5 Things to See or Do at Magnolia Festival

Kids Zone

Gardendale First Baptist has one of the most visible roles in the festival as they donate the use of their parking lot for the festival and also provide the Magnolia Express golf carts to ferry visitors from the parking lot to the festival, as well as the volunteers to drive the carts.

GFBC also sponsors the free Kids Zone, which grows every year. There are some perennial favorites, such as inflatables, shooting galleries built by Ed Moody (using foam “bullets”) and other offerings to allow the kids to play for free.

The group used to offer archery as well, but Cronin said that it was difficult to maintain throughout the day.

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GFBC also provides volunteers who help the festival staff by filling in by manning the ticket booth or information tent. Cronin said they have 45 or more volunteers to assist at the festival each year.

Car Show

There is an expansive car show that is a can’t miss for the festival. Cars of all types, from all eras will be featured.

CHILDREN ‘N’ ART

Decatur Highway Church of Christ also offers a free children’s area inside the Gardendale Civic Center. In 2019, the church agreed to take over the Children ‘N’ Art craft activities for kids. Since COVID canceled the 2020 festival, the church put the first craft activities together in 2021. Last year, the church offered five different activities: string art, foam mosaic, cupcake decorating, canvas needle art and watercolor pens.

“We try to keep everything generic age-wise so everyone has a good time,” Karen Hogeland, of DHCC, said.

The church provides all the materials for the activities and staffs the entire project with church volunteers.

“That was a huge help for us,” Magnolia Festival organizer Kathleen Phillips said. “It used to be very difficult to plan the activities and make sure we had the materials and volunteers to man the crafts. It has been such a relief for them to take that part over.”

On Saturday, there will be Sand Art from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Watercolor Pen Art from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm, String Art from 1 to 2 pm and Kite Making from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Makers

There are a variety of craftspeople available, from woodworkers to birdhouse builders, soap makers and even a hand-made knife artisan. There is really something for everyone.

Animal Adoptions From Gbhs

EVENTS ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS

2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - MOVIE NIGHT