FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: info@northalabama.org

Honoring America’s First Lady of Courage with Four Day Festival in Tuscumbia

Decatur, Ala. – In June, the town of Tuscumbia comes together to honor one of its heroic natives with a four day celebration attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. Set for June 27-30, 2019, the Helen Keller Festival offers a variety of family-friendly events including a parade, a car and truck show, live music, arts and crafts and sporting activities, while celebrating the life of Helen Keller and her remarkable achievements in overcoming a world of silence. All activities take place in Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia unless otherwise noted.

The Helen Keller Festival is centered on the Helen Keller Festival Market, a marketplace consisting of handcrafted items, art, jewelry and other specialty products along with retail vendors and commercial made products. Marketplace hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 27th, noon to 8 p.m. June 28th, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 29th, and 5 to 8 p.m. June 30th. Admission is free to the marketplace.   

Live music is offered every evening of the festival. Admission to each concert is $5 per person excluding Sunday’s performances. This year’s music line up features a diverse mix of award-winning artists. On Thursday evening, June 27th, the Velcro Pygmies takes the stage at 8 p.m. Slated to perform Friday, June 28th at 8:30 p.m. is Mixtape-80s Tribute Band. Saturday’s music lineup features country music sweetheart Tanya Tucker at 8:30 p.m. and Jason Crabb takes the stage Sunday, June 30th at 7 p.m. 

Additional activities include the Helen Keller Festival Parade June 27th at 6 p.m., a 23 mile and five mile family bike ride June 28th, a car and truck show in downtown Tuscumbia June 29th, a five mile and one mile fun run June 29th, a golf tournament at Spring Creek Golf Course June 28th and 29th and a guided walking tour of the historic downtown area June 29th.

Festival hours are Thursday 6 to 10 p.m., Friday 12 to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 4 to 10 p.m. No dogs or other pets allowed in Spring Park except those classified as service dogs to assist the handicapped. For a complete schedule of events, map of downtown Tuscumbia or more information, visit www.helenkellerfestival.com.  

Tours of Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, are also offered Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. (admission charged). The home is located at 300 North Commons Street West in Tuscumbia. Live performances of William Gibson’s world-famous drama, The Miracle Worker, will be offered on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. on the grounds of Helen Keller’s birthplace (admission charged) from June 7 to July 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 256.383.4066.

About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, counties, golf courses, restaurants, tour operators, accommodations, vendors, financial institutions and individuals. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381 or by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @VisitNorthAL and like us at www.facebook.com/VisitNorthAL.

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