2014 AthHalf Race Registration Now Open

Race registration for the 2014 AthHalf is open. Registration is done directly through active.com - all important information as well as a registration link can be found below. 
 

Event Details:
5th Annual AthHalf Half Marathon
October 18-19, 2014
Downtown Athens, GA
Start: October 19, 2014 7:30 AM
 

Registration Fees:
$50.00 (until April 30, 2014)
$60.00 (May 1 – June 30, 2014)
$70.00 (July 1 – September 30, 2014)
$80.00 (October 1 – October 19, 2014)
 

Please note that on-line race registration closes at 6:00 pm EST on October 16, 2014.   After October 16th, runners can register at the Health and Fitness Expo on October 18, 2014 from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  There will no race-day registration on October 19th. 
 

AthFest Educates Extends Grant Application Deadline

Local non-profit AthFest Educates announced that the application period for grants for local music and arts programs is being extended through Friday, August 22nd.  Applications are accepted from individuals from nonprofit organizations, public schools or local or state government agencies serving Athens-Clarke County youth in grades K-5.  Funding priority is given to grants for music and arts non-consumable equipment, music and arts programs and experiences, and art-based and music-based professional development for educators and/or youth development specialists.

Grants are not just for music or arts teachers.  Jill Helme, director of AthFest Educates says, "we firmly believe in the power of music and arts to develop and deepen young people's understanding of all core subject areas, not just in music or art class, so we strongly encourage teachers out there who want to use music and/or other arts in their teaching of language arts, math, science, social studies and other courses, to apply for grants, too."

More information and applications are online at http://www.athfesteducates.org/apply/.  Grants will be announced September 5th, with check dispersed September 12th.

AthFest Director: Festival successful due to dedicated volunteers

Arts and entertainment reporter Andre Gallant recently spoke with AthFest Educates director Jill Helme.  Here's what Helme had to say about the future of AthFest Educates, music diversity and more.

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Children the Focus of AthFest's KidsFest

““I think it’s great that AthFest has a section for children,” Amanda Makin said. “It gives them a chance to learn about music and I think that’s important because it’s such a big part of our community.””

— Online Athens

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AthFest 2014 begins with push for diversity, focus on youth

Jill Helme keeps getting asked what's most novel about the 2014 AthFest Music & Arts Festival.

AthFest’s new director, hired just this past spring to replace the festival’s founder, Jared Bailey, always laughs at the question: “It’s all new,” said the recent Athens transplant.

But Helme, in her short tenure, has already seen the rock-focused festival become more diverse and expand the family portion of its schedule.

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AthFest Educates revolutionized fine arts education in Clarke County

The first time Jared Bailey, the former executive director of AthFest Educates, sought out a way to bring arts education to Athens, he was shot down.

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AthFest lasts three days, but its impact ripples year round

AthFest has had no problem earning recognition over the years, racking up awards from tourism boards and travel magazine citations. But the music and arts festival, which starts its 17th session today, always strove for something bigger than just a good time.

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Behind The Music: The aspects of AthFest Educates

When asked what she thought of when hearing the word AthFest, Alli Christian, a fourth-year special education major from Hickory Flat replied, "I think of great music and a fun time drinking downtown with friends." That is the sort of answer that led AthFest, Inc. to change its moniker to AthFest Educates.

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