From swimming and kayaking in creeks and rivers, to fishing, hunting and hiking, Elmore County has plenty of outdoor activities. Although there is a plethora of outdoor activities, weather can hinder any plans for outdoor recreation. Nonetheless, the weather shouldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
There are options to stay indoors and have fun across Millbrook Tallassee and Wetumpka, especially some that will give theater and movie buffs a chance to get out of the house.
For more than four decades the Wetumpka Depot Players have been providing award-winning community theater. Their production of A Storm Came Up was Best in Show at the Alabama Community Theatre Festival a few years ago. It went on to garner regional attention in acting and production.
“We are truly blessed here in Wetumpka to have a community theater that not only continues to thrive but once again gains well-deserved recognition and appreciation beyond the boundaries of our beloved town,” Depot Players Board President Jeff Langham said.
The Depot Players feature actors and production specialists who can be found on stage not only in Wetumpka but throughout the region, including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Some are teaching the next generation of actors in local high schools.
The Depot will bring Young Frankenstein to life on its stage in July. Later in the year, Over the River and Through the River will come to the stage.
Tickets and exact performance times can be found at www.wetumpkadepot.com
For the last two decades the Millbrook Community Players have brought life to a stage in Millbrook. Starting July 17 Peter Pan and Wendy A Musical will be on their stage. Later in the year The Immigrant and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever comes to the stage.
Tickets and exact schedule are available at www.millbrooktheater.com
Indoor entertainment options are also available in Tallassee at the Mt. Vernon Performing Arts Center. It's under the old red and green light marquee in downtown Tallassee. The theater first opened in 1935 and closed for 50 years in 1968.
It has seen the likes of Hank Williams grace the stage inside. It brings a visitor into the past, a time well before cellphones and 24/7 news.
It’s reopened and new owners Bill Patterson and Joey Wiginton have brought a slightly modern vibe with new seating, stage lighting and sound.
“We want to see people come and enjoy downtown,” Wiginton said. “We have so much potential here.”
Patterson is native to Tallassee and can recall seeing shows at the Mt. Vernon, some for a nickel. It was the only place to see movies, listen to a band and escape life for a few hours.
“I would spend Saturday afternoons downtown on occasion,” Patterson said. “I would get a drink and popcorn and see a show.”
The partnership is doing similar things again. Mt. Vernon is hosting films and bands.
“We have popcorn and drinks again,” Wiginton said.
Mt. Vernon is hosting a summer movie series through the beginning of August.
On Aug. 16, Mt. Vernon will be hosting an Elvis Tribute Show.
