FORT PAYNE-Lookout Mountain has become one of the South’s go-to travel destinations with its outdoor recreation, culinary delights, beautiful scenery and friendly locals. For those in search of something to do now that school is out for the summer, four events ranging from a free family festival centered on a barbeque contest and a fiddler’s convention to a concert under the stars and fan appreciation days are on tap next month, providing plenty of opportunities for creating lifetime memories.
First on the agenda is a free family event hosted by the town of Hammondville. Set for June 4, 2022 (rain date June 11), Hammondville’s Hamfest features a car show, arts and crafts, a variety of food vendors, the Pig Out in the Park amateur barbeque contest, music, a children’s area with inflatables and other free family fun. Activities will be held in Hammondville Park located at 37646 US Highway 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the town’s parks and recreation department. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
From 1908 until 1942, people packed the DeKalb County Courthouse on the first Monday night of the fall session of Circuit Court to attend the DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention. Landmarks of DeKalb County, along with the City of Fort Payne, is reviving this time-honored folk tradition in the 133 year old Fort Payne Opera House the first Saturday in June. The competition, set for June 4, features 12 different categories and over $5,600 in prizes. Admission is $10 per person 10 years old and up. Built during the city’s industrial boom and opened in 1890, Fort Payne’s Opera House is the only one in the State of Alabama still in use. It has been used as a live theatre, movie house, and public forum. For more information on the event, visit https://www.landmarksdekalbal.
The ninth annual Bluegrass on the Rim returns to the Little River Canyon Center located at 4322 Little River Trail NE in Fort Payne June 11, 2022, for an evening of authentic mountain music under the twinkling stars. Featured acts include Foggy Hollow, Valley Road and Three on a String. The event is held outdoors and festival goers are encouraged to bring a chair and/or blanket. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $25/adult and $15/student or $30/adult and $20/student at the gate. Admission is free for children 10 years old and under. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
To show their appreciation to their fanbase, Fort Payne’s own country and Southern rock band Alabama is hosting Fan Appreciation Days June 16-19, 2022, featuring several events throughout DeKalb County. Tour the Fan Club, have lunch on Randy’s farm and enjoy concerts are just a few of the activities the band has planned for its faithful followers.
The four-day event kicks off Thursday, June 16 with Teddy Gentry’s Singing with the Stars Talent Contest benefitting the Children’s Advocacy Center. Show time is at 7 p.m. on the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College (138 AL-35, Rainsville, Ala.) at the Tom Bevill Lyceum. Tickets are at the gate $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old. Call 256-997-9700 for more information and to buy tickets in advance. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
Featuring some of the biggest songwriters in America performing their hits, the Fans Songwriters Showcase is set for Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in the Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre. An intimate evening setting of acoustic magic by noted Nashville songwriters, the Fans Songwriters Showcase will play host to songwriters Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen, Jamey Johnson, Gordon Mote, and Frank Myers. Tickets are $60 (plus a $4 service fee) and may be purchased in advance here. Proceeds benefit the June Jam Foundation. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
The highlight of the weekend activities is the fan appreciation concert at the Alabama Fan Club and Museum (101 Glenn Boulevard SW, Fort Payne). Considered by many the most successful country, rock band in history, the group had 43 number one songs, 19 studio albums and won more than 300 awards. Attendance to the concert set for June 18 is limited exclusively to current Alabama Fan Club Members. VIP tickets are $125 each and fan tickets are $75 each. To buy tickets, call 256-845-1646. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.
Randy’s Fandemonium On The Farm (weather permitting) is set for Sunday, June 19. Gates open at 10 a.m. with lunch served starting at 11 a.m. (while supplies last). During the event, donations will be accepted for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
For information on the above events or on additional things to do in northeastern Alabama, visit www.VisitLookoutMountain.com or call DeKalb Tourism at 888-805-4740.
Media Release/John Dersham, President & CEO/DeKalb Tourism
