View full sizeYou can find almost anything at Trade Days, one of the events at Tannehilll State Park this spring and summer (Birmingham News/Jeff Roberts.)
MCCALLA, Alabama –There’s
no lack of diversions for visitors to Tannehill Ironworks Historical State
Park in McCalla.
Tannehill has over 1,500 acres for outdoor recreation.
You can
visit a cotton gin, pioneer farm and working grist mill to learn about Alabama
life in the 19th century.
The
Iron and Steel Museum displays the pre-Civil War roots of the industry that
would eventually make Birmingham a major city.
And the
park offers nearly 200 campgrounds.
In
short, a visit to Tannehill — especially in the spring and summer — is a fun,
restful way to leave the big, bad city behind.
This is
true even if you just want to head down for a few hours and check out one of
the many festivals and special events held at the park.
The following is a brief description of the
events scheduled at Tannehill through Labor Day.
Admission to many of the events listed is
free, but visitors must pay still regular park admission (adults $3; seniors
$2; children ages 6-11 $1; children 5 and under admitted free).
May 4 — Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival
The Dulcimer Festival, already in progress,
concludes Saturday. This 40th annual event — sponsored by the Southern Appalachian
Dulcimer Association — attracts musicians and instrument makers from across the
country. The festival features musical performances, classes in playing and building
dulcimers, and vendors selling books, CDs, cassettes and handmade instruments. Learn
more at www.southernappalachiandulcimerassociation.org.
May 11 — Tannehill VW Bug Blast.
This annual show dedicated to the art of the beloved Volkswagen returns to the park on Sat., May 11, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Show-car entries are $15 day of show ($10 with pre-registration). New-parts vendors pay $25, and spaces at the swap meet are $5. Admission free. For more information, go to www.tannehillbugblast.com.
May 18-19 — Trade Days
A 41-year tradition continues at Tannehill with Trade Days, held the third weekend of each month from March through November.
Over 300 vendors offer a wide variety of items — including tools, clothing, jewelry, knives and furniture — to shoppers and swappers at this large, outdoor
market. Admission is free. Vendors can find information at the park
web site. Trade Day hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Trade days
will also be held June 15-16, July 20-21, Aug. 17-18, Sept. 21-22, Oct. 19-20 and Nov. 16-17.
May 30-31, June 1-2 — Howard Hill Archery
Southern Traditional Championship
This
ninth annual tournament brings together lovers of traditional archery and
allows only traditional equipment. The tournament will be a three-day,
multi-round event with the highest score from either day determining the
winner.
Shooting
ranges are open Thursday Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.;
and Sunday, 6 a.m.-noon.
There
will be a Saturday shoot-off between the top 32 male and female competitors,
the Byron Ferguson Shooting Clinic and a “One Shot, One Kill” competition for
Howard Hill-style longbows. There
will also be vendors, awards, and equipment raffles to benefit the Boy Scouts
and the Wounded Warrior Project. Dinner will
be provided Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. by Jim n’ Nick’s BBQ.
For all
the details — including the charges to participate in the tournament, “One Shot,
One Kill” competition or the shooting clinic — go to www.howardhillse.com.
To reserve
a spot in the shooting clinic, contact organizer Terry Harris at 205-822-3563
or archertw@bellsouth.net.
June 1-2 — Gem, Mineral Jewelry Show
This annual
show is sponsored by the Alabama Mineral Lapidary Society, a non-profit
organization for people interested in geology, mineralogy, paleontology and the
lapidary arts. About 50 vendors from across the United States attend the show, selling
gems, minerals, fossils and jewelry. The event also features exhibits, demonstrations,
children’s activities and door prizes. Admission is free. The show will be open
Sat., June 1, and Sun., June 2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more about the Society
at www.lapidaryclub.com.
June 8 — Down Home Psaltery Festival
The psaltery, a prized musical instrument throughout
history, will have its own special day at this 17th annual festival, to be held
Sat., June 8. The psaltery is often described as being small enough to carry,
large enough to create a beautiful, resonant sound, and distinct enough to be a
conversation piece. Workshops for beginning, intermediate and advanced psaltery
will be held Saturday morning followed by informal jam sessions. A talent showcase will begin at 1 p.m.,
followed by the Down Home Psaltery Festival National Competition. Registration
for the workshops will begin at 8 a.m. Admission free.
July 13
— Tannehill Antique Engine Show Garden Tractor Pull
Tannehill will be the place for antique tractors, engines
and automobile owners and admirers on Sat., July 13. Participants will come from all over the
state with unique items to display.
Along with the display of tractors, engines and automobiles, there will
be all sorts of games and activities, including the Tractor Parade, Kid’s Pedal
Tractor Race, Ladies Frying Pan Toss and Men’s Hammer Throw.
Aug. 10 — Baby Steps 5K and Fun Run
The fifth annual
Baby Steps run will be held at the park on Sat., Aug 10. The run benefits the Amelia Center, which
offers grief counseling to parents who have lost children. Learn more at www.ameliacenter.org.
Sept. 2 — Labor Day Celebration and Moon Pie
Eatin’ Contest
You can
wrap up your summer at Tannehill by attending this 22nd annual
event on Labor Day. Attendees — both kids and adults — can participate in Alabama’s
largest Moon Pie-eating contest and win cash prizes.
Also in
the park, the United Mine Workers hold their annual Birmingham District Labor
Day celebration with BBQ and music.
Tannehill
Ironworks Historical State Park is located at 12632 Confederate Parkway in McCalla.
For
more information on the events listed — or events happening at the park
in the fall — call 205-477-5711 or go to www.tannehill.org.
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