By the Associated Press
Alabama is celebrating its 200th birthday this weekend with a parade and a free concert at the Alabama Capitol featuring famous Alabama musicians.
The state’s 2019 bicentennial commemoration will culminate Saturday with a celebration at the state Capitol that includes a parade, a park dedication, concerts, educational events and a light and sound show. The events mark the anniversary of Alabama’s admission to the United States in 1819.
There will be a parade at noon up Dexter Avenue to the Capitol followed by a bicentennial festival around the Capitol building and in downtown Montgomery. The festival will include musical performances, crafts, children’s activities and historical reenactors.
The celebration includes a free concert on the steps of the Alabama Capitol. The Alabama Tourism Department said there will be performances by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks; Jett Williams, the daughter of music legend Hank Williams; Martha Reeves & The Vandellas; The Muscle Shoals Allstars and others.
“Alabama played a seminal role in the history of rock and roll. Many of the musicians who helped create that history accepted our invitations to perform on this important date,” said Lee Sentell, the director of the Alabama Tourism Department, which is sponsoring the concert.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will dedicate the Alabama Bicentennial Park on the Capitol grounds. which tells the state’s story in 16 bronze plaques.
The day will conclude with a light and sound show about Alabama and its history.