Helen Keller Festival in Tuscumbia, Alabama

Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama on June 27, 1880, Helen Adams Keller was a normal baby. At the age of nineteen months, her life would dramatically change. Helen developed a high fever of unknown origin, and was not expected to live. When she did recover, her family realized she was both blind and deaf. Through the tireless work of teacher Anne Sullivan, who was almost totally blind herself, Helen learned to finger spell and to read Braille. Helen went on to graduate from college, wrote books, and became a tireless, advocate for the blind, and the deaf- blind. The movie," The Miracle Worker," written about the life of Helen Keller, went on to win an Oscar. Each year in June, the town of Tuscumbia, Alabama, honors their native daughter with the Helen Keller Festival. This year, the festival will be held from June 23-29. Come on Friday or Saturday, and you only pay $2 for admission. Monday thru Friday, the festival hours are 9am to 5pm. Saturday hours are 10am to 3pm. Sunday hours are 1:00pm to 4pm. Adult admission is $5 and students are admitted for $3. Maps are available at the festival website for those coming from out of town.

Elementary age children can become one of the Keller Kids, and learn about the lives of those who are blind, deaf, or deaf/blind. Lunch is provided, and they can show off their free Keller Kids tee shirt. Be sure and register immediately, as participation will be limited to the first 100 applicants.

Each day from 9-5, the Helen Keller Art Show will be held in the Tennessee Valley Art Center. Established in 1983, the Helen Keller Art Show features winning entries of students who are blind, deaf, or deaf/blind, and is open to all ages of students in the Alabama school system. Emphasis is placed on creativity, color, and tactile media. The winner and family get to participate in the festival parade, and are recognized during the performance of the "Miracle Worker."

Take the Historic Glencoe Cemetery Tour, and view the resting place of Keller family members. Be sure and wear some good walking shoes.

There's plenty of good food at the Helen Keller Festival. On Wednesday, June 25th, Christian comedian and vocalist Michael Kelley will perform a free concert at the First United Church of Tuscumbia Family Life Center. Dinner is available for $5.00. On Friday, June 27th, you can fill up on spaghetti at the Spaghetti Supper. Held in the cafeteria at Deshler High School, the cost is only $5.00. The NACOLG Senior Picnic is held on June 25th in Spring Park.

The music lovers will be able to tap their toes to many different musical artists. Spring Park will host concerts by Nate Sallie, Shane Baker, Jukebox Jim, Angela Hacker, and Hillbilly Delux, to name a few. Consult your festival program for dates and times.

Sports lovers will find plenty of activities to participate in, or just be a spectator. At the top of the list, is the evening water show and lighted waterfall in Spring Park. The 27 and 4 mile bike rides let the whole family participate together. If you're in tip top shape, try the 27 mile. If you prefer a shorter distance, stick with the 4 mile ride, particularly if you have younger family members. Golf enthusiasts can participate in the Helen Keller Golf Tournament.

The Lucky Ducky Derby gives you a chance to adopt a duck, and take a "quack" at some great prizes, including pizza, dinner certificates, and digital cable specials.

I hope you can make it to the Helen Keller Festival in Tuscumbia, Alabama to honor this First Lady of Courage. It's an event that the whole family will enjoy, and will want to return to every year. website.

Sources:
www.helenkellerfestival.com/index.html
www.vsrc.uab.edu/deafblind/hkal.html