15th annual Antiques at the Gardens honors the first chairs of the event

It takes a lot to pull together the Antiques at the Gardens event each year, and it took even more work to establish the first event more than 15 years ago.

This year, the nonprofit Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will honor Kim Matthews and Joan Starnes, chairs of the first show, when it puts on the annual event Sept. 30 to Oct. 3.

The longtime Birmingham residents and lifelong friends took on the daunting task of creating the first event after having been involved in the Junior League of Birmingham’s antiques show. They persuaded antiques dealers to exhibit their pieces and crafted a setting to show them off – as well as recruiting a squadron of volunteers to help put the show together.

“We have been friends for a long time, so joining forces to bring this beloved antiques show to the Gardens was a natural fit,” Starnes said.

The theme for the first show was Heirlooms in Bloom, which Matthews said “helped us marry the concept of having antiques and flowers, allowing us to showcase both.

“One of our biggest challenges was coming up with the name, Antiques at the Gardens.”

The event name provides a cohesive feel for all of the moving parts within the three-day event, including a gala, talks and time with dealers.

When asked what was on their wishlist for the event, Matthews quipped, “Our wishlist was simple: to pull it off!”

“We had no idea what to expect as far as how (Antiques at the Gardens) would be received, so we were delighted with the funds raised, show attendance, and positive feedback from all fronts,” Starnes said. “The dealers lined up to return the next year, which was also a positive sign.”

Starnes and Matthews said their biggest contribution to the success of the first show was in choosing the right committee members, including staging chairs Tricia Noble and Mitzi Davis, and hospitality committee chairs Cameron Crowe and Kate Phillips.

“We were both involved with the Junior League of Birmingham antiques show, and that gave us the inspiration and confidence that we could re-create that same feel at the Gardens,” Starnes said.“It appealed to us to use the smaller, more intimate space that the Gardens offered. Tricia Noble and Mitzi Davis were instrumental in optimizing the Gardens’ space into a perfect setting for the dealers, showing them Southern hospitality at its best—a tradition that continues today, creating a welcome atmosphere for our dealers, speakers, and guests,” Matthews said.

They also recognized marketing chair Val Holman and the men’s committee chairs, Stewart Dansby, Hubert Goings Jr. and Douglas Stockham.

The 2021 Antiques at the Garden event – sponsored by the Friends group, a membership organization that works with the Birmingham Park & Recreation Board at the Gardens – helps fund operation of the Gardens, which has about two dozen garden spaces and provides educational programs for children and a haven for visitors from the Birmingham area and the region.

Now, Starnes and Matthews are taking more time with their families, traveling with their spouses to mountain retreats in Highlands, N.C., or taking grandchildren to the Japanese Garden to see the koi and turtles there. Today more than ever, they can appreciate the impact they had in producing that first Antiques at the Gardens show, knowing that scores of schoolchildren are learning about the science of plants, vegetables grown and harvested at the Gardens are being shared with area residents in need,and visitors from near and far can enjoy a safe and welcoming retreat in the heart of the Magic City.

Starnes and Matthews have passed the baton to current Antiques at the Gardens co-chairs Shannon Lisenby and Stephanie Lynton.

Photo by Dee Moore

Getting the Ball Rolling

15th Annual Antiques at the Gardens Honors the First Chairs of the Event

2021 Antiques at the Gardens honorees Joan Starnes and Kim Matthews.

Details about this year’s Antiques at the Gardens show presented by IBERIABANK (a division of First Horizons Bank), including speakers and dealers involved, will be posted later this month on the Friends website, at bbgardens.org/antiques, on Facebook and on Instagram at @ antiquesgardensbham.

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Through July 31

Roaring Twenties

The Red Mountain Theatre presents this immersive theatrical experience, with patrons traveling through the arts campus in small pods to watch various performances and even take part in the shows. Performances will take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. When: 7:30 p.m., 7:50 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. (nightly) Where: Red Mountain Theatre Arts Campus Website: redmountaintheatre.com

Through Aug. 1

Summer Film Series

The Alabama Theatre’s annual summer movie series will continue with showings of “Steel Magnolias,” July 30; and “The Sound of Music,” Aug. 1. Doors open one hour before showtime and screenings begin with a sing-along with the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. When: showtimes vary Where: The Alabama Theatre Website: alabamatheatre.com

Hoover Restaurant Week

This 10-day event highlights restaurants throughout the city with a portion of the proceeds form each meal benefiting Hoover Helps, a local organization that provides community support. Website: business. hooverchamber.org

July 29-Aug. 8

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.”

