Rooster Day returning to Demopolis April 8
The Roosters are coming—again!
Riding on the success of the inaugural Rooster Day, plans are underway for the second annual event to be held Saturday, April 8.
The day-long affair marks the famous Rooster Auction held in the city in August of 1919. The purpose of the auction was to raise money for a bridge across the Tombigbee River connecting Marengo and Sumter counties and creating a roadway, now known as U.S. Highway 80, to stretch across the continent from Savannah to San Diego.
MedCenter – Demopolis became the first official Rooster Booster for the 2017 event. “Brewster the Rooster” made his first visit of the year to MedCenter – Demopolis this week. More sponsors are lining up to become Rooster Boosters so Brewster can be displayed at their place of business as the city gets ready for a day of fun-filled activities.
Sponsored by the Marengo County Historical Society (MCHS), Rooster Day is held to raise funds for the upkeep of the society’s historic homes and for the programs and activities it holds during the year.
The MCHS board of directors and volunteers are working hard on Rooster Day 2017,” said Martha Turner, MCHS president.
“Last year’s event was so much fun, and the crowds exceeded our expectations,” said Turner. The first Rooster Day was so well received that the group is building on “providing a family friendly, fun day for this year.”
Many of the same events are returning this year, only bigger and better. Again, the day will begin with the Cock’s Crow Run. The 2017 version has a new 5K route, and entertainment will be provided on the stage next to the starting point.
Runners who want to pick up their race packets early can come on Friday night, bring the children and take part in a one-mile Fun Run. There will even be an outdoor movie for the kids.
With the goal in mind of encouraging local artisans and craftsmen, Rooster Day will have booths set up in the Public Square featuring the work of Alabama artists. All work is handmade and one-of-a-kind.
Adjacent to the booths will be Coop Games, a large children’s area with games, crafts and a petting zoo. At the same time demonstrations and entertainment will be on the Rooster Day stage. If weather permits, the 4H Chick Chain participants will demonstrate how to bathe a chicken.
Rooster Day continues that night with a live and silent auction on the grounds of Lyon Hall. Live music will entertain those attending the event.
Foster Farms, which has a corn dog-producing plant in Demopolis, is sponsoring the auction stage. It has been named in honor of the business and will be called Foster Farms Fowl Play.
The forms for the 5K Run and vendor applications as well as more information on Rooster Day can be found on the website, www.roosterdaydemopolis.com.