The HGTV series “Home Town Takeover,” hosted by Ben and Erin Napier, debuted in May 2021. On the show, the Napiers traveled to Elmore County, Alabama, intending to improve the small town, Wetumpka, and its local economy. According to HGTV, the network “selected Wetumpka because, despite hardships, natural disasters and unexpected setbacks, the community’s undying spirit and resilience showed that they were ready to kickstart a comeback with HGTV’s help.”
During a Recent Interview, Ben Napier Commented on “Mom-and-Pop Shops”
Architectural Design reported that the “Home Town” stars decided the best way to improve Wetumpka would be to remodel “12 homes and businesses” in just four months. The publication noted that there could be skeptics who may be doubtful that a few months’ worth of work will actually strengthen the town’s local economy, especially since consumers typically have a preference for online retailers. While speaking to Architectural Design, Ben asserted that “mom-and-pop shops,” like the ones in Wetumpka, are here to stay.
“A lot of people right now talk about Amazon and the internet taking business from mom-and-pop shops, but before that it was big-box stores, and before that it was shopping malls, and before that it was catalogues. Going back forever, there was always something that was going to put the mom-and-pop business out, but we are still here and we still bring something to the table,” explained the 37-year-old.
There Has Been an Uptick in Tourism Since “Home Town Takeover” Premiered
While it is too early to tell if the series has helped with the longevity of Wetumpka’s small businesses, Pop Culture reported there has been “an increase in interest in” the town since the premiere of the “Home Town” spin-off. During a June interview with WSFA, Marilee Tankersley, who lives in Wetumpka, revealed that there “has been a much larger increase in crowds.” She went on to say that locals have “loved having all the people that want to see what is going on here.”
In an April interview with the Alabama Newscenter, the town’s Mayor Jerry Willis revealed that he expected the show to have a positive effect on the community.
“I am thrilled at the excitement the show has brought to this community already,” stated Willis. “The momentum has brought so much interest to Wetumpka. I can’t wait to see what happens after the premiere. I hope they will see our unique qualities and what a tight-knit community we are.”
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Wetumpka is the base of the Southern Cultural Center, a neo-Confederate group… Racism.
In 2022, two women were arrested and charged for feeding feral cats, which is not a crime in Wetumpka. City Judge Jeff Courtney sentenced Beverly Roberts, 85, and Mary Alston, 61, each to two years of unsupervised probation and 10 days in jail. The jail sentence was suspended. They were also ordered to each pay $100 in fines, plus court costs. After sentencing the women appealed to the Elmore County Circuit Court, at which point the city decided to no longer pursuing criminal charges.
The arrests generated worldwide media coverage and opposition and resulted in Wetumpka being called a “national laughing stock. If not international.” Roberts and Alston were later named “community heroes” by the Montgomery Advisor for helping feral cats in Wetumpka. They were also featured on an episode of A&E’ show “My Strange Arrest”.
Roberts and Alston alleged that “small-town politics” were behind what happened, saying that Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis “ordered Roberts’ arrest because she had a history of making complaints about animal welfare matters in the city.”