What's so great about the Redneck Christmas Parade? We ask the rednecks (video)

 CHUMUCKLA, Florida -- People who show up at the Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade just in time for the first float and leave right behind the last donkey are only getting part of the experience. It'd be like showing up at an Alabama or Auburn football game just before kickoff. Some of the true die-hard rednecks at the event show up around 8 a.m., tailgate and grill out for hours leading up to and following the parade. In the video at right, several such devotees share their thoughts on the event. Whiting Field firefighter Tyler Van Wey attended the parade for the first time this year, and is already making plans for next year. "I've only been here a couple years, and I'd heard a lot about it, but until now I didn't realize the magnitude of the parade," Van Wey said. "It is absolutely phenomenal." Another first-timer, Scott Bass of nearby Milton, Fla., said the people-watching was the best part. "It was too short," Bass said. "Not enough rednecks. We need more rednecks to show up and do stupid stuff. "We came out to sit here, eat, relax, have a good time. That's what the redneck parade is all about. Look at stupid people with muddy trucks and crazy vehicles and there you go." Brooke Ellison of Pensacola makes the trip out to the parade every year with her friends, and while the actual parade was shorter in 2013, Ellison still enjoyed driving her rented golf cart around the parade route. "It's just fun," Ellison said. "They're a great group of people, it's real country, real laid-back. Everybody just sits out and has a really great time." Watch the video above to hear from people in the crowd at the 2013 Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade and see the gallery below for more scenes from the action.

My Week in Pictures: Gulf Shores Christmas Parade, impressive nativity collection in Orange beach and more (photos, video)

 Christmas season is in full swing in paradise. My week in pictures began at the Gulf Shores Christmas Parade. Later, I visited a new wine shop as part of what's new at the beach, and and amazing nativity scene collection in Orange Beach.  This year's Gulf Shores Christmas Parade rolled down Gulf Shores Parkway at night for the first time. The lighted parade brought out hundreds of people who lined the street as more than two dozen holiday floats headed to the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Tis the season to toast family and friends. Paradise Fruit Wines is my latest addition to what's new at the beach. The wine shop, located at The Wharf in Orange Beach stocks only fruit wines; more than 30 in fact. For many, the season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and that celebration was on display at the First Baptist Church in Orange Beach where 75 nativity scenes from around the world is on display. If you plan on checking out the exhibit, you better hurry because it closes on December 15. Be sure to check out my week in pictures every Friday, and click on the links above to see the full galleries. See the full collection here »

What's new at the beach: Toasting to the season with fruit wines at Orange Beach shop (photos)

 Festiberry fruit wine is one of the most popular items for the holiday season at Paradise Fruit Wines at The Wharf in Orange Beach. (Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com)ORANGE BEACH, Alabama -- Tis the season for toasting libations! And for some folks along the beaches, clinking glasses at holiday parties means doing so with fruit wines. Fruit wines are a growing trend in lieu of grape wines here along the beach. Don't believe it? Then just visit Paradise Fruit Wines, one of the newest shops at The Wharf.  "There's definitely a trend toward fruit wines whether it's a sparkling wine or a port, especially this time of year. All of our wine is a hundred-percent fruit wine. Not one wine here is grape infused," said Paradise Fruit Wines owner Nick Scelson. "One of the coolest things about coming into my shop is every customer (over 21) can sample five different wines," Scelson said. "It's kind of a wine tasting every day here."His love of fruit wines began earlier this year when he and his mother attended the Waves of Wine festival in Orange Beach. "She and I loved this wine so much we bought a few cases," he said. "I decided to open up this shop and sell only fruit wine. People seem to love it around here."Expect to spend from $18 to $25 per bottle. Hurricane Sangria (variety of fruits) Paradise Fruit Wines, 4790 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach, 251-923-0600. Hours: Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.See the full collection here »

