Music in the Park, which quickly has become a Verbena tradition, this time will add another attraction: a parade.

The event, which is held twice a year at the Verbena gazebo, will begin at 9 a.m. on Oct. 2, with the Verbena Fire Department, Heart of Dixie Twirlers, Verbena School band, Verbena Boy Scouts and some antique tractors making the short trip from the intersection of Highway 31 and Chilton County Road 59 to the gazebo, where the music will begin.

Artists will include the Verbena Methodist Church choir, Bluegrass band Home Remedy, headliner The Whistlestop Combo, contemporary singer and guitar player Eric McGinty, blues/gospel artist Joeff Stodemier and The Gospel’s Word, country artist Danny Dennis and The Fieldstown Road.

During intermission, Mike Hamilton will perform ballads and play an acoustic guitar.
Music will last until 6 p.m.

Hot barbecue sandwiches from Helen’s will be available, along with snacks, drinks and peanuts.

Also, attendees will want to check out arts and crafts from local vendors.

The free event is open to the public, and Bob Weir, vice-president of the Verbena Historic Society, which is hosting the event, encouraged people to bring blankets or lawn chairs so they will have a place to sit.

Several activities for children will be offered, including facepainting.

Those traveling Highway 31 South would turn right at the traffic light at CR 59, and the gazebo is less than one mile on the right. Those traveling on Interstate 65 would take Exit 200, head east 3 miles and look for the gazebo on the left just past the Methodist church.

Parking will be available at the Methodist church and at Verbena Baptist Church.
Weir said members of the Verbena community still reminisce about trade days that used to be held there.

“We can’t recreate that, but we’re trying everything we can to have something community oriented,” Weir said. “It’s a good opportunity to come out and support our community.”

The event is part of the statewide Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns, also known as the Great Alabama Homecoming.