By Jeff Devine
The Dale County office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) has announced a packed schedule of events this fall and winter, offering something for all ages.
If you are not familiar with their mission an programs, here is a little more information about the agency and its primary function:
ACES is the statewide outreach arm of Alabama A&M, Auburn, and Tuskegee Universities. Its core mission is “transforming lives through science-based information, practical solutions, and meaningful experiences,” and the local Dale County office works hard to deliver those services to the people of Dale County.
Extension staff work in every county across Alabama, connecting university research with local needs to strengthen homes, farms, businesses, and communities. Programs focus on economic growth, health and wellness, youth development, agriculture, and problem-solving for the challenges we face in today’s fast-changing world.
The Dale County Extension office has a busy lineup of fall and winter programs offering something for all ages. Some highlights include the Claybank Jamboree in Downtown Ozark on Oct. 4, Extension Week events Oct. 6–11, and a Peanut PodBlasting workshop Oct. 8 at the AgPlex. Families can also enjoy a “Spooky Spiders” Lunch & Learn on Oct. 22 at Ozark Dale County Library (ODC Library), while deadlines for 4-H competitions and Farm-City sponsors fall on Oct. 31. November features holiday decorating tips, forestry tours, the 4-H PigPen Finale, and the annual Farm-City Banquet. December brings the Kiwanis Holiday Parade and a Women in Ag Conference. Looking ahead, Extension is also seeking volunteers for 2026 events, including livestock shows and forestry field days. Below is the full schedule of events. If you have any questions, reach out to their office at (334) 774-2329.
Dale County Extension Calendar of Events:
Oct 4 – Claybank Jamboree – Downtown Ozark
Join us on Farmer’s Row, enjoy grilled PBJs, interact with Young Farmers, and more!
Oct 6 through 11 – Alabama Extension Week
Oct 6 Extension Open House from 1 until 2:30 – stop in for a sweet treat
Oct 8 – Peanut PodBlasting @ AgPlex – 9 am until Noon
Oct 22 – Claybank Lunch & Learn – Spooky Spiders
Find them at noon at the ODC Library with Dr. Shrader and our local Master Gardeners.
*Oct 31 – Deadline for ALL Competitive events (4H, Essays) and Farm-City Sponsors
Nov 13 – Natural Holiday Decorating with Extension
“Let’s get tablescape ideas using dehydration” – 10am until Noon
Nov 14 – Farm-City Forestry Stations tour
Nov 15 – 4-H PigPen Finale Show in Coffee County
Nov. 18 – Farm City Banquet @ Civic Center – 6 pm
All are Welcome as they honor our farmers and friends who “Grow Alabama”
Dec 2 – Kiwanis Holiday Parade in Downtown Ozark
Dec 5 – Women in Ag Conference (Coffee County)
All-day event for adults and youth!
2026 Dates – Need Volunteers!
Feb. 28 – 4H Steer and Heifer Show
April 10 – Groundwater Dale County
April 22 – Forestry Field Day (Dale County)
April 23 – Forestry Field Day (Ozark City Schools)
