beach Art Center. 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach

For more, call 981-2787 or visit orangebeachartcenter.com.

OBAC has over 100 member artists who are the backbone to the art center’s exhibit space. Member artists are juried in and are predominately from the island but many are from Eastern Shore to Pensacola as well as part time residents from the Southeast and ‘snowbirds’ from as far away as Vermont.This is a wonderful opportunity for member artists to meet or reconnect with each other and for the community to show their support for our artists.

Wales West "Bluegrass by the Tracks"

7-9pm Oct.-March

$5

Located 1.5 miles south of Co Rd 48 or 2.5 miles north of Co Rd 32 on Co Rd 9, Fairhope.

For more information call 888-569-5337 or visit waleswest.com.

Featuring great local bands, refreshments and Train Ride!

1st Annual Kiwanis Club of Gulf Shores Slip & Slide Polar Bear Dip

Noon Jan. 1

Free

Gulf Shores Public Beach in front of The Hangout

For more, visit thehangout.com or call Fran Thompson 968-5683 or Steve Jones 609-5292.

Slip and Slide your way into the Gulf of Mexico in style on our 33 ft. two lane slide. Of course, some participants may choose to take a more traditional route into the Gulf. But, regardless of how you get there,

all participants will be treated to a free buffet at The Hangout afterwards. The event is family friendly and participants are encouraged to come in costume to celebrate the New Year with a refreshing dip into the Gulf of Mexico. Prizes offered.

Annual Polar Bear Dip at the Flora-Bama

Noon Jan. 1

Free

Flora-Bama Lounge & Package

For more, visit florabama.com.

You'd have to be a polar bear to enjoy swimming in January, so say locals at the Flora-Bama. On Friday, New Year's Day, 'Polar Bears' will dip in the Gulf of Mexico at the Florida/Alabama line.

Golf Skins Games

1 p.m. Jan. 1

$22 non members, $5 members

4700 Easy Street, Orange Beach

For more, email sdavis@cityoforangebeach.com or visit orangebeachgolfcenter.com.

The Skins games are a fall and winter favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. Everyone is welcome, golfers gather at the pro shop at 1 p.m. prior to tee off to register and to have a hot dog lunch; the shot gun start is at 1:30 p.m. There is a $250 hole in one prize.

Polar Bear Plunge

2 p.m. Dec. 1

Free to spectators

Paradise Bar and Grill, Pensacola

For more, email Kristine@romjueadvertising.com.

The emerald waters of Santa Rosa Sound are filled with those hardy souls who wade, swim and scurry to the finish line. Heaping bowls of black-eyed peas wait to warm them. Entry fee benefits the Chamber.

"Tornados Touching Down" play

Jan. 5-15

Adults $15, students $12

South Baldwin Community Theatre, 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores,

across from the Bodenhamer Recreation Center.

For more, call 251-968-6721 or go to sbct.biz

It’s the second play in the series about the fictional Whitfield family and their struggles with a wedding, a new baby and a tornado. Created by local playwright Laura Sansing Pfizenmayer, the play will be directed by Chase S. King and Meg Reed.

Entertainment Series 2012 presents: The Diamonds and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra

7:30 p.m. Jan. 9-10

$28

1930 W. Second St., Gulf Shores

For more, call 968-1172 or visit cityofgulfshores.org

The Diamonds and The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra kick off the Entertainment Series with their non-stop, entertaining, musical revue, Jukebox Junction. From big band hits to doo-wop and rock and roll classics,

this show has it all.

Beekeeping classes with Roger Bemis

Jan. 9-27

$36

Foley Public Library

For more, call 213-0168.

Snowbird Reception

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 10

Free

Foley Senior Center, 304 East Rose Street, Foley

For more information email Lhinesley@cityoffoley.org.

400 area information bags will be given away and your business promotional items can be included.

2012 29th Annual Akayama Ryu Winter Camp

Jan. 14-15

Orange Beach Recreation Center

For more, call 979-6019 or visit akayamaryu.com.

Come to the beach and watch this exciting Martial Arts Camp. Developed by Alexander M. Marshall after a lifetime of study in a wide variety of martial arts, Akayama-Ryu jujutsu is a comprehensive fighting system. An advanced student of the art is capable of throwing and pinning an opponent, applying joint locks, chokes and immobilization techniques. It is an extremely practical combat art, applicable to both civilians and law enforcement officers.

Polar Bear Classic Tennis Tournament

Jan. 14-16

Free to spectators

4851 Wilson Boulevard, Orange Beach

For more, call 974-6387, email rrussell@cityoforangebeach.com.

Come watch the excitement at the Orange Beach Tennis Center as juniors from the Southeast compete in the Polar Bear Classic.

Entertainment Series 2012 presents: Dukes of Dixieland

7:30 p.m. Jan. 16-17

$26

1930 W. Second Street, Gulf Shores

For more, call 968-1172 or email cityofgulfshores.org.

Come and enjoy the Dukes of Dixieland as they blow traditional jazz and Dixieland into the 21st Century, weaving strands of pop, gospel, and country with authentic New Orleans sounds. Having sold out venues

like the Hollywood Bowl and The Smithsonian, these tickets won’t last long.

The Friends of the Foley Public Library's Annual Book Sale

9 a.m. Jan. 21

Free

Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Ave.

For more, email shorn@cityoffoley.org or visit foleylibrary.org.

The Annual Book Sale is the largest in Baldwin County with thousands of new and gently used books and other items. If you come in at 11a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, you can purchase a large shopping bag full of books you choose for only $3! However, doors open at 9 a.m. Best bargains in town! Everyone, including dealers, welcome.

2012 Gulf Coast Half Marathon Series

7 a.m. Jan. 22

Begins and ends at Lulu's at Homeport Marina, Gulf Shores

Fore more, call 850-325-0131, email guess.adam@gmail.com or visit

gulfcoasteventgroup.com.

Come join in the fun! New 1/2 marathon race taking place at Lulu's!

Alabama Gulf Coast Bridal Expo

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 22

$10 at the door and $7.50 in advanced purchase online

Conference Center at The Wharf

For more, visit belleraebridal.com/bridalexpo.htm.

The first annual Alabama Gulf Coast Bridal Expo is hosted by Belle Rae Bridal Guide, with corporate sponsor Gulf Coast Wedding Rentals. A full beach wedding will be given away along with individual prizes

from every vendors. A fashion show will showcase some of the hottest trends for beach weddings provided by local boutiques. Entertainment will also be provided by local artists.

Entertainment Series 2012 presents: Linda Davis, Evening in the Round

7:30 p.m. Jan. 24

$26

1930 W. Second Street, Gulf Shores

Purchase tickets online at gulfshoresal.gov or by phone.

For more, call 968-1172 or visit cityofgulfshores.org.

A one-night only performance from Grammy Award winner, Linda Davis, as she brings her show, Evening in the Round, to the stage. Having shared the stage with legendary artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Kenny Rogers and Reba McEntire, this show is sure to be a don’t miss.

Elvis Tribute

7-9 p.m. Jan. 28

Reserved Seating (First five rows) will be $20. General Admission Seating will be $15. There will be a discount offered for Advanced Group Tickets (10 or more) and advanced general admission tickets.

Erie Meyer Civic Center, Gulf Shores

To view available reserved seating, visit theelvislegacy.com or call 334-201-2202. For all advance ticket purchases, call 334-201-2202.

Come join us for a night of Elvis fun. Elvis Tribute Artist Brad Bradley and the Memphis Show Band will be appearing for one night only at the Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores. This show is something

that you would expect to see in Vegas!