IF YOU GOWhat: Stevenson Depot Days FestivalWhen: Thursday-SundayWhere: Stevenson, Ala.Information: 256-437-3012 or Jackson County Tourism 256-259-5500.
By Sarah McCurter
Correspondent
The 29th annual Stevenson Depot Days festival is set for Thursday through Sunday in downtown Stevenson, Ala.
The festival celebrates the Jackson County town’s railroad heritage and is focused around its historic rail depot, festival representative Loretta Barbee said.
In the days when trains were the main form of long-distance travel, each small town had a depot where passengers and freight were taken on or off. With the decline of passenger travel, many depots fell into decay and were demolished.
But some towns, including Stevenson, Etowah, Tenn., and Ringgold and Dalton, Ga., preserved their historic depots.
Mrs. Barbee said the Stevenson depot was reopened as a museum.
Stevenson resident Stacey Crabtree said the Depot Days festival is also a homecoming and reunion for Stevenson High School graduates from all classes.
“A lot of people who have moved on will come back just for the festival,” she said. “It is just a really good week for the town.”
Activities planned during the festival include music, food, arts and crafts, a car show and a parade.
Mrs. Barbee said an auction will be held at 7 p.m. CDT Friday.
“We will take any type of item for the auction, old or new,” she said
Anyone who wishes to contribute items for the auction or who wants to know more about the festival should call Mrs. Barbee at 256-437-3012.
Sarah McCurter is based in Dade County. Reach her at smccurter.ctfp@gmail.com