The syrup will flow in Loachapoka this fall.
The Lee County Historical Society will host Pioneer Day, an event combining the Syrup Sopping festival and the historical fair that used to be on the same day on different sides of the road.
"It will all be one big happy event," said Charles Mitchell, extension professor in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences in the College of Agriculture and acting president of the Lee County Historical Society. "I think it will be a continuation of a tradition," Mitchell said.
Deborah McCord, secretary for the Lee County Historical Society, said people didn't realize there were two separate events in Loachapoka on the same day. She said they used to charge for the historical fair, but this year, both sides of the road will be free to the public.
"The historical society met with the Syrup Sopping committee and the ton of Loachapoka and decided to continue it," McCord said.
Jim Grout, mayor of Loachapoka, said the town has teamed up with the organizers of Pioneer Day to put on the event.
"The first year will be a training," Grout said.
Grout said he thinks Pioneer Day will make people more aware of Loachapoka.
"It will put us on the map as far as entertainment and fall festivals," Grout said.
Revenue from Pioneer Day will go toward expanding the public library and maintaining the community center and Loachapoka Volunteer Fire Department, according to Grout.
Grout said Loachapoka residents are excited for the festival, despite concerns about crowds and closing streets. He said churches anticipate the revenue from selling parking spots every year.
Mitchell said Pioneer Day will be similar to past events.
"There will still be syrup for sopping, there will still be biscuits for sopping," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the syrup sold at the event will be made by an Alabama farmer.
"It's genuine Alabama-made sugarcane syrup," Mitchell said.
McCord said the event will be similar to the original events, with syrup-making demonstrations, arts and crafts, local music and Native American demonstrations.
Mitchell said there will be several events for children, such as pressing apple cider, but he also said he hopes the event will bring back some nostalgia for others.
"Especially those elderly adults that remember what it used to be like on the farm," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said he wants to recapture what life was like in East Alabama 100 years ago.
"We try to look for heritage crafts like candle making and soap making," McCord said.
Loachapoka has become known for Syrup Sopping, according to McCord.
"The community depends on it," McCord said.
Mitchell said Pioneer Day is evolving as times change.
Mitchell said the town will earn money through selling syrup. He said all of the money made selling syrup will go to the town of Loachapoka.
"The town council tells me last year they made $60 off the event," Mitchell said.
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