Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
Good morning, Huntsville.
🏘️ Community
Celebrate Madison 2025 at Toyota Field honored Mayor Paul Finley’s final State of the City address and highlighted Madison’s progress in education, commerce and military ties — a moment of local community pride.
The event awarded the Sigler family as the 2025 Military Family of the Year and ended with a fireworks display — marking a festive close.
The Helping Hands Foundation and Bank Independent will launch the 15th annual Toy Share drive on November 3 to collect new, unwrapped toys for local children in need.
The Bank will accept donations until November 28—items will be distributed to partner organizations across North Alabama.
Madison Senior Center is hosting a 2025 Christmas fundraiser by collecting money and hygiene supplies to support ShowerUp Huntsville — a non-profit offering mobile shower services to those in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the front desk during October and November to help ensure the fundraiser's success.
💼 Business
The Local Café is set to open soon in downtown Huntsville in the space that once housed Domaine South — the 1,000-square-foot shop will serve sandwiches, soups and sides with plans for a November 10 opening.
Owners Erick Luther, Luke Hawk and James Brown will adjust hours based on customer demand.
🎭 Culture
Burritt on the Mountain is hosting the 5th annual Round Top Folk Festival on Nov.
8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—local artisans and regional musicians will showcase traditional crafts and live music with Microwave Dave performing from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. A new Round Top Brunch at Baron Bluff will serve a gourmet family-style meal from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with tickets available until Nov. 5 at noon.
🎓 Education
Students at James Clemens High School created The Teen View blog to share their opinions on local and state issues, and the platform now has 30 student writers from three states who will cover topics such as the US Space Command move—giving teenagers a voice in community conversations.
🏈 Sports
Drew Bell, a retired teacher and coach from Madison who will turn 60 on November 5, won gold, three silvers and two bronzes at the Huntsman World Senior Games held in St. George, Utah.
He finished in the top three in all six races, including a 10K run completed in 42 minutes, 13.9 seconds — a win that met his training goal.
Today, the Bob Jones Lady Patriots face the top-ranked McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets in round one of the AHSAA Class 7A Volleyball State Tournament at Birmingham’s SportsPlex with the game starting at 9 a.m.—head coach Jenny Jarrett said her team must beat McGill-Toolen to pursue a state title and the winner will play again Wednesday at 3 p.m.
On Tuesday, Sparkman High School's adaptive baseball team hosted a tournament at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for special needs students from across North Alabama.
Coach Josiah John said he introduced baseball to fill a gap in sports offerings, while senior Vitaly Goerling and his teammates practiced for weeks and learned to manage their emotions (a benefit beyond physical skills).
UAH's volleyball team extended its win streak to eight with a 3-1 road win over Lee in Tennessee — they improved to 18-4 and will host No. 16 West Florida today at 6 p.m. at SportsMED Arena.
🎉 Huntsville Events
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Zombie Prom
8pm - Midnight! Groove with the Pat Jamar & The Funky Few Band in one room, hit the DJ dance floor in the other, and enjoy spooky drinks, eerie bites, and a $1,000 costume contest to die for! Get your tickets now!
Farmers Market Open
8 AM – 4 PM — Madison County Farmers Market — Free entry — Early birds enjoy fresh produce and local goods every Saturday.
Phat Sammy's Phusion Comedy Open Mic
9-11 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter featuring local comedians in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
Stars Dancing for HEALs
6:30 p.m. — vbc south hall — Tickets available online at HEALSinc.org — Experience a night of fun while supporting children's health care initiatives in Huntsville.
Empowered Women Retreat
7 PM – 11 AM — Waterfall Yoga Therapy — Meals included — A rejuvenating weekend retreat for women featuring yoga, meditation, and nature exploration.
April Pendergrass Band Live
7-10 p.m. — Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday — Check for rates — Experience an evening of lively country music under the stars with local favorite April Pendergrass.
Candlelight - A Tribute to Adele
8:30-10 p.m. — The Electric Belle — $15+ — Experience a magical tribute to Adele illuminated by candlelight in Huntsville's unique venue.
Chris Janson Concert
7–8:30 p.m. — Mark C. Smith Concert Hall — Tickets available starting at $10 — Celebrate Veterans Day with live performances from Chris Janson and Craig Campbell.
Phat Sammy's Phusion Comedy Open Mic
9-11 p.m. — Phat Sammy's — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs as local comedians take the stage to showcase their talent.
Gingerbread Marketplace
4 PM - 8 PM — Alabama a & M Univ Agribition — $3 — Discover unique holiday gifts from over 100 local vendors and enjoy festive activities.
Medieval Fest & Market
11 AM – 6 PM — The Lost Highway Lounge — $10 admission — Experience a vibrant outdoor artist market with medieval-themed entertainment and food.
🏠 Huntsville Real Estate
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💼 Huntsville Job Board
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📣 Huntsville Announcements
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