Virginia Samford Theatre’s VST Stars players will perform this beloved children’s story on the theatre’s MainStage, following the tale of a young mermaid named Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home. When: Thurs.-Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. Where: Virginia Samford Theatre Website: virginiasamfordtheatre.org

Fri., July 30

Glow for a Cure

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama’s Junior Board will host its annual night golf tournament, featuring nine holes of golf, a break for dinner and then nine holes of night golf. Funds raised will benefit the junior board’s Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program for Alzheimer’s Disease Research at UAB. When: 5-10:30 p.m. Where: Highland Park Golf Course Website: alzca.org/glow

A Night in Hollywood

Our Hope International, a Birmingham based non-profit organization that supports Ugandan special needs orphanage, Home of Hope, will host its third annual gala featuring food and dessert, a silent auction, a DJ, dancing and more. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: B&A Warehouse Website: ourhopeinternational.com/annual-gala

RETRO RUN 5K | SAT., JULY 31

The Trak Shak will host its annual 5K run, featuring race participants decked out in “retro” attire, ranging from disco gear to 90s style grunge. An awards celebration following the race will include food from Oak Hill Bar & Grill, cold beverages from Birmingham Budweiser and live music by local band Jenni’s Mixtape. Registration for the run is $40 and tickets and tickets for the after party only are $10. When: 7 p.m., race start Where: 18th St., in front of Homewood Sporting Goods Website: runsignup.com/race/al/ homewood/thetrakshaktwilightretrorun

FEELIN’ GROOVY

at Retro Run 2019 were Run Giovanni Ibe, Makenzee Murphy and Mariska Murphy.

Sat., July 31

Troop 97 Pancake Breakfast

Boy Scout Troop 97 will host a garage sale, pancake breakfast and silent auction. Open to the public, the pancake breakfast is $6 in advance or $7 at the door. When: 7 a.m.-noon Where: Trinity United Methodist Church Website: “Troop 97 Homewood” Facebook page

Hoover City Schools Dad Brigade

The seventh annual Dad Brigade back-to-school cleanup day will include the efforts of local fathers and volunteers, cleaning up school campuses in preparation for the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. When: 7 a.m. Website: hoovercityschools.net

Virtual Sci-fi/Fantasy Fest

The Hoover Library will host its annual SciFi/Fantasy Fest in a virtual format this year, featuring panel discussions covering science fiction, fantasy and pop culture along with an appearance by horror novelist and festival veteran, Grady Hendrix. Panels will be viewable via Facebook and YouTube. When: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Website: hooverlibrary.org

Homewood Sidewalk Sale

The merchants of downtown Homewood and the Homewood Chamber of Commerce will host the 10th annual Sidewalk Sale, with the sidewalks lined with tents featuring sales and discounted items. When: 10 a.m. Where: downtown Homewood Website: homewoodchamber.org

Sun., Aug. 1

Cornhole Tournament

The Birmingham United Methodist United Appeal Fund will host its first annual corn hole tournament benefiting Family Promise and Trinity United Methodist Church. Teams of 2 will compete in this double elimination tournament with snacks provided. When: 2-5 p.m. Where: Homewood Theater Website: trinitybirmingham. com/event/cornhole-tournament/

Tues., Aug. 3

Homewood National Night Out

Hosted in conjunction with the West Homewood Farmer’s Market’s final event of the summer season, this celebration includes a partnership with the Homewood Police Department. When: 5-8 p.m. Where: West Homewood Farmer’s Market Website: westhomewood.com

Hoover National Night Out

The City of Hoover and the Hoover Police Department will host this annual event designed to increase crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support, encourage local anti-crime programs and strengthen community bonds. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: Riverchase Galleria, Belk parking lot Website: hooverpd.com will host a tournament featuring fun, food and fellowship in support of the 3.4 million people living with the challenges of epilepsy. When: 6-9 p.m. Where: TopGolf Birmingham Website: epilepsyalabama.org/ takeaswing/

Heights Village Party on the Patio

The merchants of Cahaba Heights will host this monthly event featuring extended store hours, pop up shops, live music and more. When: 3 p.m., pop-ups; 5:30 p.m., live music Where: The Heights Village Website: “Shopcahabaheights” Facebook page

Aug. 5-8

“Proof”

The first installment of Homewood Theatre’s new After Dark Series will feature this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play about a woman dealing with family, romance and her volatile emotions. Performances in this series contain adult themes and mature language. When: Aug. 5-7, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 8, 2:30 p.m. Where: Homewood Theatre Website: homewoodtheatre.com

Aug. 6 & 7

Secret Stages

This two-day music festival features more than 30 artists performing on various stages within walking distance in downtown Birmingham. Website: secretstages2021.net

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

This one-hour adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz,” is specially tailored for elementary and middle school-aged actors. When: showtimes vary Where: Red Mountain Theatre Website: redmountaintheatre.com

