Electrician Contractor in Huntsville, AL

In the heart of Downtown Huntsville lies the lush, 12.5-acre Big Spring Park. Home to wide fields for picnics, tall shady trees and a lively spring, the park is a beloved landmark in the Rocket City. You’ll also find varying wildlife such as ducks, geese and koi along Spring Park Lake.

Read on to learn more about Huntsville’s most popular park and what our Facebook followers love about it.

What can I find at Big Spring Park?

The 1.5-mile loop is a perfect walking or jogging route with plenty of sights to see along the way. On the west side of Big Spring Park, you’ll find the marvelous Huntsville Museum of Art, which holds rotating exhibits like the current American Studio Glass and Pablo Picasso prints exhibits.

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Before you cross Church Street to the east side of Big Spring Park, check out The Cozy Cow, which has a beautiful patio where you can enjoy a smoothie or coffee of your choice. On the east side of the park, you’ll find the titular Big Spring — walk up the Indian Creek Canal and you’ll come across the award-winning restaurant, Domaine South.

Big Spring Park is also a hotspot for events — from free fitness classes and glow-up dance parties to outdoor concerts, the park has it all. We can look forward to even more room for fun in the coming year, as an expansion to Big Spring Park is part of the city’s new $300 million budget.

A brief history of the park

The spring was discovered by Revolutionary War veteran John Hunt, who initially declared the area “Hunt’s Spring” back in 1805. Hunt built the community’s first cabin on top of the spring’s bluff and, nearly 100 years later, Big Spring became a part of the larger Big Spring Park. Indian Creek Canal, the first canal in the state of Alabama, connects the spring to the Tennessee River.

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Lead by Hiram Chittenden (who was involved in the development of Yellowstone National Park), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers renovated the site of the spring. With time, the area became what Huntsvillians know to be Big Spring Park today.

What does Huntsville love about Big Spring Park?

We asked our Facebook followers what they love about the park. Here’s what they said:

“Love the red bridge, ducks and fish! We take our grandkids there every time they visit and they love it!”

Carolyn Estridge Wilson, from Facebook

“The water, the fish, and the arts center stage for concerts. It’s just a fun park to walk around and listen to live music. I love every part of Big Spring park. Don’t forget the ducks.”

Nathan Riethmaier, from Facebook

“I love that it’s a focal point of downtown. I love the events: concerts, movies, food trucks and I especially love the Tinsel Trail. It’s a beautiful green space/walking area and I feel grateful to be able to enjoy it.”

Jeanette Sellers Bingel, from Facebook

Getting to the park

For easy access to parking in Downtown Huntsville near Big Spring Park, be sure to download the Passport app. Once you’ve signed up, simply tap “New Session,” enter your zone number, enter your license plate number then select how long you’d like to park.

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My favorite part about using the app is that it saves zone numbers you’ve previously parked in and your license plate number once you’ve entered it, so you don’t have to stand around trying to figure out a parking meter for several minutes.

What is your favorite thing about Big Spring Park? Share your favorite photos and let us know @hvilleblast.

Where: 420 Church St NW, Huntsville, AL 35801

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Navistar celebrated the expansion of its powertrain plant in Huntsville on Wednesday, cutting the ribbon on a facility that’s grown by 110,000 feet to support production of new powertrain components.

The company, which employs more than 230 people in Huntsville, announced the start of production on the new International S13 integrated powertrain at the Huntsville plant. The International S13 integrated powertrain – composed of the S13 engine, T14 transmission and dual stage aftertreatment system – marks the final combustion product platform that Navistar will develop, the company said.

Navistar is transitioning toward zero-emission vehicles – generally known as electric vehicles.

With the new expansion, the now 410,000-sq.-ft. facility has transitioned from a single assembly line to two—one for the T14 Transmission and one for the S13 Engine—along with the incorporation of three major machining lines.

“Navistar is one of those great companies that makes Huntsville go,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said in the Navistar announcement. “We’re proud that the integrated powertrain is produced in Huntsville and that Navistar has been a strong partner and one of our long-term corporate citizens.”

