MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — It may only be its second year, but Sunday’s Magnolia Springs Art and Jazz Festival is already growing. What they might lack in size compared to other festivals in the area, they make up for in scenery.

Located on a small 350 foot strip of land along the Magnolia River, the festival will feature close to ten artists this year, after only featuring one artist in its inaugural year.

“We figured that by having ten or less artists present we would have more area space for people who wanted to come and listen to music,” Magnolia Springs Garden Club Treasurer and Events Coordinator Sheila Turner said. “Our location is unique though, it’s so pretty. The whole town pulls together to make sure it works. Last year, one citizen even pulled his beautiful sailboat up near the site and it just made it that much more beautiful.”

The festival serves as one of the biggest fundraisers for the Magnolia Springs Garden Club. Years ago, the club decided to take on the task of taking care of the trees in town and turning Old Springs Park into an arboretum. The Garden Club has raised significant funds to restore the town’s urban forest after a succession of devastating hurricanes. 

In addition, the Club donated a landscape plan, new trees, plants and an irrigation system for the town’s arboretum.  

With the help of funds from USDA Forest Service and Alabama State Council on the Arts the Garden Club continues its tradition of adding to and sharing the culture and natural beauty of our unique community.

“Magnolia Springs is a small, new town,” Turner said. “We concentrate on the environment of Magnolia Springs, which is why everyone likes to help and get involved.”

Fellow garden club member Elaine Coll agrees.

“We hope to have more than 300 participate,” Coll said. “I’m getting calls from Fairhope, Pensacola, and Mobile. Some have been here last year and don’t want to miss it because the jazz bands are renowned, the site is beautiful, the artwork is from local people and it’s just a really fun festival and good time.”

This year’s festival, located at Oak Street near the corner of Pecan Grove Street, will feature world class musicians the Jim Marshall Trio, Jimmy Roebuck Quintet, Roman Street, Joe Occhipinti and the Continental Swing Orchestra.

“We are trying to keep art and music alive,” Turner said. “Last year we featured mostly music, and it was a hit. We sold out all our tickets. This year we’ve added more artists and food to make it even better.”

The event will also feature a silent auction, sale of T-shirts and note cards. A $25 ticket includes a catered dinner and beverages from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Music only tickets are $10, students and military (with ID) are $5 and a boxed lunch available from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. is also $5. Music will be played continuously from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call 988-1468 or 965-3443.