Beau Rivage gets merry with 'Spirit of Christmas' through Dec. 29

  When Beau Rivage describes its holiday-season production "Spirit of Christmas" as a "New York-style Christmas spectacular," what exactly does that mean?It means high-kicking chorus girls, of course. It means a medley of songs from a wide range of genres. It means a little bit of Santa Claus. It means nonstop motion, including a dash of ballet and a touch of ice-skating. Mostly, it means 75 minutes of sheer, exuberant energy."Spirit of Christmas" runs through Dec. 29 at the Biloxi resort and casino. It's the centerpiece of a holiday push that includes an extensively decorated resort atrium and some special offers geared toward families, such as free buffet dining for children. It's a large-scale effort: In a recent visit, it was clear that the Christmas decorations have made the atrium itself something of a tourist attraction. Numerous visitors stopped to have their photos taken with various features. Gingerbread houses? Forget it. Here's a gingerbread mockup of Beau Rivage itself, along with other MGM resorts properties."Spirit of Christmas" puts a straightforward focus on music and ensemble motion. There's no plot whatsoever and a modest number of solo spotlights. The cast of 28 spends most of its time on stage, so it's something of a mystery where they find time to go through their costume changes.Director Jill Sellers said there are about 20 costume changes, meaning there probably are around 500 costumes involved. Asked about the pace backstage, Production Manager David Webb laughed and described it as "Super fast. Too fast, sometimes."The result of all that work is that the cast is able to cover everything from World War II-era boogie-woogie to contemporary Rockfeller Center-style montages of smartly-clad shoppers. Standout sections include both a soaring gospel-influenced passion and a futuristic, techno Daft Punk-meets-Tchaikovsky take on "The Nutcracker.""Spirit of Christmas" shows take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday in the Beau Rivage Theatre, with additional matinee performances at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $9.95 plus tax and fees; they can be ordered by calling 888-566-7469 or online at www.beaurivage.com. Room and show packages start at $89.99.Bonus offerings include complimentary photos with Santa, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 19-23. According to information provided by Beau Rivage, photos will be available for pickup within an hour after they're made, and children can enjoy free milk and cookies in the Roasted Bean coffeeshop while they wait.Children 12 and younger eat free in the Beau Rivage buffet from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 14-29, and the Scoops ice cream parlor offers a buy one, get one free special Dec. 14-29. Restaurants stall and Coast also are offering specials through Dec. 23, and the Arcade offers double tickets to "Spirit of Christmas" ticketholders through Dec. 29.Beau Rivage will hold its annual Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Entertainment includes Christmas carols from the Long Beach Madrigal Singers. "Spirit of Christmas" ticketholders will be eligible for a 15 percent discount at most Beau Rivage shops.

As Saenger schedule grows, booker promises 'it's only going to get better'

