Tallassee’s 1220 was filled with suspenders and ties Saturday as James Spann came to town.
One might have thought Spann was there to report on the weather as his jacket was off and suspenders were on display. But he wasn’t the only one on Gilmer Avenue for Spann’s book tour.
PHOTOS: James Spann visits Tallassee
A trio of Spann look-a-likes walked in — Bradley Smith was joined by his twin 6-year old sons James and Thomas dressed in a tie and suspenders just like Spann. It was like a three funnel tornado had swept into the room at 1220, only far less destructive.
“We come as a package deal,” Bradley said.
Bradley’s wife Jamie said the family, which also includes 8-year-old Hattie and 4-year-old Eleanor, are massive Spann fans.
“We have his book ‘Prepared, Not Scared’,” Jamie said. “It’s our family motto. Before they could say (the word) ‘prepared’, they would say, ‘Repair, Not Scared.’”
Jamie said after they purchased a copy on preorder in 2021, the family reads the book when they go to a safe place to ride out storm warnings. The book was brought to Saturday’s book signing for Spann to sign.
The family is originally from Birmingham and is very familiar with Spann,. They know what to watch for when his sleeves are rolled up, or when his tie is sometimes removed.
“We have also downloaded all the weather apps from James Spann,” Bradley said. “He is our guy.”
Spann was signing his books and children’s books by his wife and son. He also had stickers and shirts with his famous “Respect the Polygon” saying referencing how storm warnings are marked on maps that he frequently reports on.
Noah Griggs, owner of 1220 Cafe didn’t go out seeking a visit from the meteorologist. Instead Spann called up the restaurant seeking a place to visit on his book tour.
“I have passed by this place many times,” Spann said.
It didn’t take Griggs long to agree to allowing 1220 to be on Spann’s book tour.
“There is not one like him,” Griggs said. “There are some good ones but this guy is so colorful and entertaining while he tells you the weather. He is kind of the wow factor.”
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