By: Emma Martin, Decatur Morgan County Tourism
On March 14-15, 2026, the North Alabama Scottish Festival & Highland Games will officially rehome to Point Mallard Park, bringing the sights, sounds, and spirit of Scotland to North Alabama for a weekend packed with heritage and community celebration.
The 2026 festival also ushers in exciting milestones, including its designation as the new home of the prestigious United States Eastern Women’s Highland Games Championship. In addition, children will have the opportunity to participate in their own age-appropriate games, creating an experience that honors tradition while welcoming the next generation.
Beyond the competitions, the festival offers rich cultural experiences through music, dance, and storytelling. Pipe bands and folk musicians will perform throughout the weekend, Highland dancers will showcase their artistry, and guests will have the opportunity to connect with Scottish heritage in meaningful and interactive ways.
What makes this event especially unique is its setting in Decatur. The North Alabama Scottish Festival blends global tradition with Southern hospitality, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and warmly local. Visitors from across the region — and beyond — will gather to celebrate, strengthening community ties while elevating Decatur’s growing reputation as a destination for dynamic events.
If you’re looking for a weekend filled with energy, tradition, music, and family-friendly fun, this is your invitation. Mark your calendar for March 14-15, 2026, and join us at Point Mallard Park as we welcome this beloved cultural tradition to its new home in Decatur. Wear your tartan, bring your friends, and experience the magic of Scotland right here in the heart of Alabama. Slàinte!
Decatur Morgan County Tourism Communications Director
Emma Martin, a Decatur native, has over a decade of experience in hospitality and community engagement. As the Decatur Morgan County Tourism Communications Director, she is eager to promote all that makes her hometown special.
By: Emma Martin, Decatur Morgan County Tourism
This opportunity was even more meaningful because I attended as part of a program called LivingSport, serving as an ambassador for young professionals who aspire to work in the sports industry. LivingSport provides immersive, behind-the-scenes access to major global sporting events, giving participants real-world exposure to event operations, leadership, and industry best practices. Representing young professionals from across the country — and from right here in Decatur — was both an honor and a responsibility I didn’t take lightly.
My path to this point has been built right here in Decatur. I spent five years working in Minor League Baseball with the Rocket City Trash Pandas, gaining hands-on experience in sports operations and fan engagement. I also spent several years working for the Alabama Bass Trail, which started as a tourism initiative born in Decatur, Alabama, learning how to grow a statewide program while highlighting our local community.
Today, I serve as the Communications Director for Decatur-Morgan County Tourism, and attending the Super Bowl through LivingSport was an opportunity to learn, grow, and bring new ideas back to our city — ideas that can help Decatur execute world-class events. With NAIA set to host multiple championships in our destination and Rock the South music festival right around the corner, this insight is especially timely.
When people think of working the Super Bowl, they often picture game day — kickoff, the halftime show, and millions watching worldwide. But the reality behind the scenes is so much more expansive. It’s a weeks-long orchestration — an intricate web of planning, logistics, and coordination across the host city and surrounding communities. I was able to see firsthand how traffic patterns and crowd flow are charted to design safe and efficient egress and ingress plans, how volunteers and staff are deployed strategically, and how large-scale activations are mapped to create moments fans will remember.
From security checkpoints to parking attendants, signage placement to volunteer coordination, every detail contributes to a seamless experience. And the most impressive part? Every volunteer, staff member, and partner was aligned on one unified vision — delivering an unforgettable fan experience.
This opportunity felt tailor-made for me because it blends my two biggest passions: sports and entertainment.
The Super Bowl is more than a football game. It’s a cultural phenomenon — fan festivals, media events, city-wide activations, sponsor experiences, and community celebrations, all culminating in one game. Seeing how the Bay Area embraced the Super Bowl brand, hosting events throughout San Francisco and surrounding cities, showed how major events extend far beyond the stadium walls. The energy was contagious, the scale was larger than life, and being part of it was electrifying.
Through LivingSport, I gained a deep appreciation for how cities plan, promote, embrace, and execute events of this magnitude:
Nothing was accidental — everything was intentional, and the attention to detail was inspiring. Even though Decatur isn’t hosting the Super Bowl, the lessons are immediately relevant. I’m already thinking about how we can:
With NAIA championships coming to Decatur and Rock the South music festival around the corner, these insights will help us raise the bar for tourism, community engagement, and event execution.
