By Wendy Hood, Staff Correspondent
The City of Attalla hosted its annual Heritage Day Festival on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic downtown Attalla.
“The city has been having this event for about thirty years,” said Lisa Spears, Heritage Day co-chairman. “Originally, it was called Hoot & Holler Day. We’ve really grown since then.”
Due to high volume of vendor requests, Spears says she had to expand the vendor space this year, reaching 120 vendors in attendance.
Food vendors were present serving hot dogs, smoked sausages, ribs, drumsticks, sweet tea, lemonade and more. Craft vendors offered wood and metal wall-hangings, jewelry, clothing and holiday crafts. Other booths included antiques, stained glass decor, mums, fresh vegetables and handmade soaps.
The children’s area included free rides on a swinging pirate ship, miniature carousel, flying swings and an inflatable slide. Children could also play old-fashioned carnival games or take a ride on a miniature train provided by Deborah’s Party Rentals.
Eighty cars were on display for the car show. Door prizes were given away. Awards included over $1000 in total prize money and a new set of tires provided by Bob‘s Tire Service of Attalla.
Classic Country WCKA 810 AM/ 94.3 FM Radio was on hand with live broadcasting and gift certificate giveaways.
A variety of musical entertainment was provided all day on three different stages. The Etowah High School Band performed as well as Vintage Gray, II Da Max, Kings of Swing, Star Power, Kaleb Arledge and others.
The musical highlight of the day was Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble performing on the Buffalo Rock stage. Dozens of dedicated Zydeco followers were present enjoying the music and showing off their dance moves.
Tony Peterson of Huntsville said he and his wife Gwen come to Heritage Day every year. When asked what keeps them coming back, Peterson said, “It makes me feel good. We just love it. And the food is so good!”
“Every year this festival gets bigger and more popular,” said Larry Howard, Heritage Day co-chairman. “Our only problem is that it’s gotten so big we are running out of space, which is a good problem to have.”
Plans for future Heritage Days will include expanding the areas for the car show and vendors.
Heritage Days sponsors included the City of Attalla, Buffalo Rock, Johnson’s Giant Foods, Commissioner Larry Payne, Rick’s Discount Drugs, Etowah County Tourism, Exchange Bank, Lineage Logistics, Holiday Inn Express, Rhea, Boyd & Rhea Attorneys, Browning Enterprises, Inc., Modern Heating and Cooling, Trophies and Signs USA, The Cupboard, Republic Services, Ferguson Florist, R&L Farms and Kyuka Whitetails, SP Enterprises and Bob’s Tire Service.