Third Saturday Sunset in Fort Payne by John Dersham

Last Saturday we had our first Third Saturday Sunset event of the year and I believe it set a record for both attendance and the number of classic cars being shown. The weather was nice and I think everyone was eager to get out see old friends and enjoy this beautiful springtime weather. I am very excited and encouraged by all the exciting things we have going on in Fort Payne. It seems our future looks really good with multiple things in the works like Main Street Fort Payne who now occupies the DeKalb Theater court yard with a Wine and Beer garden and water from The Water Tree. The court yard has great places to sit and is very comfortable to sit and have a drink and talk to friends and listen to music. Main Street Fort Payne intends on having exhibits from retailers and special events in the court yard during Third Saturday and perhaps some food too. We are looking at the possibilities as we plan the upcoming year. I serve on the Main Street board and am on the Promotion Committee with Paige Davis heading up the festivals part of the promotion team, Heather Buckner heads up the Marketing and Jerry Lockhart  is chair of the merchant promotion segment. Amelia Landstreet heads up the Third Saturday planning committee and she coordinates the car show, which is always outstanding. City Councilman Johnny Eberhart and others from the city help with music, food and managing the closing of the Gault Avenue during the event. These are just a few names of contributors to the event. There are lots of volunteers helping to make this successful from April through October. This event is growing and has served as a very successful event to get people downtown to enjoy shopping, live music, classic cars, food and beverage sales, our parks and some children’s activities. My whole family enjoys this event each month. We see friends, talk and walk and we enjoy our downtown environment. It is a great addition to our community. If you have not been to our Third Saturday Sunset event, I invite you to come and enjoy the fun. It takes place each third Saturday of the month beginning in April and ending in October. The hours are 5-9 P.M. I hope to see you there.