By Maggie DiGiovanni
Elmore/Autauga News
Wetumpka is growing and glowing as this holiday season approaches. With Thanksgiving behind, and Christmas approaching, the town prepares for a Hometown Holiday. Make sure to check out the graphics on this page for so many upcoming events in Wetumpka!
Lines of wreaths haloing lights down the streets or lending a touch of softness to the five-span Bibb Graves Bridge heading out of town. The bridge, famous for appearing several times in the Big Fish film, is akin to a stately lady donning her finery.
Within Wetumpka, merchants such as The Gab hair salon are joining in the atmosphere of the season. The combined religious and fictional versions of Christmas on exterior walls give customers a lifting of their spirits as they walk through the salon doors. Inside are gifts and decorations for sale, many which give a sense of nostalgia.
Recently, the town became famous for a television show visiting and giving facelifts to some buildings. However, long before that time, the town began stretching its wings to expand without taking away the friendly atmosphere that draws people to live and work there. HGTV was certainly a boost for tourism, but we cannot overlook the fact that long before the cameras came to town, community members were working to improve their town.
When a tornado took down the 200-year-old Alabama First Presbyterian Church in 2019 and created havoc in other areas of the town, work began almost immediately to rebuild. New businesses opened. Inconvenience of blocked streets during road and sidewalk repairs did not stop shoppers from Elmore, Autauga and Montgomery counties from visiting.
The old Fain Theatre that stood empty for so long , now holds a charming wine and cheese shop called Provisions. The shop owners use the ticket booth from the theater to great advantage. During Halloween kiddies received their treats from the booth. Santa now sits on the spot. ghoul out. He now rests comfortably, a jolly smile on his face, surveying all who pass. Perhaps he’s checking his list to see who is naughty and who is nice?
Windows like those fronting Top Nails bring the legends of Christmas and Santa to life with sparkling trees, wire reindeer and jolly snowmen. Each customer comments on the beauty of each scene.
Whether tastes run to Ahi Tuna, veggie burgers or a thick, juicy steak, Wetumpka sports a place to fit every pallet. Pride in their town is evident in the faces of those who live there. The courthouse, remodeled within the last couple of years, keeps the parking spaces full. Renewing driver’s licenses, paying taxes, attending court or asking for information, all are handled at the courthouse.
When this reporter returned a short seven years ago, I feared the small towns where I grew up were dying. It appears they merely slept, dreaming of the growth seen today. Wetumpka leads the way with Eclectic nipping at its heels. Gradually Tallassee is straining at its bit, ready to take on the race with its other Elmore County kin.
Something for everyone to consider as the Christmas season approaches – Shop Small, Shop Local wherever you live within our counties. There are quaint shops, hometown folks and online shopping available locally.
There are numerous family-friendly activities coming very soon to Wetumpka to celebrate Christmas. See graphics on this page for more information. If you know of other events not listed here, please email information to [email protected]
