POWERGRAMS

6 Some 8,000 pilgrims traveled from points around the globe to the 50th Eufaula Pilgrimage April 9-12. Begun as a tour of historic homes, the festivities have grown to include art, antique and car shows, music and garden tours. "We had visitors from all over the United States," said Pam Snead, Eufaula Heritage Association director. "We had tour buses from North Carolina, Texas and Louisiana, just to name a few. But I also met visitors from Australia, Germany, Ireland and England. People come from everywhere, and this year was no different. In fact, this was one of the most successful pilgrimages we have ever had." Southeast Division Vice President Richard Hutto, for the fourth consecutive year, was responsible for bringing in the headlining musical performers on opening night. Act of Congress, a popular Birmingham band, performed before a full house in the historic Eufaula Auditorium. The group was voted one of the Must-See Acts in Alabama in 2011 and entertained with beautiful melodies and outstanding acoustic instrumentation. "The pilgrimage is Eufaula's single-most important tourism event of the year," said Hutto. "It brings thousands of people here, with a significant boost to our local economy of more than $1 million." In addition to the concert and the tour of homes, pilgrims now have a Picnic on the Porch, drink tea in the historic Shorter Mansion and hear Tales from the Tomb in the Fairview Cemetery. All of the activities included in the Eufaula Pilgrimage rely on community volunteers from groups such as the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), which is always well-represented. Phenix City Business Office Supervisor Karen Bennett has chaired the Picnic on the Porch for 10 years. She relies heavily on fellow APSO members to volunteer and they have never disappointed Bennett. "I don't have any trouble getting our APSO members to turn out for this event," said Bennett. "You get to meet so many nice people from around the country. It means a lot to work for a company that allows you to be involved in community activities. The Pilgrimage is one event we look forward to each year in APSO." Eufaula Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sally Garrison said she is amazed at the distances people travel each year. "I met people from Pennsylvania, Ohio and California," said Garrison. "Even though the immediate value of having these visitors to Eufaula is wonderful, the long-term effect is also exciting. These people come to the Eufaula Pilgrimage as tourists, as visitors, but they leave as friends." "When I ask people to give me one word to best describe Eufaula," said Snead, "the word I hear most often is hospitable. We love that. And we hope the diversity of the event will continue to attract visitors of all ages and interests for many years to come." By Linda Brannon Employees help Eufaula Pilgrimage attract thousands of worldly visitors TOURISM 'Southern belles' greeted pilgrimage guests. The historic Shorter Mansion is a popular site for tourists. Photos by Ted Tucker

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