Farms, Festivals, and Fun In Alabama, By Iris Dean & Melody Schubert

Gather up the family and friends and head to explore Alabama's history with hands-on activities and more at Pioneer Day at the Colbert Ferry Visitor Center, located at milepost 327 near Cherokee, Alabama. This event takes places every first Saturday of the month. Throughout the day you'll find Living History Demonstrations that reveal how challenging it was for pioneers, and the how they adapted to living in the area from the 1700s to 1840.

Pioneer Day takes place between 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, and is a great outing for families. Kids, and adults alike will enjoy watching pioneers performs activities that often include corn shuck doll making, basket weaving, leatherworking, and mountain dulcimer demonstrations. Children are often invited to participate by dressing up in pioneer clothes and trying these activities firsthand. The best part is a trip to Pioneer Day won't break the budget because the program is Free to the public. To learn more about activities and the events scheduled call (800) 305-7417.

Fishermen and women get ready for Cabela’s KingKat tournament on Saturday, August 15. While this event may change dates from year to year one thing is certain; it is a highlight of the year for anglers. Catfish anglers travel from all around for the invitational Cabela’s KingKat tournament on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes. And, this tournament might just qualify you to fish the Cabela’s KingKat Classic to be held on Pickwick and Wilson Lakes on October 15-17. Weigh in for these tournaments at Riverfront Park, Sheffield. To view the complete schedule visit www.crappieusa.com.

Also held at the KingKat Tournament is the Kids Fishing Rodeo at Pickwick and Wilson Lakes on August 15. Kids, 12 and under can fish from the bank at Riverfront Park, Sheffield. Be sure to be there by 8am to 9am for registration. Fishing from the banks for kids begins at 9 thru 11 a.m. Afterwards, enjoy a hotdog lunch at noon, and fun with family and friends. This FREE event is a thrill for children and offers Great Prizes and Great Fun. Learn more about the Kids Fishing Rodeo by calling the Colbert County Tourism office at (256) 383-0783.

Over Labor Day weekend travel to Cherokee, Alabama for the annual Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration at the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard. The events starts about noon just in time for you to enjoy some savory barbecue and great music from the Southern Strangers. There will be buck dancing and the popular “Liar’s Contest”. You can help support this FREE event by getting a Coon Dog T-shirt and cap which will be on sale until 4:00 p.m.

Fresh produce and FREE entertainment can be found at the Spring Park Market that takes place every Thursday through September 24 at the Spring Park in Tuscumbia, from 4 – 7 p.m. The open-air market is Free and features fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, local processed foods as well as free entertainment and food demonstrations each week. Park downtown and ride the trolleys down to the park. Pick ups are available in front of the Palace and the ColdWater Bookstore, Tuscumbia, which are both located on Main Street.

Jack-O-Lantern Farms on the TVA Reservation in Muscle Shoals offers hydroponically grown and local “Naturally Certified” fruits and vegetables. Open Thursdays from 4 – 7p.m, and again each Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., year round, the Jack-O-Lantern Farms is a good place to find local produce. Among the homemade selection are sourdough bread, baked goods, jellies, jams and other locally produced food products from the Shoals Culinary Center.

Plan Your Trip

To explore events and attractions in Alabama visit http://www.alabama.travel/