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8th Annual Salsa Showdown

Posted on by Angie

Salsa ShowdownIt’s time again for the Sidewalk Film Festivals 8th Annual Salsa Showdown!

All the chips and dip you can eat with the purchase of one ticket! Restaurants and vendors from across Alabama will convene to compete for best salsa, queso, guacamole, and specialty dip – both audience choice and jury choice. Live music, piñata smashes, kids’ activities, and the famous hot pepper eating contest.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Educational and Outreach programs for the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema.

Saturday, May 26th
Cahaba Brewing Company
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
$15 in advance, $20 at the door
Kids 5 and under are free

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun May 18th – May 20th

Posted on by Angie

Summer time is THISCLOSE! Here are some fun happenings going on around Birmingham this last weekend of the school year!

  • Shelby County Weekend at the Birmingham Zoo

On Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19 all Shelby County residents and employees (with ID) will receive 50% off general admission to the Birmingham Zoo! The Zoo will also offer $20.00 off any Zoo membership to all Shelby County residents and employees at this event. We hope to see you there!

Friday and Saturday, 9am – 5pm

  • Birmingham Barons at Region Field

V. Montgomery Biscuits

A Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox since 1986, the Barons have been a staple in the Birmingham community since 1885.

Tickets $7 – $15. Fans can choose from three different reserved seating sections. Dugout Premium seats located behind the Barons dugout on the first base side, Field Reserved seats located behind home plate and the visiting dugout and Baseline Box seats located on the first and third base lines.

General Admission seats remain the same price as in recent years with adult tickets available for $7.00. Children (12-years and younger), seniors (60 years and older) and members of the military receive $1.00 discounts on the listed prices for all reserved and general admission seats. General Admission seating is located in the right field bleachers and the berm seating areas.

Friday 7:05pm
Saturday, 6:30pm
Sunday, 3pm

  • Tannehill Trade Days

Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. We have 350+ vendors to come and see. Rain or shine.

Day-Use Admission:
$5 Adults (12 years and older)
$4 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$3 Children (Ages 6-11)
ages 5 and under free

Saturday and Sunday 8am – 4pm

  • Dino Days at McWane Science Center

Join us for a roaring good weekend as we celebrate dinosaurs! Visit the Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit, see rare specimens in the Museum’s collections, look for fossils, and dig into hands-on activities and special dinosaur programs.

Meet a Paleontologist! Meet McWane Science Center’s very own paleontologist, Jun Ebersole, on Saturday 1:00 to 3:00 pm and on Sunday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Bring a fossil (one only please) to be identified, ask questions, and learn about Alabama’s ancient past.

Other activities include adding scales to our 15 foot dinosaur, competing in Dino challenges, make a fossil imprint to take home and much, much more.

Saturday and Sunday Regular Museum Hours

  • Do Dah Day

Do Dah Day is a annual event held along Birmingham’s Highland Avenue with all monies raised donated to charities that benefit animals in the Birmingham & Jefferson County area.

Parade starts at 11:01 AM along Highland Avenue and Festivities begin at 12:01 PM in the parks!

No admission charge for spectators and attendees. Fee to enter parade.

Saturday, 11:01 – 6pm

 

Celebrate Summer at McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

School is out, and science is IN at McWane Science Center! Special days include McWane’s 20th Birthday Bash, camps, deals, IMAX films and much more!

Dinosaurs in Motion: Dinosaurs in Motion engages and educates the visitor using magnificent, fully interactive, life-size metal dinosaur sculptures created by North Carolina artist John Payne. An amazing blend of science, art and innovation, these life-sized metal sculptures will captivate visitors while their exposed mechanics illustrate science and technology principles in a fun and engaging way.

IMAX: Two new films are coming to the IMAX Dome this spring. ‘Backyard Wildness’ and ‘Pandas’. ‘Everest’ which first debuted in the IMAX Dome 20 years ago is back! Check below for special IMAX giveaways and combo ticket deals.

Blue Star Museum Partnership: Labor Day through Memorial Day, McWane is partnered with Blue Star Museums to provide FREE admission to active duty military and their family.

Friday, June 1
Celebrate Summer— Summer hours start, ‘Everest’ opens in IMAX, and The Slide opens!

Saturday, June 2
Super Slimy Saturday— It’s the slimiest day of the year at McWane Science Center! Join us for lots of ooey gooey fun as educators conduct slimy experiments. Dare to take the plunge on the Slip n’ Slime!

Monday, June 4
Home School Day— Is your child a home school student looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day? Plan a trip to McWane Science Center on Home School Day (first Monday of each month)! There will be special programs, live science demonstrations, give-aways and a discounted ticket price: FREE for home school parents, $7 for kids, and $6 for accompanying adults.

