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4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Fireworks and 4th of July Celebrations are kicking off  this weekend all around Birmingham, here’s where you can celebrate and see some incredible shows!

Alabaster Fireworks Show

Friday, July 2nd
Events begin at 6pm
Fireworks begin at 9pm at Thompson highschool

Food Trucks
Big Axe Hangout Truck Ages 10 and Up
$10 for 10 throws
Coca Cola Music Truck
Bounce Houses

VIEWING, PARKING, ETC.:

​Viewing areas will be all the parking areas around the school and the open meadow areas in front of the school.
Absolutely NO parking allowed on any grassy area on school property!
Parking will be prohibited on State and County road right of ways during the show.
Kent Dairy Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit from Kent Dairy Road to and from THS at all times.
Thompson Road: Traffic will be able to enter and exit  from Thompson Road to THS until 8:00 PM.
IMPORTANT: Due to fireworks protocol and safety issues, the Warrior Parkway entrance and exit from Thompson Road will be closed from 8:00 PM until 30 minutes after the final firework.
If you arrive at 8:00 PM or later, you will need to enter from Kent Dairy Road.

All American Blast at the Backyard Grand River Drive In

Friday, July 2nd
Events start at noon, fireworks at 9pm

Live music, face painting & balloon art, great food and drinks, movies and yes, a huge firework show. Home to the newly opened Neighbors Brew & Pies and Saw’s BBQ Leeds – guests are encourage to show up early and enjoy all there is to offer!

FreedomFest at the Hoover Met

Friday, July 2nd
9pm

The stadium itself will not be open, but people are invited to watch the fireworks from the upper parking lot. While there will be no music festival, patriotic music that coincides with the 15-minute fireworks show will be broadcast over 87.9 FM

ChelseaFest and the Big Boom

Saturday, July 3rd
Free Entry begins at 5pm
Fireworks at 9pm

ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom is Chelsea’s city-wide annual 4th of July celebration. This is one of the premiere events for the city of Chelsea. ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom features great music on the main stage, food from many different food trucks and, of course, one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama!

Helena Festival in Helena’s new Entertainment District
Saturday, July 3rd
5pm – 9pm

Artisan & Craft Vendors, Food trucks, Live Music and Fireworks

Oak Mountain Fire on the Water

Saturday, July 3rd
5pm – 9pm

Fireworks, Food vendors, swimming, activities, food trucks  and music.

Gates open at 7 am! Come and spend the day with us! Grab a good spot on the beach and enjoy the day in the park as you wait for the show to start!

In the interest of public safety, a limited number of tickets will be sold for Fire on the Water. They cost $15, however, Pelham residents may purchase them at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket. Each ticket is valid for one vehicle carrying up to four people. A state-issued ID or utility bill is required for proof of residency.
Pelham residents also have the benefit of purchasing tickets a week before they officially go on sale. Pelham residents can buy tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1st, and sales open to everyone on June 8th.
No event tickets will be sold on July 3rd, and regular entrance fees will apply. Cash only at the gate.

Fire on the Water event tickets may be purchased at Oak Mountain State Park, either at the Ranger Station or at the Main Office. Entrance fees will not be charged for those coming to the park to purchase these tickets.

Both gates will CLOSE to the public at 7 pm SHARP. Please plan accordingly!
Remember, gates take CASH ONLY!

Annual Passes are valid on July 3rd, 2021.

Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, July 4th
Game at 6:30pm

Independence Day Celebration and post game fireworks.

Trussville Freedom Celebration

Sunday, July 4th
6pm – 9pm

Food, fun and fireworks on the mall in Trussville.

Thunder on the Mountain

Sunday, July 4th
Fireworks at 9pm

The state’s largest 4th of July celebration will again ignite the sky atop red mountain with an array of fireworks in honor of both the cities’ sesquicentennial and our nation’s birthday.

Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Real Estate. For more information on what’s happening in the Birmingham Housing Market, or to schedule a free home buyer/seller consultation, you can reach them:

Sophia Leece, 205.895.9120 | sleece@lahrealestate.com
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787 | sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com

 

Recipe: Tomato Pie

Posted on by Angie

Much like chili is to winter, tomato pie is to summer. We had a family cook out (in the rain) last weekend and decided to make the most  of some tasty tomatoes we had picked up at our local Farmer’s Market. Here’s the recipe we teased on our Instagram it was a hands down winner with everyone:

What you’ll need:

1 9-inch pie shell – (we used a store bought)
1/2 cup chopped yellow or red onion (about 1/3 onion, diced)
3 to 4 tomatoes, cut in half horizontally, squeezed to remove excess juice, roughly chopped, to yield approximately 3 cups chopped tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup sliced basil
2 cups (8oz) grated cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, or Gruyere or Mozzarella)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon (or more to taste) of your favorite hot sauce.
Freshly ground black pepper

What you’ll do:

Pre-bake the crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

If you are using a store-bought pie shell, follow the directions on the package for pre-baking, or pre-bake it in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes (a little longer for a frozen pie shell), until lightly browned.

If you are using a homemade crust, freeze the crust first, then press a sheet of aluminum foil into the crust to keep the sides of the pie crust from falling down as it cooks. Fill the pie with pie weights such as dry beans or rice to help hold the foil in place.

1: Pre-bake the homemade crust for 15 minutes, then remove the foil, use the tines of a fork to poke a few small holes in the bottom of the crust (for venting), and bake for 10 more minutes.

2: Salt and drain the tomatoes:
Lightly salt the chopped tomatoes and set them in a colander over a bowl to drain while you are pre-baking the crust. Squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the chopped tomatoes, using either paper towels, a clean dish towel, or a potato ricer.

3: Layer pre-baked pie shell with onions, tomatoes, basil:
Sprinkle a layer of chopped onion over the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust shell.

Spread the drained chopped tomatoes over the onions. Sprinkle the sliced basil over the tomatoes.

4: Make cheese mixture, spread over tomatoes:
In a medium bowl, mix together the grated cheese, mayonnaise, Tabasco, a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper.

Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes.

5: Bake:
Place in oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) until browned and bubbly, anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes.

Rail Safety Day 2021

Posted on by Angie

Free Train Rides & Fun Family Activities! This Friday, June 25th!

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is proud to partner with Alabama Operation Lifesaver as we work together to educate the public regarding railroad safety.

Short, educational sessions will be provided by Operation Lifesaver of Alabama representatives throughout the day, and each session attendee will be provided with a FREE ticket to then take a ride on the Calera & Shelby Railroad on the same day.

Between sessions and train rides, attendees are encouraged to visit the community safety partner booths, vehicles, and displays available on the grounds.

Schedule:
Friday, June 25th, 2021
Departure Times: Throughout the day from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Central

Free tickets to ride the Calera & Shelby Railroad for Rail Safety Day are available solely on the Museum grounds on the day of the event to passengers who attend the railroad safety sessions.

For added fun, the Shelby & Southern Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad will be fired up and ready to take your family on a trip back to the days of steam! Tickets will be available for purchase at the Shelby & Southern depot the day of the event. $3.50/person ages 2 and up. $10.00 / ticket for unlimited rides and unlimited fun on the Shelby & Southern Railroad.

https://www.hodrrm.org

Summer Camp Spotlight: Thomas Andrew Summer Art Camps for Kids

Posted on by Angie

Thomas Andrew Art Studio offers week-long sessions, and the week is all about art education and creation. Your child will learn about the life and styles of artists such as Bob Ross, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, and more. They will be working with paint on canvas, wood, fabric, stone and tar-paper. Moreover, they will  help create a wall mural and have some extra fun time in the splatter room! At the end of the week there is gallery-style event, and parents are invited to see what their child has learned and created.

Because Thomas Andrew is an actual professional artist, our program is a cut above the rest for creative minds. A variety of artists will help lead the sessions, and each teaching artist will be trained by Thomas Andrew. The artwork is different from session to session, so your child may sign up for multiple sessions. Camp is limited to 12 kids per session.

