Celebrate Independence Day with The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Celebrate Independence Day with The Outlet Shops of Grand River; The Outlet Shops of Grand River is celebrating Independence Day with family fun all weekend! All ages can come enjoy Amazing Animals on The Plaza at Grand River, featuring a Petting Zoo, barbecue and incredible shopping deals at participating stores. HK Exotic Petting Zoo is free to the public, with the option to purchase feeding bags for $1. Animals include: Old English Babydoll Sheep, Miniature Silky Fainting Goats, Pygmy Goats, Nubian Goats, African Crested Porcupine, Rhea, Short Tailed Opossum, Columbian Boa, Sulcata tortoise, Capybara, Miniature Dexter Cattle, Sizzle Chicken, Muscovy Duck, Blue and Gold Macaw, Pot Belly Pigs, and Dorper Sheep Rusty's Barbecue will be selling plates with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Leeds Outreach, with the following options: Pulled Pork Sandwich for $4, Hot Dog for $2, Bag of Chips for $1, Canned Drink, Lemonade or Tea for $1.50 Make plans to spend time with the whole family at this Independence Day celebration, July 5th-7th! July 5th - 11 am - 6 pm July 6th - 11 am - 6 pm July 7th - Noon - 6 pm The Outlet Shops of Grand River

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Briarwood Ballet presents encore performances of the beloved C.S. Lewis book; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This performance will also feature guest dance artist David Kiyak. June 20th & 21st 7 pm Briarwood Children's Auditorium Cost: $5 tickets available at briarwood.org/special-events or at the door

The Ram Rodeo Series Saddles Up Into Jasper!

The Ram Rodeo Series Saddles Up Into Jasper!; Looking for fun, family entertainment and real horsepower? The 2013 Ram Rodeo Series will ride into town for the EASI Benefit Rodeo. Saddle up with the cowboys and gals at Jasper Jaycess Fairgrounds and check out the newest Ram Trucks while enjoying the legendary sport of rodeo. Spectators who visit the Ram Truck brand during the rodeo will be entered into the 2013 Ram Rodeo Sweepstakes for a chance to win $45,000 toward any eligible Chrysler Group vehicle. For more information on the Ram Rodeo Series, please visit RamRodeo.com June 14th & 15th 7:30 pm Jasper Jaycess Fairgrounds, Airport Road, Jasper, AL

Paddle at the Rock

Paddle at the Rock; This will be Smith Lake's first stand up paddle board race. This is a race for charity to benefit The Bell Center in Birmingham. There is a 6 mile elite, 3 mile and 1 mile course. You can register on Active.com http://www.active.com/water-sports/crane-hill-al/paddle-at-the-rock-2013 This will be a fun event and a great time to get into paddle board racing. July 13th 9 am Silverock Cove at Smith Lake

Golf for Down Syndrome

Golf for Down Syndrome; Golf on a Monday for a great cause. This benefit event supports the John Mark Stallings Adult Down Syndrome Advocacy Program. Join us to offer these individuals’ programs that enhance their quality of life and well-being. This event is held to honor John Mark Stallings, son of legendary coach Gene Stallings. June 17th 12pm Commemorative Tee Inverness Country Club Age: 16 and older Cost: $175 per golfer and $600 for a foursome To register online go to www.downsyndromealabama.org or call 205-988-0810

Stop Diabetes @ Work

Stop Diabetes @ Work; Join the American Diabetes Association and distinguished guests for an informative and interactive discussion on wellness in the workplace. Learn about resources to prevent and manage diabetes and related complications in the workplace. Visit www.stopdiabetesatwork.eventbrite.com to register! June 19th 7:30 am The Club - Homewood Cost: $15/person (first 150 free)

Step Out

Step Out; Build a team with your family, friends, and/or co-workers to raise money and come walk to help find a cure for diabetes. September 7th, 8 am, Bama Belle Park November 2nd, 7:30 am - 11:30 am, Samford University Cost: Free, but request $26 minimum donation