It wasn’t the Academy Awards, but “The Legend of Toyland” and its creators swept the slate of awards last Thursday night like a blockbuster movie piles up Oscars.
The efforts of those who brought “The Legend of Toyland” back to Russellville were rewarded at the 11th annual Partnership Awards Banquet held at the A.W. Todd Centre. The event, co-sponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Development Authority, recognizes outstanding local contributions in community service and business and industry.
Lanny McAlister, who wrote and directed “Toyland,” received the prestigious Hall of Fame Award. Hillary Hall and Chase Sparks, who led the project and worked with McAlister to bring the show to Russellville, received the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award for Russellville, respectively.
And the Roxy’s “Legend of Toyland” was named Franklin County’s Best Kept Secret.
McAlister is a Russellville native who has dedicated his life and talents to promoting music education.
His teaching career began at Rogers High School, where he organized the “Buccaneers in Blue” band. He went on to teach in Dadeville and Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Georgia, before returning home to Franklin County and Northwest Junior College, where he taught the next 32 years.
McAlister directed 15 major Broadway musicals at Northwest, and his “Toyland” creation was a Northwest fixture for 30 years.
After a five-year retirement, McAlister revived “Toyland” in 2017 for the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council. More than 6,000 people saw the show during its five-day run.
McAlister said he knew he’d been nominated for an award, but had no idea he would be the winner.
“It was a very nice surprise,” he said. “I very much appreciate it. I’d like to thank the many people who went into making Toyland. I enjoy doing it and enjoy that time.”
And if you’re wondering about the return of “Toyland” this year, count on it.
“We’ve started work on it already,” McAlister said. “Hopefully, we will be able to buy some of the costumes so the expense won’t be so extravagant this year and we can return more money to the community. We’re looking into some new options, and I’ve started a rewrite on it. We’ll add some things to this year’s show.”
Other Partnership Awards Banquet honorees included:
- Beautification Award: Leisure Creations (Phil Campbell); Clarion Couture (Red Bay); The Bricks Restaurant (Russellville).
- Business of the Year: Cottontails Children’s Boutique.
- Franklin County’s Best Kept Secret: The Roxy’s Legend of Toyland.
- Distinguished Service Award: Carl Cooper (Phil Campbell); Jarod Massey (Red Bay); Chase Sparks (Russellville).
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Hillary Hall.
- The Roger Bedford Unsung Hero Award: Scotty Kennedy.
- Excellence in Industrial Growth: Road Gear Truck Equipment.
- Industrial Support Award: CNC Stone Crafters.
- Industry of the Year: Sunshine Homes.
- Educator of the Year Franklin County Schools: Leah Torisky.
- Educator of the Year Russellville City Schools: Cindy Coan and Dana Crummie.
