COLBERT COUNTY – September is shaping up to be a month of celebration and reflection in
Colbert County, with a series of events that pay tribute to our community's unique history and
the hardworking spirit that defines us. Colbert County Tourism is thrilled to announce several
events that will bring people together to honor local traditions, showcase our heritage, and
foster a sense of unity.
Labor Day Festivities in Tuscumbia and Coon Dog Cemetery
On Monday, September 2, 2024, the Shoals Labor Council will host its 105th annual Labor Day
celebration in Spring Park, Tuscumbia. The day begins with a parade through downtown
Tuscumbia at 10 a.m., followed by festivities in Spring Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s
celebration promises a lively day of live music, exciting giveaways, prize drawings, and family-
friendly activities, all aimed at honoring the contributions of the working class and the enduring
spirit of labor.
Simultaneously, the Coon Dog Cemetery will host its own unique Labor Day celebration,
starting at 10 a.m. Visitors can enjoy live music by Jason Baldwin and Bailey Train, savor L.O.
Bishop’s Barbecue, and participate in a buck dancing contest and a liars' contest with prizes
raffled off throughout the day. Festivities will continue until 3 p.m., offering a distinctive way to
celebrate the holiday in a historic and beloved local setting.
Leighton Celebrates 200 Years
This September, the Town of Leighton marks a momentous occasion—200 years since its
founding. From September 14-20, 2024, this close-knit community will come together to honor
its history and the enduring spirit that has defined it for two centuries.
Leighton’s story began in 1824 when settlers from North Carolina and Virginia established a
vibrant hub in this part of Alabama. To commemorate this 200-year journey, the town has
planned a week of events that reflect the deep sense of connection and pride that has always
been the backbone of Leighton.
The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 13, with a 5th Quarter event downtown
following the Colbert County High School/Lauderdale County football game. The week
continues with a concert on Sunday, September 15, at 2 p.m., featuring performances by
Amanda Brewer and the On Time Band in honor of Leighton’s own musical legends, Jimmy
Hughes and Percy Sledge.
Throughout the week, visitors and residents alike can enjoy a variety of events, including the
unveiling of a Radio History Exhibit at the Leighton Civic Center, a Veterans Ceremony at Town
Hall, and a special event at Fennel Park featuring the CCHS basketball team. The festivities will
conclude on Friday, September 20, with a ceremony honoring Leighton’s first residents,
celebrating the town’s American Indian heritage.
Oka Kapassa Festival: Remembering Tuscumbia’s Legacy of Compassion
From September 13-14, 2024, Tuscumbia will once again host the Oka Kapassa – Return to
Coldwater Festival, a cherished event that brings the community together to remember and
honor its unique place in American history.
The festival’s name, "Oka Kapassa," means "cold water" in the Muskogean language, a tribute
to the large spring where the Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw, and Cherokee people once camped.
This festival commemorates Tuscumbia’s extraordinary compassion during one of the darkest
periods in our nation’s past—the Trail of Tears.
On Friday, September 13, the festival begins with an educational day for fourth and fifth-grade
students, featuring demonstrations of traditional dance, storytelling, crafts, and life skills. The
program continues that evening with a cultural event at the UNA Tuscumbia Facility,
showcasing performances by Native American musicians and speakers, including Arvel Bird and
Rachel Thrower.
The public festival day on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will immerse visitors
in authentic American Indian culture through dance, music, crafts, and demonstrations, all set
in Spring Park.
Colbert County Tourism invites everyone to participate in these meaningful events that
celebrate our community’s heritage, honor the spirit of labor, and foster a deeper connection
to our shared history.
For more information on these events, visit our website at Colbert County Tourism or call us at
256-383-0783.
Media Release/Maryanne Floyd
Director of Communications
Colbert County Tourism