Lastly, you may cancel your child’s camp order up to 48 hours after the order is placed to receive a full refund. After 48 hours, camp orders may not be cancelled, but they may be transferred to another week if space is available. If space is not available, you will receive a store credit at Thomas Andrew Art that is valid for 1 year.

JULY CAMPS STILL AVAILABLE! REGISTER HERE

Location: Thomas Andrew Art Studio + Gallery
1925 29th Ave. South / Homewood, AL 35209
205-427-5299

Weekend Rundown: Father’s Day Weekend

Posted on by Angie

Father’s Day weekend in the Magic City is packed with lots of fun for the whole family… Soccer, live music and free admission to some of our area attractions!

Euphonious at the Birmingham Zoo

Euphonious is Birmingham’s new music festival, taking place Father’s Day weekend (June 18-20) at the multi-million-dollar Henley Park Event Lawn at the newly-renovated Birmingham Zoo.

This is one of the first live music events to take place across the United States, right here in Birmingham, Alabama.

Headliners include Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Moon Taxi, and Tonic.

Proceeds for the event benefit United Ability, a longstanding Birmingham non-profit organization which helps those with disabilities live better lives.

United Ability, Birmingham Mountain Radio, and UAB’s Voice Center will all be spotlighted during the course of the music festival, which will also feature a number of prominent local artists.

For information and to purchase tickets, visit Euphonious.AI.

Father’s Day at the Birmingham Zoo

In celebration of Father’s Day, every adult who pays admission for the day will receive ONE FREE child’s admission to the Birmingham Zoo on Saturday, June 19 & Sunday, June 20. Guests can take a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train*, spin on the Protective Life Carousel*, and enjoy a fun day at the Zoo. Create memories that will last a lifetime at your Zoo this Father’s Day Weekend!
*Additional cost
WHEN
Saturday, June 19
Sunday, June 20
OFFER
One (1) FREE Child’s admission (age 2-12) with the purchase of one (1) Adult admission.
*This offer is exclusive for Father’s Day Weekend only. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts, or coupons.
HOW TO PURCHASE
Father’s Day discount offer is only available for purchase onsite at the Zoo’s ticket booth. *Offer is NOT available online.
**Please Note: The Zoo will have a designated amount of timed tickets to sale onsite for the Father’s Day offer (June 19 & 20).

National Juneteenth Festival and Parade

The annual National Juneteenth Festival will be held at Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park on Saturday June 19, 2021. The free event will begin with a parade at 9am and the community celebration in the park will start at 10:30am.

Attendees will enjoy food, music, vendors, entertainment and more!

Birmingham Legion at BBVA Compass Field

v. Austin Bold
June 19th at 6:30pm

Father’s Day at McWane Science Center

Dad deserves some FUN this weekend! As a “thank you” to all the awesome dads out there, dads get in FREE on Father’s Day, June 20th, with purchase of child’s admission ticket.

Partners in Kids Health: Summer Reading

Posted on by Angie

Reading is fundamental. It affects all areas of a child’s success. And summertime is a great time to make reading a priority.

Dr. Amy McCollum is a pediatrician at Midtown Pediatrics in Birmingham. She says it is important for parents to encourage strong reading habits in their child, and she says that begins at birth. “I would really encourage parents from birth to start reading to their baby,” she says. “Holding your child and reading a book together is going to have these great associations of attachment and connection. Your voice, which is the most comforting voice, is going to be what they hear.”

As the child gets older, Dr. McCollum says parents should encourage their child to choose what books they want to read. And she adds, don’t worry if they stick with the same theme, or want to read the same book over and over; they’re still reading.

Make library visits a regular part of your summer. Dr. McCollum says if you are able, choose one day a week that is a library day. “Talk to the librarian, let them suggest books the child might like,” she says. “Check out books on a regular basis and sign up for summer reading programs at the library.”

Again, Dr. McCollum says as the child gets older, continue to let them choose the books they are interested in. “I think sticking with the topic of letting them choose what they’re interested in is important,” she says. “For instance, if your son only wants to read graphic novels instead of chapter books, that’s fine if that’s what he enjoys.”

