Loachapoka, Ala. straddles Hwy. 14 about seven miles outside of Auburn. This tiny town of about 300 residents is so small that if you blink you might miss it.

Larry Justice, Loachapoka’s mayor, explained that he loves living in Loachapoka because of the peace and quiet.

“It’s not a big hustle, bustle and traffic,” he said. “It’s kind of the country away from town, even though it’s still in town.”

But don’t let its size and quiet impression fool you. Loachapoka and its residents know how to throw a party. Since 1972, citizens of Loachapoka have hosted one of the biggest parties in the region, “Loachapoka Syrup Sopping Day.”

“Syrup Sopping Day” got its start when a few locals decided to make cane syrup the old fashioned way.

“Back in 1972 there was some guys there got together and they wanted to make some syrup and sell it,” Justice said. “And they did and it just kind of grew from there. People came more or less to watch them make it.”

In recent years the event has grown to include more food, live music and vendors who sell homemade cheese, baskets, jewelry, pottery and, of course, syrup. The 2009 Sop attracted nearly 20,000 visitors from throughout the Southeast with some guests coming from as far away as Hawaii and Alaska.

“Syrup Sopping Day” begins early in the morning at about 5 a.m. Juice from the sugar cane, which is grown in town at Potwell Farms, is extracted with a machine called a cane crusher. The juice is then heated in vats over pinewood to make syrup. Early risers come for breakfast the day of the Sop and are served biscuits, sausage and fresh-made syrup.

However, not everyone loves “Syrup Sopping Day.” Years ago organizers of the Sop found themselves in trouble with PETA, an animal rights group, because of a stubborn mule. Mules are traditionally used to power the cane crusher.

“I got wrote-up one time,” Justice explained. “One of the guys hit the mule on the rump with a cane stick. And the PETA, they wrote me up because they said it was inhumane to hit the mule. There was a stack of paperwork for nothing. They were out there. They were watching. Every hour and a half we have to swap out the mule. It’s against the law for them to make them break a sweat. “

Lee County Commissioner Mathan Holt said he believes it’s a great event to bring the community together.

“This event helps give younger generations an illustration of old crafts and old skills encompassed by many of their ancestors,” he said.

Admission to “Syrup Sopping Day” is free, but the money raised from fees paid by vendors stays within the community.

“It is a community project,” said Justice. “The money we do make goes back to different community projects that we have over the year.”

The event starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until late afternoon.

“We generally stay as long as it takes for the food to be gone and every visitor is satisfied with their experience,” Holt said.

Those who benefit are the Girl and Boy Scouts and DHR. The city also uses the money to provide Christmas to needy families in the area.

“Syrup Sopping Day” only comes once a year, but Loachapoka residents keep the party going year-round. In addition to the Sop, Loachapoka boasts one of the most unique music venues in the area, Fred’s Pickin’ Parlor, located inside Fred’s Feed and Seed.

Fred Lord, owner of Fred’s Feed and Seed has been playing music his entire life. He toured the world playing with the U.S.O., before he settled in Loachapoka where he opened his feed store.

“I was in the feed and seed business till November 2008,” said Lord. “Droughts and weather conditions and people just didn’t garden like they used to. A lot of my old time farmers died off and weren’t getting replaced so I decided it was time to do something else. And plus I’d rather be playing music.”

Lord plays a wide assortment of instruments. When asked exactly how many he played he needed more than a few minutes to count. He finally decided that he teaches 13 instruments and “dabbles in bag pipe and piano.”

What began as a good business move has become an institution in Lee County. On a typical Saturday night, Fred’s Pickin’ Parlor attracts between 150 and 200 people who come to see such musicians as Megan Jean, Will Dooley, the Lazy Birds and J.P. Harris and Tough Choices Honky Tonk Band.

Lord noted that the Pickin’ Parlor has been well received in Loachapoka because it appeals to all music lovers.

“I think it’s unique because you have such a juxtaposition of different generations,” said Tasnia Matin, a senior at Auburn University and fan of Fred’s Pickin’ Parlor. “You have college hip kids and then you also have local people who’ve been there forever. They’re enjoying the music because it’s bluegrass, but it has a modern take on it.”

Musicians love Fred’s too. Uncle Roy, of the Uncle Roy Show, has performed at Fred’s on several occasions.

“It’s one of the nicest places I’ve ever played and I’ve been playing 47 years now,” he said. “The audience was there for the music and they clapped sincerely and really listened.”

Despite its size, Loachapoka packs a punch for those looking for a good time with “Syrup Sopping Day” and Fred’s Pickin’ Parlor. For more information on the Sop, visit syrupsopping.org. To find out who’s playing at Fred’s this weekend, call 334.502.6602.