Spruce Pine Day returns Saturday

Spruce Pine Day, a well-established local tradition, is gearing up for this year’s festivities.

Held the third Saturday each October, this year’s festival takes place Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Spruce Pine, in the area by the Spruce Pine Museum and community center.

The museum will be open throughout the day. The festival is sponsored by the Spruce Pine Historical Society.

With a day full of music and food, as well as door prizes, gun drawings and a car, truck and bike show, not to mention more than 36 vendors, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

“I’m always excited to see old friends and make new ones,” explained festival emcee Gail Motes. She is also a member of the Spruce Pine Historical Society, which manages the museum, community center and festival. “We’re just a bunch of friendly people, and it’s always a good time.”

A new attraction this year, Madalynn Park, built by Michael Mann, has been recently completed. Though it is privately owned, it is open to the public. It features picnic tables and playground equipment. Adult supervision is required.

“We’re proud to have Madalynn Park in our community now,” Motes added.

Bean dinner plates will be available starting at 11 a.m. The cost is $5 and includes a choice of pinto, white or mixed beans, as well as cornbread, slaw, a slice of onion, a drink and dessert.

“People look forward to our bean dinners, and they don’t last very long,” Motes said.

Food vendors include Mega Munchies, with hot dogs, Polish dogs, nachos, pulled pork, barbecue and chicken; Lizzy’s Sweets with cakes, cupcakes, candies and cookies; and Oh Shucks Roasted Corn.

Motes said the festival provides an opportunity for members of the community to come and have a pleasant day.

“I love seeing friendly faces, old and new,” said Motes. “We just want everybody to come and have a fun time. People come back each year and tell us how much they enjoy the festival and that they can’t wait for the next year.”

Five performers/groups are scheduled to perform.

“I look forward to the festival every year,” said Billy Welborn, a native of Spruce Pine and acoustic guitar player with the last band of the day, the Pineridge Band. “I love the music, as well as getting to see all the old cars.

“I’m excited about having the opportunity to play at Spruce Pine Day,” he added. “We’ll be playing a lot of different kinds of music, including bluegrass, line dance, country, gospel, square dance and buck dance.”

MUSIC LINEUP

• 9 a.m. – Caroline Sparks and McKinley Copeland
• 10 a.m. – Jacob Green
• 11:15 a.m. – Captain Joe King
• Noon –Adam McCollum
• 1:30 p.m. – Break for sound system change
• 3 p.m. – Pineridge Band

It takes a lot of folks contributing to make the day special each year.

“We appreciate everyone that helps make this possible,” said Motes. “Some people have donated to help pay for the bands, and others have given door prizes. It takes all of us working together to make it the great day that it is.”

A ticket is required to be entered to win a door prize, but tickets are free.

For the car/truck/bike show, participation fee is $20, and registration is from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be a number of drawings to give away money for those participating in the show:

• 9:30 a.m. – First drawing
• $50 given away every 15 minutes.
• Noon – Five $20 drawings for Ladies Participation

Sponsored by Madden Farms, Spruce Pine:

• 1:50 p.m. – Participants’ Choice Drawing
• 1:55 p.m. – 75/25 Drawing

Other sponsors:

• $100 – Mana Auto Repair, Spruce Pine
• $100 – Gann’s Discount Siding and Roofing, Leighton
• $100 – Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville and Haleyville

GUN DRAWINGS

• First drawing: RF 15-5.56 Rifle
• Second drawing: Tactical Black 12 Gauge Pump
• Third drawing: 22-15 Round Pump Rifle

Gun drawing winners do not have to be present. Tickets are available at Rowe Building Supply in Spruce Pine.

For more information on the day’s festivities:

• Vendor Information: Shannon Pike – 256-460-5276.
• Music Information: Gail Motes – 256-483-1131.
• Car, Truck and Bike Show Information: Booger (Bill) Herring – 256-366-6046.
• Gun Ticket Information:
  • John Sheffield – 256-577-2465.
  • PC Title Loan: 256-460-9620
  • Shannon Pike: 256-460-5276