Monday, June 11
Member Monday— Quarterly, McWane Science Center opens its doors from 5 to 8 pm to its members for special FREE member-only programming. Reserve your family’s spot today for Member Monday by emailing membership@mcwane.org.

Wednesday, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Teacher Appreciation Days— Thank you to the teachers! We want you to enjoy McWane Science Center with your family this summer – not just on a field trip with your students. Each Wednesday in the month of June, teachers get in free (please show teacher ID card/identification) and receive a goody bag, enter a drawing for a chance to win prizes, and receive a ticket discount ($6 for adults $7/$12 for kids) for your family (up to 5 people).

Saturday, June 16
Lego Day— Celebrate all things LEGO! Explore amazing LEGO displays and take on LEGO Challenges and building activities throughout the Adventure Halls.

Sunday, June 17
Fathers Day— Let’s honor Dear Ol’ Dad with free admission to McWane.

Tuesday, June 19
Birmingham Sci Cafe— “Editing our Evolution: Rewriting the Human Genome.” As gene editing techniques become more refined, the possibility of editing the human genome is moving from science fiction to reality. Join a national conversation about how we should handle this power in this special forum.

Wednesday, June 20
Throwback Pricing—  As a special offer to our visitors this year, on the 20th of every month, we will THROW BACK the prices, meaning admission to McWane will be the same price as what it was when we opened 20 years ago in 1998. Pretty cool, right? Adventure Halls Kids: $6 | Adults: $7 | Senior: $6 Combo Ticket Kids: $9 | Adults: $10 | Seniors: $9

Monday, July 2
Home School Day— Is your child a home school student looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day? Plan a trip to McWane Science Center on Home School Day (first Monday of each month)! There will be special programs, live science demonstrations, give-aways and a discounted ticket price: FREE for home school parents, $7 for kids, and $6 for accompanying adults.

July 2 – 5
Star Spangled Science— We are celebrating the 4th of July the only way we know how – with science and wonder. Experience the science of fireworks in our star-spangled live Combustion show and participate in patriotic demonstrations including red, white, and blue slime and a liquid firework display!

Wednesday, July 11
McWane’s 20th Birthday— McWane opened its doors to visitor young and old on this day 20 years ago and began a journey of sparking wonder and curiosity about our world though hands-on science.

Saturday & Sunday, July 14, 15
McWane’s 20th Birthday Bash—

Tuesday, July 17
Birmingham Sci Cafe— Travel to the edge of the world with Dr. Jim McClintock of UAB, as he shares the findings from his 15 research expeditions to Antarctica.

Friday, July 20
Throwback Pricing—  As a special offer to our visitors this year, on the 20th of every month, we will THROW BACK the prices, meaning admission to McWane will be the same price as what it was when we opened 20 years ago in 1998. Pretty cool, right? Adventure Halls Kids: $6 | Adults: $7 | Senior: $6 Combo Ticket Kids: $9 | Adults: $10 | Seniors: $9

Saturday & Sunday, July 28, 29
Everest Weekend— Cool off with special ‘Everest’ themed programming throughout the Adventure Halls and enjoy $10 ‘Everest’ Combo Tickets.

Summer Reading Events around Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Keep the kiddos reading this summer with some of these fun programs offered at Birmingham Area Libraries!

Summer Reading in Birmingham

Birmingham Public Library

Got a Minute? READ! Birmingham Public Library is changing the way we record summer learning participation for the 2018 program. Rather than counting the number of books read, BPL will now record time read. Counting time spent reading, or being read to, rather than the number of books read or heard puts the emphasis on the act of reading. It equalizes the amount of effort required by participants with varying reading abilities. By counting time, all readers are rewarded equally for their efforts.  Libraries Rock! with all ages invited to participate in fun and learning. Through books, activities, and guest presenters, participants will discover new ways of looking at the world around them. Prizes will be awarded at each of the Birmingham Public Library’s 19 locations.

Visit their site for more details

Albert Scott Library, Alabaster

Summer Challenge! Libraries Rock! Kids of all ages can take part in the Summer reading challenge that kicks off May 30th. Read library books to earn prizes and a certificate for their accomplishments.
To learn more or to Register your child you can visit their website. Online Registration begins May 21st

Emmet O’Neal Library

Sunday, May 20th
Fun Run 3:00
Carnival 3:30
All Ages

Summer Reading Kick of Carnival, 40+ Games, Train Rides, Free Popcorn and Cotton Candy
MB Fire Truck! Bring Your Towel!

