Author Archives: Kristen Heptinstall

Looking to start a new family tradition this Christmas, while getting a little exercise? Try Skating in the Park, the outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Huntsville. An ice rink? Outside, in the South – with real ice? You bet, rink coordinators say. The rink uses a mat system, where the floor is charged with liquid coolant to make ice. Once the mats are in place, a skim coat of water is sprayed onto the mats. The ice is painted white, then … Continued

If you haven’t seen downtown Huntsville’s Tinsel Trail, you’re in for a treat. Tinsel Trail is a glittering forest of some 300 decorated Christmas trees in Big Spring Park, happening now through Jan. 2. It’s a great place to start a new family Christmas tradition. Tinsel Trail’s trees are sponsored by local corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, groups, and families. Many companies use the sponsorship as a fun teambuilding activity for employees. Some groups aim to draw attention to a cause … Continued

For the third year, First Baptist Church is sponsoring the Nativity Scene as part of the Huntsville Tinsel Trail. As part of the scene, Abbi Helser painted a very special King Herod mural. The mural is large, spanning 18 feet wide and 8 feet tall. But it first had to start out with an approved design. Last summer, Abbi sent a few designs to Dr. Hicks and the brain trust committee. It took nine panels to assemble all the plywood … Continued