By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
From live theater and regional art to community festivals, youth sports, dance lessons, lifeguard training, and civic leadership, Ozark residents have plenty of opportunities to get involved as the fall season gets underway.
The City of Ozark and local organizations have announced a variety of upcoming programs and events, offering something for residents of all ages.
Flowers Center changes fall production
The fall theater schedule at the Flowers Center for the Performing Arts has changed unexpectedly.
The previously announced production, “231 North: A Fixins to Tell Story,” has unfortunately been canceled. The production would have focused on the Commercial Bank robbery that took place in 1962 and would have continued the theater’s series of productions exploring Dale County history.
Instead, the Flowers Center will present “You Can’t Take It With You,” a classic comedy following an eccentric family living in 1930s New York.
The production centers on a family whose members pursue an assortment of unusual hobbies and live life according to their own rules. Organizers describe the show as a fun production featuring clean comedy.
A casting call is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. Those interested in auditioning do not need to have anything prepared.
The performance is scheduled for Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
Regional art exhibition showcases Wiregrass talent
Art lovers have another reason to visit downtown Ozark, with the Regional Art Exhibition currently on display at the Rudd Art Center/Dowling Museum.
The exhibition, located at 144 E. Broad St., will remain on display through Sept. 25 and features 319 pieces created by 77 artists from throughout the Wiregrass.
The exhibition showcases a broad range of artistic media, from traditional forms such as photography, sculpture, oil paintings, and acrylic paintings to more unconventional creations.
Among the nontraditional works is a rocking chair constructed without nails or bolts.
An employee with the Art Center said this year’s exhibition has been the biggest yet, with a large number of participating artists from communities across the Wiregrass.
Many of the works remain available for purchase, allowing visitors not only to see the artwork but also to take home a piece that catches their eye.
The Rudd Art Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Claybank Jamboree returns Oct. 3
Downtown Ozark will once again come alive with music, food, crafts and family activities when the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 56th Claybank Jamboree on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The annual event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature arts and crafts, kiddie activities, food vendors, a car show, and the Farmer for a Day area, sponsored by First South Farm Credit.
Holman House tours will also be available.
Live music will be featured on two stages throughout the event.
Performers at the Amphitheater will include Ariel & the Findouts, The Brown Goose and Cool Change.
The Farmers Market Stage will feature Matt Vinson and Dcoran Mathews.
The Claybank Jamboree offers residents and visitors an opportunity to spend the day in downtown Ozark while enjoying entertainment, shopping, food and family activities.
Tango lessons offered throughout September
Those interested in learning the tango can take part in a free series of dance lessons offered through Ozark Ballroom.
Classes are scheduled for Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Ozark Civic Center Arena. Lessons will be held Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The lessons are free, and no partner is required.
Professional instructors Len and Sarah Smolinski will lead the classes.
For more information, call 334-618-8298.
The program is offered in cooperation with the City of Ozark Parks and Recreation Department.
Lifeguard certification course coming to Ozark Community Pool
The Ozark Community Pool will host an American Red Cross lifeguard certification course Sept. 17-20.
Registration is $75, and only 10 spots are available.
Organizers are encouraging those interested in becoming certified to register soon, as the limited spaces are expected to fill quickly.
Registration is available through ozark.recdesk.com.
For more information about the course, call 315-408-7943.
The Ozark Community Pool also has announced new operating hours as part of its fall schedule.
City seeking athletic coordinator
The City of Ozark is also accepting applications for an athletic coordinator.
The position involves overseeing recreational programs and requires knowledge of rules and regulations for various sports and games, field maintenance and preparation, recreation program planning, and program development.
Applicants should possess communication, writing, math, computer, and organizational skills, along with the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with program participants and provide direction to staff and volunteers.
A valid driver’s license is required.
A degree in recreation or physical education is preferred, as is three years of experience in planning, developing, and managing recreational programs. Equivalent education or experience may be considered.
The position requires the ability to work nonstandard hours, travel overnight for conferences, workshops, and tournaments, and work outdoors in extreme weather for extended periods.
Certification in Alabama Recreation & Parks Association and NYSCA youth sports is among the listed qualifications.
Benefits include Tier I retirement and health insurance.
The position opened Aug. 11 and will remain open until filled.
Applications must be submitted in person at the Ozark City Hall Personnel Office, 275 N. Union Ave., between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Youth sports registration follows seasonal schedule
Ozark Parks and Recreation offers youth sports throughout the year, with registration periods established for spring, fall, and winter programs.
Spring sports registration takes place during December and January, with late registration in February.
Spring offerings include youth baseball for ages 4-12, youth softball for ages 7-12, and youth soccer for ages 5-12.
Fall sports registration takes place during June and July, with late registration in August.
Fall offerings include youth football for ages 7-12, youth volleyball for students in third through eighth grades, and youth soccer for ages 5-12.
Winter sports registration takes place during September and October, with late registration in November.
Youth basketball is offered for ages 5-12.
Age-control dates vary by sport, so parents should review the city’s registration information when registering their children.
Ozark 101 accepting applications
The City of Ozark is now accepting applications for the 2026 Ozark 101 leadership program.
The free eight-week program is designed to increase citizens’ awareness and understanding of city government and its role in the community.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about environmental regulations, street ratings, financial budgets, and the day-to-day operations of various city departments and their employees. The program is also designed to enhance leadership and professional skills.
Ozark 101 will meet Wednesday afternoons for eight weeks beginning Sept. 30, with sessions scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m.
Enrollment is limited to 20 participants, and applications will be accepted in the order they are received.
The first class will meet in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Subsequent sessions will take participants to various locations throughout the city to provide a closer look at city operations.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and shoes because some sessions will require walking or standing at off-site locations. Snacks and water will be provided at each session, and a dinner will be held in honor of participants following the final session.
Applications are available at Ozark City Hall or the Ozark Airport.
For more information, contact Denise Ellis at 334-445-5045 or email [email protected].
With opportunities ranging from live theater and visual arts to civic education, youth athletics, dance, community festivals, and professional training, Ozark’s fall calendar offers residents a wide variety of ways to get involved and experience what the community has to offer.