$25 Play All Day Combo Band Available Online (Coming Soon)
Individual Tickets Available Day Of

Homewood Public Library

Reading Rocks Beanstack Summer Reading, Starting June 3, earn prizes after each of these reading benchmarks: 100, 300, 500 and 1000 pages. Read at least 50 pages each week to enter our weekly drawing and get a weekly coupon. Check out materials from the children’s department and earn chances to win a bike from Cahaba Cycles or another prize in our grand prize drawing on July 31.

Go to homewood.beanstack.org and sign up for our summer reading program. Pick up your summer reading bag at the children’s desk between May 21 and July 31. For ages birth to rising 6th Grade!

Hoover Public Library

Hey kids! Are you ready for Summer Reading? Celebrate with us at our annual Summer Reading Kickoff event is THIS FRIDAY, May 18th from 7-9. It’s going to be an evening full of music, from Disco to Rock N’ Roll to Country, with something for all ages to enjoy!

http://www.hooverlibrary.org/blog/kids-rock-summer-kick

Mt Laurel Library

Mt Laurel Library will have all kinds of great programs and activities in June and July – magicians, crafts, science, and more! The full calendar will be available mid-May. Registration will run May 21 through July 13 with a special prize for children registering before June 1. Online book logging for children begins when you register and ends July 20. There are also summer reading programs for adults and teens. Check the library’s website, mtlaurellibrary.org, for more information beginning May 15th.

North Shelby Library

Summer Reading is here! Help us celebrate with bouncy houses (one for older kids and one for little ones, and library dollar Money Grabber machine, plus refreshments, games, face painting, and more! All ages welcome. No Registration Required.

June 2nd, 10am – 1pm

Pelham Library

Join us for the Children’s Summer Reading Kickoff featuring Red Mountain Theatre Company’s Beauty & the Beast from 2 – 4 PM.
Join Belle for a story and songs, and meet Belle for photos afterwards!
Please call 620-6465 for additional information.

Pre-Registration for children’s summer reading begins at 9 AM.
Please call 620-6465 for additional information.

 

 

Indoor Activities to Beat Summer Heat in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

Our summers can get pretty hot, and sometimes pretty rainy. So when the weather is keeping you in doors this Summer, check out these indoor activities to keep the kiddos busy!

Indoor Activities for Families in Birmingham

Autobahn Indoor Speedway – If you’re feeling the need for a little speed check out European-style indoor go-karting at Autobahn Indoor Speedway.

Birmingham Museum of Art – Bart the Art Bat has come up with tons of fun things for kids and adults to do together! Explore, discover, and create art with Bart the Art Bat, the Museum’s fun and funky mascot! For tips on visiting with kids, visit their site.

Riverchase Galleria – I know what you’re thinking, you would probably rather be dragged through the muddy playground by your messy bun than take your kids to the mall, but hear me out… You’re not going on a shopping spree, you’re going to play and stay out of the rain. Another spot with covered parking (yah!), you can grab lunch in the food court and let the kiddos ride the carousel. If you’re looking for some more prolonged fun, you can hit up Build-A-Bear or check out Bumper Nets!

Treetop Adventure – Kidzone, Animal Trax, Arcade, Bowling and Laser Tag all under one roof! Make sure to check Groupon before you go, they run deals regularly.

Trussville Playstation and Skates 280 are great for roller skating, and arcade games.

Indoor Play Places – Urban Air, Surge Trampoline Park, Skyzone, Pump it up, Let’s Play in Inverness and now Hoover, and of course the McWane Science Center. McWane has lots to do year round, for all ages, have you checked out Itty Bitty Magic City for the littles? You can even catch a movie in IMAX, and BONUS… They have covered parking which means no having to juggle the kids, the stroller and umbrella! Everyone stays dry and the car stays out of the summer sun.

Climb – Try First Avenue Rocks /Birmingham Boulders for a little rock climbing fun. They even offer an after school Climbing Team program for children ages 8-14. Also, make sure to check out the Kid Zone at Highpoint Climbing and Fitness

Laser Tag – If Laser tag is your game, try Ultra Blast Laser Combat Center off of 280 or Game Zone Laser Tag in Pelham.

Spare Time Entertainment – Games, Lanes and Fun! Kids Bowl Free All Summer long, register here!

Dave and Busters – the ultimate stop for video games and an afternoon of fun hanging out in the cool! 1/2 price games open to close, every Wednesday.

What’s your favorite family activity for beating the Alabama Heat?