As kids get older, encouraging good reading habits can be challenging, as video games and devices serve as constant distractions. Dr. McCollum knows this firsthand. “We just have to fight to fight. In my family 30 minutes of reading gets you 30 minutes of video game time,” she says.

And parents should ask themselves, am I modeling good reading habits to my child, or am I spending my free time on a device? By putting forth a little bit of effort and intentionality, any child can become a reader.

Summer Family Pass at McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

Summer has arrived!
Looking for an exciting way to spend your summer? Look no further! Summer Family Passes are available now through September 5th at McWane Science Center.

Enjoy Your Summer Science Adventure with a Summer Family Pass for only $60.

Summer Pass Perks Include:
Unlimited admission for 2 named adults and up to six kids under the age of 18
Free parking in McWane Science Center’s parking deck when available
ASTC Passport Program—Free or discounted admission to over 270 science centers worldwide
*Summer Passes Expire Sept. 5*
Available for purchase at ticketing counter or online at https://www.mcwane.org/membership/
Get yours today!

Children’s of Alabama Invites Public to Help Celebrate Hospital’s 110th Birthday

Posted on by Angie

As Children’s of Alabama marks a significant anniversary – 110 years of caring for Alabama’s most vulnerable children when they need it most – the hospital is inviting the public to help celebrate its birthday this June.

Children’s wants communities across Alabama to help celebrate all of the patients, families, community partners and employees who have brought it to this milestone year. Supporters are encouraged to participate in a way that is most meaningful to them, and there are a variety of ways for the public to help Celebrate:

  • Host a virtual fundraiser for the hospital. Create a Celebrate virtual fundraiser and invite friends, family and colleagues to donate.
  • Decorate for Celebrate. Purchase Celebrate mailbox bows and yard signs at http://celebratechildrensal.org. Decorations are sponsored by The Allstate Foundation, and 100% of your purchase benefits Children’s.

“Supporting our communities is an important part of The Allstate Foundation’s legacy of serving and giving,” said Nathan Marcus, Allstate agency owner in Birmingham who is leading the Foundation’s participation in this effort. “We’ve been a proud supporter of Children’s of Alabama since 2019, and we couldn’t be more excited to participate in Decorate for Celebrate this year. Not only are we honoring Children’s for 110 years of caring for kids, but we’re also sharing that celebration with the community.”

  • Give a gift. Make a one-time donation or start a recurring monthly donation online. On June 9, Children’s of Alabama will be celebrating with a Day of Giving, encouraging friends of Children’s to donate $10 in honor of the hospital’s 110th birthday.
  • Share your celebration. Use one of the Children’s Party Printables to share why you celebrate Children’s of Alabama on social media. Use the hashtag #CelebrateChildrensAL and tag Children’s of Alabama in the post.
  • Support our community partners. Ashley Mac’s, Little Professor and Rolls Homewood will be selling specialty items with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the hospital.

In addition to celebrating in the community, Children’s will host a birthday party, presented by Chick-fil-A Birmingham, for patients currently in the hospital with birthday-themed activities for patients and their siblings.

“Chick-fil-A Birmingham is proud to join other like-minded organizations in support of Children’s of Alabama for its Celebrate event,” said Jeffrey Foster, owner/operator of Chick-fil-A, The Grove in Hoover. “We’re excited to join the birthday celebration for the kids at the hospital and help bring some smiles to their faces.”

For more information on how to join in the celebration, to start a fundraiser or make a donation, visit http://celebratechildrensal.org.

Children’s was founded as Holy Innocents Hospital for Children in June 1911, by Rev. Carl Henckell, Rev. Raimundo de Ovies and Dr. James E. Dedman to provide a solution to the growing need in Alabama for quality health care for children, especially those from poor families. Now 110 years later, Children’s is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and serves patients from every county in Alabama and nearly every state.

Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient, outpatient and primary care throughout central Alabama. Children’s is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs. The medical staff consists of UAB faculty and Children’s full-time physicians as well as private practicing community physicians.

