There is so much happening in Andalusia this week as Christmas in Candyland 2022 opens!

FOOTBALL

Of course, the Andalusia High School Bulldogs are playing for the 4A Football state championship in Jordan-Hare stadium at 11 a.m. Friday. As a community, we are thrilled about this. Friday marks 45 years since the Bulldogs captured the championship in another iconic place, Birmingham’s Legion Field, and we think that’s a good omen. Our police and fire departments will welcome the Bulldogs back to town by escorting them to the stadium, where we encourage fans to greet them. Watch for updates on times on social media Friday evening. 

CANDYLAND OPENS

Candyland will officially open to the public at 5 p.m. on Friday. The monthlong schedule is available at christmasincandyland.com, but here’s what’s happening this weekend.

Friday, Dec. 2

Open 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Meet and Greet Mirabel, 5 – 7 p.m., Front door of Springdale

• Live music on Candyland Stage, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Open 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Be on the lookout for The Grinch!

• 1 – 4 p.m. - Meet and Greet Santa

• 4 – 6 p.m. - Meet and Greet Elsa and Anna 

• 6 p.m. - Characters in Candyland Show

Sunday, Dec. 4

Open 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

• 2-4 p.m. - Meet and Greet Santa

• 2-4 p.m. - Meet and Greet Elsa and Anna

• 2 p.m. - AES Show Choir

• 4 p.m.- Characters in Candyland Show

EVENING IN BETHLEHEM

First Baptist Church of Andalusia will host An Evening In Bethlehem, a drive-through, live nativity, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2, 3, and 4, from 6 until 8 p.m. each evening. The narrated “tour” starts on Tisdale Street. Look for directional signage in the downtown area. 

PILOT CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST

For as long as anyone can remember, the Pilot Club has sold pancake and sausage plates on the first Saturday in December. This year, the event is set from 5:30 a.m. until noon in the Kisanis Community Center. Plates are $8. The Pilot Club also has an arts and crafts event at the breakfast. 

5th ANNUAL RED NOSE REINDEER DASH 5K

If you’re gonna eat pancakes, you’ll need some exercise. Sign up for United Fund’s Reindeer Dash 5K, which takes you through scenic downtown. The race begins at CCB Community Bank at 8:00 a.m. It’s just 3.1 miles, and walkers are also welcome. 

PILOT CLUB TOUR OF HOMES

The Pilot Club is working HARD this weekend. Their annual tour of homes is set for 1 until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. Tickets are $15, and are available in advance at Sanbuck Insurance or Outlaw Realty. If you need to get a ticket on Sunday, make Bluebird Coffee Co. your first stop on the tour, which includes the Bowers Residents, the Jordan Residence, the O’Ferrell Residence and the Harper Residence.