blast FroM tHe Past
o
ne of the most enduring events in chilton county has been the musical fundraiser “Blast from the Past” at chilton county high School. “Blast” is an annual tradi-
tion in which students from chilton county high School sing popular songs from past decades. Each song also includes choreographed dance parts or skits performed by students.
Ricky and Sheri McKee started the program in 1993. it now features close to 150 students for four performances over two weekends, usually held the last two weekends in February. the cast practices
for two months leading up to the opening night. tickets have been $7 in recent years and can be purchased from cchS starting in January.
ago. John Heaton passed away, leaving the legacy to be carried on by his wife Billie, their son and grandchildren. The doors of the white barn, trimmed in green, are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Barn is known for its various preroasted pecan pleasures that are freshly made every day in the store’s kitchen. Milk chocolate and white chocolate pecan halves are the farm’s best sellers. Other pecan delicacies include: pecan brittle, pecan logs, billionaires, chocolate pecan bark, pralines, milk chocolate pecan fudge, pea-
nut butter fudge, pecan pies, pecan pie tarts and pecan fruitcake. Pecans are not the only things the Heatons have to offer. The Barn serves 11 assorted flavors of homemade ice cream and milkshakes; Belgian Waffles, salads, soups and grilled gourmet, specialty and deli-style sandwiches. Other favorites include their pecan chicken salad plates and homemade cakes. In addition to sweets and lunch, Heaton also sells gifts, home décor, jewelry and other items. For more information, call 800-446-3531 or visit www. heaton.com.
stoPs along interstate 65
N
ot stopping Interstate 65 exits 205 or 208 is difficult to do, especially when there are popular Chilton County attractions such as Durbin Farms Market, Heaton Pecan Farm and Peach Park right off the exits. For years, people traveling to and from beaches on the Gulf Coast have been stopping off I-65 Exit 205 to enjoy the delicious summer treats at Durbin Farms Market and Peach Park. Durbin Farms Market averages 180-200 gallons of ice cream sold per day, during busy weekends in the summer. Gene and Francis Gray built Peach Park in 1984 so they wouldn’t have to haul peaches to New Orleans to sell them. Their two sons, Mark and Derek, still run the business. Danny Jones bought Durbin Farms Market in 2005. It seated 54 at the time and now seats about 200. Durbin’s and Peach Park have both evolved to be as attractive as possible to interstate travelers. At Durbin’s you can find peach pecan ice cream, while Peach Park specializes in caramel peach ice cream. Both businesses have undergone dramatic changes over the years. Durbin’s began as a seasonal fruit market located off Highway 31 in Clanton.
Durbin’s now features a sandwich shop, fruit and vegetables of all kinds and a selection of plants and gifts at LJ’s Boutique. The business is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and closed only two days a year. Peach Park has added a garden area with walking path, a food menu featuring barbecue and a playground. For more information, contact Durbin Farms Market at 205-755-1672 or Peach Park at 205-755-2065. Heaton Pecan Farm, located off I-65 Exit 208, also has treats and homemade delights for everyone to enjoy. John and Billie Heaton opened The Barn, which first began as a hobby, 10 years
FACES And PLACES
23