Hodges festival proceeds, with changes

The Spirit of Hodges Festival is always a favorite in Franklin County, but this year, COVID-19 is bringing some changes to the annual celebration.

Instead of offering vendors and fun activities for all ages, this year the Spirit of Hodges Festival will consist of BBQ plates and live music Oct. 10 in the town park from 3-6 p.m.

“We really went back and forth on how to go about things this year,” said Hodges Mayor Joy Saad. “Some wanted to have a full-fledged festival, which would be nice, but we decided it was probably better to limit things this year so we could handle everything better.”

People can purchase a plate and listen to music while socially distancing. Cooper’s BBQ will be providing the menu, and three different bands will play.

Hodges Fire Chief Leslie Cantrell food will be set up similar to the typical fire department Swamp John’s fundraiser, with small tents and tables set up.

“I think it’s going to be good for everyone to get out, listen to some music and get them some food before the ballgame,” Cantrell said.

Saad said although it is not the festival she originally had in mind, she is happy to do something where people can come together.

“We wish we could have the festival like how we normally do, but we would hate to have something happen where someone gets exposed,” Saad said. “I feel like this will allow us to socially distance, and we can keep a handle on things better.”

Saad said although she is looking forward to the festival, it will not be the same this year without getting to visit with everyone freely.

“We have people come into town just for this, and it is always great getting to talk to everyone and catch up,” Saad said. “This year we won’t have as much liberty to talk with everyone.”

Saad said despite the changes, she is still looking forward to another great year of the Spirit of Hodges Festival – COVID-19 adjustments and all.

“I am still very excited about it,” Saad said. “I think we are going to make a good go at it.”

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x