38 and more to come
By Randy Garrison
Mayor of Hartselle
If you have lived in the Hartselle community, or even North Alabama for any length of time, most will know that in the third week of September the annual Depot Days celebration will be taking place. Depot Days began with the idea of celebrating the role the railroad played in the history of Hartselle. As many know, if the railroad had not chosen to have a stop in Hartselle our hometown might not even exist today, so thanks George Hartsell for stopping here. Also, the trains as usual, will remind us of the important role they played in early Hartselle. They will be traveling slower down the tracks for the main event on Saturday.
The week long celebration kicks off September 10 with the Down Memory Lane featuring an Open House at the Crabb-Stewart-Key-Dotson Home, located at 1084 Nat Key Road. This home is one of the oldest in the area, dating back to pre statehood days. The public is invited between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 11 will feature the second Cinderalla Ball, a father/daughter event with a night of dinner and dancing. This will be held at the First Assembly of God Church, located on Hwy. 31 North.
Thursday, September 13 a Community Pep Rally will held at Hartselle High School at 7:00 p.m. This will be a celebration of Hartselle Varsity and Youth Football teams.An open-mic night will be held at the stage on Railroad St. from 6:00 pm until 9:00 p.m.
If you feel up for a 13.6-mile run, Hartselle Kiwanis will be hosting a half-marathon on September 15 as a club fundraiser.
Come Saturday, September 15, the fun hits the high point for the week. The street festival begins bright and early and goes on throughout the day. Great music from all venues will take place on the stage, offering music for all to enjoy. Vendors from all over will be offering their wares and artists young and old will be sharing their talents with those walking the streets of Hartselle. Children’s and Adult Art will be on display, antique cars and tractors in large numbers will be displayed as well. Crafts, food trucks, and other vendors will be numerous throughout Downtown Hartselle. Downtown businesses will be open showing off their wares and southern hospitality. Also come hungry, food vendors and local restaurants will gladly help you satisfy your hunger that day. The main event begins at 8:00 p.m. and goes all day until 4:00 p.m.
Capping off this year’s celebration will be a Community Worship sevice with music and song to be held at East Highland Baptist Church. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will feature local gospel talent and a community choir.
So get ready and come on out to enjoy as many events as you can during another great Depot Days Celebration.
Much thanks to all who worked tirelessly to put this event together for this year. There are many hands who pull toghether and being almost at the end of one year getting ready for the next. If you see a Depot Days committee member please show your apprecaition for all of the hard work that takes place for this event.
Come out and enjoy all Depot Days has to offer, you will be glad you did.
