Red Bay hosts Founder’s Fest downtown Sept. 19

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Red Bay is continuing preparations for a day of fun and fellowship at the annual Founder’s Fest.

Founder’s Fest will be Sept. 19 in Bay Tree Park from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with everyone’s favorite Founder’s Fest activities.

“Each year Founder’s Fest brings a large numbers of visitors and family members back to Red Bay,” said Mayor Charlene Fancher. “We are very proud of that, and that is why we continue to do it every year.”

The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Queen’s Train Ride featuring winners from the beauty pageant held at Red Bay High School Sept. 13.

Live music will begin in Bay Tree Park at 9 a.m., and the fried pie contest will take place under the gazebo to see who has the best tasting and most unusual fried pie.

There will also be a buck dancing contest at the main stage, and entrees from the quilt contest, coloring contest and photography contest will be displayed at Weatherford Library.

Other favorites include the car-truck-motorcycle-tractor show, tours at the Red Bay Museum, a LifeSouth blood drive at city hall and festival food and merchants spread throughout the park.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy the day with us,” said event coordinator Tracie Clark. “This is really a tradition in Red Bay, to salute our heritage and give family and friends a chance to come together.”

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Fancher said there will be extra precautions throughout the park. Those who attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs so they can social distance, and masks are encouraged.

The park will be taped off with specific entrances, directional arrows will direct the flow of foot traffic, and hand sanitizer will be available throughout the park.

“There is plenty of room for social distancing with it being outside in the park,” Clark said. “We want everyone to feel safe and have a fun time.”

Fancher said she knows there will probably not be as large of a crowd this year as in years past because of the virus, but she remains hopeful.

“It will be different this year, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t do it and have a great event,” Fancher said. “We want to encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a day in Red Bay.”

There are still booth spaces for merchants and food vendor spots available. For more information, call Clark at 256-356-4473 ext. 3.