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Arts & Entertainment

Great entertainment through a multitude of special events, many associated with the county’s literary heritage, span the calendar year in Monroe County. Many of the celebrations can be attributed to the success of Nelle Harper Lee, a hometown girl, and Truman Capote, a regular visitor of the area. Nelle grew up to become Pulitzer-Prize winning Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird. Most recently, Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest United States civilian honor. Although Lee set her story in the fictional county seat of Maycomb, she penned the novel that resounds with the identical lazy day rhythms she enjoyed during her childhood in Monroeville. Revered author Truman Capote spent much time in Monroeville during his youth, becoming a close friend of Lee’s, and is believed to be the muse for Dill, Scout’s summertime friend. Taking from his own memories of Monroeville, Capote composed several short stories including The Thanksgiving Visitor and A Christmas Memory. He wrote his best-selling novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms, in Monroeville and New Orleans.

Dubbed “The Literary Capital of Alabama” since 1997 as a tribute to Nelle Harper Lee and Truman Capote, Monroe County is host to an array of theatrical and historical events, with the Heritage Arts Festival in February leading the year off. Held at City Square, the festival features exhibits of crafts, quilts, art and woodcarvings, with many available for purchasing. Delectable soul food cuisine, a fashion show, gospel music and ethnic dance are other highlights.

People begin reserving tickets in early March for the May production of the two-act theatrical version of To Kill A Mockingbird, which is presented annually in the Old Courthouse. Mid-March brings about the Alabama River Heritage Days, which features Creek Seminole traditions, 1812 frontier camps, river music and more at the Alabama River Museum — just 20 miles north of Monroeville. Around the same time, Excel’s Annual Pioneer Days Arts and Crafts Show showcases activities for children, clogging, arts, an antique car show, plenty of crafts and lots of delicious food.

The Annual Monroe County Arts Council Show draws in visitors to the Monroe County Heritage Museums from April through May, while the reopening of Rikard’s Mill — an 1845 restored, water-powered grist mill — continues to be a popular event in early April. The reopening is complete with an arts and crafts show, milling, pioneer life and blacksmith demonstrations, a barbeque cook-off, music and much more.

Sponsored by Alabama Southern Community College, hundreds of writers arrive in the area in early May for the annual Alabama Writers Symposium. Also during this time is the popular Relay for Life, an all-night event held in support of the American Cancer Society. Located at Monroe County High School, Relay for Life brings in residents of all ages to enjoy entertainment, food, games and a womanless beauty pageant.

April is also the month for the annual “Peddlin’ for a Cure” event, a bicycle trip originating in Monroeville and traveling to 100-mile venues such as Mobile, Montgomery and other areas. This annual bike ride nets several thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society. Its chief promoter, Fred Kelley, was recognized during 2007 by President George Bush!

Mid-May is the time for Uriah’s Cotton Patch Festival, an arts and crafts festival sponsored by the Uriah Arts Council, while June brings about the Monroe County Junior Miss Program, held at Nettles Auditorium at Alabama Southern Community College.

Educators and fans of the area’s literary jewel make their way to Monroeville in July for the Annual Teacher’s Workshop for To Kill A Mockingbird. A slideshow, “Scenes and Stories of Monroeville,” was created for teachers and readers of the award-winning novel, providing an abundance of information about the author and her hometown.

Rounding out the summer offerings, Vanity Fair Golf and Tennis Club plays host to the Annual Lucien Jones Golf Tournament, a three-day event held in August.

Commencing the fall season is the Monroe County Fair, held in October at the area’s fairgrounds. Carnivals, livestock judging and entertainment are main features at this exciting event.

Downtown Monroeville is home to the annual Mockingbird Market, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The Market is teeming with items ranging from jewelry, glassware, silver and linens to clothing, accessories and food. Early November is the time for Rikard Mill’s Cane Syrup-Making Day, which brings in visitors to watch a restored 19th-century mule-driven cane mill and furnace make cane syrup. Just before Thanksgiving, don’t forget to browse through the Peterman Station Arts and Crafts Show, which is packed with arts and crafts booths, great music and entertainment, food and activities for children.

Monroeville celebrates the start of the holiday season with the City of Monroeville Christmas Parade, Holiday Market and Tree Lighting. Organized the first Saturday of December in the Downtown Square, this all-day event presents a wonderful Christmas Parade filled with floats, marching bands, costumed characters and, of course, Santa Claus. Patrons take pleasure perusing through the holiday market, posing with Santa Claus and taking a ride on one of the horse and buggy rigs. Holiday music rings throughout the city from local church choirs and choral groups, including Alabama Southern and Southern Expose. When night falls, residents and visitors join together to view the Lighting of the Tree and the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Address.