The Sipsey Heritage Commission and the City of Cordova are gearing up for an exciting day Saturday as they prepare to host The Great Escape: River Run from Crockett paddle race and the Indian Head Harvest Festival.
The 14-mile flat water race will take participants from the Sipsey Fork to the Disney Landing.
Participants in the race will park at Disney Lake and receive transportation to the Fork from Cordova churches early in the morning. Once they complete the kayak race at Disney, participants will be rewarded with a free ticket for a beer in a beer tent. Additionally, a hospitality tent will be available at Disney Lake.
The race is set to begin at 8 a.m. and will continue until all participants have finished, according to Martha Solomaa, president of the Sipsey Heritage Commission. Assisting in the event will be the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office boat patrol, who have been instrumental in previous races.
Last year, approximately 40 participants took part in the race. Solomaa explained that the event, which includes kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes, commemorates the 1813 escape route of the Black Warrior Town of Creek Native Americans from Davy Crockett and the Tennessee Militia.
The cost for a single kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is $40, while a canoe or kayak with two or more people will be charged $70. T-shirts will also be available for purchase at $20 each.
The paddle race is being held in conjunction with the Indian Head Harvest Fest, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Indian Head Mill Park in downtown Cordova.
Organizer Renee Sides expressed her excitement for the annual Indian Head Harvest Fest, which has grown significantly over the years.
“I expect it to grow this year. We have a great day planned. I think we will have a big crowd. It’s a fun day,” she said.
The festival will feature live music performances by the Junior Uptain Band from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the Tommy Crowder Band from noon to 2 p.m. Few Miles South from Georgia will then take the stage.
In addition to the music, the festival will host the 4-H Chick Chain Auction, where participants from Walker and Winston counties will showcase their poultry. A livestock swap overseen by 3W Farms will also be available, offering a variety of animals for trade or sale.
The festival will hold a Scarecrow Contest, with scarecrows displayed throughout the park.
Mechanical rides, including a mechanical bull, will be available for the entire family, with armbands priced at $15. Food trucks and arts and crafts vendors will also be present, and vendor applications are still being accepted with some even taken that day.
Sides anticipates between 60-70 vendors to participate in the fall festival, making it a vibrant and engaging event for the community.
