The Alexander City Outlook

Kellyton annual Trade Day attracts attention from county, state

Kellyton’s annual Trade Day not only drew in people from around the state, but a Norfolk Southern train slowed down in Kellyton for the engineer to pick up some of the famous fried apple pies.

“Trains are my hobby,” said Dale Burns, an Alexander City resident. “I talked to all of them on the rails and told them to come get some pies.”

In addition to pies, from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., people flocked to Kellyton’s Trade Day for food, vendors, musical entertainment and more.

Trade Day Chairperson Nelda Hayes said there was a good turnout on Saturday and many people also came out Friday night to hear the Madwind Band play.

A big turnout meant more funds raised for the Kellyton Volunteer Fire Department and other agencies in the community, according to Hayes.

“We divide up the money between the men and women of the fire department, and use it for other needs in the community,” Hayes said. “Last year we raised approximately $5,500. We’re selling around 2,000 pies.”

Kellyton Volunteer Fire Capt. Ed Jones said the money not only stays at home with the fire department to serve members of the community, but it also goes to organizations like Camp ASCCA.

Residents and visitors were able to visit vendors for arts and crafts and even area organizations set up booths to showcase their role in the community.

“We came out to hopefully educate the community more on the hospice and what our services are and what can be provided to families,” said Faith Home Care Hospice employee Marilyn Smith. “We are also talking about our volunteer program if anybody is interested.”

Bonnie Messer and Nell Parker were present as well to represent the Coosa County Cattlewomen, handing out information on how to eat meat safely as well as other nutritional information.

The Alexander City Cruisers also joined the fun, giving people the opportunity to check out some antique and classic cars.

“We used to have car shows up here and the people organizing Trade Day asked us to come back up,” said Cruisers President Howard Mattox. “We love Trade Day, it’s where me and my wife spend a lot of our money. We enjoy it and get to meet a lot of people.”

There was something for everyone at Trade Day, and Kellyton resident and elementary school student Damen Wood was excited about all the games and entertainment for kids.

“It’s got a lot of new stuff here,” Wood said. “I really like dunking the D.A.R.E. officers. This is my first year here and I’ll come back again next year. It’s fun.”

Kellyton resident Donna Jones said she comes out every year and Trade Day will be a family tradition for generations to come.

“I live in Kellyton and it’s a family tradition in our house to come to Trade Day,” Jones said. “We come every year with our kids and now our grandkids. What the kids do here I do.”