As you probably already know, Alabama will turn 200 in 2019. But did you know that Franklin County will turn 200 Feb. 6, 2018, and Russellville will turn 200 Nov. 22, 2019?

To celebrate these local 200 year birthdays, the Bicentennial Committee has been formed. I am a member of this committee.

We have already had several meetings, made several plans and set several dates that I would like you to be aware of.

First, Feb. 6, 2018, we will start the birthday celebration off with the unveiling of a historical marker displaying the Franklin County Bicentennial at the Franklin County Archives.

Next, please make plans to attend our Pioneer Day/Birthday Celebration May 12, 2018. This will be a Birthday Celebration for Franklin County and the City of Russellville. The event will be at Sloss Lake, which is the original site of Russellville – then called Russell’s Valley.

We are in hopes that we will have a great turnout to this event. There will be living history demonstrations, music, storytelling, War of 1812 re-enactors, Native American dancers, Andrew Jackson and Maj. William Russell portrayals, Civil War camp, covered wagon rides and more.

Our Bicentennial Celebration grand finale will be Nov. 22, 2019, with the unveiling of the historical marker dedicated to the City of Russellville.

At this time, we have Bicentennial T-shirts to sell to raise money for the events. Sizes small to large are $15 each.

We hope this will be the celebration to remember. Stay tuned for more updates.