Recipe: Loaded Burger Bowls

Posted on by Angie
Ok.. So we got this recipe from our friend Erin over at Pure Fitness and it is AH-Mazing. It pretty much tastes like a Big Mac in a bowl, without the bread. I had really high hopes for this dish when I saw it and was afraid there was no way it would match my expectations, not only did it meet them, it blew them out of the water. Try it, trust us on this one!
What you need:
Meat:
1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey) any %
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon avocado or refined coconut oil
Bowls:
2 small heads romaine sliced and root discarded
1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
1/2 cup pickles plus more to taste
1 cup red onion thinly sliced
8-10 slices bacon cooked til crisp and roughly crumbled
2 avocados peeled and pitted
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Special Sauce (can totally buy or add your own too ):
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
pinch salt
What you’ll do:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together beef, garlic powder, and salt. Heat avocado or coconut oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat, then add beef and brown, crumbling with a spatula or spoon.
2. Meanwhile, prepare remaining elements for the burger bowls.
3. Make quick guacamole: In a medium bowl, mash together avocado, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Make the special sauce: whisk together all special sauce ingredients and set aside.
5. When beef is browned and crumbled, remove from skillet and return skillet to medium heat. Add red onions in a single layer and cook until lightly charred on the bottom, then flip. Cook until lightly charred on the second side then remove and repeat until all onions are lightly cooked.
6. Assemble: start with a layer of romaine in your serving bowls, then spoon 1/4 of the ground beef mixture into the center. Arrange remaining items around the beef: tomatoes, pickles, red onion, bacon, and quick guacamole. Drizzle with plenty of special sauce and serve.
7. Enjoy!

Memorial Day Events in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

If you’re sticking close to home this Memorial Day, there are plenty of events happening to keep you busy! Here’s a rundown!

SEC Baseball Tournament

The 2021 SEC Baseball tournament returns to the Hoover Met for a week of seventh-inning stretches, hotdogs and an all around good time.

Location: 5508 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Hoover, AL 35244
Time: Tuesday, May 25 – Monday, May 31
Price: Varies by ticket.

Calera and Shelby Train Ride at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Take a trip back in time as you board vintage railroad coaches restored to their former glory! The Calera & Shelby Railroad runs on a portion of the former L&N Alabama Mineral Railroad, established in 1891. Ride behind a first generation diesel-electric locomotive as you travel through the scenic forests of Shelby County.

Location: 1919 9th Street, Calera, AL 35040
Time: Saturday, May 29th 10am and 1pm
Price: From $13 – $45

Memorial Day at the Birmingham Zoo

Spend Memorial Day with the animals at your Birmingham Zoo! In honor of Memorial Day, the Zoo will be open on Monday, May 31, and offering FREE admission to veterans, active and retired military, including their dependents. Guests must show proof of military service (military ID card, dependent ID card, driver’s license, etc.) to redeem the offer. Guests can enjoy a ride on the Red Diamond Express Train*, spin on the Protective Life Carousel*, and have a fun day creating memories at your Zoo!

*Additional Cost

Price: FREE admission for veterans, active and retired military, including their dependents.
– Guests must show proof of military service (military ID card, dependent ID card, driver’s license, etc.) to redeem the offer.
*This offer is exclusive for Memorial Day only. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts, or coupons.

HOW TO PURCHASE
– Memorial Day military discount offer is only available for purchase onsite at the Zoo’s ticket booth.
*Offer is NOT available online.
*Please Note: The Zoo will have a designated amount of timed tickets for purchase onsite.

American Village Memorial Day Celebration

Enjoy Memorial Day weekend learning more about our nation’s history at the American Village in Montevallo.

Location: 3727 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
Time: Monday, May 31, 10AM-2PM
Price: Free

 

Thank you to our site sponsors, Sophia Leece and Scott Boudreaux with LAH Real Estate. For more information on what’s happening in the Birmingham Housing Market, or to schedule a free home buyer/seller consultation, you can reach them:

Sophia Leece, 205.895.9120 | sleece@lahrealestate.com
Scott Boudreaux, 205.835.9787 | sboudreaux@lahrealestate.com

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