What is Sucker Day?

The annual Sucker Day Festival in Wetumka celebrates the city business owners that were “suckered” by a flim-flam man selling tickets to a non-existent circus. In the early 1950s, a man named F. Bam Morrison entered Wetumka and persuaded residents to put up the money to bring a circus to town. Morrison sold advance tickets while citizens prepared for the crowds with the purchase of food, beverages and souvenirs. 

The citizens of Wetumka lined the streets on the morning the circus parade was scheduled to march down Main Street. Nothing happened. Morrison had left the night before with money in his pocket and the citizens of the town learned that they had been swindled.

Instead of taking the swindle to heart, Wetumka turned disappointment into amusement. Armed with the food and decorations they had prepared for the circus, Wetumka decided to celebrate anyway. Sucker Day was first observed in 1953. Come and join Wetumka citizens as they celebrate the day when local residents wisely turned a frown upside down, kicked up their heels and let disappointment slide away. 

Today, the festival includes arts and crafts, music and various activities. Don’t miss the parade featuring antique autos and tractors, horses and riding clubs. The annual Sucker Day poker run is a popular attraction, so ride into Wetumka on your motorcycle and plan to spend the day. Food will range from burgers and hot dogs to a variety of ethnic dishes.