If you have lived in the Hartselle community, or even North Alabama for any length of time, most will know that in 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 of Hartselle. As many know, if the railroad had not chosen to have a stop in Hartselle our hometown might not even exist today, so thank George Hartsell for stopping here.

The week long celebration kicks off September 10 with the Depot Days Tourism Pageant to be held at the civic center.

Also, the annual Depot Day run pairs the Hartselle Chamber with the Hartselle Lions Club in the form of a Zombie Chase on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Sparkman Park.

The annual community worship service will be held at East Highland Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evening September 13 with Tommy Kyle speaking. Kyle is the Director for Nations of Coaches, a ministry formed to support college basketball coaches by helping them  coach and lead for Christ.

The week of celebration will also bring to light other important facets of our city’s history. The annual Down Memory Lane will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the buidling at 307 College St. The building built in 1916 which once housed F.E. Burleson Elemetary School and now operates as The Burleson Center. The event will take place Mon., Sept. 12, at the center.

Tues., Sept. 13, the Depot Days festival will host a free outdoor movie at E.A.R.T.H Park. The movie will begin at 8 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. The event is free to the public.

The annual Depot Days concert will be presented by the Hartselle High School choirs Thur., Sept. 15, at the Hartselle High auditoirum at 7 p.m. A flag retirement ceremony will also take place conducted by Boy Scout Troop 336 at the high school at 6:00 p.m.

If you feel up for a 13.6-mile run, Hartselle Kiwanis will be hosting a half-marathon on September 17 as a club fundraiser.

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 at the Hartselle Enquirer stage, offering music for all to enjoy. Vendors from all over will be offering their wares and 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 gladly 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.

Much thanks to all who worked tirelessly to put this event together for this year.  There are many hands who pull together and being almost at the end of one year getting ready for the next.

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