By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HARPERSVILLE—Shelby County looked very different 200 years ago, but one thing has remained the same: Harpersville. The town of Harpersville is celebrating its 200th birthday with the Bicentennial Harpersville Day Celebration on Nov. 14.

Harpersville was officially incorporated 70 years ago, but its history stretches back to 1815 when the town was settled by the Harper and Kidd families.

“We are excited about (the celebration),” Harpersville Mayor Theoangelo Perkins said. “We have one jam-packed day full of fun.”

Although the town celebrated Harpersville Day last year, this year’s festivities will include special guests, a parade, live music and numerous family-friendly activities.

The Bicentennial Harpersville Day Celebration will begin at 8 a.m., with a variety of vendors, an antique car show, book signings, a children’s choo-choo train and food for attendees to enjoy.

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. in the Farmingdale subdivision. It will travel down Wheat Street and end at Russell Building Supply.

Actress Alex Datcher will lead the parade as the Grand Marshal. Datcher’s prolific career includes roles on numerous movies and television shows, such as Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, The Tracy Morgan Show, Star Trek: The Next Generation and more. Datcher grew up in Chicago, but her family is deeply rooted in Harpersville and many of her relatives live in town.

“They have a rich history here,” Perkins said of the Datcher family.

Live entertainment will begin at 2 p.m. with performances by Harpersville Police Chief Jimmy Macon, the Chad Baker Band and more.

Although the Bicentennial Harpersville Day Celebration is about fun, it’s also about history. At 2 p.m. the town will honor local veterans and recognize descendants of the original founders and town leaders. Harpersville resident and former Miss Shelby County, Haley Spates, will sing during the program.

“We’ve gotten in touch with as many local veterans as possible inviting them to come out,” Perkins said.

Presentations about the history of Harpersville will also be given by local historians Shawn Baker and Albert Baker Datcher.

The Bicentennial Harpersville Day Celebration is free and open to all ages. For more information, visit Townofharpersville.com.