TUSCUMBIA–How do you pay tribute to the best friend you ever had? If that best friend happens to be a coon dog, then you bury that pal in the world’s only Coon Dog Cemetery, located in the “Freedom Hills” of rural western Colbert County, Alabama. Once a year you go back to this scenic resting place for more than 200 tried and true hunting dogs, and celebrate the memory of the dog and your happy times together at the annual Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration. Music by The Southern Strangers, buck dancing, and a “Liar’s” contest are all regular features of the celebration which is scheduled to take place Labor Day, September 6, 12-4pm. L.O. Bishop’s famous “Hawg House” Barbecue will be sold and tee shirts, hats, and a new souvenir lapel pin will be available as well. Proceeds from these sales will benefit the Coon Dog Cemetery fund and will be used for maintenance and the recreation of some stones that have deteriorated. The event is coordinated and managed by the Friends of the Coon Dog Cemetery and the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau. The cemetery and the annual Labor Day celebration bring national media attention to this remote place located near the town of Cherokee in west Colbert County, just a few miles from U.S. Highway 72 West and the Natchez Trace Parkway, near Tuscumbia.

From Tuscumbia travel U.S. Highway 72 West to Ala Hwy 247, turn south and travel 12.8 miles to Coon Dog Cemetery Road. Turn right and travel five miles to the cemetery which will be on your left. A sign marks the entrance to the cemetery. Parking is free.

Key Underwood buried his dog, Troop, in 1937 near the spring where the two had spent countless happy hours hunting together. It wasn’t long until Mr. Underwood’s hunting

buddies

began to

lay their

special

hunting dogs

to rest near

the grave of Troop. Nearly 225 graves are

marked in the

cemetery,

many with

colorful epitaphs on the tombstones. Some are hand-constructed markers, others are expensive, professionally prepared stones. All pay tribute to special friends and to camaraderie among sportsmen.

For more information about Coon Dog Cemetery or the annual Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration, contact Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, 256-383-0783. The website for the cemetery is www.CoonDogCemetery .com.