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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community Columnist

Locals looking for a fun Friday night atmosphere can look no further than Jemison. Jemison resident Brandy Jones is organizing an ongoing Open Mic Night and other activities for those in the community that wish to take the stage and perform. Spectators are welcome, and Open Mic Night is part of a monthly ongoing schedule that will perform at Smokey Hollow Restaurant, owned by Mark Mims. The next event is set for Feb. 9 from 5-8 p.m. Future dates will depend on the amount of community support given.

“Jemison is a very small town, and there is not much to do in the way of entertainment,” said Jones. “Especially after COVID, there is not a lot of activity. These events are meant to give Chilton County residents and surrounding areas a fun, family-friendly evening. This is also a great opportunity for people that might not be comfortable performing in front of a large audience to get acclimated.”

Open Mic Night talents may include instrumental, singing, poetry, comedy and book excerpt readings. Authors will also have an area for book sales available. All talents must be family friendly.

Other entertainment events that Jones has scheduled on the calendar are karaoke (on the first and third Friday of each month) a “Beyond Blessed” gospel singing (every fourth Friday, 5-7 p.m.) and Bingo (every Thursday for ages 19 and up). All Bingo ticket sales benefit the Chilton County Humane Society. Events are from 5:00-8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted and will be posted on the Facebook page: Smokey Hollow Activity Page.

Jones is also planning a community yard sale at Smokey Hollow every second Saturday of the month, weather permitting, in which individual vendors can set up yard sale spaces around the front of the parking lot.

“All of the events are good and clean fun,” said Jones. “You can have fun going to yard sales, playing games, singing karaoke and talking about Jesus. There is no drinking. You can have fun without those things, and I am very proud that we are a family-friendly atmosphere.”

For more information on vendor spacing or to be placed on the open mic itinerary, please contact Jones via the Facebook page: Smokey Hollow Activity Page.

Smokey Hollow Restaurant is located at 12367 County Road 42, Jemison.