Fort Payne is Booming. It is Boom Days. by John Dersham

Being Director of Tourism is a fun and rewarding job, especially since our area of responsibility is for one of the absolute most premier tourist destinations in Alabama. We are a one of a kind destination in this state. This is reflected in the tourists who come from all over the state and from other states in our region who to them this area is also very special too. It has to do with our setting between two scenic mountains and our fantastic parks, towns, attractions, camps and a culture of tourism dating back more than 100 years. We are a low cost destination and easy to get to from major nearby cities. People come here to get out of city traffic and relax and enjoy nature. With all that said, we offer something else different than anywhere else. It is called Boom Days Heritage Celebration and it started last Saturday and ends this Saturday. Boom Days is a celebration of Fort Payne’s unique history of being “boomed” by wealthy industrials from New England at the end of the ninetieth century. They came here to make Fort Payne the next great industrial center based on Iron and coal. They built beautiful Victorian homes, fantastic downtown buildings, an Opera House and a beautiful Railroad Station. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately the boom did not last long since the wealth of mineral deposits was not in our mountains as they expected. Now more than a century later, their beautiful well made architecture still stands for us to enjoy. From this history comes a one week celebration to remember our heritage  If you enjoy music, arts and crafts, museums, food and drink, classic cars and vendors with products and entertainment for the whole family then you don’t want to miss Boom Days. We enjoyed a fantastic kickoff concert by the Pettis family last Saturday evening at the DeKalb Theater. Sunday was the Joe Underwood Gospel Singing followed by the Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament. This Saturday’s all day event starts with a 5k run at 8am and the Alaga Syrup Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 8-11. At 10 am the festival is in full glory with kiddie train rides, Carriage rides, a $500.00 cash rally, the Pet Pawrade, two classic car shows in different parts of downtown and a day full of unending music acts from 10 am to 8 pm. Nearly 30 music acts will appear this year. To top the day off will be the showcase concert at the DeKalb Theater at 8 pm featuring April Mae & the June Bugs followed by internationally known music extraordinaire Theresa Andersson. Please come and enjoy this very, very special day in Fort Payne.
For more information on events and times keep your eyes posted on the Times Journal or visit the Fort Payne Boom Days website at www.boomdays.org