It’s our 10th season, so for this “Best Of” episode we’re sharing our favorite stories from each reporter and welcoming Melissa Bowman to the studio! Since we first went on the air January 4, 2015, we’ve produced 248 shows with 681 individual stories — not counting all the gardening and cooking segments we’ve featured. So there are a lot of potential favorites to choose from!
To kick things off, Mary selected this story that was shot and produced by Kevin. As former Executive Director of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and a farmer, peanuts were a big part of life for Caleb Bristow and his wife, Freda. But all of that could have changed when their younger son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy. What could they do? How would they make a living? Thankfully, a doctor in Birmigham had a potential solution that saved their way of life.
Kevin’s selection takes us to Eastaboga. Why is it Kevin’s favorite? Well, it was pretty fun to see Melissa drive a tank! The place is Combat Park, and it’s basically a playground of military vehicles where everyone can drive a tank or other options from the fleet. Plus, there’s paintball! And profits help support Wounded Warrior Alabama to support our state’s veterans and their families.
We wrap this show up with Melissa’s pick — the Firefighter Combat Challenge! Mary suited up in turnout gear for this one, but then left all the real competing to the firefighters who showed their athletic prowess in a variety of challenges. Each task mimics something firefighters must do in every day when fighting fires, but the skill and speed required for the Challenge makes for an awe-inspiring event.
And we’re also bringing you a brand new recipe from Stacey Little of Southern Bite. It’s beefy. It’s cheesy. It’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy seeing how easy it is to make his Cheesy Hamburger Skillet. And thanks to the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association for making this segment possible.
For all the Southern Bite recipes featured on Simply Southern, visit southernbite.com/simply-southern-recipes.
Shoo – 10 seasons have gone by in a whirlwind. We’ve enjoyed traveling all over the state to bring you 248 new episodes with 681 individual stories + lots of gardening and cooking segments, too! We appreciate all of you for being dedicated viewers. Here’s to the next 10 seasons!
Thank you to all of our show sponsors. Simply Southern would not be possible without all of these folks. Please be sure to visit their webpages and follow their social media accounts!
