FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Fairhope Museum of History is celebrating Fairhope’s Roundup Day on Saturday, Nov. 15.

It’s an event that’s unique to our city, explained Museum Director Donnie Barrett.

“Nov. 15, 1894 was the day that E.B. Gaston and his family, along with other Fairhopers, arrived on the Eastern Shore to establish the Fairhope colony. It was the day that Gaston said people needed to put their money where their mouths were and make their way to Fairhope.”

Most of the settlers came by bayboat, others came by wagon. They converged on a spot that advance man James Bellangee described as “lovely indeed.” In a letter back to E.B. Gaston, Bellangee described the area that would become Fairhope, writing, “The view from the shore is magnificent … . The bay is quite calm and placid at eventide …. I believe it is the healthiest region we have struck yet.”

The 2008 Roundup Day will celebrate the founders with a party at the museum, Barrett said. “People are encouraged to come dressed as the founders would have in 1894, which could be anything from fine Edwardian outfits to work clothes, cover-alls, and straw hats.”

The evening event will feature period decorations, music by the 1800s-style string band Cracker Dan, light hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and a Fairhope trivia contest with prizes.

“Study your Fairhope history 101, and come prepared to have a good time,” Barrett said.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fairhope Museum of History and admission is free. For questions, call 929-1474.