The city of Auburn always has something going on, whether it’s trick-or-treating downtown or raising support for charities. February is not only the month of love; it’s a month for Auburn citizens to get involved with their community in big ways.

Just because the town of Auburn gets much of its entertainment from the university’s sports events doesn’t mean they’re the only means of leisure. If anything, activities are put on to distinguish the town from the college, and to make it known that Auburn is a great place to live even without the university.

The city of Auburn is gearing up to stay fit in the 20th Annual Love Your Heart Run and 2nd Annual Crank Your Heart Ride on Feb. 7th. Auburn Parks and Recreation directs the attention of the run and ride towards individuals with special needs, the Special Olympics of Lee County, and Best Buddies of Auburn University. The run consists of a 10K (6.4 miles) and the ride consists of a 25 mile bike ride. The routes begin and end in Chewacla State Park. Participants may register at LoveYourHeartRun.com or at local gyms.

“I participate in the Love Your Heart Run every year,” said Elizabeth Bond, Junior at Auburn University. “I love being able to do something that benefits a good cause, and also get connected with others in the area.”

Running and biking isn’t the only way to stay fit. And despite the recent warm weather, snow skiing is, in fact, a possibility in Alabama! The X-Cell Ski Trip is making it feasible for teenagers ages 12-15 to enjoy a day on the slopes at Alabama’s only ski resort in Mentone, AL. Cloudmont Ski Resort has two 1,000 foot ski slopes. The trip is on February 7th and lunch should be provided by the participants. Total cost for the trip is $50.00, including admission, lift tickets, lessons, and equipment. For more information contact Melissa Weldon at 501-2946.

Kiesel Park will host the Auburn Community Orchestra Concert for its inaugural concert of the season on Feb. 7th at 7:30 p.m. The orchestra will be performing “Musical Fun and Games”, a concert sure to make anyone laugh. The show is part of Auburn Parks and Recreation’s “Free Concerts at Kiesel” series.

Who doesn’t love sentimental bonding time with family? On December 8th, registration for the 20th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night begun. The date night will take place on February 13th at the Best Western University Convention Center. The event is geared towards fathers and their 12-15-year-old daughters who want to dress up for dancing, pictures, refreshments and more. Anyone can register up until January 31st at the Best Western.

Auburn resident Jim Watkins will be attending the dance this year. “I first heard about the Daddy-Daughter dance a couple of years ago, when my daughter was about 10 years old,” said Watkins. “This year we finally get to go, and she’s ecstatic.”

The Diamond Dolls at Auburn University are also running for a good cause. The Strike Out Cancer Run will be held on February 14th, in honor of Mary-Louise Pawlowski, who has PNET (primitive neuroectodermal tumors). Mary-Louise is the daughter of Auburn’s head baseball coach John Pawlowski. All proceeds from the race will be donated to East Alabama Medical Cancer Center. The even consists of a Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K Run at 9:00 a.m. Registration is held up until Feb. 7th at http://www.au4mlp.com

When a community gets involved with its town, people begin to feel more like a family, something Auburn is used to. It’s not just about being a college town. It’s about being a town that considers itself as one, no matter what the population is.