Tickets for the 2009 Demopolis Pilgrimage went on sale this week at Bluff Hall at 407 N. Commissioners Ave., and organizers are excited about the weekend’s events in conjunction with the Southern Literary Trail.

The pilgrimage will be held Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 apiece and $10 for children under 12.

The pilgrimage is part of a host a series of special events in Demopolis along the Southern Literary Trail.

“The Southern Literary Trail is a collaboration of 18 Southern towns from Natchez, Miss., to Savannah, Ga., that celebrate internationally renowned writers and playwrights of the 20th Century who were inspired by their communities,” said Kirk Brooker, president of the Marengo County Historical Society.

“Demopolis and every other Trail community will present plays, movies, tours and discussion panels that explore the masterworks of Southern literature and honor their authors.”

The events in Demopolis will celebrate the city’s connection to famous playwright Lillian Hellman.

Besides the pilgrimage, the city will host one of Hellman’s plays at the Canebrake Little Theater, “The Autumn Garden,” along with discussions by writers Bert Hitchcock, William Cobb and Alan Brown.

“We are hoping for large crowds at the Spring Pilgrimage and the production of ‘The Autumn Garden,’” said Brooker. “What’s interesting is seeing homes of many different periods and styles, and in different stages of restoration.”

The pilgrimage will allow attendees to visit 12 historic homes and buildings in Demopolis.

“We are excited about all the historic homes that will be open and want to thank the homeowners for agreeing to participate in this year’s pilgrimage,” said Kayte Melton, Pilgrimage chairman. “Each home is so unique with its own story that there will be something for everyone!”

The pilgrimage will take those attending to 12 different locations in the course of two days to present them with an assortment of historical venues. Besides several better-known sites like Gaineswood and Bluff Hall, the pilgrimage will feature homes with lesser-known histories, but just as intriguing.

Homes and buildings on tour will be the home of: Dr. Judy Travis, 705 N. Main Ave.; Dr. Erik and Rebecca Lessman, 704 N. Main Ave.; Tom and Gayla Culpepper, 510 N. Main Ave.; Carl and Inda Pugh, 501 N. Main Ave.; Jared and Meg Wingfield

500 N. Main Ave.; Frankie and Virginia Overstreet, 101 W. Pettus St.; Martha Turner and Sarah Chandler Hallmark, 301 W. Pettus St.; Bluff Hall, Lyon Hall, Gaineswood, and Town Hall. For more information call (334) 289-9644.