BIRMINGHAM - AL -
Below is a round up of some of the events happing around Central Alabama this weekend:
--The 11th annual Mercedes Marathon is always a big event. The marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay will begin just after 7:00 on Sunday morning in front of Boutwell Auditorium. Remember to bundle up. It's supposed to be cold!
--The 41st annual Birmingham O'Reilly World of Wheels kicks off today at the BJCC and runs through the weekend. There will be several celebrities, features and attractions including Billy the Exterminator and his dad "Big Bill" who will be meeting fans and signing autographs on Friday. Alabama's Brad Smelley will also be meeting fans on Saturday and William Vlachos from the Tide will be there Sunday.
--Stroll in the winter woods lit by luminaries on Saturday at Ruffner Mountain. There will be areas to stop and enjoy tapas and wine, then return to the tree house to warm up inside or at the campfire. There will be live music and delicious desserts and drinks. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is on 81st street south.
--On Sunday, enjoy the outdoors with a day hike at Oak Mountain State Park. It's a moderate 4-to-5 mile walk in the woodlands. Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the park office parking lot on Terrace Drive between the boat dock parking lot and the beach parking lot.
--The third annual Masked Erotic Art Show will be Sunday benefiting the rape response program of the Crisis Center. It will feature works from several artists. There will be live music, belly dancers and fortune tellers.
--Tonight is Alabama's first art competition focused solely on functional furniture made from recyclable materials. Display of entries and festivities will take place from 7-11 p.m. That will be at Good People Brewing Company.
--A charity event takes two to tango and benefits the Children's Dance Foundation. Enjoy a tango lesson from Fabian Sanchez of the show "Dancing with the Stars" plus decadent desserts and giveaways. That will be Saturday night at the CDF studio theatre from 7:00 to 9:30.
