FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: info@northalabama.org
    
Sip the Night Away in Downtown Athens

Athens, Ala. – On Saturday, December 14, 2019, everyone is invited for some sippin’ and shopping to celebrate the holiday season in downtown Athens. From 5 to 8 p.m., winter’s favorite drink will take center stage during the annual Sippin’ Cider Festival and there will be special activities for children, visits with Santa Claus, shopping among local merchants and other family-friendly fun. 

During the Sippin’ Cider Festival, participating merchants will prepare and offer sample tastings of their favorite hot cider recipe. Cider enthusiasts will vote by ballot for their favorite, and the cider receiving the most votes wins the coveted Cider Cup and bragging rights for the year. The ballots will also serve as an entry to one of many door prizes to be given away.
 
While sipping on cider, guests can tackle their Christmas shopping and browse for unique holiday decorations. Merchants of downtown Athens will serve up plenty of gift ideas and special sales throughout the evening. Additional activities include festive holiday music, roasting marshmallows, train rides by the Athens Lions Club and a visit by Santa Claus.

Now in its ninth year, Sippin’ Cider is hosted by Athens Main Street. For more information, contact Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson at 256.232.9040.

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state.  It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals.  Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available from the AMLA by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting their web site at www.NorthAlabama.org.  

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