Eight years after a tornado outbreak leveled their businesses in downtown Cullman, Scott Waldrep, left of East Side Barber Shop, Kitty Spears of Busy Bee Cafe, and Bo Waldrep of East Side Barber Shop, have enjoyed a resurgence of business downtown.

Eight years ago, a series of tornadoes ravaged Cullman County, carving trails of destruction through homes and businesses.

Out of the rubble sprang a new determination and a new trail of growth and prosperity. While millions of dollars of damage was recorded, the community rebounded quickly and embarked on a new economic era with a wave of businesses arriving, while others re-opened, along with numerous industrial expansions.

Two businesses that came back, where they were located before the tornadoes, are the Busy Bee Cafe and East Side Barbershop.

Kitty Spears, owner eight years ago of the Busy Bee, was inside the restaurant when it struck by an EF-4 tornado. After being rescued from the rubble and recovering from injuries, Spears and her family were determined to rebuild at the same location.

“We were able to do it and from a disaster came a blessing,” Spears said. “Look at things now, business is better in Cullman than ever before. One thing I remember is our customers wanting us to rebuild and capture the same design and feeling they were used to. I think we were able to do that well and everyone is having a great time.”

Next door, East Side Barbershop owners Bo and Scott Waldrep lost their building as well, but they came back and enjoy a steady stream of old and new customers.

“We left about 20 minutes before the tornado. I just had a bad feeling. I came to the Busy Bee trying to get Kitty to leave a couple time,” Scott Waldrep said. “But when we knew our place was gone, we had every intention of coming back. It’s been a good decision all along.”

The anniversary of the tornado is also landing on the 100th anniversary of the Busy Bee. The restaurant will be hosting a celebration with carnival rides, face painting for kids, compliments of East Side Barber Shop, and live music.

Festivities begin at 2 p.m., which will include a performance by the Cotton Pickin’ Kids. At 3:30 p.m., a duo — The Two of Us — will perform. Tres Locos will take the stage at 6 p.m., with activities continuing until 9 p.m. The activities and performances are free to the public.