  Craig Morgan's country hits include "Redneck Yacht Club," "That's What I Love about Sunday" and "This Ole Boy." He'll appear at the Mobile Saenger Theatre in February. (File photo) Three months after a new management deal was struck for the historic Mobile Saenger Theatre, popular entertainment bookings at the historic venue are starting to add up. It appears the Jewel on Joachim will have a lively spring, and one of the partners booking the venue said he thinks it's "safe to say it's only going to get better."That is Dan Merker of Huka Entertainment, a New Orleans-based company with Mobile roots that is a prominent part of the new order at the Saenger. In September, the Mobile City Council approved a deal that made management company SMG the new operator of the Saenger. SMG presented Huka as a partner with an active, though non-exclusive, role in booking shows at the venue. The Saenger is glad to do business with other companies and independent promoters, but Huka is behind the majority of the shows currently on the roster. As things stand now, December will close out with two shows: a "Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas Concert" on Friday, Dec. 21, and a "Christmas Extravaganza" on Saturday, Dec. 22. Huka and SMG are partners with a third company in presenting the Charlie Brown show.In January, Huka will present The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute. But it's in February that things really start to heat up, with four shows on the books. The first of them, a Feb. 8 appearance by comedian and commentator Bill Maher, is not a Huka show. The other three are: Craig Morgan on Feb. 13, Gov't Mule with the Revivalists on Feb. 15 and Buddy Guy with Johnny Lang on Feb. 19.There's currently nothing on the books for March, but Huka presents the Southern Soul Assembly on April 1 and Umphrey's McGee on April 16."Really, there was pressure on us" to deliver shows after the new management deal was struck in September, Merker said. "The reality is that artists, in most cases, are booked six months out." To book on shorter notice, he said, Huka had to draw on industry relationships, pursue acts that have previously performed well in the Mobile market, such as Buddy Guy and Gov't Mule.The freshly announced Craig Morgan booking stands out, because Huka hasn't historically done a lot of country. But Merker said that's changing fast because of Huka's role in the Tortuga Music Festival, a Florida event that it produces and books."More than half the bill is country," Merker said of Tortuga Fest. "Country's fun." Biloxi's casinos bring in a lot of country acts, which makes it tricky to book in Mobile, he said. But Huka will continue to look for opportunities, he said, and also plans to book other genres such as R&B and comedy. The bottom line, he said, is that more concert announcements are on their way, including one that's almost finalized in late March and perhaps even a Carnival-season treat."I feel like I'm close to being in my groove," Merker said of the ongoing process of fattening up the Saenger calendar.A list of current popular entertainment bookings at the Mobile Saenger Theatre follows. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Mobile Civic Center box office and other Ticketmaster outlets. For more information and updates, visit www.mobilesaenger.com.Dec. 21: Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas concert with the Invincible Czars and the Joe Cool Trio featuring James Andrews, 7 p.m., $15 and $17.50. Dec. 22: "Christmas Extravaganza" featuring David Brinston, Dennis "Finger Roll" Nelson, Yvonne Matthews and more, 6 p.m. $25-$40. Jan. 18: The Machine, Pink Floyd tribute, $17.50 and $35. Feb. 18: Bill Maher, 8 p.m., $36.50-$76.50. Feb. 13: Craig Morgan, 8:30 p.m., $27.50-$45. Feb. 15: Gov't Mule with the Revivalists, 7 p.m., $27.50-$37.50. Feb. 19: Buddy Guy with Jonny Lang, $39.50 and $65. April 1: The Southern Soul Assembly featuring JJ Grey, Luther Dickinson, Anders Osborne and Marc Broussard, $25 and $30. April 16: Umphrey's McGee, 7 p.m. $25.

Santa Claus not dropping from the skies at Flora-Bama Saturday, will make grand entrance by fire truck instead (photos)

  Santa Parachutes inot the Flora Bama.zipKids lined up to visit with Santa Claus at the Flora-Bama Lounge in Perdido Key during last year's annual Santa Claus Drop at the beach bar on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Due to forecasts of rainy weather, Santa will arrive at Saturday's Christmas party aboard a Perdido Key Fire Department fire truck. (Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com) PERDIDO KEY, Florida -- For more than a decade Santa Claus has dropped from the skies by parachute at the beach behind the Flora-Bama Lounge to the delight of thousands of kids. This year, Old St. Nick will still make his arrival to the famous roadside establishment but instead he'll show up on a fire truck with all the pomp and circumstance courtesy of the new Perdido Key fire station. Due to expected rain, organizers have canceled the usual parachute drop.  "We're expecting unfavorable conditions for a parachute drop, but we expect hundreds of people still," said Jenifer Surface-Ivey, public relations director for the Flora-Bama. "If children want to meet Santa Claus, he'll be here with goodies for all. Plus, we'll still have hot chocolate, sweets and live music for the whole family."Santa Claus is slated to arrive at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to all. Flora-Bama Lounge and Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key. See the full collection here »

Redneck Christmas Parade organizers ask people to keep it classy this year in Chumuckla