Experiences like working the Super Bowl matter because they expand perspective and elevate community potential. They remind us that talent from Decatur belongs in global conversations, and they give us tools to create unforgettable experiences at home.
Attending Super Bowl LX as a LivingSport ambassador wasn’t just about witnessing a world-class event — it was about bringing those lessons back to Decatur and ensuring our city continues to grow as a destination for tourism, sports, and entertainment.
Decatur Morgan County Tourism Communications Director
Emma Martin, a Decatur native, has over a decade of experience in hospitality and community engagement. As the Decatur Morgan County Tourism Communications Director, she is eager to promote all that makes her hometown special.
by Kimberly Cobb-Ray J.D., United Way of Morgan County President/CEO
What I love most about Decatur is how people consistently care for one another. In 2025, I saw this every day. Families faced challenges, local organizations were stretched, and yet people never turned away. Volunteers dedicated their time, businesses found ways to contribute, and neighbors checked in on one another.
United Way of Morgan County plays an important role in connecting all of these efforts. One of the ways we do that is through our 211 service, which provides a single point of contact for anyone needing help in the community. In 2025, thousands of Morgan County residents called or texted 211 to find food assistance, housing support, health resources, and crisis services. United Way ensures these connections happen quickly and efficiently, giving families, individuals, and seniors a reliable resource when they need it most. This instinct to step in and work together is what makes Decatur unique, and it is a privilege for United Way to support that culture of care.
The heart of Decatur in 2025 was steady and resilient. Families and organizations faced challenges, yet the community remained engaged and committed. United Way focused on being a consistent presence that families and partner organizations could rely on. We connected residents to essential services through programs like 211 and coordinated volunteers to support nonprofits.
The community demonstrates the power of collaboration and commitment. Families, volunteers, businesses, and organizations all leaned in to support one another. That quiet, reliable dedication shows that Decatur’s heart is strong, compassionate, and ready to face challenges together.
One moment that made me particularly proud was the response during the government shutdown. Families suddenly faced urgent needs for food and basic services, and the United Way immediately mobilized to help. Because of our strong partnerships with the Committee on Church Cooperation and the Salvation Army, we coordinated volunteers to ensure food distribution and essential services continued without interruption. More than 20 volunteers stepped up to make this possible.
What made this especially meaningful was seeing how calm and focused the response was. Everyone worked together to stabilize families, support nonprofit partners, and ensure the people of Decatur did not face these challenges alone. Moments like this remind me why United Way exists: to connect resources, coordinate volunteers, and keep our community strong.
In 2025, United Way focused on reducing stress for families and helping children start the school year prepared. Through Stuff the Bus, the community donated more than 6,000 school supply items, ensuring students across Morgan County had the tools they needed to succeed. Parents felt confident that their children were ready to learn, and students walked into classrooms prepared and excited
Early childhood literacy continued to be a major focus through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. During the 2025 program year, 37,261 books were mailed to 3,066 children in Morgan County. These books became part of daily routines at home, helping children develop early literacy skills and giving families a consistent, meaningful way to support their children’s learning.
In total, United Way supports 33 programs across 24 partner agencies, which allow nonprofits to provide these critical services to children, families, and the community. All this work is guided by United Way’s Bold Goals, which focuses on supporting successful children, empowering families, and fostering resilient communities. By coordinating resources, volunteers, and programs, we help ensure children can thrive and families have reliable support.
Day of Caring is a perfect example of community collaboration. In 2025, 120 volunteers completed 22 projects across Morgan County, contributing more than 700 volunteer hours. These projects helped nonprofits such as ARC, the Community Free Clinic, and Everyday Sunshine complete important work that staff could not always manage on their own. Volunteers painted, organized spaces, repaired equipment, and assisted with programs, allowing these organizations to focus on serving people in need.
