If you have lived in the South for any length of time, you have probably heard the question above when visiting friends or family or eating in a local restaurant.

Italy may have its share of fine wines, but in the south, we have Sweet Tea.

In this part of the country, tea is commonly referred to as the house wine of the South.

That being said, nothing says welcome better than offering someone a glass of tea.

For several months, a discussion has been taking place and plans are being made to promote our fair city and invite folks to come visit, shop and eat at one of our restaurants. Plans are to have a day set aside each month that basically would serve as an open house type atmosphere, where all are welcome to come into town, and we will put our best foot forward for our company.

Since Hartselle is known as “The City of Southern Hospitality” and the plans continue to be developed encouraging folks to come on by, stop for a while and enjoy our family friendly atmosphere the name “Sweet Tea Saturday” came into the equation.

As plans go now “Sweet Tea Saturdays” will be held the second Saturday of each month beginning in April, and going through October. Each month there will be activities planned that will offer folks an opportunity to enjoy a Saturday in Hartselle with entertainment, great deals from local merchants and see exactly what Hartselle has to offer as we throw out the welcome mat.

April’s event will be Sat., April 12. Activities will include an Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Hartselle Kiwanis Club at Sparkman Park. A photo opportunity for the little ones to have their photos made with the Easter Bunny downtown in the gazebo by The Depot. Local churches will be invited to provide entertainment with a message throughout downtown, and to end the day Hartselle Fine Arts Center will be holding its 14th annual Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction.

Local merchants are invited to join in and offer specials and hold in-store events to encourage shoppers to stop by and see all they have to offer.

This will be a great opportunity to showcase our community. Let us invite folks to come to Hartselle and show them how glad we are they stopped by.

If you own or operate a business, have a talent you would like to share, belong to a church or civic organization or just want to see Hartselle shine, you are invited to join in the fun.

To find out more about “Sweet Tea Saturdays,” visit the Facebook page “Sweet Tea Saturday in Hartselle, Alabama” or email questions you might have to sweetteasaturday@gmail.com