Spring Celebrations in Troy, Alabama

Spring is in the air. Celebrations are everywhere in Troy, Alabama. The artist, peddler and partier come together from their places around the county, the state and the region during the months of March and April at festivals and events that are geared up for family fun.

The year 2009 has been declared "The Year of Alabama Arts." Troy has been giving the arts and artists their due for decades.

It all started with an artist by the name of Jean Lake. She had no formal training, but she created paintings of primitive life. Her work gained regional recognition. After her death, the Friends of Jean Lake held an annual two-day art festival in her honor on the grounds of the Pike Pioneer Museum. For 20 years, on Saturday and Sunday in April, the museum hosted professional and amateur artists throughout the area to share their work and wares. Judges awarded prizes to artists in various categories.

In 2003, the Jean Lake Art Festival was moved from the Pike Pioneer Museum, and the name changed to Troy Fest. The square and streets in downtown Troy are blocked off each year while hundreds of artists and vendors set up galleries and shops under tents. Free open-air entertainment, games, and a children's art area are included in the celebration. Tens of thousands of visitors turn out to view, hear, eat and try all the offerings.

This year, Troy Fest will be held Saturday, April 25^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 26^th, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge, and everyone is welcome.

Another festival that has become a favorite in Pike County is the Spring Carnival and Music Fest, held at the Southeast Pioneer Village. Southeast Pioneer Village is located five miles north of Troy on U.S. Highway 231. It is home to old-fashioned log cabins that are converted into shops, stores, restaurants and a livery stable. The carnival features wagon rides, train rides, games, food and crafts. This year the Music Fest features a fiddling contest plus plenty more music entertainment. The date for this event is Saturday, March 28^th. Admission is free.

The City of Troy also offers relief to office workers who may get a little spring fever throughout the season one Thursday out of the month. Brown Bag on the Square offers free open-air entertainment during the hours of noon to 1 p.m. Visitors can bring their own lunches and set up on bleachers or park benches. There is no charge, and at times, the City will serve hot dogs.

In all three events - Troy Fest, Spring Carnival and Music Fest, and Brown Bag on the Square - new and upcoming artists have the opportunity to be seen and heard. Artists are discovered, stars are born, and everybody has a great time at these happenings that will make this spring a season to remember.
For information, visit: http://troyfest.com, http://www.lasr.net/travel/city.php?Troy&Alabama&&City_ID=AL0420226&Event_ID=AL0420226e008&VE=Y, and http://troyalabama.com