This year is the year of Great Alabama Homecomings, and small towns and downtowns around the state are holding celebrations to mark the event.

Rutledge is one of those towns, and the Rutledge homecoming is scheduled for April 24 and 25.

“They announced that it’s the year of small towns and downtowns last year,” said Beth Rogers, who is the chairman of the planning committee.

As part of Rutledge’s participation in the event, the town has a new historic marker, which is located in front of the Primitive Baptist Church and will be unveiled during the homecoming celebration.

“We wanted to have it focus on the church, because it’s been a big part of life in this community for so long,” Rogers said.

On Sunday, April 25, there will be a community church service at 11 a.m. at the Primitive Baptist Church, and afterwards, the marker will be unveiled and there will be dinner on the grounds.

Rogers said she expects a good turnout for the service and also some special visitors.

“We’re going to have some family members of people that went to church here in attendance,” Rogers said.

Saturday will also be full of events and activities, no matter what your interest is.

Things kick off with a breakfast from the South Luverne Baptist mission team at 7:30 a.m., and from 8 o’clock to lunch, there will be an arts and crafts festival going on.

Nearly all of the events will take place outside the town hall.

“We’re trying to keep everything centrally located,” Rogers said.

Beauty pageant fans should be ready for 9 a.m., which starts registration for the Little Miss Rutledge pageant.

At 11, entertainment from Brittany King, Fran Alford and the Colley Center Line Dancers, Haleigh Wallace, Becky Welch, and the Gospel Valley Boys take the stage, and a welcome-home tea will also be taking place inside town hall.

The afternoon events feature a bike, car and truck show, and more entertainment.

At 5 p.m., Regina Grayson will be leading a Sacred Harp singing class, and at 6 p.m., everyone will gather at the community center for a town singing.

“It’s just be an old-timey, Saturday-night singing,” Rogers said.

Throughout the day, chicken plates will also be sold by the Rutledge Volunteer Fire Department.

Last year marked the first year that Rutledge had a community celebration, and Rogers said that was a good head start on this year.

“We really hope to make this an annual thing and spread the events all over town,” Rogers said. “I love Rutledge — it’s a great place with some great folks, and we want to show it off.”

There are still spots available for the arts and crafts show for no charge.

For more information about the event, call 335-5462.