On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Foley extended a warm welcome to winter visitors flocking to the Alabama Gulf Coast at the city's annual Snowbird Coffee.

The event, sponsored by the city of Foley, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Foley, took place at the Foley Civic Center, drawing approximately 650 participants who seized the opportunity to gather local information, engage with city and business representatives and connect with fellow seasonal visitors in South Baldwin County.

The Snowbird Coffee attracted guests from various states, including Ute Coleman and her husband, Dave, from Indiana, who learned about the event while visiting the Holmes Medical Museum.

"This is all very nice. We met a lot of people and learned a lot about what Foley has to offer," she said.

She said Foley has many unique attractions such as places like the Holmes Medical Museum.

"It’s awesome," she said. "It was amazing to go through there."

Nancy Sullivan, a Kentucky resident with a decade-long history of visiting South Baldwin, has attended the Foley Snowbird Coffee for three years.

"It’s just wonderful to come in and see all there is to do, and there is a lot to do here in Foley." Sullivan said. "It’s always so nice to come here."

Nancy McMeekin, representing the Foley Senior Center, engaged with visitors, offering information about the services and activities available at the center.

"It’s been wonderful," McMeekin said. "We’ve had a chance to talk to a lot of people and give them a warm welcome to Foley and the Foley Senior Center."

McMeekin added that in the first hour of the event, she hhad meet people from various states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana.

Beyond the sponsoring agencies, participants had the opportunity to interact with representatives from various organizations, including the Foley Police Department, Fire Department, Public Library, Graham Creek Nature Preserve, Foley Depot Museum, Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen's Market and more.

Adding an extra layer of excitement, attendees took part in a scavenger hunt through downtown Foley, exploring local businesses and attractions for chances to win prizes.