  CHUMUCKLA, Florida -- Up to 15,000 people are expected to descend on tiny Chumuckla Saturday for the town's annual Redneck Christmas Parade, but organizers are trying to remind out of town guests that there are rules even at a Redneck Christmas Parade.  While many floats in the parade will include beer can Christmas trees, toilets, or other redneck-themed items, Renee Melvin, president of the Chumuckla Athletic Association, told the Santa Rosa Press Gazette that there is a no-alcohol policy both for people in the parade and along the sidelines.  “There is absolutely no alcohol,” Melvin said. “And don’t bring couches or furniture and leave them on the side of the road.”Melvin said last year the town had issues with discarded furniture along the parade route. She also said that the man who includes an inflatable doll designed for unsavory purposes in his parade display each year must keep the doll's clothes on this time. Similarly, she said that women should not expose themselves in exchange for beads.The parade begins at 1 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Chumuckla Springs Road and Gin Road (behind the old cotton gin), and follows Gin Road across Chumuckla Highway to Salter Road. Though the parade starts around midday, many people start tailgating along the parade route around 7 a.m. Last year's parade featured floats pulled by trucks, cars, buses, and, occasionally, live animals. Riders tossed beads, candy, beef jerky, stuffed animals, toilet bowl scrubbers and more to eager crowds of all ages.Often lost in the shuffle of 15,000 rednecks gathering in one place is the fact that the event is a fundraiser. Entry fees from the 250 floats expected to roll this year will be used to buy toys and food for needy families. New, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food donations will also be accepted on-site. In fact, the parade was started with the name "Chumuckla Caring for Christmas" 18 years ago. Since then, the parade has grown to attract thousands of visitors every year and been featured on CNN and in numerous travel stories. For the past few years, the town also hosted BonfireJam, a country music festival centered around the parade. Organizers canceled this year's BonfireJam in September due to financial difficulties. This year's event was originally to feature concerts by Jake Owen and The Band Perry. In previous years, Jana Kramer, Rodney Atkins, Gretchen Wilson, Clay Walker, Little Big Town, Lee Brice and more. Clint Black was scheduled to headline last year's festival, but had to cancel his performance after the death of his father a few days before the event. Organizers recruited Walker to fill in on short notice.Chumuckla is located about 30 miles north of Pensacola and 20 miles south of Flomaton, Ala.See the video and photo gallery above for scenes from last year's Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade and check AL.com/beaches after Saturday for coverage of this year's parade. See the full collection here »

Bellingrath's Magic Christmas in Lights extended to Jan. 4 (photos)

 THEODORE, Ala. – Bellingrath Gardens and Home has extended the dates of Magic Christmas in Lights through Jan. 4.Traditionally, the light show, which opens the day after Thanksgiving, has closed after Dec. 31.Day hours for the gardens are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The light show hours are 5 to 9 p.m.; the show features 3 million sparkling lights in more than 1,000 custom set pieces throughout the 65-acre estate. Guests may also tour the Bellingrath Museum Home, decorated for the holidays, and have lunch or dinner at the Magnolia Café. Holiday decorations, ornaments and gifts are available at The Bellingrath Gift Shop. The gardens will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.Advance tickets for Magic Christmas in Lights and for the Bellingrath Museum Home are still available online at www.bellingrath.org. Pre-purchased tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance. Group rates are available; call 251-973-2217, ext. 163.For more information, visit www.bellingrath.org or the Magic Christmas In Lights Facebook page.

Better than Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: Columbiana to offer trolley for public transit

