Another Depot Days in the books
By Randy Garrison
Mayor of Hartselle
The event known as Depot Days has changed over the past 30 or more years. Depot Days had a humble beginning as Mule Days. This occurred by in the 70’s to celebrate the role mules played in the history of Hartselle. There was a parade and a mule show featuring grand champion mules in different classes, and a contest to find out which pair of mules could pull the most weight.
Around 1980 Depot Days came into the picture replacing the Mule Days celebration. Named for the historic depot, the celebration and festival was brought to life to honor the role the railroad played in the history of the City of Hartselle. As most know, the early Town of Hartselle was formed as a stopping point for water and loading and unloading of trains on the then North & South Railroad.
Now 30 plus years later the annual celebration still brings lots of fun to those who participate in the event. Currently the event actually takes place over several days, with the actual street festival taking place on the third Saturday of each September. The Hartselle Historical Society this year kicked off the week with “Down Memory Lane.”
This years’ “Down Memory Lane” featured a tour and information about the Crabb-Stewart-Key-Dotson home. This home located on Nat Key Road now owned by Robert and Janice Dotson dates back to the early 1800’s and predates Hartselle being incorporated. The home was owned by an original signer of the Alabama Constitution. A tour of the over 200-year-old home and information about the families, with Hartselle roots, was presented along with a meal from the Morgan County Cattlemen’s Association. Over 200 attended the event.
A community pep rally was also held on Thursday night at Hartselle High School recognizing football players and cheerleaders. The pep rally may have played a role in Hartselle defeating Muscle Shoals 15-14 on Friday night in a hard-fought battle in Class 6A football.
Saturday brought the annual street festival to life once again. Vendors featuring all types of wares filled the downtown area and braved the 90+ degree day to offer their goods to interested customers. The day also brings hundreds of people into the downtown area, which offers opportunities for local merchants to market their goods also. Food vendors and children’s play areas, along with antique tractors and cars, offer something of interest to all who venture into downtown.
This year instead of opening the week-long celebration, a community hymn sing was held the Sunday evening after the street festival. Gospel singers from multiple counties, along with a community choir shared Gaither-type music to the many who attended the event, hosted by East Highland Baptist Church. Organized by Dr. Jerome Ward, the event has become one many look forward to each year and leave the event feeling blessed, and most definitely know they have attended a worship service in song. There was no doubt God presence was felt by those singing and attending the worship service.
This event does not occur without the hard work of many. The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce leads the event, along with help from the City of Hartselle Public Works, Police Department, Fire & Rescue and Park & Recreation and numerous volunteers and sponsors. Many thanks to all who worked to bring this event to life again this year, it is a proud tradition for Hartselle.
