52nd annual Arley Day Festival this weekend – May 17

ARLEY, Ala. – The 52nd annual Arley Day Festival will be held Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hamner Memorial Park in Arley. The free community event will feature a full day of activities, including a parade, car show, live tournaments (basketball and pickleball), local vendors and kids’ attractions — all organized by the Arley Women’s Club.

This year’s Arley Day Festival will feature over 65 vendors lining the promenade, offering a wide variety of goods and services, from handmade crafts and boutique clothing to jewelry, woodworks, candles, toys and even a fully stocked Tupperware tent. Local churches, fire departments and service organizations will also be set up alongside specialty participants like Dive Seek and Recovery Scuba, Pine Valley Outdoor Recreation and the Winston County Sheriff’s Department, which will host a dunking booth. Additionally, Smokey Bear is set to make an appearance for photo opportunities.

Kids will have the opportunity to enjoy free water slides, games and horseback rides throughout the day. The popular Looney Balloony character will be on hand creating balloon hats and animals, all at no cost. Kids will also eat free, with a free bag lunch that will be available at the concession stand.

“This is the 52nd annual Arley Day Festival. Each year we add something new and bring back the most popular features, like the free horse rides and two water slides,” said Beth Sargent, vice president of the Arley Women’s Club. “The Kidz Town has also been expanded, making this year’s event one of the largest yet!”

She added, “I love the parade, the car show, the interesting vendors — and the idea that we have something for all ages is special. It’s a wonderful way to explore our community and experience the warmth of our town.”

The day kicks off early with a pancake breakfast from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Arley Fire Station, provided by Arley First Baptist Church. Donations are accepted to benefit the Arley Fire Department. The parade line-up begins at 7:30 in the Dollar General parking lot, with the parade starting at 8 and traveling down Highway 41 to Hamner Park. Vehicles entering the car show are also invited to join the parade along the way.

Additionally, the festival will feature two tournaments, including the second annual Pickleball Tournament at 8 a.m. and a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament starting at 9 a.m. Registration information can be found by using the QR code provided on the flyer.

Over 20 food vendors will be set up, offering a variety of festival favorites — from crawfish and hamburgers to funnel cakes and ice cream. Attendees can enjoy the shaded food court pavilion as well. Near the food court, the Arley Women’s Club tent will host a bake sale, silent auction and giveaway drawing for a Kamado grill package. Tickets for the giveaway are $5 each or five for $20 and will be available at the AWC tent.

“The silent auction will include five separate gift baskets, each representing a variety of vendor coupons and other items from various businesses: The Best of Arley, the Best of Addison, the Best of Double Springs, the Best of Jasper and Taste of Alabama,” Sargent stated.

Festivalgoers can also stop by the United Way tent near Kidz Town to register children for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a free book-by-mail program for children under the age of 5. “Children from birth to age five will receive a brand-new book each month in the mail — absolutely free,” explained Sargent. “All you need to do is sign up!”

As the Arley Women’s Club wraps up preparations for the big day, Club President Laurie McGriff reflected on the heart behind the festival and why it continues to be such a cherished tradition in the community.

“The best part of the Arley Day Festival is that it is a free event for our community. No admission cost — all kids’ activities, including a hot dog lunch, are free! The Arley Women’s Club is honored to host this event as a way to give back and celebrate the town of Arley, the heart of Smith Lake,” McGriff said.

“The festival is a must-see event, as it is the culmination of many hours of work by the women of the Arley Women’s Club to provide the town of Arley a celebration like no other! We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the fun,” she added.

For more information about the festival, scan the QR code provided on the flyer or visit the Arley Women’s Club page on Facebook.

Copyright 2025 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.