  The City of Columbiana's trolley sits under a protective cover on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, behind City Hall in Columbiana as municipal leaders plan to establish a route for the vehicle to serve as a free public transportation system in the community starting this spring. (Martin J. Reed / mreed@al.com) COLUMBIANA, Alabama -- At the risk of friendly criticism from fellow leaders in the area, Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley is promoting his city as the only one in Shelby County that has a public transportation system for anyone to use."I think that's true unless Hoover had some sort of system," Handley said in an interview today. "They might have had a transit system at one time. We're actually - at the risk of being incorrect - I'm touting it right now. I'm being ragged by the other mayors so much that Columbiana has the only transit system in Shelby County."Starting this spring, the municipality will utilize the trolley it purchased from the City of Charlotte, N.C., in November to serve as free public transportation on a route hitting popular places throughout town five days a week."What we're going to do is come up with a circular route around town for the high-density places, the places people go: the post office, the doctor offices, the apartment complexes, the schools, the ballparks, the Piggly Wiggly, downtown," Handley said."I'm really excited about it. It really serves two purposes: We've got a world of people here who are walking and carrying their supplies home and things like that. For them it's certainly going to be a very practical thing and much needed here in our town. And it's going to be a good thing for tourism and special events and public relations," he said.Handley expects the trolley will utilize volunteer drivers operating on two shifts from 8:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The trolley can also serve special events in town."What we are going to try to do, we are going to ask for donations. It's a free ride," he said. "I suspect we will get some donations from citizens and business, but then also inside it has an advertising scrolling marquee inside the bus. With that and maybe some signs mounted inside, we would probably sell advertising to businesses."The council set aside money and purchased the 22-seat 2004 trolley offered in an online auction by the City of Charlotte for $28,500. Retail price for similar vehicles is north of $200,000, Handley said."We feel like we got a really great deal on this," he said, noting the vehicle has 155,000 miles, "which is not high mileage on these."Handley and the council had decided to fund the project during this year's budget discussions. "We discussed this at great length. The council decided to go ahead and put the money in the budget this year to cover this," he said.The trolley is accessible for disabled people and features a wheelchair lift. "It has all the bells and whistles," Handley said, noting the vehicle made its public debut in the city's Christmas parade.Handley identified public transportation as a goal in public office going back to when he campaigned for City Council five years ago as he noticed large numbers of pedestrians around town."I noticed that in our apartment complexes, we had a lot of people who are living in Columbiana who had no transportation. A lot of them are walking to the grocery store, walking back with the groceries in their arms, walking to the doctors' offices, walking to the post office," he said."And these are people that are not walking for their health. They're walking because they have no transportation," he said.Anyone with a commercial driver's license who is interested in volunteering to drive the trolley, or any businesses that want to advertise to support the transit system, can call Handley at Columbiana City Hall at 669-5804.

Christmas Pageant at a bar? Only when it's the Flora-Bama (photos, video)

  PERDIDO KEY, Florida -- A traditional Christmas Pageant just days before Christmas at a bar, you say? Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ while sipping mimosas and bloody marys? Well, sure, only when such a timeless performance is held at the Flora-Bama on the Alabama-Florida line, naturally.  Each week locals and tourists attend the Flora-Bama's Sunday morning Worship by the Water, which takes place under the main tent, just feet from the Gulf of Mexico. But this past week saw a lot more folks who came out for the beach bar's Christmas Pageant.It sure didn't feel like Christmas with temperatures hovering near 70 degrees and hundreds of worshipers packed under a covered tent. Still, the 'Bama's Christmas Pageant included some light hearted and poignant moments as participants took to the front of the audience with a live Christian band providing the score. See the full collection here »

