DISPATCH #44
Good morning Crew!
Coffee poured? Good. Let’s take a slow sip and make our usual Tuesday trip around the coast. Here’s what’s happening around here this week.
TODAY’S CATCH
Orange Beach is about to get loud. The 2nd Annual Sounds of the Island Marching Band Festival takes over Orange Beach Middle and High School on Sept. 26, bringing 12 bands and more than 1,500 student musicians from across Alabama and Florida. After months of rehearsals, these students will finally get to show off all that hard work in a full day of music and precision. Grab a seat and cheer them on — these kids have earned an audience. strike up the band
Fall is about to get rolling in Silverhill. The annual Pumpkin Patch Express returns to Wales West beginning Oct. 2, taking families aboard an authentic steam locomotive for a trip to the pumpkin patch, complete with a free pumpkin, mini golf, a bounce house, and refreshments. Before 7 pm, it’s all family-friendly fun, but once the sun goes down, the SCARY night train takes over for those who prefer their pumpkin picking with a few goosebumps. all aboard!
There’s a new spot for tacos in Orange Beach. Pedro’s Tacos Fresh Mex recently opened its doors, bringing another option for Mexican food to the island. I’ve already stopped in to give it a try, and let’s just say it was really good — I recommend the Birria tacos! A proper review will be coming soon. For now, consider this your heads-up to go check them out. see the menu
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
“Dolphins at play”
Captured by Sue Johnson at Wolf Bay
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
ON THE MARKET
Presented by REMAX on the Coast
Split Floor Plan w/ Pool & Fenced Yard Under $300K
Summerdale | 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,478 sq ft | pool party
4 Beds w/ Relaxing Backyard & Fairway Views
Foley | 4 beds | 3 baths | 3,087 sq ft | fore!
New Renovation on Ono Island + Saltwater Pool
Orange Beach | 5 beds | 5 baths | 3,548 sq ft | island life
Beachfront Condo w/ Lots of Upgrades + Lazy River
Gulf Shores | 3 beds | 3 baths | 1,817 sq ft | surf’s up!
See one you’re curious about? Hit reply and let me know.
FROM THE KITCHEN
Contributed by Eric Boyd
Let’s all give a warm welcome to Eric Boyd, the newest contributor to the Crew.
Eric is a local dad, retired U.S. Army combat veteran, volleyball & softball official, and longtime food-service pro with more than 15 years of restaurant and catering experience. He currently works as a kitchen manager in Gulf Shores, caters independently, and enjoys experimenting with new recipes.
Each month, Eric will be sharing one of his recipes with us. Welcome aboard, Eric!
CHARGRILLED OYSTERS
Yield: 24 oysters
INGREDIENTS
2 dozen oysters on the half shell
1 six inch sub roll split in half length-wise
Sauce:
1 cup garlic margarine (any brand or see recipe below*)
2 tablespoons garlic sauce (any brand)
(my preference is J&D's that can be purchased at the Original Oyster House)
1/4 cup chopped garlic
3/4 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt
Cheese:
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
*Homemade garlic margarine:
1 cup liquid margarine
1 tablespoon garlic powder
combine ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly
DIRECTIONS
Step 1
For the sauce, mix all sauce ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Step 2
In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the cheeses and parsley.
Step 3
Bring the BBQ grill to a medium high heat.
Step 4
Spread oysters out on a sheet pan, pizza pan or other type of baking sheet.
Step 5
Using a ladle, divide garlic sauce evenly on oysters.
Step 6
Using a tablespoon, generously divide the cheese mixture evenly on the oysters.
Step 7
Using tongs, place oysters on the grill for approximately 8-10 minutes until the edges of the shells are golden brown and cheese is melted. Use tongs to rotate oysters around as necessary. USE CAUTION as flames may flare up as butter drips into charcoal or flames.
Step 8
While oysters are cooking, place unbuttered sub roll halves on the grill and toast to a golden brown.
Step 9
Place a toasted sub roll in the center of a large plate and surround it with one dozen oysters. Repeat on a second plate with a second toasted sub roll and the remaining oysters.
Step 10
Enjoy! Use bread to soak up the succulent sauce from the shell.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:38 am |
SUNSET 6:46 pm |
UV INDEX High |
MOON Waxing Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 4:55 pm |
HIGH TIDE 7:07 am |
GULF TEMP 86ºF |
TROPICAL TRACKER All Clear |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Three deserving pets, one mission: let’s find their forever homes!
Dennis the dog
A sweet little guy who may be shy at first, but give him a little patience and he’ll blossom into an easygoing, loving companion who’s happiest surrounded by people and pups he trusts.
Buck the dog
A gentle, loyal fellow with an affectionate heart and plenty of kisses to give, ready to bring easygoing companionship and lots of love to his forever home.
Daisy Mae the dog
A sweet little pup with a big personality, ready to fill her new home with playful adventures, plenty of kisses, and a whole lot of love.
HAPPENINGS
Tuesday 22nd
Tacos, Tequila, & Trivia | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 6pm
Karaoke Night| Dicks Last Resort | Orange Beach | 6pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 23rd
Seine Net Experience | Lake Shelby Picnic Area | Gulf Shores | 10am
Afterschool Kids Club - Perler Bead Art | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Game Night at Waffles R Wild | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 5pm
Thursday 24th
Makerspace Workshop- Canva Basics: Cardmaking Session 2 | Orange Beach Public Library | 2pm
Yappy Hour | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | 2pm
Gulf of America Jeep Fest 2026 | The Hangout and Town Green | Gulf Shores | 6pm
Friday 25th
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Saltwater Pier | Gulf Shores | 8am
Gulf Coast Heavy Equipment Roadeo | OWA | Foley | 8am
Free Live Music: Alabama Soul | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 4pm
Sunset Sips | The Gulf Restaurant | Orange Beach | 5pm
Free Live Music: Velcro Pygmies | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 8pm
Saturday 26th
Spirit Saturday | Big Daddy's Grill on Fish River | Fairhope | All day
CAFFM Market Day | Coastal AL Farmers and Fishermens Market | Foley | 9am
Kids Win Fishing Tournament presented by Rouses Market | The Wharf | Orange Beach | 9am
7th Annual Barks, Bags, & Bushwackers Cornhole Tournament & Social | Flora-Bama Yacht Club | Perdido Key | 11am
2nd Annual Sounds of the Island Band Festival | Orange Beach Middle & High School | 1:30pm
Harvest Moon Festival | Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo | Gulf Shores | 6:30pm
Free Live Music: Alabama Soul | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 8pm
Sunday 27th
Sunday Funday | Gulf Babe Wine Boutique | Orange Beach | All day
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA Parks & Resort | Foley | 1pm
Monday 28th
Discover Gulf Oak Ridge | Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead | Gulf Shores | 9am
Books & Brews-Book Club | Luna's Eat & Drink | Orange Beach | 5pm
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
Another week in the books. Thanks for pulling up a chair and spending a little of it with me. Until we meet again, may God bless you and your crew!
-Shawn Swisher
P.S. May your week be calm seas and clear skies.