Updated 5/19

Protecting Children from Extreme Sun Exposure

Posted on by Angie

As the summer season approaches, pediatric skin cancer scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are alerting parents of genetic research showing that sun damage contributes to melanoma in children and adolescents as well as adults.  The research underscores the need for precautionary measures necessary to avoid extreme sun exposure for children, including the implementation of routine prevention measures.

“Don’t assume children cannot get skin cancer because of their age.  Unlike other cancers, the conventional melanoma that we see mostly in adolescents behaves the same as it does in adults,” said Dr. Pappo.  “Children are not immune from extreme sun damage and parents should start sun protection early and make it a habit for life.”

Try to Avoid Going Outdoors When Sun’s Rays are the Strongest – Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., children should avoid direct UV rays as best possible. 

For Infants Younger than 6 Months of Age, No Sun at All is Best – They can be at the beach or outdoors this summer, but need to be covered up, have on a hat and cover up their neck and extremities. It is best to avoid sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months old because they can get significantly more exposure to the chemicals in sunscreen compared to older patients.

Use of Sunscreen to Prevent Sunburns – Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (effective against both UVA and UVB rays) and at least 15 SPF, although there is little evidence that anything above 50 SPF provides additional protective effects.

Regular Reapplication of Sunscreen is Necessary – Water-resistant sunscreen does NOT mean it should be applied only once. No more than a couple of hours should pass between applications, especially if one is sweating and in and out of the water.

Avoid Tanning Beds – The increase in melanoma among teenagers is partly due to their use of tanning beds. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that indoor tanning beds increase melanoma risk 75 percent in people who begin using them before the age of 30.

Early Diagnosis is Key – If a child has a mole, parents should make their pediatrician aware as soon as possible. Early identification and removal of melanoma is critical. If caught early, chances for survival are significantly higher. Early detection also means less invasive surgical procedures may be necessary, as well as a smaller chance of the tumor spreading.

 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. St. Jude is ranked the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital by U.S. News & World Report. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. To learn more, visit stjude.org or follow St. Jude on social media at @stjuderesearch.

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun May 11th – May 13th

Posted on by Angie

 

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend, Mamas! Here are some great options for fun around the ‘Ham this weekend, use them together as a family or feel free to forward this list to Dad and get yourself a little down time in a quiet house!

  • Birmingham Barons at Regions Field

V. Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Friday Night Fireworks!

Friday, 7:05pm

  • Buck Creek Festival at Helena Amphitheatre

The Buck Creek Festival is a free, family-friendly community event held on the second weekend of May in Helena’s Amphitheater Park. On the banks of Buck Creek, just below the dam, the heavily wooded site together with the incredible stage provides a wonderful venue for people of all ages to enjoy crafts, children’s activities, great food, and fabulous music.

The Festival run Friday, May 11th 6pm – 10pm and Saturday, May 12th, 10am – 10pm

CLICK to see the band line up.

Friday, 6pm – 10pm
Saturday, 10am – 10pm

  • Mother’s Day the the Birmingham Zoo

With every paying adult, receive a FREE child’s admission to the Birmingham Zoo on May 12 and 13! Create memories that will last a lifetime at the Birmingham Zoo this Mother’s Day. *This offer is exclusive for Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12 and 13 only.

  • Mother’s Day at McWane Science Center

In honor of their special day, all moms (and grandmothers!) get in FREE on Mother’s Day with the purchase of a child’s admission.

Sunday, museum hours

  • Down the Yellow Brick Road at Alys Robinson Stephens Arts Center

Down the Yellow Brick Road is one of the Center’s most ambitious original productions. Written by Jerry Sims and adapted from L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the story offers lessons on self-confidence, friendship, courage and using one’s imagination. This adaptation of a timeless classic features elaborate sets, fanciful costumes, special effects, a large cast and greater audience involvement than ever before.

Saturday, 11am, 2pm, 7pm
Sunday, 3pm

Our Sponsor:

Scott Butler specializes in over the Mountain Home Sales with a high number of listings and past sells in the Homewood area. He has a great love of the community and volunteers his time and talents as a Photographer to the Homewood Athletic teams, Homewood Schools, and many other local Organizations and Charities.

 

Do Dah Day 2018

Posted on by Angie

In 1979, a small group of friends got together and decided to have a party — or so the story goes — and Do Dah Day was born. The following years saw the party grow into an event raising money for local charities such as the Birmingham Zoo, Avondale Library and the Alabama Theatre. With so many Do Dah Day volunteers being pet owners and animal lovers, it was a natural progression for the fundraising focus to turn to local animal charities. Soon Do Dah Day was no longer a party — it had become an all-out festival.