At the Casinos: Gilbert Gottfried, Adam Lambert, Gordie Brown, Big & Rich, more

 Adam Lambert arrives at the Do Something Awards on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)  BILOXI, Miss. -- Thanks to New Year's Eve, there's an extra-long weekend of entertainment coming up at Biloxi's casinos.The Golden Nugget presents impressionist Gordie Brown on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 27-28. Hard Rock Biloxi offers comedian Gilbert Gottfried on Saturday, followed by Adam Lambert on Sunday, Dec. 29. IP also has a Sunday show, welcoming country superstars Big & Rich. Sunday also is the last day for the "Spirit of Christmas" show at Beau Rivage.IP Biloxi shakes up Monday, Dec. 30, with a performance by KC & the Sunshine Band, and Beau Rivage brings in the Molly Ringwalds for a New Year's Eve show on Tuesday, Dec. 31.Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi: "Spirit of Christmas," Dec. 24-29, $9.95 and up.The Molly Ringwalds, Dec. 31, $19.95 and up.Ron White, Jan. 10, $39.95 and up.Huey Lewis & the News, Jan. 17, $44.95 and up.Vince Gill, Jan. 31, $54.95 and up.Merle Haggard, Feb. 8, $39.95 and up.Tony Bennett, Feb. 22, $69.95 and up.Rodney Carrington, Feb. 28-March 1, $34.95 and up.Jack Hanna's "Into the Wild," March 14-15, $9.95 and up.Michael Bolton, March 21, $49.95 and up.Available through Ticketmaster; visit www.beaurivage.com for details. 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi; ticket office 228-386-7777 or 1-888-566-7469. Golden Nugget Biloxi:Impressionist Gordie Brown, Dec. 27-28, $20 and up.Gallagher's Last Smash, Jan. 25, $10 and up.Chrisette Michele, Feb. 28, $25 and up.Oak Ridge Boys, April 4, $25, on sale Jan. 3.All shows 21 and older unless noted otherwise. Available through Ticketmaster. 151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530. Visit www.goldennugget.com/biloxi or call 800-777-7568 or 228-435-5400. Hard Rock Biloxi: Gilbert Gottfried, Dec. 28, $9.99 and up.Adam Lambert, Dec. 29, $39.99 and up. Kansas, Jan. 3, $9.99 and up.Kool & the Gang, Jan. 4, $19.99.Daughtry, Jan. 10, $69.99 and up.Burt Bacharach, Jan. 11, $29.99 and up.Jamey Johnson, Jan. 18, $29.99 and up.Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Jan. 24, $9.99 and up.Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, Jan. 25, $9.99 and up.Aaron Lewis, Jan. 31, $29.99 and up.The Fab Four (Beatles tribute), Feb. 1, $9.99 and up.Loverboy, Feb. 7, $14.99 and up.Heart, Feb. 8, $59.99 and up.Gavin DeGraw, Feb. 14, $29.99 and up.The Australian Bee Gees Show, Feb. 15, $9.99 and up.Jennifer Nettles, Feb. 21, $59.99 and up."Masters of Illusion," Feb. 22, $9.99 and up.Travis Tritt, Feb. 28, $49.99 and up.Billy Currington, March 14, $39.99 and up.Lonestar, March 22, $9.99 and upKellie Pickler, March 28, $39.99 and up.Sinbad, March 29, $19.99 and up.Most Hard Rock Live shows 21 and older. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. 777 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi. For information, visit www.hardrockbiloxi.com or call 228-374-7625.IP Casino, Resort & Spa: Big & Rich, Dec. 29, $65-$85.KC & the Sunshine Band, Dec. 30, $40-$60.Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Jan. 11, $25-$40.Tony Orlando, Jan. 17, $30-$45.Plain White T's, Jan. 25, $30-$45.Crystal Gayle, Feb. 8, $25-$40.Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Feb. 21, $45-$65.All shows 21 and older unless noted otherwise. Available through Ticketmaster and at the casino box office. 850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi. Visit www.ipbiloxi.com or call 888-WIN-AT-IP.Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Casino & Restaurant BiloxiBonkerz Comedy Club, 8 p.m. Dec. 26, $10.Hypnaughty with Thom Kaz, 8 p.m. Jan. 2, $15 and $20.Captain Fantastic (Elton John tribute) and the 52nd Street Band (Billy Joel tribute), 7 p.m. Jan. 4, $10.Bonkerz Comedy Club, 8 p.m. Jan. 9, $10.Simply Diamond (Neil Diamond tribute), 7 p.m. Jan. 11, $10.Hypnaughty with Thom Kaz, 8 p.m. Jan. 16, $15 and $20.Departure (Journey tribute), 7 p.m. Jan. 18, $10.Bonkerz Comedy Club, 8 p.m. Jan. 23, $10.Hypnaughty with Thom Kaz, 8 p.m. Jan. 30, $15 and $20.All shows 21 and older unless noted otherwise. Available through www.eventbrite.com and the Margaritaville Retail Store. 160 5th St., Biloxi. Visit www.margaritavillebiloxi.com or call 228-267-7777.For Ticketmaster events, tickets can be charged by phone at 800-745-3000 or ordered online at www.ticketmaster.com. Full-service Ticketmaster outlets in the Mobile area include the Mobile Civic Center box office; Northside Check Exchange, 2102 St. Stephens Road; Gold Mine, 602 U.S. 98 in Daphne; Publix, 25771 Perdido Beach Blvd. in Orange Beach; and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Box office in Biloxi. Additionally, some are Walmart stores now offer Ticketmaster sales. Ticket counters usually located in the electronics department. Participating stores are located at 101 South Beltline Highway and 685 Schillinger Road in Mobile; 2381 Pass Road in Biloxi; 9350-A Highway 49 in Gulfport; and 3911 Bienville Blvd. in Ocean Springs.

