Hartselle Depot Days Festival

Get in touch

(256) 350-2028

info@decaturcvb.org

350 Market St. NE, Decatur, AL 35601

Hartselle Depot Days Festival

Lillie Beth Warner • September 13, 2022

Each September, downtown Hartselle turns into a lively celebration honoring its historic train depot! This year Hartselle Depot Days will be on September 17th!

The Depot Days Festival is Hartselle's biggest event of the year put on in partnership between Hartselle Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Morgan Hospital. The event takes place throughout the streets of Historic Downtown Hartselle and is free to the public! This family-friendly street festival has options for everyone. Whether you are looking for antique cars, trucks, or tractors, vendors or unique entertainment, the Depot Days festival has it all! The people of Hartselle created this event to help honor the history and importance of the railroad throughout their town. You too can celebrate the Railroad along with experience all sorts of exciting activities at this year's Depot Days Festival!

Fun for the whole family

The Hartselle Depot Days Festival will have a Childrens' area that will keep the little ones entertained! Have a blast all day with the inflatables, trackless train, face painting, balloon animals, as well as carnival games, and more. You and your kids can “Touch-a-Truck”! It is your chance to see up close and touch some cool “trucks” you might see around Hartselle. The childrens' area will also have its' own Entertainment Stage that you won’t want to miss! There will also be a photo backdrop by Lux Party Company will be set up for family photos.

****You can also participate in the Dunk Tank Fundraiser to benefit Clothe Our Kids of North Alabama! At this time, their greatest need is new packages of childrens underwear in all sizes. For every new package you bring to donate, you’ll get double throws!

Wristbands can be purchased to cover all-day play. $5 pony rides are available for purchase.

The Children's Area entertainment stage will feature:

9am – Storytime at Depot Days – William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle
10am – Kim’s Star Twirlers
11am – College Street Players
12pm – Bobby’s Zany Balloon Show – Balloon Masterz, Madison, Alabama

Cars, trucks, and tractors galore!

The annual Depot Days Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show are excited to report the number of calls coming in from clubs across north Alabama, southern Tennessee, and other neighboring states that are planning to attend. With the overwhelming interest, this year’s show promises more vehicles than ever before.

The show will be held in the parking lot of Hartselle First United Methodist Church. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM and run until 12:00 PM. As in the past, in lieu of judging, the show will offer plenty of great door prizes. From 12:00-2:00 PM, $100 cash prizes will be given away every 15 minutes to registered vehicle owners. All vehicles are welcome, and the general public is encouraged to come and join the fun!

Tasty treats along the streets

The Depot Days Festival always has some of the most delicious treats and eats! This year is no exception! There will be so many amazing food vendors that you definitely should check out!

The following food vendors will be setting up a booth at the 2022 Hartselle Depot Days:

Cesars Concessions
Dippin Dots
Hung Cong Dinh
Nanny’s Old Fashion Lemonade
Rocket City Popperz, LLC
Southern Concessions
Sunshine Oasis Concessions
What’s Popp’N

Find your creative side!

For the Depot Days Art Show, art will be displayed at the Depot at the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 110 Railroad Street. Age divisions are kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, ninth through twelfth grade, and adults. First, second, and third place winners will be named in each division for each category. Categories include sketching (crayon/colored pencil/pencil/charcoal), pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic and oil, pastels, mixed medium, and sculpture.

One of the best parts of the Hartselle Depot Days Festival is the live entertainment! Make sure to check out the schedule below to see which bands and artist will be performing on the Depot Days Stage!

Schedule of Entertainment

8:00-9:00 AM: Ribbon Cutting & Kickoff Celebration: Decatur Morgan Hospital – Hartselle Medical Mall, City of Hartselle,

Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, Military Tribute
9:00-10:00 AM: Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers, Mississippi (Bluegrass & Gospel)
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Tractor Parade & Kids’ Tractor Races
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Ray Sparks Band, Moulton, Alabama (50s, 60s, 70s Hits)
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Huntsville Community Drumline
2:00 PM: Brick Avenue, North Alabama (Original & Cover Rock)

< Older Post Newer Post >

Faith, Architecture, and Activism: The Story of First Missionary Baptist Church

By Emma Martin • February 21, 2025

In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.

Decatur Now and Then

By Emma Martin • January 21, 2025

Decatur Now and Then

Ring in 2025 in Style: New Year's Eve in the River City

By Emma Martin • December 27, 2024

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year in the River City, look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve itinerary to ensure you have an evening full of amazing food, drinks, and excitement. From a fantastic dinner to a lively pre-game cocktail hour, and an unforgettable casino night, the River City has it all.

Decatur’s Festival of the Cranes: A Celebration of Nature and Community

By Emma Martin • December 12, 2024

Over the years, Decatur, Alabama, has become a haven for nature lovers every January. The annual Festival of the Cranes draws spectators from near and far to marvel at the majestic Sandhill and Whooping Cranes as they make their winter migration south