Altogether, Navistar has invested more than $200 million in the Huntsville plant, which was established in 2008.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the expansion of our Huntsville Powertrain Plant, symbolizing our commitment to innovation and excellence,” Brandon Tucker, director of operations, Huntsville Powertrain Plant, said in the announcement. “Through collaborative efforts with the TRATON GROUP, we are confident to set a new efficiency benchmark in sustainable transportation. The entire team is excited to embark on this journey and build the remarkable S13 Integrated Powertrain that will redefine the industry and power our path towards a more sustainable future.”

Unveiled last year, the S13 Integrated Powertrain, developed in collaboration with the TRATON GROUP, significantly increases operating efficiency, reduces operating costs, and provides greater profitability for customers, the Navistar announcement said.

The 13-liter engine achieves advanced fuel efficiency and performance through combustion efficiency and a reduction of friction and pumping losses, the announcement said. The dual-stage aftertreatment system saves fleet time and enhances fuel economy. Eliminating the exhaust gas recirculation ensures a more complete fuel burn and allows cleaner air to enter the combustion chamber on the intake cycle to mitigate soot buildup.

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Performances scheduled for Oct 27, 28, 29 at The Dream Theatre

HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville Ballet opens its 60th season with HBC Unplugged featuring the family favorite, Peter & the Wolf followed by the much anticipated return to the stage of Artistic Director, Phillip Otto’s acclaimed ballet, Amore. In 2019, Otto commissioned local composer Jackson Love to create the Amore score whose individual movements – diamonds, blue topaz, gold, and pearls – symbolize love. Both the ballet and its score were inspired by the exquisite work of Huntsville’s own renowned artist and philanthropist, Kathy Chan. In 1986, Dr. Chan created the award-winning Amore necklace which features 197 carats of blue topaz pierced with an arrow of diamonds. Chan made an appearance in the necklace at a recent reception and sneak preview of the ballet. Jackson Love will perform the Amore score live at each performance of HBC Unplugged.

Huntsville Ballet Outreach Director, Cathy Curry will also present a new piece of choreography: Rebellious Birds set to “L’Amour est un Oiseau Rebelle” from Georges Bizet’s opera, Carmen. Curry describes the piece as, “A fun romp, set to music from Bizet’s Carmen and exploring the rebellious nature and dramatic antics of youth.”

In addition, Concerto will be performed to the Allegro movement of Bach’s Piano Concerto No 1 in D Minor. The piece is about “timing, precision, line, and beauty,” says Artistic Director, Phillip Otto. The accompanist for this piece will be Ron Roberts, a well known figure in the Huntsville arts community.

Each HBC Unplugged performance concludes with what has become an audience favorite – the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the dancers and directors.

Showtimes and Ticket Information

To purchase season or individual tickets, visit www.huntsvilleballet.org/tickets or call 256.539.0961, or by email at companymanager@huntsvilleballet.org.

The Dream Theater is located at 3401 Holmes Ave, Huntsville, AL 35816. Parking is free.

About Huntsville Ballet

Patrons from across Alabama and the Tennessee Valley travel to Huntsville to enjoy the artistry of Huntsville Ballet’s thirteen professional dancers, complemented by the work of pre-professional and junior company members and guest artists. Audiences enjoy the art of classical ballet in performances like Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty as well as other dance genres featured in newer works such as Stage Door Canteen and The Tumbleweed Suite. Huntsville Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker affords students from Huntsville Ballet School the opportunity to audition and perform alongside the professional company. Huntsville Ballet’s performances and community outreach programs are designed to appeal to a broad audience and bring the art of ballet to everyone from the art lover to those new to the experience. Huntsville Ballet Company and School operate under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit member of the state and local Arts Councils.

About the Artists

Cathy Curry, Director of Outreach and Education for Huntsville Ballet, began her dance training in Huntsville. After being awarded a full scholarship, Ms. Curry received a BFA in Dance from Florida State University where she had the opportunity to study and perform with renowned faculty such as Suzanne Farrell, Buglisi/Foreman, Doug Varone, and Jowole Zollar, the director of Urban Bush Women.