Sat., Aug. 7

Shake & Bake 5k

Vapor Ministries will host its 18th annual 5k, benefiting the ministries’ efforts to bring social, economic and spiritual life to communities in extreme poverty. When: 8 a.m. Where: Mt. Laurel Website: shakeandbake5k. com

Shoes and Brews

Firehouse Ministries will host its annual Cornhole tournament, open to participants, supporters and spectators with all proceeds benefiting the organization’s mission to administer lifesaving interventions to Birmingham’s chronically homeless male population. When: noon-7 p.m. Where: Cahaba Brewing Co. Website: alabamacornhole.com/ firehouse

An Afternoon with the Author

The O’Neal Library will host local author Debra Goldstein for a book discussion and signing, featuring her latest mystery novel “Four Cuts Too Many,” the fourth book in her Sarah Blair mystery series. When: 2:30 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library Website: oneallibrary.org

Aug. 10-14

Be-You-tiful

The Arc of Central Alabama will host a virtual fashion show and silent auction, featuring models with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds raised will support the organization’s efforts to provide quality programming, advocacy efforts, education and awareness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Website: arcofcentralalabama.org

Thurs., Aug. 12

Celebration of Champions

The Lakeshore Foundation will host this virtual event to celebrate United States Paralympians from the past, present and future, as well as the organization’s role in supporting athletes for 30 years. Keynote speaker will be two-time Paralympian John Register. When: Noon Website: celebrationofchampions.swell.gives

Live After 5

The Vestavia City Center will host an outdoor community event on its green space, featuring live music from local talent Alice Bargeron and local pop-ups. When: 5-7:30 p.m. Where: Vestavia City Center Website: “Live After 5” Facebook page

The Mountain Brook Chamber Junior Board will host an evening of drinks and samples of cuisine from local restaurants. Festivities will include live music from Pioneer Chicken Stand, raffle prizes, local merchants and more. When: 6-8 p.m. Where: O’Neal Library parking lot Website: thursdaynightlivemb.eventbrite.com

CAT TopGolf Tournament

The Central Alabama Theater will host its first annual TopGolf fundraiser, featuring food, beverages and a tournament for all levels of players. When: 6-10 p.m. Where: TopGolf Birmingham Website: centralalabamatheater.org

Aug. 12-29

Birmingham Restaurant Week

The annual celebration of local eateries will offer special menus available to-go or for dine-in at a variety of establishments ranging from fine dining to down-home cooking. Website: bhamrestaurantweek.com

Sat., Aug. 14

Crestline Tent Sale

Crestline Village merchants in Mountain Brook will host their biggest sales of the year, featuring deals, trunk shows and more. When: all day Where: Crestline Village Website: mtnbrookchamber.org

Otey’s Fest Returns with Lineup of Local Acts

By Emily Williams-RoBERtshaW

After taking a break last year due to pandemic shutdowns and restrictions, the annual Otey’s Fest is returning to Crestline Village, taking over the parking lot in front of Otey’s Tavern on July 31.

Otey’s Tavern owner Will Haver founded the event shortly after he bought the Crestline Village bar in

2008. According to Haver, the event has continued to offer the community a time to come together and celebrate.

“2020 was a tough year for everyone, and it is good to get back to some sense of normalcy,” Haver said. “We have always had a unique vision for Otey’s Fest and have kept it as a fun shindig. The biggest change this year, because we are only selling limited tickets, is that we are doing an all-inclusive ticket.”

Each ticket includes admission to the event and food, as well as beer and cocktails for those over 21. The menu will include longtime Otey’s fixture Rodney Davis’ famous burgers.

What won’t be changing is the music and the drive to help a cause.

“Otey’s Fest always benefited a nonprofit, and this year we are benefiting our friends at the Phoenix Club of Birmingham,” Haver said.

The Phoenix Club is a social and philanthropic organization that supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama, providing funds to support specific needs as well as scholarship programs.

All of the musical acts set to be at the event hail from Birmingham.

Kicking things off at 6 p.m. will be The ‘Hams, which includes Otey’s Tavern namesake John “Otey” Hutchinson.

Headlining at 8 p.m. will be Party of the Year, a musical act from the producers of Black Jacket Symphony that performs greatest hits from the ’60s all the way to present day.

The lineup will conclude with a performance by local duo Jackson Walls at 10 p.m. inside the restaurant.

Advanced tickets are available for $85, but kids ages 18 and under enter for free. If the show isn’t sold out, additional tickets will be available at the gate for $100.

Each ticket includes admission to the event and food, as well as beer and cocktails for those over 21. The menu will include longtime Otey’s fixture Rodney Davis’ famous burgers.

For more information, visit oteysfest.com. cookmuseum.org

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