— Since Governor Bob Riley designated the year 2010 as the “Year of Small Towns and Downtowns,” some 200 cities will have or have already had homecoming events to promote the state’s tourism campaign. Many of the cities will also unveil historic markers, written by local historians, in their city during their celebration.

The State Tourism Department, for several years, has highlighted some specific aspect of Alabama in its tourism promotion, and this year it is to be a homecoming. The governor urged cities to invite everyone to come back home to enjoy homecoming events in their hometowns.

The city of Athens will be cooperating and participating with the governor during the weekend of Aug. 20-21, and we are inviting each and every person in Limestone County and all former residents to consider coming to town on those days to help us celebrate our hometown heritage. This hometown homecoming will welcome all our county citizens to a great celebration. The celebration is just two weeks away and we hope you will make an effort to let everyone know about it. We hope to have a town full of families having a lot of fun and enjoyment during the homecoming.

The event will begin on Friday night, Aug. 20, at 6:30 on the courthouse square with a concert provided by the Athens State University Community Band, followed by the Retro Prom from 8-10 p.m.with music provided by the Valley Cats. Come to the square and bring your lawn chairs to sit down occasionally for a rest.

On Saturday morning, Aug.21, at the Athens Middle School football field, the field will be renamed in honor of former Athens High football coach Furman Elmore. At 10:30, the Ice Cream Crank-Off will begin in front of U.G. White Hardware store. At 11, the Sons of Confederate Veterans will have the opening ceremony at the east side of the Square. At 11:15, local historian Chris Paysinger will unveil and present the historical marker that has been made for this occasion, and the wording was written by Chris.

At 11:45, Pat Lann’s class from Julian Newman School will present the ABC’s of Athens. At noon, skits will be presented by a group representing the Trinity School. From 1:30 to 3, there will be school bands and cheerleaders participating in a spirit show. At 4, a parade of antique automobiles will stage a parade around the square. An antique automobile Cruise-In will run from 5 to 7. From 7 to 9, the homecoming event will be capped-off by a Richie and Deemer Concert. All events except the football field dedication will be on the courthouse square, and will be free. There will be rides and contests for the kids, and old pictures will be displayed in several stores on the square.

I want to encourage you to bring your family to the square for these events. You will get to see folks you haven’t seen in a long time, and the kids will have the experience of playing on the square as many of us did many years ago. I would also like to suggest to schools, churches, and other organizations in our community, that you consider a reunion or homecoming event before the year 2010 ends. Athens First Baptist Church celebrated its 190th anniversary the last weekend in July with homecoming activities that were very successful, and enjoyed by everyone who attended. My Athens High Class of 1960 celebrated our 50th year reunion earlier this year, and we all enjoyed our time together.

I think the small town and downtown celebration was a great idea for our state. I think it will bring us a little closer together, and perhaps will make us aware that we can have fun and come to appreciate our friends and neighbors more during a time of unease in our world. As Gov. Riley said: “It is going to be a great time to reflect on the importance of our small towns and downtowns, and I believe when it’s all over, people throughout the state will come away with a greater appreciation for the special place we all call home.”