pelika O Observer
Vol. 11, No. 01
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Opelika, Alabama
“By local people, for local people.”
Chamber of Commerce seeking volunteers, handmade floats for annual Christmas parade
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
‘First Man’ opens in theaters Friday By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor ‘First Man’ starring Ryan Gosling is set to open in theaters nationwide Friday. The movie is adapted from a book of the same name written by retired Auburn University Professor of History Dr. James Hansen. Published in 2005, Hansen’s book received a strong reception for its historical content and being Armstrong’s first-ever biography. Hundreds of hours interviewing Armstrong, as well as his family, friends
and colleagues, went into his efforts of compiling a story that is so deeply woven into the fabric of America. Universal Pictures purchased the film rights to the book in 2007. After years of searching for the right visionary, Academy Award winning filmmaker Damian Chazelle was chosen to transform the story into a Hollywood masterpiece. As the film’s co-producer, Hansen worked closely with screenwriter Josh Singer throughout the screenwriting process, an experienced See Movie, page A6
Opelika Sportsplex to host annual fall festival Oct. 30 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Opelika’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Sportsplex are partnering together to host the beloved annual “Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival” Oct. 30 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Nearly 1,500 people attended last year’s event, an occasion that provides parents and children with a family-friendly environment to play and enjoy the festivities, according OPR Public Relation Coordinator Laura Leigh Chesser. “This event is a safe alternative to trick-ortreating. It’s a great place to come, all fenced-in, well-lit, everything all in one spot, and there’s (plenty) for the kids to
do while they’re there,” Chesser said. There will be multiple booths offering children candy and games, a designated toddler area, hayrides, inflatables and more. Opelika High School mascots Ope and Lika will be in attendance along with members of the AuburnOpelika Stormtroopers group. Admission is free, but games require tickets, which cost 25 cents each. For $10, parents can purchase wristbands for their children for unlimited access to games and hayrides. Parents can also purchase their own wristband for $1 to accompany their children on the hayrides. See Festival, page A12
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking participants, sponsors and volunteers for this
committed to help and only eight floats have been entered into the parade to date with only nine days left until the registration deadline Oct. 19. Earlier this year,
a press release from the Chamber stated the organization was cancelling the parade and switching to a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony instead. Met See Parade, page A12
7th annual ‘March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction’ set for Nov. 8 Special to the Opelika Observer
One of the area’s most popular charity food events, the seventh annual “March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction,” will return Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at The Hotel at Auburn University
and Dixon Conference Center. Prominent area chefs will prepare their signatures dishes created exclusively for the evening. A stellar lineup of chefs will be preparing unique dishes from 10 of the area’s most prominent res-
taurant, including A*T, Acre, Amsterdam Cafe, Butcher Paper Barbeque, Lucy’s, Marriott at Grand National, Stinky’s Fish Camp, The Hound, The Waverly Local and Zazu Gastropub. Following the tasting and silent
auction, there will be a spirited live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and the organization’s special “Fund the Mission.” “(The) Signature Chefs Auction is a unique opportunity to experience the diverse culinary talSee Chefs, page A7
Hagans to walk Nevada for annual shoe collection drive By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor
Opelika native and pastor Rick Hagans will embark on his 25th annual walk across the state of Nevada next week to collect shoes for the poor in Mexico. The 450-mile
Index
OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 CALENDAR................................A10
year’s Christmas parade, which is scheduled for Dec. 1. According to information provided by Chamber President Pam Powers-Smith, seven people have
Hagans journey will begin at Hoover Dam in
SPORTS.......................................B1 LEGALS ......................................B5 RELIGION..............................B13 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14
southeastern Nevada and conclude at Lake Tahoe on the state’s western boundary with California. Nevada marks the 39th state that Hagans will walk since 1993, which all began as a promise he made to a little boy in the im-
poverished town of Reynosa, who was wanting to exchange his toys for a pair of shoes. “I didn’t have any shoes to give him, so I said ‘I’ll come back, and I will bring you some shoes,” Hagan
See Hagans, page A12
pelika O Observer.com