Staff photo.
Vestavia children enjoy giveaways and activities at I Love America Day.
Vestavia Hills’ Independence Day celebration has gone through changes over its 35-year history, but the I Love America Summer Celebration still offers fun for everyone.
“I Love America is an excellent way to celebrate our nation’s birth with friends and family,” said Katie Woodruff, I Love America Summer Celebration chairwoman. “With all of the different activities, there is something for every age group to enjoy.”
The celebration kicks off June 30 at 6 p.m. with free swimming at Wald Park Pool until 7:30 p.m. Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church will run the children’s area from 6 to 8 p.m. It will have inflatables and games including a moonwalk and a big slide, Woodruff said. At the same time, the event sponsors will have booths set up to give out promotional items.
At 7 p.m., the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra will perform a Pops in the Park concert. The concert will feature patriotic music, including a tribute to the military, Woodruff said.
Attendees can settle in for a family movie at 8 p.m. Events will be on the baseball fields at Wald Park.
“People can vote for which movie they would like to see by visiting either our website or Facebook page,” Woodruff said.
I Love America is not the same festival it was when it first started 35 years ago.
“It used to be an all-day festival on July 4, but as more people started going out of town for the Fourth, we decided to start having it a few days before,” Woodruff said. “We changed it to its current format, an evening event with a family movie, in 2007.”
I Love America Summer Celebration is sponsored by the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce with help from the Vestavia Hills Public Services Department. It is open to everyone, not just Vestavia Hills residents, but four-legged family members will need to stay home, she said.
“Pets are not allowed on the baseball fields,” Woodruff said.
Woodruff suggested bringing a lawn chair or blanket for the concert and movie. She said the concession stand will be selling barbecue plates and snacks, but outside food is allowed.
“Everyone is welcome to bring their own picnic if they prefer,” she said.
I Love America Summer Celebration
WHERE: Wald Park, 1973 Merryvale Road
WHEN: June 30, 6 p.m.
