Updated 7-23-19 11:35 a.m.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – It was a gorgeous evening for the Hanceville Music Fest Saturday at Veterans Park. The community came out to enjoy a rain-cooled night while The Natchez Trace Band performed everyone’s Southern Rock favorites. This was the second concert in the Summer Concert Series organized by the City of Hanceville and the first in Hanceville’s history to have alcohol sales.
Late afternoon rainstorms might have kept some concert goers away but those who decided to come out were not disappointed. The location of the new covered stage, built by the City, made sure that people had shade and created a great open area for folks to dance or place chairs or a blanket and relax.
Beer was an option at the park for the first time in Hanceville’s history, but it certainly wasn’t the only option. For those not interested in a cold Bud or Bud Light, fresh lemonade and other drinks were also available from the many drink and food vendors that lined the perimeter of the park.
The kids had a rock-climbing wall and inflatables available. Triple B Mechanical Bulls were set up for those wanting to test their bull-riding skills and Mt. Doom Paintball set up a fun shooting range.
Local band Another Hero got the show started and The Natchez Trace Band took to the stage around 8 p.m. There was a brief delay due to rain showers, but the show did go on. The concert wrapped around 11. Also helping keep the party lively was Blue One DJ, aka Robert Spicer. The Natchez Trace Band had people up on their feet dancing as it played Southern favorites by Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Eagles, The Allman Brothers and many others.
Mayor Kenneth Nail, the Hanceville City Council and other city leaders and entities have worked hard to offer more fun things for the residents of Hanceville. The revitalization of downtown, the improvements to Veterans Park, the addition of festivals and the Summer Concert Series are just a few of the ways city leaders have tried to make Hanceville more attractive.
While the turnout to the events has at times been disappointing, Nail remains optimistic.
Nail joked about the weather at Saturday’s concert and other recently planned events, saying, “If Cullman County is ever in a drought, just call Hanceville and we’ll plan a concert.”
The mayor was pleased by the feedback received from those who came out Saturday night, smiling, “Everyone is having a great time and the band is awesome. The band really liked the new stage and I think if we stick with this, it will get bigger and bigger.”
One concertgoer said after the show, “I never thought I would ever be standing in the park legally having a beer while watching a concert with a nice stage. There was nobody out of hand and everybody had a great time.”
Those who opted for a beer received special cups to commemorate the history making event.
The last concert in the Hanceville Summer Concert Series will be Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Hanceville Civic Center with the Kingsmen Quartet with special guest, Genesis. Dinner will start at 4 p.m. and music at 5. Admission is $10 and dinner $10. Tickets are available at Hanceville City Hall.
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