A special publication of
Alabaster CityFest guide
Staff
Alabaster Arts Council Adam Moseley
President and Executive Director Henry Raymond
Vice President Emily Benson
Vice President Adele Nelson
Secretary Vic Smith
Treasurer Chris Honeycutt Carla Garner Calvin Rumph Steve Hall Deborah Foster Jane McDaniel Jamia Williams Rusty Martin Tyra Cutcher Ernie Clark Jamie Leonard Greg Hussey
Camille Herron Kenny Hill Matt Gore Sophie Martin Jackie Karabasz Heidi Ramey Debbie Smith Mike Barnes Angela Moseley Larry Vann Diana Hussey Chris Smith
CityFest Guide Editorial Katie McDowell Amy Jones Neal Wagner
Table of
Contents 4
Cityfest celebrates 11 years
6
Headliners
7
Schedule
8
Sponsor spotlight
10
Alabaster Arts Council
11
Calling all kids
12
Vendors
14
Map
Production Daniel Holmes
Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering
Marketing Alan Brown
Jill Harvell Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins LaShan Johnson Mary Strehle
Administration Tim Prince
Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvary Christine Roberts Hailey Dolbare Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 3
CityFest
celebrates
11
4 • Alabaster CityFest 2013
years
By NEAL WAGNER
E
leven years ago, a group of Alabaster officials and City Council members got together to brainstorm ways to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary. When they were done, they had planned a modest community festival at the city’s Municipal Park. During the first Alabaster CityFest in 2003, police counted about 8,000 people, most of whom were Alabaster residents, as they walked through the gates to enjoy food, vendors and music from local and regional bands. The 2012 CityFest drew a record crowd of about 70,000. “Back then, it was much smaller than it is now,” said Adam Moseley, Alabaster Arts Council president. “We actually started thinking about doing an event to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary in 2002, but the first CityFest wasn’t held until 2003.” The first CityFest was organized by Alabaster’s city government as a way to celebrate the city’s golden anniversary with its residents, but the city soon handed the reins over to another entity. “By the third or fourth CityFest, the Arts Council took over,” Moseley said. “Once it started getting bigger, the Arts Council was able to do a lot the city couldn’t do.” The Arts Council, which is independent of the city, is able to pursue event sponsors the city is not able to, and is able to dedicate more time to organizing and promoting the event, Moseley said. Many of the volunteers who worked to organize the first event are still involved in the Arts Council, which allows the organization to build off its experiences each year, he said. “Over the years, we have been able to keep adding people to that core group of organizers. It has really worked out well,” Moseley said. “We have a lot of the same people who worked on the very first event.” Each year, the event’s attendance has grown by more than 4,000, which has allowed the Arts Council to draw bigger performers. Over the past few years, CityFest has featured artists such as Sister Hazel, Travis Tritt and Tonic. “What we had during the first couple of years is nothing compared to the groups we have had the past few years,” Moseley said. Because the event began as a free celebration for Alabaster’s residents, the Arts Council has worked to keep CityFest a no-charge event for the past eight years. But because the event’s growth each year has also added to its costs. Volunteers and sponsors, including title sponsor Regions Bank, have played a major role in the event’s success. “We could not do this without Regions Bank, Ernest McCarty and all of our wonderful sponsors,” Moseley said. “Their support is invaluable and they step up every year to make this a community event.” Ask me about Accident Forgiveness. With other insurance companies, having an accident can mean your rates rise as much as 40%. But with Allstate’s Accident Forgiveness, your rates won’t go up at all just because of an accident. Don’t wait! Call me today.
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Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 5
CityFest snags
big acts By NEAL WAGNER
C
ountry music star Josh Turner will headline the 2013 Alabaster CityFest, and Ed Kowalczyk, the former front man for the alternative rock group Live, will open for him. Turner will headline the event, and is scheduled to take the festival’s main stage at 9 p.m. Since releasing his debut album “Long Black Train,” Turner has earned numerous CMA, ACM and Grammy nominations. Turner has sold more than 5 million albums and has garnered four No. 1 hits such as “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” His song “All Over Me” also reached the top spot on the charts, making him one of only seven country artists to have two No. 1 hits in 2010. Turner released his fifth studio album, “Punching Bag,” in 2012. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart, and the debut single “Time is Love” was No. 1 on the Best of 2012 Billboard Country Chart. Kowalczyk is a founding member and former lead singer of the alternative rock group Live, which had a string of hits in the 1990s, including “Lightning Crashes.” He was with the group from 1991-2009 before he embarked on his solo career, according to his Facebook page.
6 • Alabaster CityFest 2013
Festival Schedule
Main Stage
Day Stage
2 30 p.m.
9 a.m. Divine Destiny 10 a.m. Sanchez Tanniehill 11 a.m. Terry Padgett as Elvis 1 p.m. The Final 2 p.m. Crossroads Junction
KidsFest Stage
9 30 a.m. Spectacular Science Show 10 a.m. Jim Aycock 10 30 a.m. Marvelous Magic Show 11 a.m. Jim Aycock 11 30 a.m. K-9 Dog Show-FIELD 12 p.m. Jim Aycock 12 30 p.m. Marvelous Magic Show 1 p.m. Jim Aycock 1 30 p.m. K-9 Dog Show-FIELD 2 30 p.m. Jim Aycock 3 p.m. Spectacular Science Show
Coyote Jack Band
3 15 p.m.
