Good morning, Montgomery.

Montgomery Zoo celebrates its 50th annual Zoo Weekend on March 7 and 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the zoo and Mann Museum, offering live music+interactive conservation tents, local food and volunteer opportunities to support new animal exhibits.

Montgomery Public Schools will host a free Heritage and Resource Fair on March 7 to offer families a chance to enjoy local community activities.

In fiscal year 2025, Auburn University led Alabama in license plate registrations in eight counties including Lee County, which recorded a +12,425 difference, according to the state revenue report.

All 67 counties purchased plates for both schools, marking an interesting local trend.

DAS North America announced a $77.6 million expansion that will add 100 jobs, raising local investment to nearly $235.8 million - construction is set for completion by early 2027 with phased operations starting later that year.

Piggly Wiggly Food For Less is set to open its third Montgomery store — replacing a former Winn-Dixie — on Mobile Highway at 10AM on Thursday, March 5.

The family-owned chain from Panama City is also converting other former stores in the region.

Capri Theatre is launching a Classic Film Series that will feature timeless movies for local audiences at its historic venue.

The screening series will begin soon, inviting film fans to reconnect with classic storytelling.

Today on the Capitol lawn, Alabama businesses host Buy Alabama’s Best Day to showcase made food products with samples from vendors like Conecuh sausage, sweet tea, potato chips, and pickles.

Gov. Kay Ivey and Commissioner Rick Pate urged local shoppers to support Alabama-made brands + help fund Children’s of Alabama.

Reid State Community College announced new scholarship opportunities in Dance, Cheer, E-sports, Mascot, and Media to support students’ academic pursuits.

Interested applicants should contact the college soon (application guidelines and deadlines are available).

Faulkner University is hosting a Law Open House for prospective students to learn about legal careers and academic opportunities (check the university website for details).

Move Montgomery Forward Golf Initiative is expanding its 8-week program this spring to teach middle schoolers key academics including reading, STEM, art and architecture alongside golf skills, and will offer free developmental sessions (Sunday, Mar.

8, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and league matches at local courses.

Education leaders and lawmakers discussed proposed changes to the state A-F school report card during a hearing on Feb.

25 in Montgomery. Rep. Terri Collins presented a revised bill while superintendents raised concerns about the new formula — lawmakers plan to review it again next week.

Students at Pintlala Elementary School in Montgomery County enjoyed a rodeo-themed interactive visit this week (65 second to fourth graders learned about rodeo history and modern events) that previewed next month's SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum.

The Alabama House is set to vote today on House Bill 487 to allocate over $43 million from the opioid settlement fund to substance abuse prevention, mental health programs and law enforcement.

Rep. Rex Reynolds sponsors the measure, which will fund treatment services, crisis lines and related court programs.

Viking 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

2-6 p.m. — Blount Cultural Park — $30-$65 — Run through beautiful Montgomery and challenge yourself with a range of distances from a 5K to a Half Marathon.

Southern Soul Takeover

7-11 p.m. — BB King's Blues Club — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Southern soul with live performances from Toy Toy and Sherika Nicole.

K-Pop Warriors Live Show

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Garrett Coliseum — Family-friendly event — Experience high-energy K-Pop music and dance with colorful heroes and playful villains.

Almost St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Tower Taproom — Tickets available with 25% OFF until February 21st — Celebrate early with a fun-filled pub crawl featuring games, contests, and festive cheer.

Montgomery Princess Day

10 AM – 4:30 PM — Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill — Tickets required — Experience a magical day filled with princess interactions, songs, and games for children.

53rd Annual Spring Auction - Trucks Day 1

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — J.M. Wood Auction Co Inc — Starting at $100 — Bid on various dump and sanitation trucks from leading manufacturers.

Hootenanny 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run

10-11 a.m. — Montgomery Whitewater — Registration required — Kick off spring with a 5K and fun run, featuring live music and unique races.

Cupcakes & Calculations

2-5 p.m. — Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library — Free entry — Enjoy cupcakes while engaging in fun math challenges with fellow enthusiasts.

Much Ado About Nothing

7 p.m. — Alabama Shakespeare Festival — Tickets available — Experience a classic Shakespearean comedy filled with clever wordplay and romance.

Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

8 a.m. — Blount Cultural Park — Registration required — Compete in a series of races with a scenic out-and-back course and earn a finisher medal.