TUSCUMBIA – In July, thoughts in the Shoals area turn to partying … and when the W.C. Handy Festival begins next week the Shoals area will become one BIG party! For several years, the Tuscumbia Retail Development group has celebrated with the annual pre-festival event “Hot BBQ! Cool Blues!” This year’s event will be held at GAS Design Center (109 W. Sixth St., Tuscumbia) on Thursday, July 20, the day preceding the official beginning of the festival. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the TRD will be dishing up L.O. Bishop BBQ and “fixings” by the plates full to those holding advance tickets purchased from TRD members or at Fiddledee D! (111 S. Main St., Tuscumbia). Tickets are $12.50 each.
May Woodie Christopher, President of the TRD Steering Committee stated that tickets are selling fast and that a limited number is available. She encourages those who wish to attend to get tickets early.
“This is always a fun occasion, with friends getting together for the evening to enjoy great food and especially to enjoy great music.” Christopher said.
Featured entertainment will be by the Max Russell Trio. The group’s laid-back, bluesy style is perfect for Handy week, said event planners, who added that Max is a hometown guy, having grown up in Tuscumbia.
Christopher stated that sponsors assist the group each year in presenting the event, and that proceeds raised through ticket sales go to promotional activities to grow business in the City.
For further information, call 256-383-9797.
