FESTIVALS

Recall LaGrange
Third weekend in May, LaGrange College Site Park, Leighton.
(256) 383-0783, (800) 344-0783; http://recall-lagrange.00me.com/
Memorial event commemorates the burning of Alabama's first chartered college during the War Between the States. Arts, crafts, antique engine displays, Civil War living history camp, music, special cemetery tour. Most events free.

Helen Keller Festival
Third weekend in June, Tuscumbia.
www.helenkellerfestival.com. (256) 383-0783, (800) 344-0783
Held in honor of America's "First Lady of Courage," this three-day annual event offers an art & craft show, music concerts, entertainment, athletic events, art exhibits and more. Free "The Miracle Worker Play" also performed during the festival. Admission to the play.

"The Miracle Worker" Play
Weekends in June & July, Tuscumbia.
www.themiracleworker.org. (256) 383-4066, (888) 329-2124
Period costumes, authentic sets and absorbing acting are in store for you during this year's presentation of William Gibson's inspiring play "The Miracle Worker." Based on the true story of 'America's First Lady of Courage,' the drama unfolds weekend nights under the stars each June thru July on the historic grounds of Ivy Green, childhood home of Helen Keller. The two-hour, broadway-style show recounts the efforts of teacher Anne Sullivan to open the world of communication to a blind and deaf child named Helen. An unforgetable family event! Named a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event & American Bus Association Top 100 Event. Admission.

W. C. Handy Music Festival
First full week in August, Various locations throughout the Muscle Shoals area.
www.wchandyfest.org. (256) 383-0783, (800) 344-0783
Annual celebration of the musical heritage of Florence native W. C. Handy, "Father of the Blues." Includes music-related events in most area restaurants, libraries, concert halls, churches, street and riverside. Most events free.

Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration                                                                                    Annually on Labor Day. Freedom Hills, west Colbert County.
(256) 383-0783, (800) 344-0783
Offers an opportunity to pay tribute to man's best friend, the coonhound. Buckdancing, singing, liar's contest. Free. Barbecue meal available.

The Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride
Mid-September.
www.al-tn-trailoftears.org. (256) 383-0783, (800) 344-0783
This commemorative motorcycle ride traces one route that many Indians were forced to take during their removal to the west, known as the "Trail of Tears." One-day ride begins in Chattanooga, Tenn., and ends in Waterloo, Ala., where a two-day Indian Festival occurs. Various concerts on tap each evening.