Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Community Association will be honoring our local heroes at its January Pot Luck gathering. This gathering will serve as the annual first responder appreciation dinner and awards ceremony. It is the first Orange Beach potluck dinner of 2026. The association organizes these monthly meetings to bring the community together for food and fellowship.

The appreciation potluck is scheduled for one week from today, on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Orange Beach Community Center. This facility is located at 27235 Canal Road. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for all guests. Dinner is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., with the main program starting at 7 p.m.

During the evening, representatives from the Police Department and the Fire Department will be honored. These awards recognize the hard work of local emergency personnel. Each monthly potluck also features a guest speaker to share information with the public. This tradition helps residents stay connected with city leaders and various local agencies.

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The Orange Beach Community Association will furnish fried chicken as the main entrée. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the event. Guests are asked to bring a covered side dish or a dessert to share. Each dish should be large enough to serve eight to ten people.

If you are unable to bring a dish, you can still join the group. There is an $8 fee for the meal for those not bringing their own food. This fee helps the association cover the cost of the chicken and supplies. Organizers want to ensure that every resident feels welcome to participate.

New members are always welcome to join the Orange Beach Community Association. Membership dues are currently $10 per person. These funds support the center's various programs. Joining the association is an excellent way for residents to support local community efforts and events.

These monthly community potlucks are held on the first Monday of each month. The season runs from September through May at the community center. Each meeting offers an opportunity to meet neighbors and hear from guest speakers. The January event is a highlight because it focuses on first responders.

The association hopes for a large turnout to show support for the police and fire departments. Sharing a meal is a simple way to say thank you to those who serve. Residents can enjoy fried chicken while celebrating their city's safety. It is a long-standing tradition in the Orange Beach community.