By Staff Reports

The 41st annual Depot Days festival will return to downtown Hartselle this year with additional events and festivities. The community-wide celebration will kick off Sept. 11 and will continue throughout the week, culminating with the festival Saturday.

Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce president Missy Evans said she believes this year’s event could be one of the best festivals in recent years.

“The planning is going so smoothly due to the commitment from so many community partners, that I am confident this will be one of our best festivals in many years,” Evans said. “Decatur Morgan Hospital-Hartselle Medical Mall is invested in presenting a special event to reinforce their commitment to this community.”

Festivities for the 41st annual Depot Days will begin Sept. 11 at East Highland Baptist Church with a community worship service. The service will begin at 6 p.m. and is open to all congregations and to the public. A community choir will assemble for this year’s singing, and all those interested in participating should arrive 4:30 p.m. prior to the worship service for a brief rehearsal.

Down Memory Lane will take place Monday night at Hartselle’s First Christian Church where there will be several items of historical significance on display at the church building located on Main Street. Beginning at 6 p.m. the building will be open for members of the community to come in and view the displays and the 100-plus-year timeline of the history of the congregation. First Christian recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of its building on Main Street. Refreshments will be provided.

The main festivities will take place Sept. 17 in downtown Hartselle and will include an arts and crafts vendors, an antique car and tractor show, two children’s areas, an art show, a beer garden at the Hartselle Farmers Market, live music from local talent and more.

The festivities will be held from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.