Today, Do Dah Day is Birmingham’s oldest event. A music festival that in its infancy was enjoyed by 200 fun-loving Birmingham citizens, now sees more than 40,000 people from all over the United States converge on Birmingham’s Historic Highland Parks for a day of fun, food and music with their pets. Raising more than $600.00 since 1992 for Jefferson County animal shelters, Do Dah Day is one of the city’s most cherished springtime events.

Do Dah Day has always been — and still is today — a 100% volunteer organization, managed by a board of directors that consists of a diverse and eclectic group of local professionals. The event could not be successful though, without the countless volunteers contributing their time both on the day of the event and, for some, even months before. The event has proven addictive for many of its volunteers, some of whom can tout more than 10 years of volunteering in T-shirt booths and the like. People that once lived in the area and volunteered at the festival now fly in from Chicago or drive from Atlanta – their new homes – to man their posts in beer tents and on the music stages. It’s obvious that without the volunteers and their passion for Do Dah Day and its causes, the event wouldn’t be what it is today.

What began, in the simplest of terms, as an idea, has become a true tradition.

Do Dah Day 2018 will be held on May 19th at Caldwell Park – 11am – 6pm
Parade starts at 11:01 AM along Highland Avenue and Festivities begin at 12:01 PM in the parks!

Mother’s Day Fun for Birmingham Moms!

Posted on by Angie

Several places around Birmingham are spreading the love to Moms this Mother’s Day, here’s a list of some of the things you can take advantage of for free (or discounted!)

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Birmingham!

Mother’s Day Weekend at The Summit

Thursday, May 10th 

6:30-8:30 PM: Flying Squirrel Cookie Decorating Workshop

Saturday, May 12th 

9:00 AM: Mother’s Day Macaroon Workshop @ Sur La Table

10:00 AM-9:00 PM: Mother Daughter Event @ Lizard Thicket

12:00-4:00 PM: Mother’s Day Event @ South Moon Under

12:00-4:00 PM: Mother’s Day Pop Up Market @ Anthropologie

4:00-9:00 PM: Big Spoon Creamery in the Food Truck park

Sunday, May 13th 

9:00 AM: Mother’s Day Macaroon Workshop @ Sur La Table

11:00 AM: Enjoy Mother’s Day Brunch at Seasons 52, Village Tavern, Fleming’s or The Cheesecake Factory

11:00 AM-9:00 PM: Moms Love Chocolate @ The Cowfish

1:00-5:00 PM: Bendy’s Cookie’s and Cream in the Food Truck Park

Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is kicking off Mother’s Day with a weekend of festivities to recognize the selfless nature and unconditional love that moms everywhere give to their families on a daily basis. On May 11 and 12, Chicken Salad Chick will be hosting a celebration at all of its locations, with the first 100 moms at every restaurant receiving a sweet surprise at the door, plus other special deals and giveaways all weekend long.

TCBY

Moms love froyo. TCBY knows that and has a free cup of 6-ounce yogurt waiting for her as a Mother’s Day freebie. Try new flavors like Hot Honey Pecan and Pink Lemonade.

McWane Science Center

In honor of their special day, all moms (and grandmothers!) get in FREE on Mother’s Day with the purchase of a child’s admission.

Birmingham Zoo

With every paying adult, receive a FREE child’s admission to the Birmingham Zoo on May 12 and 13! Create memories that will last a lifetime at the Birmingham Zoo this Mother’s Day. *This offer is exclusive for Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12 and 13 only.

First Watch, Vestavia

In life, you never know what you’re gonna get… but at First Watch on Mother’s Day, mom will get a box of chocolates!

 

Buck Creek Festival

Posted on by Angie

The Buck Creek Festival is a free, family-friendly community event held on the second weekend of May in Helena’s Amphitheater Park. On the banks of Buck Creek, just below the dam, the heavily wooded site together with the incredible stage provides a wonderful venue for people of all ages to enjoy crafts, children’s activities, great food, and fabulous music.

The Festival run Friday, May 11th 6pm – 10pm and Saturday, May 12th, 10am – 10pm

2018 Buck Creek Band Lineup

Friday, May 11th

6:00 – 7:30 pm -Jed Eye
8:00 – 10:00 pm -Nationwide Coverage

Saturday, May 12th

10:00  – – 10:50 amHooley
11:00 – noon – Cam Spinks & the 58’s
12:20 – 1:25 pm -Helena High Jazz Band
1:45 – 2:45 pm Riverbend
3:00 – 3:45 pm DUCK RACE
3:45 – 5:00 pm M-80s
5:15 – 6:30 pm The Edmonds Butler Band
6:45 – 8:00 pm Deputy 5
8:30 – 10:00 pm Telluride

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