MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Tourism Department says 22 towns across the state will participate in the department's April Walking Tours.

The department's Brian Jones says more than 1,700 tours have been done since the program started 10 years ago. The free, hour-long tours of historic districts and courthouse squares will start at 10 a.m. on April 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Participating cities are Athens, Atmore, Birmingham, Butler, Courtland, Cullman, Decatur, Eufaula, Fairhope, Florence, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Monroeville, Montevallo, Montgomery, Phenix City, Prattville, Sheffield, Sylacauga, Tuscumbia and Wetumpka.

Find out more at www.alabama.travel/trails/april-walking-tours

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Gadsden, AL – 2012 was a year full of events and accomplishments in historic downtown Gadsden.  Downtown Gadsden, Inc. (DGI) sponsored events such as First Friday, Third Thursday and Musical Mondays along with the Chili Cook-Off. 

The Gadabout Art Walk brought artists downtown, inside several businesses and along the sidewalks.  An inaugural event, Sunset Sips was introduced in October on the Memorial Bridge. Proceeds from ticket sales were earmarked for the purchase of new banners for the lamp posts downtown.