TUSCUMBIA – The 47th annual Helen Keller Festival kicks off Thursday with a parade in downtown Tuscumbia and a party on Main Street.
The city’s biggest event runs through Sunday at Spring Park in Tuscumbia. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Keller, who lost her sight and hearing after an illness as a toddler, was born in Tuscumbia on June 27, 1880. Her life of determination and advocacy for the deaf and blind led to numerous accolades and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Tonight’s street party will feature music from Kyndal Kilpatrick and Madlin McGee, Bound South, and Sipsey Falls.
The parade grand marshal is Havah Standridge, a Deshler High School student. Standridge became the first female state champion wrestler in Deshler history and one of the first in Alabama. She was also named MVP for the softball team.
“As grand marshal, Havah hopes not just to represent herself, but also her family, school, and all the girls who are paving their own way in sports,” according to the festival website.
This year’s Award of Courage goes to 13-year-old Azaiah Lopez, who is undergoing treatment at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham after receiving a bone marrow transplant from his sister in February.
Even though Lopez is required to stay in Birmingham so doctors can monitor his progress, “he remains brave and his family continues to advocate for him and other families going through similar situations,” the website says.
Music in the Park
The main festival at Spring Park features family friendly entertainment, including music, food, and “The Miracle Worker,” a play about Keller’s early life and her time with teacher Anne Sullivan.
Performances are at Ivy Green, Keller’s birthplace, on Friday and Saturday during the festival. Visit The Miracle Worker for ticket information or call 256-383-4066. Tours of Ivy Green are also available throughout the festival.
Friday’s Music in the Park features Eli Hannon at 5 p.m., followed by Ghost River Revival at 6, Victoria at 7, and Empire Strikes Brass at 8:30. Empire Strikes Brass, from Asheville, N.C., features New Orleans-inspired second-line and funk music.
Saturday brings five acts with Will Paustian opening at 4 p.m., followed by Greentown at 5, Bluewater Revival at 6, and Ledbetter at 7.
Closing the night is country singer-songwriter Drew Baldridge. Baldridge, a prolific songwriter, has 500 tunes to his credit and has worked with artists such as Eric Church, Luke Bryan, and Cody Johnson.
The schedule for Sunday features contemporary Christian music from Joel Vaughn at 7 p.m., and husband-wife duo Love & The Outcome at 8.
Other Saturday events include Paint in the Park with The Artsy Place Muscle Shoals, a car and truck show on Main Street, and a road race that starts at the Colbert County Courthouse, The Shoals Model Railroaders at 206 West 5th Street, and a historic walking tour, starting at 6th and Main streets.
Admission is $5 Friday and Saturday, and free on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance or online at https://helenkellerfestival.com/site/index.php/plan-your-visit/ticket-information/
Parking is available downtown beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Trolleys will run every 15 minutes at these locations:
- Water Street, at the courthouse
- Indian Street across from Helen Keller Birthplace
- Calvary Baptist Church on Commons
- Deshler High School on Commons
- Broad Street
- Spring Park
Bama Outdoor and Morgan Home Furnishings will be providing a free shuttle service as well. Festivalgoers can meet at the tent by the main entrance to request a ride.
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