Ben Johnson displays whimsical art that will be auctioned at the Agriplex’s upcoming downtown “COOLFEST.” These Alabama and Auburn penguins by local muralist Jack Tupper will be sold at the event by silent auction. For a little extra, Tupper will even personalize them! (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN – Local author and artist Ben Johnson and the North Alabama Agriplex have announced their plans to help Cullman folks cool off a little with COOLFEST, a “pop-up” downtown festival next week.
On Monday, Johnson issued the following press release:
“It's hotter than a pepper sprout every Alabama summer and 2018, our state's 198th summer, is another one. So, Cullman welcomes COOLFEST on Thursday, July 26 with a three-hour (4:12-7:12 p.m.), free admission, “pop-up” happening of cool, CULLMAN-GROWN food, ice-cold water and cool drinks, out-on-the-veranda heritage music, sleeping porch storytelling, cool art, fanning and air-conditioning. This cool “happening” is happening in downtown Cullman at Second Avenue and Fourth Street Southeast.
“Start at Consign and Design and register for the FREE DRAWING of a picnic basket filled with CULLMAN-GROWN goodies and see/buy, cool, original art,” suggested COOLFEST volunteer organizer, Johnson. “Then, go next door to Cullman Florist and watch local artist, Jack Tupper, paint sunflowers. Next, grab a CULLMAN-GROWN fruit cooler at 412 Public House and make a dinner reservation; visit the ‘pop-up’ CULLMAN-GROWN farm stand and savor FREE, grilled tastings by Alabama Farm Credit; grab a FREE handfan and cool drink huggie from Lesley Hyde State Farm; and enjoy FREE heritage music (dulcimer and banjo with Craig Mann, FaSoLa vocals by Sacred Harp Singers), and storytelling by Sharon Drake in the fellowship hall at Christ Lutheran Church.
“COOLFEST benefits the farm heritage programs of North Alabama Agriplex and ALAbundant hunger relief support including The Little Pantry next to the Mary Carter Store. 412 Public House is donating a percentage of all drink and food sales during COOLFEST. Y'ALL COME cool off at COOLFEST!”
At a glance
COOLFEST, the Cullman-grown “pop-up” cooling festival
Second Avenue and Fourth Street Southeast in downtown Cullman
Thursday, July 26, 4:12-7:12 p.m.
Hosts/Sponsors:
- Consign and Design
- Cullman Florist
- 412 Public House
- Christ Lutheran Church
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