Birmingham
CF Championship Challenge
Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Sports fans will converge for the CF Championship Challenge, presented by Medical Properties Trust. Paul Finebaum, noted sports writer and host of the Finebaum Radio Network, headlines the evening with his trademark predictions for the upcoming college football season. Emcee will be Rick Karle, Fox 6 sports director. Music and silent and live auctions will precede the announcement of the Challenge winner and the awarding of the Challenge Cup to the team that has raised the most money in the fight against cystic fibrosis. Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information, to buy tickets or to contribute to your favorite team, call Elaine Chambless at 870-8565. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://www.cff.org/Chapters/alabama.
Birmingham
Read, Build and Play
Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Birmingham Museum of Art
Join LEGO DUPLO play leaders for a day of creative building with guided activities, songs and time to build whatever inspires you. Tailored for children under 5, the experience shows how reading coupled with construction play can engage, excite and encourage early literacy development and spark exploration. Families are introduced to new ideas to encourage play and learning at home. Kids will be inspired by the larger-than-life LEGO DUPLO book at the event. Admission is free. Visit www.readbuildplay.com for more information.
Vestavia Hills
I Love America Day Celebration
Aug. 10, 6 p.m.
Wald Park
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation present the second installment of this 31st annual celebration. Events include free swimming from 6-7 p.m., children’s activities by First Baptist Church of Birmingham from 6-8 p.m., a business expo and music by the Odd Quad from 6-6:50 p.m. and 7:10-8 p.m. The Vestavia Hills High School band also will perform from 6:50-7:10 p.m. “The Muppets” movie will begin at dusk, about 8 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. No pets are allowed on the field.
Mountain Brook
“Oklahoma!”
Aug. 9-19, 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Levite Jewish Community Center
Performances of Theatre LJCC’s production of the musical “Oklahoma!” are Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Aug. 9-19. Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. For more information, visit www.bhamjcc.org or call the ticket line, 879-0411.
Birmingham
Wynonna and The Big Noise
Aug. 10, 8 p.m.
Alys Stephens Center
Country singer Wynonna and her band The Big Noise will perform a show of her hits and new covers for the first time at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. A limited number of premium seating tickets are available for $96.50. Other tickets are $80.50, $71.50 and $60.50. Call 975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.
Homewood
Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band
Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
Leslie Stephen Wright Center, Samford University
Seven-time Grammy Award winner Bill Gaither will host an evening of music, laughter and encouragement featuring the Gaither Vocal Band. This concert event will celebrate themes of faith, unity and eternal hope through a variety of music for the whole family. Reserve tickets at www.gaither.com, 726-2853 or in person at the Samford Arts Box Office. For group rates, call 726-2853.
Birmingham
Picasso Pets
Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Cahaba Grand Conference Center
Hand in Paw’s 12th annual signature event and fundraiser will showcase the group’s work and its therapy pets. The evening will begin with the Picasso Pets silent auction and open bar followed by a seated dinner and live auction, which includes one-of-a-kind pet paintings. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.PicassoPets.com.
Hoover
Lori Johnson Fun Run
Aug. 18, 7 a.m.
Greystone Golf and Country Club
This event includes a 5K beginning at 8 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run beginning at 9 a.m. Registration starts at 7 a.m. or can be completed beforehand at www.raceit.com. The run is held annually in memory of Lori Johnson, a healthy woman unaware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which led to a stage 4 diagnosis. Proceeds benefit the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Overall winners receive cash and prizes. All children participating in the fun run will receive medallions as they cross the finish line. Food, pool games, entertainment and fun for the entire family will follow the race. Visit nlovca.org for more information.
Birmingham Metro Area
Cancer Prevention Study-3
Aug. 22-29
Area YMCAs, LJCC, Crossplex
The American Cancer Society recently announced an upcoming Cancer Prevention Study-3 enrollment in the Birmingham metro area. This is Birmingham’s first time participating in the historical study, which aims to enroll 300,000 people in the U.S. and Puerto Rico by the end of next year. Birmingham’s enrollment is set for Aug. 22-29 at area YMCAs, the city of Birmingham’s Crossplex and the Levite Jewish Community Center. Those who want to participate should make appointments now at cps3birmingham.org. To enroll in the study, individuals must be between ages 30-65 and have no cancer diagnosis, with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancers. Participants will make their appointments via the scheduling site and then go to a local enrollment location. At home, participants will complete comprehensive survey packets that ask for information on lifestyle, behavior and other factors related to their health. The society will send follow-up surveys every three years to update participant information and annual newsletters with study updates and results.
