Access to the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center’s air-conditioned spaces will be less than 60 paces from the primary places where all the action will be during the Rainsville Freedom Fest on June 27.

I wanted to point that out because I know a lot of people want to come out to the Rainsville city park that afternoon to enjoy the live music featuring country music star Ronnie McDowell, but many are very concerned about getting overheated on what will likely be a sultry summer afternoon.

There are four A/Cs in the building and they are currently working fine, plus there are some nice shady spots in the park and there will be cool refreshments available for purchase.

So, make plans to see the outdoor show without worrying about getting too hot. There will be nearly six hours of live music before McDowell takes the stage, an amazing car show, and a spectacular fireworks show shortly after nightfall. McDowell’s performance will immediately precede the fireworks show.

Admission will be free. You’ll want to bring your own lawn chairs or ground covering and stake your claim to a spot near the stage. See the festival page at rainsvillealabama.com for a list of entertainers and other details.

McDowell became well known in the late 1970s for his tribute to Elvis “The King Is Gone.” He then charted seven top-10 songs between 1979 and 1986 including two number ones, “Older Women” and “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation.” He later had top-10 hits with “It’s Only Make Believe,” a duet with Conway Twitty, and then his version of the pop standard “Unchained Melody,” which also was a number one country music video.

It will be well worth coming out to Rainsville on a hot summer night on June 27 to see him perform.

This Saturday morning, it will be well worth getting out to the south side of Rainsville for the Freedom Run 5K and 10K. Even if you’re not participating as a runner, walker or volunteer, the start of each race will be a sight to behold as a spectator if you live along the routes or just happen to be in town. A record number of “racers” pre-registered, so between 600-700 are expected. Come out to cheer us on. I’ll be the tall guy in the middle.

By Tim Eberhart, executive director

Rainsville Chamber of Commerce