Jackson Love is a pianist and composer based in Huntsville, AL. He is a Huntsville native and earned his Bachelor of Music at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He recently completed graduate studies earning a Master of Music in Theory and Composition at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He composed Amore in 2019 and also had the honor of performing it with the company during the world premiere. Many thanks to Artistic Director Phillip Otto and the Huntsville Ballet Company dancers for the opportunity and privilege to perform alongside them again.

Phillip Otto has served as Artistic Director for the Huntsville Ballet since 2008. Born in New York, Mr. Otto trained at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre School, and the Joffrey School, among others. As a child, Mr. Otto was a member of the Metropolitan Opera’s Children’s Chorus and danced with New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, London’s Royal Ballet, the Stuttgart Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet. As an adult, Mr. Otto danced principal and soloist roles with Milwaukee Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Pianist, Ron Roberts is honored to participate in his second production with Huntsville Ballet Company. Earlier, he was featured as one of the narrators for HBC’s Carnival of the Animals in 2021. A native of Harriman, Tennessee, Ron received a Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University, both with emphasis in piano performance. He was selected as one of 18 semi-finalists in both the 1999 and 2000 Van Cliburn Foundation International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs. Since 2000, he has been exploring the worlds of acting and singing, while studying voice with Dr. Ginger Beazley at the Ars Nova School of the Arts. And since 2000, he has been on stage in over 30 productions in local theater in plays, musicals, and opera. Favorites include: Georges in La Cage aux Folles, the Chairman in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Witch in Hansel and Gretel, Count Danilo in The Merry Widow, KoKo in The Mikado, Snake in The Little Prince, Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, Frederick in A Little Night Music, and Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) -Temperatures are dropping across Alabama and with colder weather comes more cases of respiratory virus. Alabama health leaders are warning of a potential winter surge, and urging the public to get vaccinated.

This fall marks the first time in U.S. history that vaccines for all three major respiratory viruses will be available. Earlier this year, the FDA approved the first ever RSV vaccines for use in the U.S. Health care providers also have the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines to protect against a winter surge.

Dr. Wes Stubblefield with the Alabama Department of Public Health said in recent years, the ending months of the year are when we see a major jump in respiratory virus cases here in Alabama. But in order to protect yourself from getting sick, you need to receive your vaccines during the fall months.

“Most of these viruses peak around December/Januray in Alabama,” Stubblefield said. “We try to get people vaccinated in September/October with the hope that we will see activity that we would see peak in December/January and then we usually don’t see much activity after March or April. "

As for the new RSV vaccines, there are some restrictions. One of the new vaccines is for people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant to protect infants from RSV. Another is for adults 60 and older. There is also a new RSV antibody to protect toddlers and babies from severe RSV.

Stubblefield said once you receive any of these vaccine, it takes a few weeks for them to get your antibody levels up.

“The point to get the vaccines that are available is to get your protection as high as you can before we go into these winter months,” Stubblefield said. “We’ve seen COVID-19 peak every season since COVID-19 has been around, we know Influenza peaks in the winter, we know RSV typically peaks in the winter so we want people to be thinking now to get the vaccine before we start seeing activity.”

Stubblefield said for the RSV vaccines, you need to talk to your health care provider. As for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you can visit your local pharmacy or clinic.

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As the splendid palette of autumn unveils, I eagerly embrace the season of brisk air, tumbling leaves, and a tapestry of exciting events.

This weekend in Huntsville holds the promise of an array of delightful experiences for everyone.

For the passionate food enthusiasts, let’s kick off the weekend at Big Spring Park, where the Food Truck Rally sets the stage for a delightful culinary adventure.

It’s a congregation of diverse food trucks offering an array of flavors and delights.

To plan your foodie journey, don’t forget to peruse the event map to discover the location of each truck before the event kicks off.

If you’re looking for some creative fun, head over to Chalktoberfest on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bridge Street.