Hoover
Heart of the House Gala
Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Wynfrey Hotel
Join the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama for this 10th annual gala, its largest fundraiser of the year. ABC 33/40’s Nicole Allshouse will host the event, which will honor Sirote & Permutt for its longtime support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. Dinner and a silent auction are included. Jack Granger of Granger Thagard Auctioneers will handle the auction. Proceeds will benefit the RMHCA and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. For ticket or sponsorship information, contact Kathy Robson at 212-7258 or [email protected].
Vestavia Hills
Republican Women of the South Annual Fundraiser
Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Hollywood Pools & Spa
Meet some of the local candidates running in the Nov. 6 election at this annual fundraiser. Tickets are $35 and include barbecue from Moe’s and beverages as well as music and a silent auction. They can be purchased at the door, or contact Ann Jennings at 967-6647 or email [email protected] or Diane Zaragoza at [email protected] for more information.
Birmingham
Bards of Birmingham Masquerade Ball
Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
Woodrow Hall
At the Bards’ first Masquerade Ball, the company’s Bards in a Box will perform scenes from Shakespeare’s famous masquerade ball in “Much Ado About Nothing.” Local artist Bethanne Hill is creating a piece of artwork specifically for the silent auction. The plays of the 2012-13 season also will be announced. There will be food, drinks, entertainment and masquerading. Costume rental is available before the event. Contact Laura Coulter at 621-1812 or [email protected] for more information or tickets.
Birmingham
Art Onstage
Aug. 24, 9 a.m.
Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art and the Birmingham Art Association are partnering on this one-day art extravaganza. The event includes coffee, pastries and interactive demonstration sessions with a painter and potter on stage being interviewed by Steve Holmes. Dori DeCamillis, Scott Bennett, Frank Fleming and Barbara Evans are among the Birmingham artists who will be showcased. Visit www.artsbma.org for more information and to register.
Cahaba Heights
Chirps and Chips
Aug. 25, 7 p.m.
Historic Cahaba Pump Station
The Alabama Wildlife Center’s new junior board, Raptor Force, is hosting its first event, Chirps and Chips. The casino-themed night includes games, a silent auction, complimentary hors d’ouevres, wine and beer. Tickets are $75, and the attire is casual. GoodFellas Gaming will host all games. Kaitlin McCulley of CBS 42 will emcee. Avo, Dram, Jackson’s Bar and Bistro, the Pita Hut and others will provide hors d’ouevres. Proceeds will benefit the Alabama Wildlife Center. Visit www.awrc.org for more information or to purchase tickets.
Hoover
Race for Hope
Aug. 25, 7 a.m.
Veterans Park
The Kenya Relief Race for Hope is a 5K race to benefit Alabama nonprofit Kenya Relief and its construction of a hospital in Migori, Kenya. The faith-based organization serves the needy Kenyan population by funding health clinics, donating time and talents through missions work and providing vital healthcare services to children and families who would otherwise go without. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; the race starts at 8 a.m. Register at www.kenyarelief5K.org or www.active.com through Aug. 24 or at the race for $25.
North Central Alabama
Worship in Pink
Aug. 25-26
Participating Churches
The North Central Alabama Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is encouraging people to participate in Worship in Pink, an education program that inspires breast cancer advocacy and honors those affected by the disease. The program encourages and empowers places of worship to spread the message of early detection and honor survivors in their communities. Participants are encouraged to wear pink and get creative to make the day fun and educational. After registering at komenncalabama.org, groups will receive a free participation kit with ideas and promotional materials for Worship in Pink Weekend. Groups host their own events and incorporate breast cancer education into their weekly services. For more information, please visit komenncalabama.org.
Panama City Beach, Fla.
Woodlawn High School Grand Reunion
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Boardwalk Beach Resort
The Woodlawn High School Grand Reunion 2012 will be at the Panama City Beach Boardwalk Beach Resort. Classmates can renew old friendships and dance to oldies by DJ Phillip Calma and Larry Wooten in the famous “Hangout.” For more information, call Paula McLendon at 706-4668 or visit www.woodlawnhigh.org.
Homewood/Mountain Brook
Fashion’s Night Out
Sept. 6, 7 p.m.
Colonial Brookwood Village
This event includes a runway fashion presentation showcasing fall styles, fashion and beauty exhibits from area retailers, live music on the street and other special events. FNO, created in 2009 in a partnership between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York, was designed to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy and put the fun back in shopping. The event benefits the Junior League of Birmingham. For more information, visit http://www.fashionsnightout.com.
Birmingham
Giggles & Grace Fall Consignment Sale
Sept. 7-8, 8 a.m.
