Each year Alabama Chanin hosts a community picnic—a time for employees, artisans, collaborators, supporters, and members of the community to gather and celebrate. It gives us the opportunity to say hello to each of you, spend time together, and give thanks for the beautiful work and support we receive throughout the year. What started at Lovelace Crossroads (Natalie’s home and original production office) transitioned into an annual spring open house at The Factory.
This year we’re switching it up a bit with an expanded series of events at multiple locations across the community. The four-day event kicks off with our first Friends of the Café Dinner of 2018 featuring chef Steven Satterfield, benefiting the Southern Foodways Alliance on Thursday, April 12th. We’re eager to welcome the James Beard-award winning chef from Atlanta to set up shop in our kitchen.
Events continue Friday with a Custom Design Workshop at The Factory and an evening cocktail workshop hosted at 116 E. Mobile, a local venue and event space run by our friends at Single Lock Records. The cocktail workshop is in collaboration with friends Brooks Reitz of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. and Cathead Distillery. Participants (must be 21 or older) will learn to expertly craft their own cocktails while enjoying libations and small bites.
Saturday will include a series mini workshops on embroidery, stenciling and design customization, a BBQ lunch celebrating our talented artisans, a booth with our friends from Bluewater Creek Farm, the history of the company with Natalie, a stenciling booth, tours of The Factory, and a special Swampette tour of Shoals music venues. The weekend will wrap up on Sunday with a family-style brunch (two seatings) featuring Nashville’s famous Biscuit Love.
The Gathering 2018 will take place Thursday, April 12th through Sunday, April 15th. Mark your calendars and plan a long weekend with us in the Shoals. Tickets and VIP tickets are available now.
We’ll highlight our collaborators Jack Rudy, Cathead, and Biscuit Love on the Journal in the coming months…stay tuned.
WEEKEND ITINERARY
Thursday, April 12th
6:00pm Friends of the Café | Steven Satterfield
Friday, April 13th
10:00am Custom DIY Workshop
11:00 – 2:00pm Lunch @ The Factory
2:00pm The Factory Tour
6:00pm Jack Rudy + Cathead Cocktail Workshop @ 116 E. Mobile
Saturday, April 14th
9:00am – 10:00am One-Hour Embroidery Stitches Workshop
10:00am Doors Open
10:30am The Factory Tour
10:00 – 2:00pm Stenciling Booth
11:00am – 12:00pm One-Hour T-Shirt Workshop
11:00am Lunch + Artisan Recognition
1:00pm History of the Company with Natalie
2:30pm Swampette Tour (Pre-registration required.)
Sunday, April 15th
10:30am Biscuit Love Brunch: First seating
12:30am Biscuit Love Brunch: Second seating