Volunteers were a constant presence throughout 2025. Through our Kids Interested in Volunteering Service (KIVS) program, students ages 10 to 15 committed to weekly service during the summer, learning early that giving back is part of being an engaged community member. Adults also made a significant impact. Fifty-eight individuals throughout North Alabama earned recognition through the President’s Volunteer Service Award, contributing a total of 6,865 volunteer hours back into the communities they serve.
These volunteers strengthened families, supported nonprofit partners, and allowed United Way to respond quickly to community needs. Their dedication reflects the heart of volunteerism and ensures that children, families, and organizations have the resources and support they need to thrive.
The 11th Annual 3M Turkey Trot perfectly reflects what makes Decatur special. In 2025, more than 500 participants joined the event, which has become a community tradition that brings families, volunteers, and businesses together. Beyond being a fun race, the Turkey Trot raises critical support for United Way programs across Morgan County. Volunteers guided participants, local businesses sponsored the event, and families came together to celebrate community and connection. This event demonstrates how United Way strengthens relationships, fosters engagement, and supports families and children in meaningful ways.
2025 showed that Decatur is a community that does not shy away from challenges. People volunteer, businesses contribute, and families support one another. United Way of Morgan County plays a central role in connecting resources, coordinating volunteers, and providing stability for children, families, and nonprofit partners.
Our work is guided by our Bold Goals, which focus on supporting successful children, empowering families, and fostering resilient communities. By giving time, donating, or sharing support, everyone in Morgan County can help create a stronger, more connected, and caring community. Together, we ensure every child, family, and individual can thrive and that the community continues moving forward with resilience and hope.
United Way of Morgan County President/CEO
Kimberly has 20+ years of experience in supporting key community/nonprofit programs. She is an out-of-the-box thinker who champions creative solutions to optimize programs, elevate productivity, and realize positive community outcomes. Kimberly received her Bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University and is also a graduate of the Birmingham School of Law. She is a community volunteer, on the board of various organizations, and was a member of the Leadership Montgomery Class XXIII. She is the proud mother of a new 6th grader.
Written by Emma Martin, Decatur Morgan County Tourism
For more than four decades, the annual Historic Decatur Christmas Tour has been a beloved tradition—one rooted in community spirit, historic preservation, and the celebration of our city’s architectural treasures. What began as a simple neighborhood tour has grown into the primary fundraiser for Decatur’s historic districts, supporting vital restoration and preservation efforts that keep our historic neighborhoods thriving.
Each year, proceeds from the tour help provide trees for the right-of-ways throughout the historic districts, maintain cherished green spaces such as Frazier Park, Delano Park, and other neighborhood parks, and support projects that protect the beauty and character that make Decatur such a special place to call home.
This year’s tour holds deep significance as it honors three extraordinary community members we lost—individuals whose dedication shaped the historic districts we enjoy today:
Their passion, leadership, and countless hours of service created ripples that will be felt for generations. This year’s tour is held in their honor—a celebration of the legacy they leave behind.
Among this year’s featured homes is the charming Perkins/McCutcheon residence, a shining example of historic preservation done with care and craftsmanship. Its current owners, Mike and Robin McCutcheon, continue the home’s legacy of stewardship. Mike also serves as President of the Historic Decatur Association. His ongoing commitment to restoration and preservation embodies the very mission that this annual event supports.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season as you explore beautifully decorated historic homes throughout Decatur. Immerse yourself in charming architecture, festive décor, and the warmth of a community that treasures its history.
Whether you’re looking to make new holiday memories, spend time with loved ones, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for all ages.
As we gather once again to celebrate the beauty of our historic districts, we’re reminded that this event is more than a tour—it’s a testament to resilience and a shared passion for protecting Decatur’s story.
For over 40 years, the Historic Decatur Christmas Tour has helped our historic neighborhoods flourish. This year, we walk in honor of those who shaped our community and in celebration of the historic homes, treasured parks, and traditions that continue to make Decatur Positively perfect.
Or visit us in person at the Decatur Morgan County Visitor Center, 350 Market Street, to purchase tickets. Tickets: $35 per person
Decatur Morgan County Tourism Communications Director
Emma Martin, a Decatur native, has over a decade of experience in hospitality and community engagement. Recently joining Decatur Morgan County Tourism as the Communications Director, she is eager to promote all that makes her hometown special.
