In March 2016, some in the Shoals community felt the loss, either directly or indirectly, of brothers Jacob and Jeremiah Sanders who died in a boating accident. Jacob Sanders’ band, The Velcro Pygmies, will host a memorial show in the brothers’ honor Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at McFarland Park.

Cameron Flener, the lead singer of the band, is in charge of the event. He said he wanted to host this show to celebrate the brothers.

“We wanted to have an event to celebrate life,” he said. “Both Jeremiah and Jacob lived life fully, and this event is a reminder that we should all live similarly.”

The memorial show is free and open to all ages, he said.

Flener said the community can enjoy music while paying their respects.

“The Pygmies will hit the stage at about sundown, which is around 8:30 p.m.,” he said. “There will also be a Tribute Room at the (Florence-Lauderdale Visitor’s) Center where images of Jeremiah and Jacob will be on display.”

The Tribute Room is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., said Alison Stanfield, Florence-Lauderdale Visitor’s Center director of operations.

“The tribute room will include a slideshow, video and mementos from friends and family,” she said. “Visitors can also sign a guestbook and leave notes for the family to take with them.”

This event can help many people emotionally, said junior Zach Liles.

“This memorial show is a good thing,” he said. “This provides a way for people to cope and be able to finally move on.”

Flener said the group chose to have the show on Saturday to make it easier for visitors coming from out of town.

“Many people will be traveling in from far away locations, and a Saturday event makes that possible,” he said.

For people coming from out of town, Residence Inn, Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn Mid-town and Baymont Inn are offering discounts for people who reserve rooms ahead of time, Flener said. In order to receive the discount, the person must tell the hotels that they are in town for the memorial, and in some places, vistors must reserve a group of rooms.

Liles said these hotels are showing their support and respect to the community and family.

Flener said he hopes everyone who is able to make it has a good time.

“We hope to give everyone a wonderful night to celebrate two amazing people and reflect on how fragile life is,” he said.