If you have lived in the Hartselle community, or even North Alabama for any length of time, most will know that the third week of September the annual Depot Days celebration will be taking place. Depot Days began with the idea of celebrating the role the railroad played in the history or Hartselle. As many know if the railroad had not been chosen to have a stop in Hartselle our hometown might not even exist today.

Hartselle’s namesake George Hartsell and one of the owners of the South and North Alabama railroad recognized this area as an important site for the growing railroad.

The week of celebration will also bring to light other important facets of our city’s history. The annual Down Memory Lane will highlight manufacturing industries that played roles in the history of Hartselle. Recognition of “legacy” industries will be featured as well has industries still in operation today. The event will take place Monday, September 15 at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

If you are feeling like a 13.6-mile run Hartselle Kiwanis will be hosting a half-marathon on September 20 as a club fundraiser.

Another historical event will be reenacted during the weeklong event as well. In fact, this event is possibly one the town is best known for. On March 15, 1926, in the early morning hours, criminals robbed the Bank of Hartselle and basically kept the city under siege for several hours. The bandits made off with almost $15,000 in cash, gold and silver. The criminals were never caught or even identified.

The local theatre group College Street Players will present the Great Bank Robbery of Hartselle in three shows on Saturday, September 20 at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

As soon as Hartselle was settled several congregations were formed to spread the gospel and offer places of worship to the new settlement. This year a community hymn sing will take place on Sunday night, September 14 at Hartselle’s First United Methodist Church.

Come Saturday, the fun hits the high point for the week. The street festival begins bright and early and goes on throughout the day. Great music from all venues will take place on two separate stages offering music for all to enjoy. Vendors from all over will be offering their wares, artists young and old will be sharing their talents with those walking the streets of Hartselle. Downtown businesses will be open showing off their wares and southern hospitality. Also come hungry, food vendors and local restaurants will glad to help you satisfy your hunger that day. So get ready and come on out to enjoy as many events as you can during another great Depot Days Celebration.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.