🌱 Harmony Park Safari Has Closed + Mail Carrier Robber Arrested

Hello, neighbors. It's Saturday in Huntsville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more:

But first, today's weather:

A shower and t-storm; warmer. High: 78 Low: 62.

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Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. The Huntsville drive-thru Harmony Park Safari has closed. It is unclear why the park suddenly closed its doors after 30 years of providing fun-filled adventures for families. The attraction boasted giraffes, zebras, and other animals in an outdoor setting but had several violations for failure to maintain fencing. (AL.com)
2. First Stop, a nonprofit organization in Huntsville, is constructing a new 9,000-square-foot building to help the homeless community in Alabama. The new building will have more space for serving up to 120 people for breakfast or lunch and will offer medical and mental health services, among others. Despite already receiving $2.1 million in donations, the organization is still accepting donations to reach its $3 million goal for the construction of the facility, which is set to open in September. (WAAY)
3. A Montgomery man has been charged in connection with the armed robbery of a Huntsville mail carrier. Deputies located the man after they were alerted of a vehicle displaying stolen license plates. The police found the vehicle on Highway 36 and discovered items in the car that matched those taken in the robbery. (WHNT News 19)

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Today in Huntsville:

• 40th Annual Fishing Rodeo - Sharon Johnston Park (7:30 AM)
• Yoga By The River - Hays Nature Preserve (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Celebrate the arts this weekend at the 33rd annual Decatur Arts Festival! You can enjoy live music, incredible artists, great food, and KidsFest until tomorrow, May 7. (Decatur Arts Festival via Facebook)
• Bask in the sun during the 14th Annual Mayor's Bike Ride between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Don't have a bike? Downtown Blue Bikes is offering the first two hours of your bike share experience for free! (Downtown Huntsville, Inc. via Instagram)
• Fantasy Playhouse in Huntsville will present "Tinker Bell" on May 13 and 14 at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Discover a little "faith, trust, and pixie dust" while following the blonde-haired, blue-eyed fairy on her adventures with Peter Pan and the lost boys. (WHNT)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you soon with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.