Keeping tradition alive, ACHA hosts Low Country Boil fundraiser

Malia Riggs

Elmore Autauga News

The Autauga County Heritage Association hosted its annual Low Country Boil last Saturday, which is their biggest fundraiser of the year. The event had both silent and live auctions and at the door ticket sales.

The proceeds from this event go toward the ACHA and their restoration projects and upkeep of current and future projects. ACHA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit membership organization. Founded in 1976 in response to the destruction of the historic Daniel Pratt house years earlier, the ACHA seeks to preserve and interpret our local history through a broad range of resources.

“My favorite thing about being a part of this event is seeing all the wonderful people from Prattville and seeing all the volunteers come together as this is a volunteer-based association. The proceeds from tonight will go towards the preservation of local history,” Ann Boutwell of the Autauga County Heritage Association said.

In years past, the ACHA has helped preserve artifacts and various historical documents to Prattville and Autauga County, as well as support the Prattaugan Museum where many of the artifacts and documents can be found throughout the year.

The annual ACHA Low Country Boil was hosted at the Buena Vista Mansion, an antebellum house built circa 1822. Serving through preservation, the ACHA has saved and developed a number of historic properties.

The event was held from 6-9 p.m., and the traditional low country boil dish was served during the live auction portion of the evening. In the auction were numerous handmade items and historical items that were recovered through the Daniel Pratt Gin company, where the highest bid was over $500. 

A jazz band called Gatsby Jazz from Raleigh, North Carolina was also playing during the evening festivities, which gave the perfect ambiance under the twinkling lights on the lawn.

“This event has been an annual event for many years now, and it’s very special. We haven’t had it for a few years due to Covid, but it’s been a pleasure to get it started back. This event is the primary source of funds for current and future projects and it’s just nice to see people participating in something like this. Seeing the fellowship and community come out and enjoy the Buena Vista house is great, it’s something we’re very proud of,” Don Edgeworth of the Autauga County Heritage Association said.