2019 Athens North Pole Stroll
The 2019 Athens North Pole Stroll will return to Big Spring Memorial Park in the Beaty Historic District during the month of December. Each tree sponsored by area agencies, groups, businesses and families will sparkle to life after dark and will be decked with a variety of decorations and themes.
The 2019 event will be from December 2nd through 27th.
Any questions about this event can be directed to the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association by calling 256-232-5411
The 2019 event will be from December 2nd through 27th.
Any questions about this event can be directed to the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association by calling 256-232-5411
Santa's Day at North Pole Stroll
December 14, 2019 3:00PM-7:30PM
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Santa is coming to town and has a special visit planned for the North Pole Stroll happening at Big Spring Memorial Park and Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) with a day of activities from 3:00PM-7:30PM.
No Charge, open to the public. |
Don't forget your letters for Santa and your camera!
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Remember to bring your letters to Santa with all the good things you've done this year and toys, books and more you are wishing for.
You can download our letter below to bring. 
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Come see the trees sponsored and decorated by your local businesses, churches, organizations, friends and family...
2019 Forms and Information
Guidelines for Tree Decoration
What are the guidelines for decorating my tree?
IMPORTANT: Please secure all decorations to your tree using pipe cleaners, small zip ties, or other strings/ties to prevent hook ornaments from falling off in the wind.
IMPORTANT: Please secure all decorations to your tree using pipe cleaners, small zip ties, or other strings/ties to prevent hook ornaments from falling off in the wind.
- Decorators must provide their own decorations and lighting.
- Decorators must use Solar Powered LED outdoor lights only. We reserve the right to remove any lights that are not LED. We recommend using 4-5 strings of LED outdoor lights per tree.
- Edible items used to decorate are prohibited including but not limited to candy canes, popcorn, and birdseed.
- Athens North Pole Stroll will provide each sponsor/ decorator with one live Christmas tree, signage listing the sponsor/decorator. Do not remove the sign when un-decorating, please leave the sign for reuse. If you took your sign during the previous year, please return it for reuse.
- Standard trees measure approximately 6 ft in height
- Athens Police Department will increase patrols in the park.
- Please, no offensive or inappropriate decor. We reserve the right to remove offensive displays.
- Please check your tree and decoration regularly - especially after windy or rainy days. We are not responsible for the loss of any decorations.
- Please be available and adhere to setup and takedown dates. It is crucial the park be restored to its natural order by December 31st.
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To download the pdf file, click here>>>
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Sponsor FOrm
Please print and submit this form to sponsor a tree for your business/organization/family/group. If your are sponsoring for a decorator of your choosing, please include their information. If you are sponsoring a tree with decorator chosen from our list nonprofit requesting sponsorship, please fill in the organizational name. If a conflict arises, we will contact you by phone or email.
Sponsors and decorators will need to print and remit a Waiver of Liability in addition to sponsor form.
Sponsors and decorators will need to print and remit a Waiver of Liability in addition to sponsor form.
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To download the pdf file, click here>>>
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Waiver
This form is required for both sponsors and decorators. Please print and remit.
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To download the Waiver pdf file, click here>>>
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FAQ
What is the Athens North Pole Stroll?
Athens North Pole Stroll is a display of live Christmas Trees in the heart of the Historic Beaty District set beside the beautiful pond. The trees are decorated by local businesses, organizations, churches, non-profits, and individuals. Open from December 1st through 28th, the trail is free and open to the public.
Where is it located?
Athens North Pole Stroll happens in Big Spring Memorial Park (aka The Duck Pond) between North Beaty Street and East Street in Athens.
Who organizes this event?
This event is organized by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association.
How can I participate?
Purchase a tree for decoration or sponsor a tree for another party like a local non-profit, scout group, church group or even as a family project. Each tree will be provided a sign listing Sponsor and Decorator.
What do I put on my tree?
Be creative! Decorate your tree around your family tree, list your business partners on ornaments as a thank you, tell a story with your tree decorations -- the options are endless. Branded material from your company, organization or group are welcome. However, we request you refrain from using political or inflammatory images or materials as decorations and is subject to removal. No matter what, get creative and have fun! We only ask that you keep it appropriate for all ages.
