Foley Welcomes Snowbirds

FOLEY – Foley welcomed the Alabama Gulf Coast’s winter visitors Tuesday as about 700 participants turned out for the city’s annual Snowbird Coffee.

The event is held each year in the Civic Center on the second Tuesday in January. Visitors talk to representatives from the city and other local agencies about the services and attractions offered in the Foley area.

Paul Geri of Kings Ferry, New York, said he has been coming to the Gulf Coast each winter for about 10 years.

“I always enjoy coming to Foley,” he said. “It’s a great place, but it’s still a very down home place. The people are friendly and the hospitality is wonderful. It’s a great place to come down to and enjoy.”

He said the coffee is a good chance to meet with local people and discuss what the Foley area has to offer.

“Everyone here is great,” he said. “You can talk to the Police Department, Fire Department, museums. Foley has a lot going for it.”

Lorie Young has been coming to Foley from Wisconsin for three years. She said the event is a good way to learn about the area.

“I’ve gotten a lot of good ideas about things here,” she said. “Things like the Senior Center. I’m definitely going to have to check that out. It’s great. Everyone here has been wonderful.”

Chris Delaurier was also visiting from Wisconsin. “This is my fourth year here and I love coming to this,” she said. “I love the Mardi Gras beads and it’s just a lot of fun and a great way to see what’s going on.”

Some of the groups with information booths at the Snowbird Coffee included the Foley Police Department, Fire Department, Public LIbrary, Senior Center, Railroad Museum, Foley Main Street, Performing Art Center, OWA and the Tanger Outlet Center.

In addition to activities at the Snowbird Coffee, participants also had a chance to take part in a downtown scavenger hunt. Visitors received a list of questions that required visits to downtown locations. Participants who answered the questions were eligible for prizes.