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Bald Eagle Bash: The Gulf Coast’s Party for Preservation

If you're looking for a great warm weather vacation destination to help you say goodbye to your winter blues, the Gulf Coast of Alabama is the ideal place for you. After WWII ended, people began to take interest in travel and discovering new vacation destinations in America. The Gulf Coast of Alabama was one of these areas. The establishment of highways, waterways and infrastructure allowed greater access to the area and the tourism industry took root. Developers and entrepreneurs began to build lodging, stores, restaurants and attractions to bring people into the area. The area is currently regarded as one of the best vacation destinations in the Southeast United States due to the stunning natural beauty, abundant activities and attractions, and classic southern hospitality regularly on display.

 

With spring temperatures that hover in the 70’s and 80’s, and far more days with sunshine than without, this is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Activities in the area are numerous and encompass a wide spectrum of things to do. If you're a fan of maritime activities try your hand at fishing, boating, sailing, kayaking and tours of the beautiful coast line. The area is also home to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Whether you're on a hike through one of the lush forested areas or taking pictures of the local wildlife, this is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. If you're looking for a break from the outdoors, the area is home to numerous shops, restaurants, amusement parks, live entertainment venues and much more. Events and festivals are also common in the area and unique ones, like the Bald Eagle Bash, give you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the area and its friendly people.

 

Entering its seventh year, the Bald Eagle Bash is a favorite for locals and the many who travel a great distance just to participate. Not only is this a great spring celebration, the event also aims to educate and promote preservation and conservation in the Weeks Bay area. They will have a collection of local restaurants preparing a variety shrimp dishes (all shrimp are locally caught), as well as refreshments. Live music will be played during the event and you’ll have an opportunity to hit the dance floor to show off your moves. Make your next big getaway one you’ll always remember and head to stunning coastal Alabama for the Bald Eagle Bash. We got the opportunity to interview Marcia Miller of the Weeks Bay Foundation, to talk about this great event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

MM: This is the 7th Annual Bald Eagle Bash. Our range of attendees is typically between 700 and 1,100. That’s with some rainy years and another year with the temperature at 103 degrees! We see mostly couples attending the event, but there are always a number of kids as well. Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge. The thing that all attendees have in common is a love of local seafood, good music, and coastal conservation.

 

RAL: What makes the event unique?

MM: The Bald Eagle Bash is a “party for preservation.”  Attendees can enjoy delicious food and beverages while listening to a great local band and supporting the work of the Weeks Bay Foundation. The restaurants are all local establishments, the shrimp are all gulf caught, and the proceeds all go to fund local conservation. Folks know that the proceeds from their tickets are going right back into the preservation of habitats on the waterways they love.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect for activities, food and the overall environment.

MM: We always have a fantastic band performing at the event. This year we have an up-and-coming local band, The Mulligan Brothers, who are establishing an international following. There will be a dance floor for the fleet of foot, and covered sitting areas for those more inclined to just do a little toe-tapping. Folks are invited to bring their binoculars and do some bird watching or their fishing poles and cast a line off the pier. Darwin Singleton, from Local News 15, will be our emcee for the event and will keep the party rolling.

 

We have a dozen or more local restaurants each preparing a dish with fresh Gulf shrimp.  We also serve water, soda, beer, wine, and homemade sangria! The venue is located on beautiful Weeks Bay; some people listen to the band from tents, but others enjoy the panoramic views of Weeks Bay as well as the sunset.

 

RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?

MM: The event is located at the confluence of Fish River and Weeks Bay. The closest options for lodging are in Magnolia Springs, Foley, and Fairhope. Here are a few options to consider: Magnolia Springs B&B in Magnolia Springs, Hotel Magnolia in Foley, and Bay Breeze Guest House in Fairhope.

 

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

MM: The Bash provides exposure for over a dozen local restaurants. Additionally, area businesses that sponsor the event are recognized in our online and print publications, which reach over 3,000 potential clients.

 

The Bald Eagle Bash supports the Weeks Bay Foundation’s mission of protecting the valuable natural resources in coastal Alabama. The majority of each ticket sold goes towards land conservation and education and outreach.

 

RAL: Why should people come?

MM: This is a great family-friendly event that has something for everything from the foodie to the nature lover.  It’s also appealing to the child in all of us who wants to just cut a rug on the dancefloor. It is an excellent opportunity to meet folks from the area and learn more about the amazing resources in coastal Alabama.


For more information about the Bald Eagle Bash, please visit their website.