What are the payment options?
Cash, check or money order made payable to the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association with the memo: 2019 North Pole Stroll Tree Sponsor
When does the Athens North Pole Stroll happen and for how long?
Athens North Pole Stroll happens from December 2nd to December 27th and is available in the park 24-hours a day. The lights will be operational starting at dark, approximately 6:00PM.
Where can I park to access Athens North Pole Stroll?
Visitors will find parking within Big Spring Memorial Park off of North Beaty Street as well as limited parking on East Street.
Do I have to pay to visit Athens North Pole Stroll?
No, this event is free and open to the public.
Donations are welcome for the event in person or by mail at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center 100 North Beaty Street Athens, AL 35611. Please designate North Pole Stroll Donation in the subject line of the check or enclosed letter.
Athens North Pole Stroll is a display of live Christmas Trees in the heart of the Historic Beaty District set beside the beautiful pond. The trees are decorated by local businesses, organizations, churches, non-profits, and individuals. Open from December 1st through 28th, the trail is free and open to the public.
Where is it located?
Athens North Pole Stroll happens in Big Spring Memorial Park (aka The Duck Pond) between North Beaty Street and East Street in Athens.
Who organizes this event?
This event is organized by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association.
How can I participate?
Purchase a tree for decoration or sponsor a tree for another party like a local non-profit, scout group, church group or even as a family project. Each tree will be provided a sign listing Sponsor and Decorator.
What do I put on my tree?
Be creative! Decorate your tree around your family tree, list your business partners on ornaments as a thank you, tell a story with your tree decorations -- the options are endless. Branded material from your company, organization or group are welcome. However, we request you refrain from using political or inflammatory images or materials as decorations and is subject to removal. No matter what, get creative and have fun! We only ask that you keep it appropriate for all ages.
What are the payment options?
Cash, check or money order made payable to the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association with the memo: 2019 North Pole Stroll Tree Sponsor
When does the Athens North Pole Stroll happen and for how long?
Athens North Pole Stroll happens from December 2nd to December 27th and is available in the park 24-hours a day. The lights will be operational starting at dark, approximately 6:00PM.
Where can I park to access Athens North Pole Stroll?
Visitors will find parking within Big Spring Memorial Park off of North Beaty Street as well as limited parking on East Street.
Do I have to pay to visit Athens North Pole Stroll?
No, this event is free and open to the public.
Donations are welcome for the event in person or by mail at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center 100 North Beaty Street Athens, AL 35611. Please designate North Pole Stroll Donation in the subject line of the check or enclosed letter.
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To download the About pdf file, click here>>>
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Decorators' Tips
DECORATORS' TIPS
What are some things I should bring to decorate my tree?
What are some things I should bring to decorate my tree?
- Weather-proof, non-breakable decorations
- If using paper or pictures, please laminate your images
- Scotch Guard to prevent mildew on ribbon or fabric
- Small step ladder
- Bread-ties, zip ties, pipe cleaners, wires, or other similar items to secure your ornaments against the wind and rain
- Solar-powered LED outdoor lights (4-5 strings suggested but more is better)
- Do not use water soluble glue on ornaments
Key Dates to Remember
- October 31, 2019 -- Last Day to Buy Tree
- TREE DEADLINE EXTENDED --
- November 25, 2019
- November 22-27, 2019 -- Decorating Days
- December 14, 2019 -- Santa's Visit and T'was the Night Before Christmas VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
- December 29-31, 2019 -- Take Down Days
If I don't want to decorate, what kind of sponsorships are available?
Organizations, businesses, churches and individuals are welcome to sponsor a tree or multiple trees for non-profits in the community to decorate.
If your school, organization, or church choir or band would like an opportunity to showcase your talents during this event, please contact the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association (ALCTA) at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) or by phone 256-232-5411.
Volunteering is a great way to serve the community during this event and help to keep it running smoothly.
If your school, organization, or church choir or band would like an opportunity to showcase your talents during this event, please contact the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association (ALCTA) at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) or by phone 256-232-5411.
Volunteering is a great way to serve the community during this event and help to keep it running smoothly.
- Helping to keep the park clean and beautiful by picking up trash during the event is always appreciated.