Runway reopens after stalled plane grounds flights into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (updated)

 BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A disabled plane on a runway at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport affected incoming flights Tuesday morning.The small private plane had a flat tire and stalled on Runway 6/24, airport spokeswoman Toni Bast said.The plane was towed off the runway shortly after 8 a.m. The incident occurred at a time when there were few takeoffs, Bast said.The Federal Aviation Administration enacted a traffic management program for the airport, or a set of procedures for managing incoming traffic during special circumstances.The agency reported "ground stops," or delayed takeoffs for Birmingham-bound flights from around the country for more than an hour Tuesday. 8:37 a.m.: Some departing flights bound for Birmingham may not take off until 9:15 a.m., according to the FAA. Travelers should check with airlines to see if their flights are affected. 8:05 a.m.: Flights departing for Birmingham's airport will not take off until 8:30 a.m., according to the FAA.Details on the disabled plane are not yet available.Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines to see if their flights are affected.

Krewe of Badonkadonk, Mudd Mistress and more roll in Chumuckla Redneck Christmas Parade (photos)

  CHUMUCKLA, Florida -- Despite a forecast that called for more rain than reindeer, thousands still found their way to the tiny community of Chumuckla for the town's 19th annual Redneck Christmas Parade Saturday. A shower passed through the area about an hour before the 1 p.m. start of the parade, but otherwise attendees stayed dry and festive for the annual celebration of rednecks and the birth of Christ. "I had friends who were supposed to be in the parade," said Matthew Crouthers of Pensacola. "They canceled because of the 80 percent chance of rain, but the rest of us are out here having a great time."The people who did participate in the parade rolled through on cars, trucks, and horses or on floats pulled by one of the above. Santa rode through on the first float, an Allentown fire truck, followed by several impersonators wearing all manner of camouflage, cowboy hats and other redneck gear.The parade was noticeably shorter than last year, when BonfireJam added rodeo events and performances by country music stars Jana Kramer, Gretchen Wilson and Clay Walker to the parade weekend schedule. See the full collection here »

Amazing nativity scenes from around the world on display in Orange Beach (photos, video)

  ORANGE BEACH, Alabama -- For some people, the holiday season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. And the birth of Christ is being celebrated in a big way at the First Baptist Church along Canal Road,where 75 nativity scenes are on exhibit through December 15. It's the second year in a row for the display, and has grown from 45 last year to 75 this year. Director of Women's Ministry, Vivian Hanich, is one of the people  behind the collection. She and others from the church have collected the small scenes from around the world. The scenes are made from a variety of forms and mediums; from pewter to fabric to ceramic and even one nativity scene crafted from Coca-Cola bottles. Hanich purchased nativity scenes from Mexico, Russia and Haiti while on missions. Worship Pastor Rob Lane purchased a nativity scene carved from ebony from his journey to Tazania in Southeast Africa some years ago. And still other scenes are on loan from members of the Orange Beach community, including one scene valued at $16,000 from a local couple. One of the nativity scenes at the First Baptist Church in Orange Beach on December 10, 2013 . The exhibit is currently on display through December 15. It includes 75 nativity scenes from around the world. (Brian Kelly/bkelly@al.com) "What's wonderful is the amazing stories behind each one of the scenes," saidl Hanich. "Many of the scenes are on loan and others have been donated to the church from the relatives of people that have passed. They all have special meanings."The Nativity Collection is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through December 15 and free to the public. The church is located at 4773 Bay Circle, Orange Beach, Ala. Phone: 251-408-1255.See the full collection here »