Cindy Gary (above)
The Bessemer Hall of History is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of not only Bessemer, but also the Bessemer Cut-Off.
For eight years now, the Hall of History has sponsored the Alabama Folk Fair. This fundraising event allows the museum to promote local craftsmen and artisans who are committed to preserving traditional, regional crafts, folk art, and Southern food.
The event was held on October 24–25 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in McCalla.
Luellen Nagle was chairman of the Alabama Folk Fair Committee.
Shirley Vines Butler is chairman of the Hall of History Board of Directors.
Among those participating included Gloria Tibbs and her longleaf pine baskets, Cindy Gray (“The Pickle Lady”), Becky Rainey, Barbara McEntegart, Michelle Stephens, Linda Lenhardt, Brenda Peterson, Cynthia Thomas, Pam Kirsch, and several members of Pleasant Hill Methodist — Geneva Wilson, Debra R. Tate, Mary Jackson, and Sarah Bullivant.
Items for sale included homemade breads, preserves, home-canned pickles, jellies and jams, handbags, jewelry, Mary Kay products, door hangings, antiques, vintage decorative items, homemade crafts, baskets, pies, Auburn and Alabama items, cat-themed gifts, and Christmas items.
