Hoover residents are invited to come celebrate all the city of Hoover has to offer on May 2 at Veteran’s Park for the annual Celebrate Hoover Day.
The event began eight years ago as a 40th birthday celebration for the city. Because of the success of the event, it has become an annual festival for Hoover residents to celebrate their city.
“We want to bring the community together to celebrate in a family-friendly and safe environment,” Erin Colbaugh, city of Hoover events coordinator, said. “It makes it a special time.”
Activities for the whole family are scheduled throughout the event, which will begin at 10 a.m. and finish up around 4 p.m.
The program will start with the traditional veterans’ memorial paver dedication ceremony.
“We honor all of the veterans who have made sacrifices to our country, particularly those who have had pavers installed throughout the year,” Colbaugh said. “If someone wants to honor a veteran or loved one in a special way, those pavers are available for purchase year round.”
Musical groups and Hoover students will perform on stage. A car show will be open to anyone interested in participating.
Attendees also can also look forward to the annual tradition of tasting a 10-foot apple pie created by the Jefferson State Community College culinary team. According to Colbaugh, there will be lots of ice cream on hand to accompany the taste testing.
Children’s activities include a balloon artist, face painting, carnival rides, an animal exhibit presented by the Birmingham Zoo, an interactive area presented by the McWane Center and more. Photos will be available with characters such as Dora and Diego, the Backyardigans and the Chick-fil-A cow.
Some new features of the event this year will be drawing and painting lessons presented by the Young Rembrandts and live parrots presented by the Alabama Parrot Rescue, based in Hoover.
Hoover Chamber of Commerce members will also have exhibits. Nearly 100 members are registered to participate.
The Hoover Police Department and Hoover Fire Department will also be joining in on the fun. The police staff will be on site to fingerprint children, and the fire department will have several safety displays.
The Shred It truck will be at the event to shred documents safely and securely for Hoover residents. According to Colbaugh, this service is requested often throughout the year, and residents can utilize it even they aren’t attending the festival.
Technical Knockout will be available to collect electronic items to be recycled.
Parking is at Spain Park High School. A shuttle will provide transportation to and from the festival.
The rain date for the event is May 3. ϖ