By Karah Wilson
karah@southerntorch.com
FYFFE, Ala.— On Aug. 29, Fyffe hosted their annual UFO Days. Vendors from all over were set up with booths ranging from food to shirts to art. There was live music, a car show, food, games, and even a pony ride. Vendors came from all over from places such as Louisiana and Florida.
Town Clerk Bradi Clayton has been working with UFO days for the past 7 years. “Mayor Larry Lingerfelt and Councilman Roy Collins started this event back in 2005. The conversation actually began at Jack’s Restaurant,” Clayton said. UFO Days is all about the hot air balloons that fly over the town. “Unfortunately the balloons were unable to fly this year because of the wind. They are very careful to look at the weather conditions before flying.” Clayton said she “doesn’t have a favorite part” because it’s all fun for her. “I love meeting new people. I have vendors that come from as far as South Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and this year even Louisiana. I cannot forget our local vendors that also participate in the event. The balloons are such a peaceful experience and beautiful to watch, unfortunately they were not able to fly this year.
The entertainment we have is awesome. We are so fortunate to have outstanding talent in DeKalb County and surrounding areas.The antique tractors and cars are a wonderful asset to the festival. It is interesting to me to see how the cars and tractors have evolved over the years.
And the food is just always something to look forward to in the upcoming year.”
Signing his work as W.H. Wax, he made the trip with his wife from Farmerville, Louisiana. His artwork is inspired by Norman Rockwell, Wax said. This was his first time at UFO Days, but Wax has been all over the country, but is mainly familiar with the mid-west. “I’m also a children’s book illustrator. I have publishing houses in Louisiana and California,” Wax said. He and his wife are away from their home every weekend of the year, doing about 50 shows a year. “I’ve really enjoyed this show. It’s just like the south: organized, helpful, and full of good people.”
The car show was a hit as well with cars all over the field. One car in particular caught the eyes of many. Wilbur and Alice Cowart are the owners of a Dove Blue 1966 type 2 Westfalia S0-42 Volkswagen Camper. The Cowarts purchased this camper in 2003, taking 5 years to restore. Since then the couple has put about 18,000 miles on it. It was fully restored by the couple themselves in Blake Community located in Fort Payne. The camper consists of 2 back benches which fold into a bed, a small table in the middle, and two front seats.
