Alabama town honors beginning of emergency call number 9-1-1

Ever wonder how the 911 emergency call came about in the United States? Or where the first call went through?

Well, maybe not but the North Alabama town of Haleyville knows because the first 911 emergency call went out from this town more than 50 years ago. And if you know anything about Southern towns and how we love parades and festivals, that’s cause for a celebration.

The Haleyville Area Chamber of Commerce and the town come together every year to host a two-day festival,which this year will be June 5-6, 2026. Appropriately named the 9-1-1 Festival, the events offers activities for kids, arts and crafts vendors, parade, live music, motorcycle, classic car and antique tractor show and more. Admission is free.

Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 5, downtown Haleyville will offer family-friendly activities such as shopping among arts and crafts and food vendors, a kid’s zone and live music. Slated to perform are Area 51, Michael Stacey’s Margaritaville, Colin Stough, who finished third on “American Idol” season 21, and headliner Aaron Tippin.

On Saturday, June 6, the festivities begin at 8 a.m. and include a motorcycle show, classic car show and antique tractor show, arts and crafts and food vendors, a kid’s zone and the annual Haleyville alumni and first responders parade at 10 a.m. Saturday’s music lineup consists of Mike Jones, Lauderdale County String Band, Raine and Freebird ATL, a high-energy Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band.

All activities are held in downtown Haleyville and festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

So how did it all begin?

In 1968, Alabama Speaker of the House Rankin Fite placed the first 911 emergency call from City Hall and it was answered a short distance away at the city’s police station by U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill. The annual 9-1-1 Festival celebrates the history making moment and uses the weekend to honor law enforcement and first responders.

For more information, follow the event on Facebook at Haleyville Alabama 9-1-1 Festival or call (205) 486-4611.