By Keysha Drexel
Journal editor
The Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department and the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce will kick off Independence Day celebrations in the Over the Mountain and surrounding areas, which this year will include fireworks shows, historical reenactments, wine tastings, free concerts and more.
The 33rd annual “I Love America” Summer Celebration in Vestavia Hills is July 2 from 6-9 p.m.
“This is a great way to come together, network and celebrate the community,” said Linda Parker, Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce board chairman.
There will free swimming at Wald Park on U.S. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. and children’s activities from 6-8 p.m.
There will also be a business expo from 6-8 p.m. on July 2.
The Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra will present “Pops in the Park,” a concert of patriotic and pop favorites, beginning at 7 p.m. In case of rain, the concert will take place at the church on Columbiana Road in Vestavia Hills.
A movie showing of the family-friendly film “Frozen” begins at dusk at about 8:15 p.m.
For more information on the “I Love America” Summer Celebration, visit www.vestaviahills.org or call 823-5011.
Additional Fourth of July celebration events in the area include:
North Shelby
33rd Annual Peavine Falls Run
July 4, 6:30 a.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
Start your Independence Day on the right foot with the Birmingham Track Club as it presents the 33rd annual Rick Melanson Peavine Falls Run July 4 at Oak Mountain State Park. The 8.2-mile out-and-back run starts at the Dogwood Pavilion and runs 3.5 miles to the Peavine Falls parking lot. The return trip is on the same road but takes a scenic 1.2-mile single track detour back to the picnic area. The race begins at 7 a.m. Walkers are also welcome and will start at 6:30 a.m. For the first time the race will be chip-timed, and awards will be given to the top 10 males and top 10 females. Admission is $15. Oak Mountain State Park is at 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham. For more information or to register for the run, visit www.birminghamtrackclub.com.
Montevallo
Celebrate Independence Day 1776
July 4, 11 a.m.
American Village
Take a trip back in time this Fourth of July by celebrating Independence Day at American Village in Montevallo. The Celebrate Independence Day 1776 event runs from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. Gates open at 11 a.m., and events begin at noon. Full Moon BBQ and other vendors will offer food for sale. Throughout the day, costumed historical interpreters will tell the story of the nation’s founding. There will also be Revolutionary Army drills and a chance to play 18th-century games. The event will wrap up with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 but free for ages 4 and younger, active military personnel and veterans. American Village is at 3727 Highway 119. For more information, visit www.americanvillage.org or call 665-3565, extension 1301.
Homewood
Fourth of July Festival
July 4, 5:30-9 p.m.
Downtown Homewood
The city of Homewood and the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board will celebrate the Fourth of July from 5:30-9 p.m. in downtown Homewood. Two blocks of 18th Street South and one block of 29th Avenue South in the downtown area will be closed to vehicles to make way for pedestrian traffic. The event will include inflatables and rides for children, DJ music and other activities. Admission is free, but unlimited rides wristbands must be purchased for rides and attractions. For more information, contact Rusty Holley at [email protected].
Hoover
Freedom Fest
July 4, 5-10 p.m.
Hoover Met
The city of Hoover will present a free Fourth of July celebration for the whole family with Freedom Fest at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The event will run from 6-10 p.m. July 4. There will be a car show in the stadium parking lot, and gates will open at 5 p.m. Music by several performers, including The Onlys, the Rhett Walker Band and Ryan Kinder will start at 6 p.m. Kinder, a Hoover native who is touring nationwide to promote his debut single “Kiss Me When I’m Down,” will perform at 8 p.m. A fireworks show at 9 p.m. will close out the night. Concession stands will be open for food purchases. For more information, visit www.hooveral.org or call 739-7361 or 739-7362.
Birmingham
UAB Summer Band Independence Day Concert
July 4, 7:30 p.m.
Bartow Arena Park
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Summer Band will perform a free Fourth of July concert at 7:30 p.m. July 4 at Bartow Arena Park. The band will perform several patriotic standards and favorites along with show tunes and Broadway classics. The UAB Summer Band includes adult amateur musicians from various professions as well as UAB student musicians, faculty members and area professionals who come together each year for the July 4 concert. Those attending will have the chance to conduct the band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever” for the grand finale. Concert-goers should bring their own blankets and chairs and can stay after the concert ends around 8:45 p.m. to watch the fireworks over Red Mountain at 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.uab.edu/music or call 934-7376.
Birmingham
Thunder on the Mountain
July 4, 9 p.m.
Vulcan Park and Museum
Thunder on the Mountain will once again illuminate the skies above Vulcan. Free to the public, this year’s show will last about 20 minutes and include a variety of firework shells that will brighten the sky with new colors and patterns. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack featuring a mix of patriotic favorites and popular musical performances. Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook and the UAB campus. Organizers are advising spectators to stake out viewing points well in advance of the 9 p.m. show. For more information, visit www.visitvulcan.com.
