By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The historic town of Glenwood is set to come alive Saturday, May 18 with the 31st annual Festival at the Well. Known for its rich heritage and the famous artesian well, organizers say the festival promises to be a memorable event packed with entertainment, a wide array of vendors, tons of food options and a strong sense of community spirit.

Festival vice president, Jonathan Smith said the event is a must-do for Crenshaw Countians and others. 

“This year’s festival is sure to be one for the books, with new vendors, activities and music by old friends and new friends,” Smith said. “We’ve got a rock wall, a mobile arcade and inflatables for the kids, along with boutique-style vendors offering clothing, decor and more. The entertainment lineup will get your feet moving with music from 55 South, The Alex Walker Band, Brandon Jordan and the Rucker Town Road Band. Plus, we’ll have smaller acts, acoustic shows, dancers and door prizes throughout the day. And let’s not forget the food – we’ll have a variety of food vendors with something for everyone. Rain or shine, the 31st annual Festival at the Well will be rocking nonetheless.”

Rylee Austin and Benjie Sanders will also perform with The LA Kickers (Lower Alabama Kickers Line Dance Team), putting on a show at 11 a.m. followed by the She Bang Cloggers taking the stage around 12:15 p.m. 

Angela Lewis-Fleming, the lucky winner of two free passes, is particularly excited for this year’s festival. 

“We try to go to the festival every year, when work allows,” said Lewis-Fleming. “I really enjoy it and my kids love the street dance and my husband loves the good food. I never win anything so I was shocked and can’t wait to attend.”

The festival draws attendees from as far away as California, according to Smith. It fosters a sense of pride among locals and is one of the county’s biggest annual events, growing each year.

 “I personally enjoy working on building the festival every year,” Smith said. “I say building because It’s a whole team effort, planning every step. By Saturday night, we can look around and know we’ve put on another successful event, bringing out hundreds of people for a great time in the streets of Glenwood!”

Festivities will commence with a parade lineup at 8:30 a.m. at Providence Cemetery, with the parade starting at 9 a.m. and the festival gates opening simultaneously. The parade will showcase the winners of the Festival at the Well pageant, among other participants and anyone that wants to be in the parade itself is welcome. 

Following the parade, there will be a car show that will include presenting first, second and third place “Best of Show” awards.

The festival will feature an extensive variety of vendors including The Coral Cactus,  Southern Paws, High Cotton, The Small Town Life, LaLa Moon, Soldiers of the Cross, Copeland Quail, Silkie Scents, Simply Sassy Bombshells and  many more. Food vendors such as The Candied Siren, Happy Shack LLC, Burgers and More Thangs, The Tipsy Gypsy, Evon Butcher Food Service, J Dubbs BBQ, Down Da Bayou and others will provide a variety of culinary delights and the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department will be selling barbecue at the fire station.

The evening will end with fireworks and the infamous street dance. Coolers are welcome after 4 p.m. for attendees paying an extra $25.00 at the gate. No glass is allowed.

Proceeds from the festival support a scholarship fund and the beautification of the well and town. This year’s scholarship recipients will be awarded during opening ceremonies. 

Festival-goers can find more information on the Festival at the Well Facebook page.