- Santa needs elves to help keep the lines moving for his visit.
- Have a special skill you think that might be helpful, let us know!
- Be part of the magic - join the ALCTA North Pole Stroll Committee.
Donor/Sponsor Benefits
Donor/Sponsor Benefits
- Advertisement for your businesses, organization, or groups in a high traffic area.
- Engage the community in a unique venue and be part of their memories
- Networking opportunity with other local businesses/nonprofits.
- Opportunity to attract more consumers and families to local businesses during the slower winter months.
- Endless decorating possibilities - tree sponsors may use any decorations (Keep it kid friendly and classy, please. No food of any kind is permitted).
- Team building opportunity on Decoration Day for your company or organization's team members. Strengthen employee relationships and have some holiday fun.
- Your information and logo featured on our website, blog, email, and social media as participating in the event.
Non-Profits seeking Sponsors & Community Trees
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Community Trees
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Twinning City Tree
Stonehaven Scotland
Community Unity
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Big Spring Memorial Park -- Get Directions
For your GPS unit, put in:
100 Beaty Street North Athens, AL
100 Beaty Street North Athens, AL
Use the "Directions" feature to get turn by turn direction to Big Spring Memorial Park and Athens North Pole Stroll.
Contact Us
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association
Athens-Limestone Visitors Center
100 North Beaty Street
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-5411
Teresa@VisitAthensAL.com
Athens-Limestone Visitors Center
100 North Beaty Street
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-5411
Teresa@VisitAthensAL.com
What Your Support Means
Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association has several programs that will benefit from your support and sponsorship of a tree at the North Pole Stroll.
Projects needing funding
Projects needing funding
- Brochures
- The production of print materials like the Athens-Limestone Visitors Guide brochure, Athens-Limestone Tear-Off Map with Restaurant listing, Athens-Limestone History and Heritage Trail brochure, and several other brochures that aid in the recruitment of visitors to the Athens-Limestone Community need to be reprinted in the coming year. This is an expensive venture and with funding cuts and increased demands for brochures, it's necessary to seek revenue through fundraisers and other resources to ensure these Quality of Life guides will be available for our citizens and visitors alike.
Our brochures are recruitment tools for visitors or "Temporary Tax Payers" at trade shows, distribution points like Alabama Welcome Centers and members displays of Visit North Alabama, and other displays, events, or in-house request via our website or phone.
Visitors are "Temporary Tax Payers" - meaning when a visitor comes to our Athens-Limestone communities and stays in our hotels, motels or RV Parks; dines in our restaurants, or shops our local businesses they are contributing to our local tax revenue. The more our Visitors or "Temporary Tax Payers" contribute during a visit helps to offset tax burdens on our residents. So, more visitors we can attract with our print materials to come stay, dine and shop - the less tax burden our residents thanks to our "Temporary Tax Payers".
- The production of print materials like the Athens-Limestone Visitors Guide brochure, Athens-Limestone Tear-Off Map with Restaurant listing, Athens-Limestone History and Heritage Trail brochure, and several other brochures that aid in the recruitment of visitors to the Athens-Limestone Community need to be reprinted in the coming year. This is an expensive venture and with funding cuts and increased demands for brochures, it's necessary to seek revenue through fundraisers and other resources to ensure these Quality of Life guides will be available for our citizens and visitors alike.
- Operational Needs
- With funding cuts and additional demand on services, a need has arisen to contract with outside services to meet service expectation; to meet promotional goals; and to aid in organizational efforts to promote and develop the travel and tourism industry in Athens-Limestone. Fundraising is often the key to meeting these needs especially since most grants exclude the use of funds for "operational use".
- Needs in 2019-2020 year
- STAR Report for Industry Study and Recruitment efforts
- Support services for VisitAthensAL.com to improve guest experience
- Equipment and software purchases and upgrades
- Trail Development
- Travel Show Outreach
- Needs in 2019-2020 year
- With funding cuts and additional demand on services, a need has arisen to contract with outside services to meet service expectation; to meet promotional goals; and to aid in organizational efforts to promote and develop the travel and tourism industry in Athens-Limestone. Fundraising is often the key to meeting these needs especially since most grants exclude the use of funds for "operational use".