Wednesday, September 6, 2000

Tyrone celebrates 24th annual Founders Day

The north Fayette County town of Tyrone will hold its 24th annual Founders Day celebration in less than two weeks.

The two-day event, set for Sept. 16-17, will include recognition of the Senior Citizen of the Year, a 5k road race and 1-mile fun walk, a well-attended parade and an adult dance.

Although the first settlers came to the Tyrone area in the early 1800s, the town was not officially incorporated until 1911. It was named Tyrone by the Birmingham and Atlantic Railroad in 1907 when they were laying railroad tracks through the area.

By 1915 there were a total of 42 taxpayers within the city limits. Today there are over 3,800. In the 1930s Tyrone residents were excited to have electricity and by 1933 the town boasted five telephones. The paving of the streets began in 1948 and streetlights were added in 1954.

In 1977 Tyrone began the well-known Founders Day Celebration. The first Celebration attracted roughly 100 in 1977. By 1998 the annual celebration was attracting over 10,000 to the small town.

The Senior Citizen of the Year recognizes an individual who has, through their personal efforts, displayed extraordinary service and leadership in the quality of life n the Tyrone Community by promoting a sense of civic pride. The Senior Citizen must be over 55.

Saturday evening there will be a "Fireworks Extravaganza" at 9:30 p.m. over Shamrock Park. On Sunday one of the days fun events will be an Ice Cream Eating Contest at 2:00 p.m.

Throughout the two-day event attendees will be treated to a wide assortment of entertainment and can enjoy the many arts, crafts and food. Grandparents are encouraged to enter their grandchildren in the Sweetheart Beauty Pageant which will be held on Saturday at Tyrone Elementary School. The age categories are 3 months - 6 years and 7 years to 18 years.
The Adult Dance will be held at Shamrock Park from 7-11 p.m. Saturday. Another favorite event is the Carnival with rides and games.
For more information on the celebration call Cathy Knowles at the Town Hall at 770-487-4038. For information regarding the race/walk, contact Leslie Salinski at 770-631-3552.

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