Saturday is Wet Willie Day in Alabama (The party is in Montgomery)

Saturday is Wet Willie Day in the state of Alabama, but keep your nasty fingers out of your friends’ ears -- this is a celebration of a home-grown musical legacy.

In conjunction with Tavern Fest, an event taking place Saturday in Montgomery, Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a proclamation honoring Wet Willie, a band that came out of Mobile in 1970 to join the Capricorn Records roster and help define a new genre known as Southern rock alongside groups such as The Allman Brothers Band. A high-water mark came in 1974, when Wet Willie scored a Top 10 hit with “Keep On Smilin’.” That uplifting tune, and the similarly upbeat “Country Side of Life,” have lived on to pop up occasionally in films or TV shows -- and if you listen to one or two certain radio stations in Mobile, you’ve got a fair chance of hearing “Weekend” around 5 p.m. on any given Friday.

The proclamation, which also takes note of the Top 40 song “Street Corner Serenade,” recognizes the group’s membership in both the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall will appear Saturday at Tavern Fest. Presented by the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, the event takes its name from Lucas Tavern, the oldest building in Montgomery. According to information provided by organizers, the event “benefits the community preservation and education efforts of the Landmarks Foundation and Old Alabama Town.”

“Having Wet Willie headline our event is huge,” said Collier Neeley, executive director of the foundation. “We’re proud to host a legendary rock and roll band of this caliber and know everyone will have a great time. We are doubly happy to be able to host the events after the roller coaster of three different reschedules. We want everyone to come out and take advantage of our street and park space so they can feel comfortable spacing and spreading out as they enjoy one of Alabama’s most iconic bands playing under the sunset.”

Gates open at 5 p.m. on North Hull Street in downtown Montgomery with the group taking the stage at about 6:30. Attractions include food trucks, craft beer and other vendors, and there will be a viewing area for Alabama and Auburn fans to keep up with the day’s games. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com; prices are $30 general admission and $100 VIP.

For full information visit www.landmarksfoundation.com or https://www.facebook.com/landmarksfoundationofmontgomery.