Alabama's Top 10 events of 2016
Matt Okarmus, Montgomery Advertiser
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to do some traveling, the Alabama Tourism Department has taken care of your itinerary.
The department recently released its list of the top ten events for 2016, with festivities ranging from a multi-day concert to a tomato festival.
"A lot of times we are trying to celebrate anniversaries or unique events," said Brian Jones, public relations director for the Alabama Tourism Department. "We also want to get good representation of the state, from big cities to small towns."
One of the bigger names on the list is the returning Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores. Beginning in 2010, Hangout has become a musical event talked about not just regionally, but nationally. Jones said the "top volume entertainers" have helped elevate the festival's status. The 2016 event, held May 20-22, will see The Weeknd, Florence and the Machine, Alabama Shakes, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding and Lenny Kravitz as headliners.
"Taking place in May, it's kind of a kickoff to summer vacation at the beach," Jones said. "And especially on multi-day events, you'll have people spending the night and that's good for the local tourism."
On a local level, the annual Pike Road Arts and Crafts Fair is on the list. Set to take place in November at the Mark's House property in Pike Road, the arts and crafts fair will celebrate its 50th year in 2016.
"For any event to celebrate 50 years, that's a milestone," Jones said.
The event has been featured before when the Alabama Tourism Department spotlighted "small towns and downtowns." Jones said the arts and crafts fair also fits into 2016's theme of celebrating "Alabama Makers," a focus on handcrafted goods.
Julie Livingston, who handles publicity and marketing for the arts fair, said organizers were "thrilled" to be on the list. It's good news after facing a difficult 2015 that saw the first-ever cancellation of the event due to weather-related issues.
Tickets to the arts and crafts fair purchased in 2015 will be honored for the 2016 event. Livingston also said that while the board of directors for the festival met after the cancellation and came up with a plan to refund up to 83 percent of the fees for vendors.
"We are hoping the weather doesn't get us next year," Livingston said.
The 2016 event is scheduled for Nov. 5 with Livingston saying they will meet in the coming weeks to discuss plans that will most likely include something special for the 50th anniversary.
Other events on the top ten list include: The 80th Anniversary of the Bellingrath Home in Mobile, Slocumb Tomato Festival in Slocumb, 50th Anniversary of the Spirit of America Festival in Decatur, Dega Jam in Talladega, 50th Anniversary of the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention in Athens, Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Renaissance Faire 30th Anniversary in Florence and the Magic City Classic 75th Anniversary in Birmingham.
Dega Jam was named Event of the Year and the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum as the Attraction of the Year.
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People look at some of the items available for sale at the Pike Road Arts and Craft Festival. (Photo: Advertiser File)
Here is a list with more details about the top 10 events for 2016 from the Alabama Tourism Department: Hangout Music Fest, Gulf Shores, May 20-May 22 Weekend music festival held at the public beach in Gulf Shores featuring more than 65 artists including the Alabama Shakes, Jason Isbell and The Weeknd. www.hangoutmusicfest.com 80th Anniversary of the Bellingrath Home, Theodore, June Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Bellingrath Home during the month of June. www.bellingrath.org Slocumb Tomato Festival, Slocumb, June 18 This annual festival features entertainment, parades, music, gospel singing, recipe contests and a Ms. Tomato Pageant. www.facebook.com/SlocombTomatoFest Spirit of America Festival 50th Anniversary, Decatur, July 1-4 The Spirit of America Festival at Point Mallard Park in Decatur is one of the Southeast’s largest 4th of July celebrations. Activities include live entertainment, children’s activities, the Miss Point Mallard pageant, and a giant fireworks display.www.spiritofamericafestival.com Dega Jam, Talladega, July 1-3 Dega Jam boasts a huge music lineup over 3 days and nights and will be held in the infield of the Talladega Superspeedway. More than 30 country music artists will perform including Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Eric Church, Kid Rock, Brandy Clark and Hank Williams, Jr. www.talladegasuperspeedway.com Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention 50th Anniversary, Athens, Oct. 7-8 The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is held on the campus of Athens State College and features old time music, judged competitions and authentic arts and crafts. Approximately 15,000 people are expected to attend the convention this year from more than 30 states. www.athens.edu/fiddlers Barber Vintage Festival, Birmingham, Oct. 7-9 This 3-day motorcycle festival includes road racing, motocross, cross country events, the Motorcycle Classics show and a swap meet with more than 250 vendors selling vintage motorcycles and parts. www.barbermuseum.org
Renaissance Faire 30th Anniversary, Florence, Oct. 22-23 Held in Wilson Park in downtown Florence, the Renaissance Faire features musical programs, public lectures, dramatic performances, art exhibits and dance programs.www.alarenfaire.org Magic City Classic 75th Anniversary, Birmingham, Oct. 29 This is the largest attended HBCU Football Classic in the nation The game features Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University and consistently draws more than 65,000 fans. www.themagiccityclassic.com Pike Road Arts & Crafts Fair 50th Anniversary, Pike Road, Nov. 5 The Pike Road Arts and Crafts Festival features more than 250 arts and crafts vendors on the grounds of the historic Marks house in the city of Pike Road.www.pikeroadartsandcraftsfair.com