At the beginning of her life, Helen Keller probably never imagined that a festival featuring arts and music–elements that cater to the senses of sight and sound–would be named in her honor. But given how remarkable of a woman she became through the overcoming of her hearing impairments and blindness to not just function incredibly well in everyday life, but champion the cause of others with disabilities, it should come as no surprise. The 30th Annual Helen Keller Festival is a celebration of her amazing life and achievements, as well as furthering her efforts to better the lives of those with impairments.
We recently mentioned her birthplace as a must-see when touring Sweet Home Alabama, and this coming week, North Alabama is hosting the event named in her honor. If your travel plans include driving through the southeast while on your way to a Florida trip or Alabama vacation, consider stopping here to enjoy a fun-filled family occasion and support a very worthy cause.
The event kicks off Monday, June 22, and includes concerts, art exhibits, a parade, car show, golf tournament and much, much more. Headlining acts include country, classical, bluegrass and gospel music recording artists such as Todd Agnew, Shane Baker, Richie McDonald, Eric Church, and many other local favorites, and kick off Thursday, running throughout the weekend.
An arts festival is held each year as well, and will be hosted all day at Tuscumbia’s Spring Park on Saturday and Sunday (June 28 – 29), featuring exhibits from the Tennessee Valley Art Center. It includes “Imagination Station,” a unique art experience featuring puppet shows, music, and hands-on art construction where children create their own works using unexpected materials and their very own imaginations.
“Keller Kids” play a prominent part of the festival too, serving to increase awareness about children with imparements by pairing impaired children with local school kids to take part in fun-filled activities designed to educate participants on what everyday life is like for the hearing impaired and blind. Songs are performed in sign-language and children registered in the program are invited to ride on a float in the festival parade.
Fitness enthusiasts have the opportunity to show their support also by breaking a sweat with a 23-mile bike race, a five-mile family bike ride, a five-mile mini-marathon, a one-mile fun run and a three-man scramble golf tournament. The weekend concludes with the “Lucky Ducky Derby,” where the public can adopt racing ducks to help support non-profit organizations and have a chance to win cash prizes.
Events for the Helen Keller Festival have nominal fees. Visit www.helenkellerfestival.com for more info. If you plan on attending for the entire week-long event, be sure to find some good hotel deals.
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