FLORENCE - The W.C. Handy Music Festival has been named among the top 10 events for 2012 by the Alabama Tourism Department.

“The event is a significant one and is very deserving of the top 10 ranking,” Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Director Debbie Wilson said.

“There are many variables, but they look at the previous year’s events and number of attendees,” Wilson said.

“There are more than 350 events. This is a big honor to be among these top events.”
Wilson said 2011’s festival was particularly successful with good weather and an abundance of events, including several new acts. The event is generally in late July.

The W.C. Handy Festival is the only top 10 event from north Alabama.

The festival serves as a tribute to Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” Blues, jazz and gospel music are the primary focus and can be heard during the week at restaurants, theaters, parks and other locations throughout the Shoals.
State Tourism Director Lee Sentell said the top 10 events offer a wide range of activities across the state and “showcase a taste of what Alabama has to offer travelers and tourists.”

Travelers may pick up an events calendar at the eight welcome centers across the state, by calling 334-242-4169 or via the website, alabama.travel.

Other events listed in the top 10 in the state include the Red Tails movie weekend in Tuskegee later this month; Bicentennial of the War of 1812, Tensaw, in March; Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama in Birmingham in late March; Red Diamond Restaurant Tour in Anniston in April; Aaron’s Dream Weekend, Talladega, in May; Alabama Restaurant Week, statewide in August; Break’n Bread Food Festival, Birmingham, in October; National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, in October; Christmas on the River, in Demopolis in December.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.