ATHENS-A local production named after a Southern dish concocted from a weed will highlight the community and state’s history this year.
The community production, known as the Poke Sallet Follies, will share Athens and Limestone County’s bicentennial through a show dubbed “The Book of Athens.” The Alabama Bicentennial Commission has endorsed the show as a bicentennial event. Athens and Limestone County both incorporated in 1818 before Alabama became a state in 1819, and their stories are among North Alabama’s earliest stories.
Frank Travis
Athens City Councilman and local actor/playwright Frank Travis is directing the show for the first time. A group of more than 100 volunteers, known as the Prime Time Players, creates the props, works backstage, and performs the show.
Poke Sallet Follies, known for its slapstick comedy where local dignitaries act crazy for a good cause, will be different this year. In telling Athens and Limestone County’s 200 years of history, some skits are more serious, such as the deadly 1974 tornado outbreak.
Still, the audience will enjoy some traditional Poke Sallet antics such as seeing Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson and Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely portraying fun characters. There will be live singing this year as well as choreographed numbers that celebrate momentous occasions such as when trains first came to the area.
The show, which is in its 26th year, raises funds for the Foundation for Aging. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Athens Senior Center on Pryor Street. Travis said tickets sales will continue on Saturday, “until no one is left to buy a ticket.”
Here are details on this year’s show:
Poke Sallet Follies: The Book of Athens
Who: Directed by Frank Travis and performed by the Prime Time Players
When: March 8, 9 and 10
Time: Dinner by 306 Barbecue will be served at 7 p.m.
Location: Athens Senior Center at 912 W. Pryor St.
Ticket: Tickets are $35 and include dinner
