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Today we must announce the cancellation of our annual 9-1-1 Festival that was scheduled for June 5 & 6, 2020. Our fundraising efforts were suspended a month ago out of respect for our local businesses and industries who were facing uncertain times all the while we all were in hopes this crisis would soon pass. Although we would like to think that the end of this pandemic is closer than when it began, we believe it would be irresponsible to continue under these circumstances.
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Our Festival began about 25 years ago to celebrate the heritage of our town, remind and educate everyone that Haleyville is where the first 9-1-1 call was made, and honor the dedicated service of our local First Responders. A highlight of this annual celebration has been to honor our First Responders during an awards banquet on Thursday evening prior the festival. This was an opportunity for the 9-1-1 Committee to recognize and thank our First Responders from Haleyville, Winston County Sheriff, Double Springs and Bear Creek Departments. We ask that you continue to keep these Officers, Firemen, Deputies, Dispatchers, and Troopers in your prayers as they continue responding to our emergencies.
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We also want to acknowledge another group of First Responders that also need our thoughts and prayers, as well. The Doctors, Nurses, and all the support personal at Lakeland Community Hospital, the dedicated staff at USA Healthcare, the Azalea and Rose Manor facilities, and all the medical professionals in our community and around our country who are on the front-line of the battle we are fighting.
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On a personal note, I would like to thank our Festival Sponsors and our Mayor and City Council for the support they provide to make this event happen each and every year. I would also like to publicly thank our 9-1-1 Festival Committee members, Mandy Little, Natalie Boykin, Melinda Weaver, Kris Burleson, Brandon Norris, Aubrey Haynes and Michael Humphries, who work 9-10 months each year planning this event.