The Town of Akron came together on Saturday, May 23, for the first Akron Day, a daylong celebration of the town’s history, people, and spirit.
Rain was in the forecast, but the community turned out anyway and was rewarded with a mostly sunny afternoon.
Former Mayor Rev. West Moore opened the event with a prayer, followed by a welcome from Dimetra Rollins. The celebration was organized by the Akron Event Planning Committee of Brian Brown, Shakina Dussett, Jesse Fields, Keisha Wilson, and Rollins, with historical research by Councilman Stanley Hollie, Mrs. Bettie Hunter, and Ms. Marilyn Rollins. Kent Fields and Tammy Robinson provided logistical support. The event was held under the leadership of Mayor Chris Rollins.
Hollie delivered a historical presentation on the founding of Akron and the town’s notable figures.
Several awards were presented during the program. The 2026 Akron Hometown Legend Award honored the family of Riggs Stephenson, the Major League Baseball player and Akron native. His daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Marla Sayers and Mr. Roger Sayers, accepted the award and shared memorabilia, statistics, and stories from Stephenson’s life. They said he loved Akron and often returned home to visit and drive through town.
The 2026 Hometown Hero Award went to CJ Rollins, a professional basketball player and Akron native who continues to represent the town while competing around the world.
Living Legacy Awards were presented to Mr. Louis Watford and Mrs. Alice Eatmon, recognized as Akron’s oldest man and woman, for their dedication to family and community.
The Mayor’s Outstanding Citizen Awards went to Tammy Robinson, Autherine “Sweetie” Palmer, and Marilyn “Lois” Rollins for their service to the town.
The program closed with a recognition of the 1980 Akron Rams, the Alabama High School Class A State Football Championship team. Attendees had the chance to see the original state championship trophy, and team members posed for photos with it more than four decades after their victory.
Beyond the formal program, families and friends gathered throughout the day to visit, reminisce, and enjoy a Kid Zone, cornhole games, vendors, and music by DJ Terminator.
The day ended with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament that drew players and spectators from a range of age groups, including a women’s division.
