AT THE COURTHOUSE Te Old Russell County Courthouse Labor Day Fair is back.
Food and Fun by Sarah Cook Barbecue and funnel cake vendors, rock-climbing, authentic
locally-made crafts and jars filled with homemade jams are just a few things you will find at the Old Russell County Courthouse this Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3. First held in 1975, the Old Russell County Courthouse Labor Day
Fair was discontinued in 1999 and then came back in 2010. Helping draw attention to Alabama’s third oldest courthouse, the fair attracts people from all over the county. “There’s just a constant flow of people all day,” says Gary Head, president of the Old Russell County Court- house Association board. Although last year’s fair had unfortunate weather, Head says he is
looking forward to this year’s fair and has already had several vendors express interest in reserving a spot. “Te first year we had it back, it was bigger than anyone had expected, and the barbecue man ran out of barbecue early,” Head says with a smile. Past fair attractions have included an antique car show, pony rides,
craft sales and an array of food vendors. “French fries, hamburgers, barbecue, low country boil, snow cones—you name it and we’ll have it food-wise,” Head says. Many local artists, including Seale native Butch Anthony, who has made a name for himself by turning sal- vaged trash into treasures, like to sell their crafts at the fair as well. Since the courthouse is frequently used for weddings, family
reunions, dances and other functions, it is important that it is well maintained, Head says. Teir ultimate goal is to install an elevator to make the second floor handicap accessible. “We have two dances each year and the band has to lug all of their equipment up those stairs,” Head says. “It’s pretty difficult.” Built in 1868, the antebellum-style courthouse is centrally located
in the county in Seale. With a brick exterior and large white columns, the courthouse is the picture of old southern tradition. “It’s a great building,” Head says. “It’s well built, pretty and just has a gorgeous landscape.” Serving as the county seat for Russell County until 1935, the court-
house was abandoned for a number of years until a group of local citizens decided to save it form further deterioration. The serious renovations started in the ‘80s. “I went to high school right next door to it, and at that time it was just an old abandoned building,” Head remembers. Since its restoration, it has become a prime spot for fam- ily and community functions. Adjacent to the courthouse stands a small building that used to be
the county jailhouse. “Some of the old-timers say that was the only jail that John Dillinger never broke out of,” Head recalls with a smile. After last year’s rained-out fair, Head is hopeful that this year’s will
be successful. “It’s just a fun day,” he says. “The fair helps preserve the building, and it gives the community the opportunity to rent the facil- ity for different events.” The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Admission
and parking is free. For more information, contact Gary Head at 706-681-9430. C
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Columbus and the Valley
August 2012
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