LEEDS — Mark your calendar now and plan to bring your family to the third annual Leeds Downtown Folk Festival & John Henry Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 19, from noon to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free to the public.

The Alabama Board of Tourism has named this two-day festival in historic Leeds, Ala., one of the top 10 tourism events in the state during the month of September.

This festival, held each year on the third weekend of September, celebrates the roots, richness and variety of traditional and contemporary Alabama culture. The event will feature art exhibits and demonstrations by fine artists and folk artisans, live musical entertainment, a variety of children’s activities, and down-home Southern food. Special events at this year’s festival include a celebration of the life of John Henry – local legend and steel-drivin’ man – as well as a train show, and an antique car show on Saturday.

More than 40 artisans will display and demonstrate their craftsmanship. You can watch demonstrations by a glass artist, a folk art wall artist and a soap maker, and purchase one-of-a-kind items. Musicians and musical groups will perform outdoors in a variety of styles, including folk, bluegrass, newgrass, Celtic and mariachi music, and New Orleans jazz. A special Kid’s Korner will be set aside for children ages 4 to 12 to enjoy a variety of activities and make crafts to take home. A food court and farmers market will be open on Saturday and Sunday.

The John Henry Celebration will feature tours of Leeds Historic Depot, a train show, a display of student artwork and three performances of the play “Listen to that Cold Steel Ring,” © written by Marie Cromer, will be directed this year by Nell Richardson.

The play, which will be performed at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday on the grounds of the depot, depicts the life of John Henry and the contest he waged against a steam drill in the Oak Mountain tunnel south of Leeds.

The festival is brought to you by grants from the Alabama Arts Tag, Alabama State Board of Tourism, the City of Leeds, the Leeds Scenic Byway, Daniel Foundation and the Alabama Power Foundation. Event sponsors are Covenant Bank and Regions Bank.

Supporters of the festival are America’s First Credit Union, American Legion Post 107, C&P Piping, Cahaba Valley Garden Club, Castalia Literary Club, Guaranteed Labels and Silk Screening, Jane Henry, Jim and Doris Jarvis, Jimmy Roy Johnson, Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds Historical Society, Leeds Lions Club, Leeds Masonic Lodge 446, Leeds Plumbing, Leeds Public Library Foundation, Maison De France Antiques, J.R. and Jo Ann Malone, McKinnon Pharmacy, Peggy’s Barber Shop, Carol Phillips, Bill Richardson, Vernon N. Schmitt, Southland Golf Carts (Pell City), Tri-Counties Heating and Air, T.V. Weaver and the Women’s Literary Club.        

Leeds is located 15 miles east of Birmingham, just two miles off I-20, exit 140. Locals and visitors are invited. There will be fun for everyone in the family! You may want to bring folding chairs and stay all day. The Leeds Downtown Folk Festival & John Henry Celebration is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. For information see www.leedsfolkfestival.com or call Regina Arnold at 206-699-1892.