Arts & Entertainment

FAMILY FUN

Communities’ favorite events make a big return

BY LAUREN H. DOWDLE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HOOVER

From a car show to pony rides, there will be plenty of things to do and see at Celebrate Hoover Day.

With many events cancelled last spring due to the pandemic, most were left finding creative ways to keep themselves and their children busy at home. While that might have brought them closer, many are ready to get back out and enjoy everything Birmingham and the surrounding cities have to offer. And they’re in luck!

Families can now add many of their favorite events back to their calendars, giving them something safe and fun to do outside. Of course, these events might look a little different than in years past, with most requiring some form of social distancing and other COVID precautions. But people throughout the community are excited to have them back. Check out just a few of the events going on during the next month around town.

ZOO BREWS & FARM DAY APRIL 16, APRIL 17

The Birmingham Zoo has several exciting events coming up this month. On April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., they’re bringing back their Zoo Brews: Drafts at a Distance. Craft beer lovers will enjoy a great selection of specialty brews and wines from breweries across the state and southeast — all while traveling through the zoo. Attendees will also enjoy tasty selections from local food trucks and the zoo’s Wild Burger restaurant for an additional charge. The event is for adults only and will be rain or shine.

The next morning, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the zoo will hold its annual Farm Day. Festivities will be in the children’s zoo and feature activities and booths to educate the public about Alabama’s rural and agricultural heritage. Tractors, weaving, and horseshoe-making demonstrations are just a few of the activities they’ll have around the Alabama Barn. The festivities are included in the price of a general admission ticket.

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OAK MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR APRIL 23-MAY 9

Families will find rides, attractions, food, and more at the Oak Mountain State Fair in Pelham. The fair will run April 23-25, April 28-May 2, and May 5-9, and the parking will be free this year. There will be something for kids — and kids at heart — from the world’s tallest traveling giant Ferris wheel to an assortment of mouth-watering fried foods. Tickets can be purchased online and at the gate. Children 35 inches tall and shorter get in free.

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY APRIL 24

The annual event held at Veterans Park will be April 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be social distancing and other precautions put in place to ensure everyone’s safety. However, there will still be plenty of fun activities for the whole family, like in the past.

The children’s area will include pony rides, carnival rides, and a farm animal viewing area. There will also be a car show, a ceremony to honor veterans, and exhibition booths for businesses and organizations. While the famous 10-foot-wide apple pie won’t be there this year, organizers plan to hand out individually packaged treats to attendees.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL APRIL 24

The City of Calera will host its 10th annual Strawberry Festival April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oliver Park. Besides plenty of the sweet fruit the event is named for, attendees can also enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, and more. It’s a great time to take the family out and enjoy the beautiful city of Calera.

REGIONS TRADITION MAY 5-9

Looking ahead to next month, the Regions Tradition will be held May 5-9 at Greystone Golf & Country Club. Celebrities like Condoleezza Rice, Bo Jackson, Coach Nate Oats, Coach Bruce Pearl, Paul Finebaum, Mike Mills, Greg McElroy, and more are set to tee off for the event, which benefits Childrens of Alabama. Enjoy a fun, safe, outdoor experience on the greens. There will also be a fan experience zone with extra activities.

Above: Families can enjoy rides, tasty treats, games, and more at the Oak Mountain State Fair.

Below: There will be rides and activities for children at Celebrate Hoover Day.