By Annie Howard
Hoover’s turning 50, and it has big plans to celebrate.
Last week at Hoover-Randle Home & Gardens, Mayor Frank Brocato announced upcoming anniversary events.
On April 29 at Veterans Park, Celebrate Hoover Day returns. Guests can look forward to the classic giant apple pie, activities for all ages, live entertainment and the yearly Veterans Dedication Ceremony.
“We encourage friends and families to come out and spend a day at the park,” said Erin Colbaugh, Hoover’s events coordinator. The annual city-wide celebration is free to the public and lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On April 23, local author Heather Jones Skaggs will sign copies of her book, “Celebrating Hoover’s History,” at the Patton Creek Barnes and Noble.
On May 18, exactly 50 years after its incorporation, the city will bury a time capsule at City Hall.
“The mayor’s been going around to each city school to collect a couple of items that the students have chosen to contribute,” said Colbaugh. One student created a special art piece; yearbooks and mascot merchandise from each school will also be included. “We hope to open the capsule 25 or 50 years from now,” Colbaugh said.
In the summer, Brocato will help the public cool off with a little cake and ice cream. The city is planning gatherings throughout Hoover’s communities; the mayor will visit each one with dessert.
The celebration extends beyond calendar events; also keep an eye on social media and the city’s appearance.
The city is already gearing up to look its best. Street banners will soon go up along U.S. 31, bearing the city’s special 50th logo and tagline: “Building Community Together.”
The city is providing anniversary decals for businesses to post on their front doors and windows. Local resident Emily Johnson also created coloring sheets of iconic Hoover spots.
Colbaugh urged residents to check the city’s social media for upcoming videos, one of which already has been posted, on 50 people in the community.
“We’re going to highlight a different video each week on social media about each aspect (the person) has contributed to the growth and development of the city,” said Colbaugh.
