Dogwood Festival events conclude this weekend
The flowering dogwood is a beloved and longtime symbol of Vestavia Hills’ storied past.
In 1964 it became the icon of one of the City’s richest traditions, the annual Dogwood Festival, known until the late 1990s as “Alabama’s Oldest Dogwood Festival and Trail.” According to Vestavia Hills
Beautification Board member Casey O’Dell, the City ceased use of the tagline following a severe weather event that destroyed many of the trees along the trail’s landscape.
In recent years, much more than the tagline has changed.
While the festival still includes several of its hallmark events — the Belle presentation, luncheon and yard judging — the Beautification Board is also working hard to introduce new traditions. This year, that includes a highly touted art show, aptly named Art in the Hills.
Art in the Hills is the brainchild of lifelong resident Ashley Lowe Nance, a 1990 graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and a former Vestavia Belle herself.
“I dabble in art,” said Nance. “I like to pretend I’m an artist. Organizing this art show has been a wonderful task. Those who attend will be treated to an open-air art show in the portico of the Vestavia Hills City Center, along with entertainment from the Red Mountain Theatre Company’s youth performing ensembles. It’s been an exciting project to develop.”
While the long-running Dogwood Pageant is not on the docket for this year, board members said they are evaluating the possibility of bringing back a revamped version in future years.
Festivities formally kick off on April 6 at 2 p.m. for the presentation of the Vestavia Belles. The event, which will be emceed by Vestavia alumna and Fox 6 TV personality Clare Stewart Huddleston, is free and open to the public. It will take place at the Vestavia Country Club.
“I was a Belle in the late 1980s, and it was just a fabulous experience,” said Nance. “It’s one of the reasons I wanted to serve on the Board. My daughter is almost 14 and she has been staring at that dress for years now, waiting to interview for a Belle position and have the chance to wear it. It is designed to match the dress Vivienne Leigh wore in the opening scene of Gone With the Wind, and it is fabulous.”
Later in the month, Vestavia Hills Spring Yard Judging will take place. Dates are still being determined; for more information, visit the Beautification Board’s official website, vestaviabeautiful.com.
“We judge every area of Vestavia, but if someone wants to make sure their house gets an extra look, they should utilize the contact information on the website,” said O’Dell. She added that areas are divided into broader sections, which keeps the yard judging competition limited to a resident’s neighborhood or specific section of town.
“Winners can boast the yard sign on their property for at least two or three weeks, and then there will be a wine and cheese party for the winners, along with their families, in May,” said O’Dell, adding that winners also receive a plaque and personalized award citation.
Festivities continue with the Dogwood Festival Tablescape Luncheon, co-chaired by O’Dell and Kristin Tunnell. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 17. Local and well-loved storyteller Dolores Hydock will serve as guest speaker. Tickets are $20 each, and food will be catered by Vestavia’s own Café Iz.
The 2014 Dogwood Festival will conclude with the art show, taking place April 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Vestavia Hills City Center.
For more information about the 2014 Dogwood Festival, visit vestaviabeautiful.com, or send an email to vestaviahillsdogwoodfestival@gmail.com.