STRONG – The town will host its annual Pierpole Days Festival with a parade, barbecue, and DJ on Friday, June 26.
The chicken barbecue will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of Beal’s Store. DJ Dreamin’ Big will be at the White Elephant Country Store from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The event is a celebration of Strong’s heritage and its Native American settlers. According town history, Pierpole and his wife, Hannah, were two of the early residents of Strong, known as Middletown, in the late 1700s.
The parade will begin 6 p.m. at the north end of Main Street; line-up will start at 5. The judges’ choice for the three best floats will be awarded at the Forster Building. The parade will feature the Old Crow Band, the Shriners’ mini-car contingent and a bagpipe player.
The event also will highlight a 145-year-old Franklin County connection to the Civil War and a battle that changed the course of history. Dressed as members of the Alabama 15th Regiment’s Co. G, a half dozen men will march down Main Street and stop at the town’s war monument to offer a musket salute to veterans of all conflicts.
Many members are from Maine, but some in the Alabama 15th Co. G have traveled from as far away as Louisiana.
“The Civil War balance changed when the 20th Maine Regiment, led by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, defeated the 15th Alabama Regiment at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863,” local historian Joseph O’Donnell said. “The two regiments fought at Gettysburg, and several familiar family names from Avon, Phillips and Strong were under Chamberlain’s command.”
The barbecue will include side dishes, drinks, rolls and a dessert. Last year, the Auxiliary sold 215 dinners in record time.
Vendors, crafters, a bake sale and fun activities for the kids will provide more entertainment. Call 684-3198 or 684-2234 for more information.