Poke Sallet graphic

A local production named after a Southern dish concocted from a weed will highlight the community and state’s history this year.

The community production, known as the Poke Sallet Follies, will share Athens and Limestone County’s bicentennial through a show dubbed “The Book of Athens.” The Alabama Bicentennial Commission has endorsed the show as a bicentennial event. Athens and Limestone County both incorporated in 1818 before Alabama became a state in 1819, and their stories are among North Alabama’s earliest stories.

“It’s called ‘The Book of Athens’ because it’s 10 chapters of Athens history presented in a very unique and entertaining way,” said Athens City Councilman Frank Travis.

Travis, also a local actor and playwright, is directing the show for the first time. A group of more than 100 volunteers, known as the Prime Time Players, created the props, work backstage and perform the show.

Poke Sallet Follies, known for its slapstick comedy where local dignitaries act crazy for a good cause, will be different this year.

“We look at the 200-year history in 20-year segments,” Travis said.

In telling Athens and Limestone County’s 200 years of history, some skits are more serious, such as the deadly 1974 tornado outbreak.

Still, the audience will enjoy some traditional Poke Sallet antics, such as seeing Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson and Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely portraying fun characters. There will be live singing this year, as well as choreographed numbers that celebrate momentous occasions, such as when trains first came to the area.

The show, now in its 26th year, raises funds for the Foundation for Aging. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Athens Senior Center on Pryor Street.

“The Book of Athens” will be held March 8–10 at the Senior Center, with dinner by 306 Barbecue served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and will be on sale Saturday “until no one is left to buy a ticket,” Travis said.