Annual Events in Mentone  

Rhododendron Festival -- Third Weekend in May

On the third weekend of May, the Rhododendron Festival will feature artists and craftsmen displaying their handcrafted wares and live entertainment.  There will be a a bonfire and storytelling/music on Friday evening.  Potted rhododendron plants are always a sellout.  Usually the native flowing plants are at their peak in their array of beauty around the third weekend in May.  The lake on Little River above DeSoto Falls is a wonderful place from which to view the rhododendron and mountain laurel blooms.  There will be a good variety of food for sale by several vendors.

Fall Colorfest -- Third Weekend in October

Its hard to improve on Mother Nature's shows this time of year, but Mentone folks give it a shot!  Storytelling, sing-a-longs and dancing fill the crisp, cool air on Friday evening while children roast marshmallows around a huge bon-fire.  Saturday and Sunday are filled with live entertainment all day long, while local artists and craftsmen display their hand-crafted wares.  The Saturday afternoon parade and activities on Little River add to the festive atmosphere.

These events are sponsored by the Mentone Area Preservation Association (MAPA).  For information for festival vendors and entertainers, please contact Jerome Stephens at 256-634-9031 or Jerome@MentoneAlabama.org.  For more information, contact MAPA at P.O. Box 50, Mentone, AL 35984.