By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Harpersville is celebrating its 200th birthday!

The “200th Birthday Bicentennial Harpersville Day Celebration” will by Saturday, Nov. 14, with events from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 83 Town Hall Lane.

There will be something for everyone showcasing Harpersville “rich past and bright future!”

On Friday, Nov. 13, Mayor Theoangelo Perkins will host a bus tour of Harpersville historical sites starting at 10 a.m. at the Harpersville Town Hall, 83 Town Hall Lane. Perkins will show sites located on the Alabama registry of landmarks and heritage including the Chancellor House built in 1935, Klein-Wallace House built in 1841, Datcher Farm with one of the finest museums of black history in Shelby County, Harpersville Garden of Memories Cemetery also known as the Harpersville City Cemetery, Newman Rock House, Old Baker Farm and more.

The Chancellor and “Rock” houses are also on the National Register of Historic Places. Wear comfortable shoes and RSVP for tickets at 672-9961.

Saturday, Nov. 14, arts, crafts, health and wellness vendors will be open at 8 a.m. at 83 Town Hall with decorated hay bales and antique car show to view.

Children’s activities, Zumba and great food will also be available. The Harpersville Parade will begin at 10 a.m. starting at the Farmingdale Subdivision down Highway 25 past the Methodist church, Wheat Street and post office featuring Miss Shelby County Haley Barber and Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Kyra Callens.

Following the parade will be the Harpersville 200^th Day Program featuring a historical reenactment of the city’s 200 years, salute to veterans and winners of the hay bale contest. From 2-5 p.m. live music featuring the Chad Baker Band and local talent including new Harpersville Police Chief Jimmy Macon.

Harpersville is one of Shelby County’s oldest communities founded in 1815 by the Harper and Kidd families.

The community is older than Shelby County, founded in 1818, and the state of Alabama, founded in 1819.

The city was incorporated in 1945. Perkins was the first black mayor elected in 2004 in Shelby County.