The 45th annual Arley Day, sponsored by the Arley Women’s Club, was held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Hamner Park. (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
ARLEY – Years ago, a small group of women in Arley wanted the citizens to celebrate the town with a day of games and music. Now, 45 years later and more than 80 members larger, the Arley Women’s Club (AWC) has made the annual Arley Day festival into a town-wide event with a morning fun run, a parade, a car show and a park full of food and fun.
Saturday’s 45th annual Arley Day began with a 5K race and mile-long fun run at Arley First Baptist Church as warm-up events before the festival began, followed by a pancake breakfast at the fire station. The festival officially started with a parade marching from Dollar General to Hamner Park, where the opening ceremony was held. The entrance to the park displayed an extensive car show on one side and several inflatables and rides on the other, with vendor booths and live music further inward.
The live entertainment lineup for the day featured musical acts ranging from local groups like the Shed Band (a contemporary praise band from Arley First Baptist Church) to more widely-recognized artists like Austin Lewis, who was a contestant on The Voice. Along with the music, the live entertainment included a hula hoop contest and a bubblegum-blowing competition; the second contest offered the chance to meet the holder of the Guinness World Record for Largest Bubblegum Bubble Blown, Chad Fell.
Visitors more interested in the vendors could buy crafts like soaps or pottery, support the Meek varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders, or learn about the Walker County Humane Society at its puppy kissing booth. Due to the heat and humidity, many vendors that weren’t in the food area were selling water (some giving it away for free), and the Houston Memorial United Methodist Church was even giving out free sunscreen.
The AWC had its own booths set up for the celebration. One in the craft vendor area sold boutique items like purses and scarves, as well as raffle tickets for a handwoven quilt, and a booth in the food area was set up with bake sale treats. Members were also selling ride and game tickets throughout the park, though the train ride around the festival (courtesy of Traditions Bank) didn’t require a ticket.
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