TUSCUMBIA-The Tuscumbia Bicentennial Commission will host “Sunday in the South”, a community dinner and afternoon of family fun on the grounds of the Colbert County Courthouse, 201 N. Main St., on October 6 from noon until 4:00. The free event is planned to celebrate the Bicentennial of Alabama’s statehood and has been named an official Alabama 200 event. The location in case of rain is the Tuscumbia Multi-purpose Center.
Event organizers say that kids’ activities and games, a cake walk, and a contest to name the best bonnets and beards are some of the fun that is being planned. Music throughout the afternoon will include Scooter Muse and his Bluegrass Friends, gospel and folk tunes on mountain dulcimers played by the Tennessee Valley Strummers, singers Rick and Sheila Sutton, and a performance by a mass choir formed of participants from more than 10 local churches, directed by Grant Gunn. There is no charge to attend “Sunday in the South” and the public is invited.
Mary Beth Barnowski, chair of the event, suggests that people join in the spirit of an “old-time” Southern Sunday gathering. “Bring your own picnic and spread it for your family and friends on the long, end-to-end tables being set up for the crowd. We hope that the community table, filled with people, will snake around the lawn and will signify ‘one big happy family’ of citizens. All Tuscumbians and our Shoals area neighbors are invited!”
Dr. Jimmy Gardiner, radio-sports personality and the “Voice of the Deshler Tigers,” will serve as emcee. City Councilman William Foster challenges anyone who thinks they can beat his lengthy, red beard to join him on stage for the “Bonnets and Beards” Contest, an activity that is certain to be a hit! Dr. Felice Green, known for her spectacular millinery fashions, challenges her friends to compete in the “Sunday Hat” category. In recognition of the town’s historic past, if you have your grandmother’s or great-grandmother’s sunbonnets, your father or grandfather’s fedora, or other hats from the past (male or female), you may enter the historic hat category. Last but not least, there will also be a “Silly Hat” competition. Prizes will be awarded in each category. Tip your top hat if you have one!
Cake walks were a staple of county fairs and other long-ago gatherings. The custom is being revived for the occasion and delicious baked goods will form the prizes in the Tuscumbia Bicentennial Cake Walks.
Bicentennial Co-chairs Ninon Parker and Dr. Lorie Johnson describe this autumn event as one of several Bicentennial celebrations that have been planned for 2019, the final year of a 3-year observance. In May, the town celebrated Heinie Manush Day, with activities including a vintage ballgame, complete with an organ grinder. In July, the town “Hailed the Rails” by holding a reunion of former railroad employees and train enthusiasts at the Tuscumbia Depot and Roundhouse. On November 10, the committee will “Honor our Veterans” with a cemetery tour of Tuscumbia Oakwood Cemetery. A giant birthday cake will be shared on December 14, during the annual Dickens Christmas holiday festival, concluding the City’s observance of Alabama 200 on the anniversary of statehood.
To find out how to participate in the mass choir or to learn more about the event, call Mary Beth Barnowski, 256-655-7266, or Grant Gunn, 256-483-9417. To volunteer to assist at the event, call Dallas Hoskins. For general information: Colbert Tourism 256-383-0783.
