Fort Payne Booming with Toe-Tapping Music, Southern Art, Food, and Fun

Aug. 29, 2011 - PRLog -- From a huge coal and iron boom during the late nineteenth century to a textile manufacturing boom during the twentieth century that led to the city’s claim of “Sock Capital of the World,” Fort Payne celebrates its heritage today with a day-long family-friendly street party. Set for Saturday, September 17, the Boom Days Heritage Celebration, now in its sixth year, hits the streets for a celebration of all things Fort Payne, as well as chance to bring talent and culture from elsewhere to the mountaintop town.

Covering five blocks in the downtown district, festival goers will find vendors lining the streets, a variety of music flowing from four stages, dozens of the South’s leading visual artists and traditional craft practitioners in City Park, a car show in Alabama Park, and cultural and historic exhibits on display at the Depot Museum and Hosiery Museum.  A pancake breakfast in the morning, a barbecue bash in the afternoon, and a wide variety of eats in the food court throughout the day will keep the crowds well fed.  

The Fort Payne area is also known for its rich musical heritage, and that reputation is upheld each year at Boom Days. Scheduled to perform at this year’s event include Rock Candy Band, Lisa O., Fleetwood Covington, Lydia Randolph, Chris Hale, Wil Henry Cobble, Walter Howell, Terry Hale, Dean Mitchell, April Mae and the June Bugs, Woodfish, and Travis Wammack. The celebration culminates with the Rock and Roll Show featuring Cyril Neville, the youngest of the Neville Brothers whose funk and R&B flair sets him apart from the others. The concert is set for 8 p.m. at the DeKalb Theatre. Tickets are $10 each.  

The city’s downtown district will be closed to traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free for all daytime, outdoor events. Additional activities held in conjunction with Boom Days include carriage rides, a 5K run, a pet parade, a wine tasting at the DeKalb Theatre and Courtyard, a quilt exhibit and a children’s activity area located in City Park. Downtown merchants will also operate sidewalk sales. For more information, call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740.

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About DeKalb Tourism
DeKalb Tourism is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county, locally, nationwide and internationally.