ARDMORE – There is nothing more southern than red and white crape myrtles (or crepe, depending on where in the South you are from) standing defiantly in the blistering Alabama summer sun.

And that is a blooming good reason to celebrate it!

Thanks to support from Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $2,600 tourism grant. The funds will help cover expenses for this year’s annual Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival on Aug. 20. It will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at John Barnes Park.

The Crape Myrtle Festival draws visitors from all over North Alabama and southern Tennessee. There are hundreds of retailers, artists and craft vendors showcasing everything Ardmore has to offer, as well as plenty of food and live music.

“An important ingredient in tourism is getting our citizens and visitors back onto Main Street,” said Whitt, “The annual Crape Myrtle Festival does just that. This is the very definition of a small-town festival and I’m certainly glad to be supportive of this effort.”

Director Yolandia Eubanks of the Greater Ardmore Chamber said she is grateful for the grant.

“These funds have helped us secure our band and will enable us to market our festival throughout the region,” Eubanks said. “Our festival will bring in tourists and help boost our local economy.”

Sponsorships and vendor stalls are currently available by clicking here.