Story by Marla Ballard

 Anticipation is in the air as volunteers and city employees prepare for Fort Payne’s 2025 Boom Days Heritage Celebration. The celebration of nearly 130 years of history and growth. The festival is all about the music, art, and the heritage. The fun will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19-20. Admission is free. 

Here is a list of things you can look forward to.

Entertainment Lineup

Main Stage:

Friday, Sept. 19 

• 6 – 8 p.m.                                                          

Elijah Gurley Band – Lead guitar, Phillip Reed; bass guitar, Travis Sartin; electric guitar, Jake Payne; and drums, Dustin Payne. 

• 8 – 10 p.m.        

Grand Funk Railroad – Top selling rock group of the 70s.

Saturday, Sept. 20

• 3:30 – 4:30                                                                 

 Karlie Mann – Rising star voice, winning several high-profile singing competitions.

• 4:30 – 5:30

Carter Pinholster – Local singer/songwriter who left his football career to follow his passion to become a country music singer. 

• 6 – 7:30 p.m.                                                            

Mark Wills – Grand Ole Opry member, 19 Billboard charting singles, gold and platinum albums. 

• 8 - 9:30 p.m.                        The Band Perry – Grammy award winners selling two and a half million albums. Lead vocals/guitar, Kimberly Perry; bass guitar, Reid Perry; mandolin/guitar, Johnny Costello. 

Coal and Iron Building Patio:

• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.        Local Showcase with Jess Goggans – Stop by to hear local musicians or take the microphone and sing. All ages welcome. Schedule a time to perform by calling or texting: 256-996-6645 (500 Gault Ave. N).

City Park Stage:

• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.         Brad Durham – Durham kicks off the day filling the morning with energy and hometown spirit (401 Gault Ave. N). 

Pete’s Alley

• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.                                                              

 Elisha Tatum and the Alley Katz – Enjoy soulful sounds and smooth rhythms in the heart of the festival (212 Gault Ave).

Saturday’s Activities

• All day

Coal & Iron Building, Jeremy Clark Craftworks and Author Chuck Hester. 

• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.       

Children’s Area, tickets are $10 at pavilion behind Alabama statues in city park. 

• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.         

 Chainsaw demonstration by Steve Baumgartner, tent next to city park fountain. 

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.            

 Pet Parade, check-in at 9:45 at FFA Tent on 5th Street side of the park. 

• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Model train exhibit, upstairs middle room Coal & Iron Building 

• 10 a.m. – Noon             

 Meet Pete the Cat at Katherine’s Framing, 100 Gault Ave. N. 

• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.                                       

 FFA Tent with F.P.H.S. creative furnishings for sale near 5th Street in city park.

1 • 0 a.m. – 4 p.m.                            

 Free train rides for kids at the Depot Museum parking lot. 105 5th Street. 

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.                                         

 Carter’s Beverage Wine Tasting, third room of Coal & Iron Building. $10 at door.