Depot Days festival coming on Saturday

Hartselle’s 30th annual Depot Days will climax with a big bang on Saturday, as the central business district becomes the destination place for thousands of visitors seeking family- friendly fun and excitement.
The day’s activities will feature competitive foot racing, live stage entertainment, canine demonstrations, antique cars and tractors, children’s rides and a potpourri of vendors with wares ranging from fast food delicacies to handmade jewelry.
“”We have a great lineup of fun-filled events and the weather is supposed to be ideal with just a hint of fall in the air,” said Susan Hines, Hartselle Areas Chamber of commerce president.  “Plus, it’s our 30th anniversary and we have a record number of vendors signed up. We’re anticipating a great turnout.”
Visitors are reminded that the entire central business district will be blocked off throughout the day to make room for vendor’s displays and other activities. The main arteries open for pass-through traffic will be Chestnut Street, east and west, and Highway 31, north and south. Off-street parking lots south of Main Street will be used for festival events.
Kicking off the festivities at 8 a.m. will be a 5-K road race, beginning at Sparkman Civic Center, followed by a 1K fun run.
At the same time food and merchandise vendors will open along with a children’s art show, antique and classic car, truck and bike show and antique tractor show.
The Decatur Kennel Club will feature obedience demonstration in E.A.R.T.H. Park beginning at 9 a.m. and live entertainment will be featured on the Hartselle Enquirer big stage throughout the day.  Children’s rides will also be open all day.
The unveiling of a historic marker at The Depot will take place at 9 a.m.
Vendors will close at 5 p.m. and the finals of a karaoke contest will he held on stage at 6 p.m.

Diana Doss Sparkman (R) and Tom and Linda Guyton discuss a keepsake from the Doss Family collection at Depot Days’ Down Memory Lane.