Atticus Avenue
4 p.m.
Take 7
5 p.m.
After Two Glasses
6 p.m.
Michael Warren
7 p.m.
Ed Kowalczyk formerly of Live
9 p.m.
Josh Turner
Cruise-in car show from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. KidsFest Activities throughout the day — Hands-on arts and crafts, Lowes Build-it workshop, Birmingham School of Music Drum Circle, Bungee Jump for fee
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Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 7
sponsor
spotlight :
Crossfit sky soldiers
By DREW GRANTHUM
W
ith so many weight loss pills, drinks and supplements out on the market, one has to wonder if there are any traditional workout plans left out there. According to Michele Burch of Alabaster’s CrossFit Sky Soldiers, there is. The gym was started by Burch, her husband, Michael Burch, and lead trainer Chris Brown, a former Army paratrooper, which is where the Sky Soldiers name comes from. Burch said that unlike most gyms and workout plans, CrossFit is designed to get the body in peak physical shape in multiple ways. “We focus on optimal physical competence,” she said. “CrossFit focuses on getting you ready for life and being an overall athlete.” Each workout uses all of the body, as it claims to “specialize in not specializing.” The intense nature of the program allows each participant to get the most out of his or her body, but Burch stresses that the program is designed for anyone and everyone. “From day one, we don’t change the exercises, just the weight and pace,” she said. “Chris will work oneon-one (with participants). He makes sure the weight is doable. He wants to make sure that your form is right.” It is this concern for the participant that Burch said makes Sky Soldiers unique. Despite being a young program, it is a healthy one. The gym opened early last fall and offered a free trial to members. They began charging for classes in October and are now up to 80 members. “We actually (still) offer the first three classes for free,” Burch said. “(You need) no equipment; we’ve got it all.” The rates for Sky Soldiers are $100 a month for a yearly contract, or $125 to go month-to-month. All fire, police and military staff receive $25 off. For more information, contact 205-873-4589. 8 • Alabaster CityFest 2013
The YMCA is the place to be with programs, classes, and free special events all summer long for the entire family. • Summer Day Camp • Family Time • Movies by the Pool • MobileFit • Nursery
• Swim Lessons • Summer Swim Team • Youth Baseball • Youth Fitness • Group Exercise
Join Today! YMCA Pelham 2610 Pelham Parkway | Pelham, AL 35124
664-9622 ymcabham.org/pelham
YMCA Alabaster 117 Plaza Circle | Alabaster, AL 35007
663-7240 ymcabham.org/alabaster
MISSION To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. VISION We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America. A United Way Partner.
Alabaster arts council gives back By KATIE McDOWELL
H
undreds of people donate time and money to make CityFest a success each year. However, a core group of volunteers on the Alabaster Arts Council is the driving force behind the annual event. The council was founded several years ago, President Adam Moseley said. “The people that ended up forming the arts council are the people that started (CityFest) in 2003,” he said. They knew that in order for CityFest to continue to grow, they needed a dedicated group working behind the scenes through the year. The all-volunteer council now has about 25 members. They are the ones who plan the date, secure sponsors, book performers and do anything else necessary to put on CityFest. The council’s mission is “to enrich the quality of life in the Alabaster community through the arts and art education.” In addition to CityFest, the council
awards numerous grants to teachers and schools in Alabaster. Many of those grants are awarded in the spring, but the council also awards grants throughout the year. The grants assist a wide range of arts-based projects at public and private schools in Alabaster. Previous grants assisted with the start of an
art program, the purchase of musical instruments or band uniforms and costs associated with school plays. “That’s what we do with the help of our sponsors,” Moseley said. “We put on CityFest. We’re able to fund these grants through vendor fees and different events we do throughout the year.”
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10 • Alabaster CityFest 2013
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Calling all
kids By KATIE McDOWELL
C
ityFest is known for offering family friendly fun – a designation that festival organizers take to heart. KidsFest is an area devoted entirely to children, complete with inflatables, arts and crafts, hands-on projects and games. Volunteer Sophie Martin said this year’s KidsFest will offer activities to get kids moving. “As part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s commitment to fighting childhood obesity, they are sponsoring several health and wellness events to teach kids fun ways to get exercise and stay healthy,” she said. Those events include a healthy cooking station, sack races, tug of war and three-legged races. Vic Smith CPA is also a major sponsor of KidsFest. Lowe’s will also return with their build-it
workshop, which allows the children to create projects, such as a toolbox or birdhouse. KidsFest will feature 15 inflatables, face painting, the Flying K-9 dog show and an arts and crafts area. Other attractions include musician Jim Aycock, who will perform throughout the day, and Spectacular Science and Marvelous Magic shows. The latter shows are interactive and include activities like creating slime, a meet-and-greet with animals and making explosions with diet soda and
Mentos. All of the events are free, except for the bungee jump, which has a small fee. While it is difficult to keep count of the number of Kids Fest visitors, Martin said they see close to 5,000 children or more. That number has grown each year as families discover CityFest, she said. “They consider this a way to have a really good time with the kids at no cost to them,” Martin said.
Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 11
2013 CityFest
Vendors
Johnny Rays BBQ BBQ
Dinky Donuts Donuts
Knot Just A Rope Paracord Items
Discovery Clubs Informational
Sunshine Western Hats Hats
Lazarus Design Jewelry
D & B Concessions Funnel Cakes and Lemonade
Interior Landscape Design Home Decor
Mermaid Events Greek Food
Duganized Designs Style Accessories
Ruben Concessions Seafood
The Phlock Shop Wooden Furniture
Avon Health & Beauty Products
C & K Concession Carnival Style Foods
Unique Silverware Jewelry
Sanctuary Books Books
The Cool Spot Shaved Ice
Fur Charities Bubble Blowers
AVRAL T-Shirts
M & M Fun Time Novelties Glow Items
Space Airbrushing Airbrush
Jules Jewelry Jewelry
Gameday in Style Fashions
Thirty-One Handbags
Lauren Hoods World of Dogs K-9 Services
Papas & Grammies Nuts Peanuts
Alabaster RC RC Display
State Farm Insurance
Xtreme Bungy Bungy Jump
Albert L Scott Library Informational
Watkins Products Spices & Dips
Gutter Shield of Alabama Gutter Shields
Baptist Health Systems Informational
Country Cabin Sweets & Treats Scentsy Candles Wickless Candles Sattlers Hats & Leathers Hats, Leather Goods
12 • Alabaster CityFest 2013
Boresha International Skinny Coffee
Orthodontics South Informational Betty Ray Jewelry
Dreaming Designs Paintings Palm Beach Tan Informational
The Lone Wolf Funtime Concessions Booksigning Funnel Cakes & Lifeguard Ambulance Lemonade Service Blood Pressure Checks Pro-Designs Airbrush LTD Jewelry 7 Gifts Gifts Bama Lights Lights Cabinet Creations Cabinets Southern Natural Soap Parkers Barber & Soap Style Informational Bambaya Sundresses Grand Escapes Travel Travel Services Sneaky Petes Hot Dogs Vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jireh Ironworks or later. Ironworks
Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 13
Alabaster CityFest is located in Alabaster on the grounds of the Alabaster Municipal Park and Thompson Middle School. For your convenience, Alabaster CityFest has free parking and free shuttles running from the festival site to all of the public parking areas. The shuttles will run from 8:45 a.m. until the end of the event. The public parking areas will fill in the following order: Thompson High School, Warrior Park, Thompson High School Football Stadium, Publix. Directions to Public Parking From Montgomery (taking I-65 North) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn left on Hwy 31 N At second traffic light, turn left onto Hwy 119 S Go approximately 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School) For the first public parking opportunity, go approx. 1/2 mile and turn left onto Warrior Drive and follow the signs From Birmingham (taking I-65 South) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw 14 • Alabaster CityFest 2013
Turn right on Hwy 31 N At 1st traffic light, turn left onto Hwy 119 S Go approximately 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School) For the first public parking opportunity, go approx 1/2 mile and turn left onto Warrior Drive and follow the signs Directions to VIP Parking From Montgomery (taking I-65 North) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn left on Hwy 31 N Go to second traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S Go approx 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School) Turn left on Warrior Drive and follow the signs to VIP Parking From Birmingham (taking I-65 South) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn right on Hwy 31 N Go to first traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S
Go approx 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School) Turn left on Warrior Drive and follow the signs to VIP Parking Directions to Vendor Parking From Montgomery (taking I-65 North) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn left on Hwy 31 N Go to second traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S Approx. 3 miles, turn right onto Kent Dairy Road Approx. ½ mile, turn right into Thompson Middle School parking lot From Birmingham (taking I-65 South) Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw Turn right on Hwy 31 N Go to first traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S Approx. 3 miles, turn right onto Kent Dairy Road Approx. ½ mile, turn right into Thompson Middle School parking lot
“We could not be happier wi th Noah's Park! We started th ere Jan 02 and it was the best move for our daughter. Everything runs so smoo thly and the education level is fantastic. I really want to take a moment to praise th e amazing Ms. Dana (3C) . She has made such a posi tive impact on our daughter. M s. Dana has genuinely loved her from the start and she com es home everyday a very happ y girl. It is very obvious she gives each child the individual attention they need and she really caters to their individual personal ities. She is fun, bright and chipper everytime I see her and is one of those people who send you away with a sm ile. She takes every opportuni ty to speak with me about m y child at length and really speaks to me like we are friends and partners in th is together. I am so at peace knowing that when I leave she is with Ms. Dana, learning and having a bl ast doing it!” --Mandy Piper
other schools for Amazing Kids...
Noah’s Park is...
Google us or visit our website to see what other parents say about us...
Dayspring Helena
620-9757
664-0054
www.noahspark.us Mor
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Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 15
16 • Alabaster CityFest 2013