The Town of Hodges is gearing up for a long-time community favorite, the Spirit of Hodges festival, set for Oct. 7-8 in Hodges Town Park.

Friday’s festivities start at 7 p.m. and include the opportunity for “hamburgers, hotdogs and good conversation,” according to organizers.

Saturday’s events kick off at noon. A number of vendors will be on site, including food vendor Rowdy Hogs. Festival-goers can take part in train and fire truck rides, and there will be inflatables for the children. Door prizes will be given out, as well.

Saturday’s musical lineup includes:

• Noon – Hill Country Gospel
• 1 p.m. – Cody Bowen
• 2 p.m. – Singing with Grace
• 3 p.m. – Billy Boyd
• 4 p.m. – Pure Diamond Country
• 5 p.m. – Joseph Baldwin

After Joseph Baldwin finishes performing, a fireworks show will start, probably somewhere around 6:30-7 p.m.

“We are excited about the addition of the fireworks show this year,” said Hodges Mayor Brian Scott. He said the fireworks will last 15-18 minutes, “and we encourage everyone to come out for the festivities.”

Community enthusiasm for the festival continues each year.

“Last year we had a real good turnout,” said Lesley Cantrell, one of the two festival coordinators. “The fire truck rides and inflatables were popular.

“We’re going to be serving hot dogs and drinks, and we may do a few hamburgers,” he added. “I hope everybody comes out and has a good time.”

The musical performances are a popular aspect of the festival.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Spirit of Hodges festival,” explained Bowen, the second performer in the day’s musical lineup. “As a writer and country artist, communities like Hodges and my hometown of Spruce Pine are some of the greatest inspirations for writing music that resonates with real people all over the country.”

He said communities like these share a lot of similarities but are all special in distinctive ways.

“The sense of pride in community that is on display at our festivals is always so fun to see,” said Bowen. “Tapping into that feeling and writing about those things, people and places that make small-town Alabama and small-town America unique has always been where great country songs come to life.”

For Baldwin, the last performer on this year’s lineup, the Spirit of Hodges festival is something he looks forward to each year.

“I’m always happy to see old friends at the festival, and I enjoy singing songs I wrote about them,” he shared.

With a variety of activities and plenty of community enthusiasm, it’s shaping up to be another memorable year.

“The Spirt of Hodges festival is a beloved community tradition,” Scott said. “We’re getting more enthusiasm from the vendors this year. Around 21 are already confirmed to be there.

“We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fun.”

For questions about the festivities, contact the festival coordinators, Ron Coats at 205-540-8448 or Cantrell at 256-668-2816.