Hartselle is a small town, population approximately 12,000, in North Alabama. Its location just 1½ miles from I-65 makes it increasingly popular with travelers, many of whom return again and again.
Local historians say that several merchants set up shop originally in Danville, about ten miles down Highway 36. When the railroad tracks were laid through Hartselle, the businesses moved nearer the railroad, where they expected to thrive. They did.
Hartselle's fortunes have fluctuated over the years. It went from a bustling little farm town where wagons lined up at the cotton gin to a decaying Southern town, dying downtown while the strip malls on the highway siphoned off business.
The old men who whittled and spit and traded pocketknives on benches downtown even gave up and went home.
In the last few years, Hartselle has turned around, resurrected by the imagination of a growing group of business people. The dusty, crumbling old buildings have been restored, and the downtown area now boasts over 30 antique and gift shops. The central business district was named this year to the National Register of Historic Places.
Two Bed & Breakfasts have opened this year to help accommodate all of the visitors.
It seems fitting for a town that grew up around the railroad to dedicate a weekend to Depot Days. Hartselle's festival is typical in many ways of other, similar festivals around the country this time of year. The setting makes Hartselle's celebration unique.
During Depot Days, the streets downtown are blocked off and lined with vendors and exhibits. The festival starts at Railroad Street, with The Station and its gazebo and minipark on one side, beautiful old buildings on the other.
Here's a sample of what you can enjoy: Silent Auction Antique Car & Truck Show 5K & Fun Run Children's Art Show Story Telling Train & Erector Set Exhibits Antique Tractor Exhibit Lots of Entertainment Lots of Food
And, new this year-a Lumberjack Show!
The atmosphere is festive, the people are friendly, and the booths and exhibits are fun and informative. How could you better spend a Saturday in September?
Don't worry about parking; there will be shuttles from several parking areas.
There is no admission charge for Depot Days. If you need more information or lodging accommodations, call the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce at (256) 773-4370, or write them at P.O. Box 817, Hartselle, AL 35640.
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