Asbury United Methodist Church
The Giggles & Grace sale will be from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 7 and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 8. Select items will be 50 percent off Sept. 8. Find deals on clothing in sizes infant-junior, baby items, furniture, toys, books and more Visit www.asburygigglesandgrace.com for more information.
Hoover
Head Over Teal 5K/Family Fun Day
Sept. 15, 8 a.m.
The Preserve
This third annual Brookwood Medical Center event will include a 5K race, 1-mile walk/run and activities for the whole family. Children’s activities include inflatables, games, face painting and crafts. Also scheduled are acoustic folk, rock and blues performances and arts and crafts exhibits and displays until 4 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.thinkoflaura.com.
Birmingham
ZooGala 2012
Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m.
Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo’s largest fundraising event, includes cocktails, dinner, live music and animal walkabouts in an African safari atmosphere. All proceeds go to the zoo’s operational efforts. The black tie-optional affair will be held in the zoo’s signature exhibit, Trails of Africa. Guests will be transported on the zoo’s locomotives, the Red Diamond Express and the Birmingham Zoo Express, for cocktails beginning at 6:30 p.m. A seated dinner begins at 8 p.m. ZooGala will feature entertainment by K-JAMS, menu and decorations by Kathy G & Company, an original piece of artwork by Thomas Andrew and jewelry by Empire Diamonds. Guests can look forward to appearances by Bulwagi, Callee, Ajani or Tamani, the zoo’s African bull elephants and residents of Trails of Africa. For more information, visit www.birminghamzoo.com. To buy tickets, contact Kathy Vaughn at 397.3861 or [email protected].
Vestavia Hills
E-Recycling and Shred It Event
Sept. 15, 9 a.m.
Wald Park
The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and the city of Vestavia Hills invite community residents to donate certain electronics for recycling at this event at the Wald Park pool parking lot, 1973 Merryvale Road. Acceptable items include computers, monitors, desktop CPUs, LCD display laptops, notebook computers, CD/DVD players, scanners, printers, fax machines, adding machines, cell phones, corded phones, cordless phones, answering machines, pagers, pocket PCs, digital cameras, routers, remotes, PDAs, stereos, Discmans, Walkmans, VCRs, radios, tape players, keyboards, cables, mice, game hardware, modems, external hardware, small kitchen appliances, can openers, blenders, large white kitchen goods, refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, washers, dryers and microwaves. For more information, call the City of Vestavia Hills at 978-0100 or Vestavia Chamber of Commerce at 823-5011.
Homewood
Bargain Costume Closet
Sept. 16, 2 p.m
Children’s Dance Foundation
Find costumes, dancewear, dress-up clothes, shoes and accessories at bargain prices. The items have been donated from individuals, dance studios and groups from across the country. The sale is from 2-4 p.m.; entry to the shop is free. Donations are welcome at any time. For more information, visit www.childrensdancefoundation.org.
Homewood
Exceptional Foundation Art Show
Sept. 20, 6 p.m.
Exceptional Foundation
Special needs participants at the Exceptional Foundation create art to sell at this event, presented by the Alabama Society of CPAs Birmingham Young CPA Chapter. Proceeds help keep program fees affordable for participants’ families. Guests will enjoy music, wine and beer and a variety of food donated by local restaurants. Silent auction donations will include Exceptional Foundation participants’ artwork, a local artists’ section, items donated by local businesses and several unusual experience opportunities. Visit www.exceptionalfoundation.org for more information or to purchase tickets, which are $35.
Birmingham
Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival
Sept. 20-22, 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Saint George Melkite Catholic Church
This festival offers homemade foods such as humus dip, kibbee, falafel sandwiches, meat and spinach pies, rolled grape leaves and more. The dessert table will feature favorite homemade delicacies such as baklawa, harissa and zalabieh, a fried doughnut. Lunch is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner is from 4-9 p.m. A drive-through service will be available from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Downtown delivery is available for lunch orders on Thursday and Friday with a $75 minimum order. Call 492-9621for lunch delivery. Cultural booths and vendors will feature Middle Eastern and Byzantine wares, including Byzantine icons, exotic ingredients and spices, olive wood carvings from the Holy Land, hand-painted Paschal eggs and colorful hip scarves. Visitors will be entertained by Amin and the Sultans band of New York and the parish’s own dance groups. Church tours will be conducted during festival hours. For more information, visit www.saintgeorgeonline.org.
Birmingham
Mid-Day Musical
Sept. 28, 12:30 p.m.
Cathedral Church of the Advent
The Elyton Chamber Players, made up of members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and friends, will perform a free 30-minute concert of chamber music at the Cathedral Church of the Advent.
