Merry Memories Tinsel Trail Returns for Third Season
John Mullen • October 7, 2025
Rental rules for carts ebikes slingshots and scooters are on the city council agenda
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Merry Memories Tinsel Trail will be back for a third holiday season in Orange Beach. The Garner C. Tampary Memorial Foundation sponsors the trail set up along a sidewalk in Waterfront Park. Live trees are provided for $350 each and participants can decorate the trees in memory of loved ones.
The council will discuss the third year event at a joint regular/work session on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. The proceeds will benefit the Christian Service Center in Gulf Shores which in the past has received as much as $10,000 from the event.
During the regular session, the council will discuss:
- Expenditures for goods and services from Sept. 18 to Oct. 8 totaled $1.6 million.
- A special liquor license for Orange Beach Hotel Investments for Springhill Suites Orange Beach on beach road east of Doc’s Seafood and Steak.
- Approving an application for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to convert two ball fields from natural grass to turf. The project is estimated to be $1 million and the grant requires a 50 percent match making the city’s portion $500,000.
- Appointing Michael Dasinger as the city’s municipal court judge.
- Considering a sponsorship for the ice-skating rink at The Wharf from Nov. 14 to Jan. 19. Last year the city was a gold sponsor for $5,000. There will also be a public hearing date set for an ordinance change to add a temporary sales area for the rink.
During the work session, the council will discuss:
- Setting a date for a meeting of the Solid Waste Authority with the suggested date of Oct. 21.
- Authorizing an agreement with the Baldwin County interoperability communication system for police and fire services.
- Authorizing an amendment to the grant from the National Audubon Society supporting a conservation code enforcement position in the Coastal Resources Department to monitor activities of birds in the city totaling $83,261 over three years ending in September of 2026.
- Spending $32,351 to buy office furniture for the police department.
- Authorizing an agreement with Baldwin EMC for an underground easement for electrical lines near the water tower on State Route 161.
- Paying for legal fees to Galloway Wettermark Rutens and Car, Allison, Oliver & Sission incurred.
- Making amendments to the golf cart ordinance to add more streets where they can legally operate. The council will also discuss an ordinance regulating rentals of recreational vehicles including golf carts, e-bikes, slingshots, Jeeps and scooters.
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