Spring Market at the Lake and Clear Skies Ahead

De Armanville, AL · April 11, 2026

Good morning—the fog is lifting just in time for the spring market at the lake, and the coffee is already brewing at the corner station. It is a perfect Saturday to roll the windows down and enjoy the breeze before the afternoon humidity settles in.

The Lead

If you notice a bit more congestion than usual near the I-20 exits today, you can thank the "Battle of the Bats" regional youth baseball tournament. Choccolocco Park is playing host to over fifty teams from across the Southeast starting this morning. While the influx of visitors is a welcome boost for our local diners and gas stations, residents should expect significant delays along Leon Smith Parkway and the Highway 78 corridor through Sunday evening.

For those of us just trying to get to the grocery store, cutting through the back roads toward the Choccolocco side of town might save you fifteen minutes of frustration. The tournament is one of the largest of the spring season, and with the weather holding steady, the park will be at maximum capacity. If you’re heading out, pack your patience along with your lawn chairs.

Local Pulse

  • Highway 78 Shoulder Improvements Wrap Up Crews have finished the debris clearing and shoulder stabilization near the De Armanville intersection. This should eliminate the loose gravel issues that have been a nuisance for commuters heading toward Oxford all week.

  • Final Call for Community Garden Plots The shared gardening space behind the civic center has three raised beds remaining for the spring season. If you’re looking to get your tomatoes in the ground this weekend, today is the deadline to claim a spot.

  • Oxford Lake Walking Track Upgrades The installation of the new high-efficiency LED lighting along the three-mile walking track is now complete. The path is significantly brighter for those early morning or late evening walkers, improving visibility near the wooded sections of the trail.

Today's Outlook

  • High 76°F · Low 54°F
    • A beautiful, dry Saturday with plenty of sunshine. It’s a prime day for yard work or a car wash before the pollen count spikes again on Monday.

What's On Around Town

  • Oxford: Spring Craft & Vendor Market Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Ln 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Over forty local makers are setting up shop indoors. It’s a great chance to grab Mother’s Day gifts early or find some handmade porch decor.

  • Anniston: Guided Wildflower Hike Lagarde Park, 601 S Noble St 10:30 AM Join a local naturalist for a slow-paced walk to identify the native trillium and azaleas currently in bloom. Wear sturdy shoes for the damp trail sections.

  • Oxford: Varsity Baseball Doubleheader Choccolocco Park, 954 Leon Smith Pkwy 1:00 PM Come out and support the local high school talent as they take on a tough regional rival. The concession stand’s famous loaded fries are worth the trip alone.

  • Anniston: Saturday Night Jazz Coldwater Mountain Brewpub, 1208 Walnut Ave 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM A short drive for a relaxed evening of live music and local craft pours. The patio seating is the best spot in the house on a night this clear.

Spotlight & Story

  • Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails
    • Just a ten-minute drive away sits a world-class trail system that has quietly turned our corner of Alabama into a mountain biking destination. With over 35 miles of professionally maintained singletrack, it caters to everyone from casual weekend riders to hardcore gravity junkies. Did you know the "Mama Bear" trail was specifically designed to be accessible for beginners? It’s a reminder that we have some of the best outdoor recreation in the state right in our own backyard.

De Armanville Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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