Honoring America’s First Lady of Courage with Four Day Festival in Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia, Ala. – In June, the town of Tuscumbia comes together to honor one of its heroic natives with a four day celebration attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. Set for June 27-30, 2019, the Helen Keller Festival offers a variety of family-friendly events including a parade, a car and truck show, live music, arts and crafts and sporting activities, while celebrating the life of Helen Keller and her remarkable achievements in overcoming a world of silence. All activities take place in Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia unless otherwise noted.

The Helen Keller Festival is centered on the Helen Keller Festival Market, a marketplace consisting of handcrafted items, art, jewelry and other specialty products along with retail vendors and commercial made products. Marketplace hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 27th, noon to 8 p.m. June 28th, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 29th, and 5 to 8 p.m. June 30th. Admission is free to the marketplace.

Live music is offered every evening of the festival. Admission to each concert is $5 per person excluding Sunday’s performances. This year’s music line up features a diverse mix of award-winning artists. On Thursday evening, June 27th, the Velcro Pygmies takes the stage at 8 p.m. Slated to perform Friday, June 28th at 8:30 p.m. is Mixtape-80s Tribute Band. Saturday’s music lineup features country music sweetheart Tanya Tucker at 8:30 p.m. and Jason Crabb takes the stage Sunday, June 30th at 7 p.m.

Additional activities include the Helen Keller Festival Parade June 27th at 6 p.m., a 23 mile and five mile family bike ride June 28th, a car and truck show in downtown Tuscumbia June 29th, a five mile and one mile fun run June 29th, a golf tournament at Spring Creek Golf Course June 28th and 29th and a guided walking tour of the historic downtown area June 29th.

Festival hours are Thursday 6 to 10 p.m., Friday 12 to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 4 to 10 p.m. No dogs or other pets allowed in Spring Park except those classified as service dogs to assist the handicapped. For a complete schedule of events, map of downtown Tuscumbia or more information, visit www.helenkellerfestival.com.

Tours of Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, are also offered Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. (admission charged). The home is located at 300 North Commons Street West in Tuscumbia. Live performances of William Gibson’s world-famous drama, The Miracle Worker, will be offered on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. on the grounds of Helen Keller’s birthplace (admission charged) from June 7 to July 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 256.383.4066.