In Alabama’s political scene, there have historically been various “go” events aimed at politicians and prospective candidates. Today marks the Dekalb/Henager Ledbetter/Livingston Fourth of July breakfast.
About a decade ago, two prominent North Alabama politicians—House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and State Senator Steve Livingston—started a Fourth of July breakfast in my hometown. It has since transformed into a major event, almost legendary at this point. This year, it takes place in Henager, located in DeKalb County, where both Ledbetter and Livingston hold their seats.
The breakfast is set to kick off at around 7:30 AM, with an expected turnout of 400 to 500 attendees. Numerous candidates from across the state will participate.
After breakfast, there’s a parade featuring several floats with serious statewide candidates, drawing thousands of spectators along the route. The main hub for the festivities will be in Henager City Park.
Regulars at the early Hennagar breakfasts included Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Governor Colonel Willworth, and former Secretary of State John Merrill; many members of the state’s Supreme Court were also there. This Fourth of July gathering signifies the start of a significant election year, and it’s expected to be the biggest breakfast yet.
While Ledbetter’s events have become the primary political affair, the state’s political history includes a variety of such gatherings in which politicians have engaged.
Years ago, the standout “Go To” event was the Terry family reunion, held in the northwestern part of the state. This reunion took place on a large plot just south of Tuscumbia and saw a lot of participants who had connections to the Terry family. It was an annual tradition.
The Terry reunion had a carnival-like atmosphere and was well-known for its incredible food. Attendees enjoyed camp stew, barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, fried catfish, and delectable fried pies. The barbecue was particularly praised, made the night before to ensure maximum flavor. Senator Howell Heflin was a longtime attendee, known for his love of food and barbecue.
Another memorable political event was “Mule Day,” celebrated in Winfield, Marion County, on the third Saturday of September. For about 35-40 years, the local Chamber of Commerce organized this event to celebrate the mule, a staple in Alabama agriculture.
Mule Day attracted numerous political figures, including Governors George Wallace and Jim Folsom, along with a host of others. Politicians were both invited and encouraged to join the parade, which was a significant highlight. The festivities included a beauty pageant and a Friday night celebration, plus a large flea market featuring local crafts and an antique car show. The event culminated in a Civil War-era ball on Saturday evening.
Many locals still reminisce about the politicians attending Mule Day. One story recounts an encounter with Governor Wallace, when a local woman—less than thrilled about the day’s events—found herself stuck in traffic for over two hours. Frustrated, she drove to the police station to voice her complaints, only to discover that the governor was, in fact, riding in the parade she was stalled behind.
See you next week.