This is a celebration of artistry on the sidewalk canvas, accompanied by live music, balloon artistry, and face painting. An exciting sidewalk chalk art competition unfolds, inviting you to cast your vote for the chalk art creation that captivates your imagination.

If you have been in Huntsville for some time you will remember the awesome Whistlestop BBQ Festival, and the good news is that it is back.

With food vendors like Phat Sammy’s, Tamarind Island Grille, Goodland Pour House to name a few and market vendors like Furry Hippie Beard Co,, Backwoods Market Garden and more.

This is an event you don’t want to miss if you’re looking for food and fun outdoors.

Lastly if you have been looking for humor and seek a fun way to the end the weekend with a few laughs, prepare to be thoroughly entertained by Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy on Sunday at 7 p.m. Joe Gatto, is most known for his roles in “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.”

It’s an event not to be missed,

ensuring hearty laughter and an enjoyable night out in downtown Huntsville.

Food Truck Rallies

When: Friday from 5-9 p.m.

Where: Big Spring Park, 420 Church St. NW, Huntsville

Price: free admission; food and drink available for purchase

Tickets: downtownhuntsville.org

From their website: “The Food Truck & Trailer Rallies is our largest event and a staple to the Huntsville community! We are excited to combine our trucks and trailers into one event where guests can choose from over 15 options! On the third Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m., your favorite food trucks and trailers will be spread out across Big Spring Park, so be sure to check the map before each event to find out where they are located that day!”

Chalktoberfest

When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2.pm.

Where: Bridge Street at the Belk Courtyard, 365 The Bridge St. 106, Huntsville

Price: free

Tickets: bridgestreethuntsville.com

From their website: “The event area will be located around the Belk Courtyard and throughout Bridge Street at participating retailers and restaurants. There will be live music on the PBR patio, balloon artist, face painting and more. We are currently looking for sidewalk chalk artists to compete in this fun, art-filled event. Don’t miss the chance to cast a vote for your favorite chalk art creation!”

Whistlestop BBQ Festival at MidCity

When: Friday from 5-11 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: MidCity district, Huntsville

Price: Friday only $15, Saturday only $25, weekend pass $35, Taste of Whistletop $125

Tickets: whistlestopweekend.com

From their website: “WhistleStop, the Rocket City BBQ Festival, has been a beloved North Alabama tradition since 2001. As a primary fundraising event for the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum, the festival raises funds allowing EarlyWorks to expand its offerings and better serve the community over the years. After announcing its end last year, we are excited to announce – Whistlestop is back!”

Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy at Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center

When: Sunday at 7 p.m.

Where: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe St. SW, Huntsville

Price: $36-$56

Tickets: partyfixx.co/event

From their website: “Joe Gatto, a renowned comedian famed for his roles in ‘Impractical Jokers’ and ‘The Misery Index,’ has dazzled audiences worldwide through sold-out live comedy shows alongside the Jokers, performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena. Presently, he headlines his solo stand-up act, ‘Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy,’ captivating audiences in packed theaters throughout the United States. Outside of comedy, Joe is deeply committed to championing anti-bullying causes and animal rescue efforts, particularly through his nonprofit, Gatto Pups and Friends, which focuses on senior and disabled dogs in Long Island, New York. He’s a fervent supporter of the ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ initiative. Additionally, Joe engages with his audience through the insightful and entertaining ‘Two Cool Moms’ comedy podcast on the iHeart Radio Podcast Network, dispensing wisdom and advice in a lighthearted manner. He cherishes the values of pastry and family, embodying love for his wife,

two children, and a penchant for cannoli.”

This is an exciting time for us year-round sports fans.

We have postseason baseball, regular season football and preseason basketball. All at the same time. Heaven must be like this.

I’m particularly grateful because I remember the pandemic years when seasons were shortened and game attendance was curtailed.

But now we have it all. We can focus on the games and how our teams are doing without having to worry about cancellations and COVID absences.

During conversations about sports, we can see people’s expressions because we’re not wearing masks. We’re back at our workplaces instead of at home watching classic sports replays or old movies.

Life is good. Go Lakers. And War Eagle.