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Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Families enjoy games, food and rides at Back 2 School in the Hills.
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Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Three years ago, Birmingham Parent, Deborah’s Party Rentals, JAMM Entertainment and Oliver Square approached the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce about hosting a back-to-school event.
It was an idea met happily by the Chamber.
“The chamber is thrilled when members initiate activities, so we were happy to jump in,” said Lisa Christopher, Back 2 School in the Hills chairwoman and membership and marketing consultant for the Chamber. “With the help of our Parks and Rec, police and fire departments, we’re able to create an event that has something for everyone.”
This year’s event will be Aug. 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oliver Square, at 3246 Cahaba Heights Road. It is free and open to the public.
Starting at 6 p.m., a shuttle will run from Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church to United Car Care Center just next to Oliver Square for pickup and drop-off, Christopher said.
“It worked great [last year], and we plan to do it again this year as parking is extremely limited, and we want to leave parking spaces available for the businesses that operate during the hours of the event,” she said.
Upon arrival, families can mingle with the Honor Society sponsors, the top sponsors of the night.
“[They] typically provide some fun giveaways, and [attendees] have the ability to register for door prizes at the various booths and the Chamber tent,” Christopher said.
Deborah’s Party Rentals will have games and rides, while JAMM Entertainment will provide a musical backdrop to the festivities. At dusk, the inflatables and tents go down, and a family-friendly movie goes up on the lawn. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, but leave your pets at home, Christopher said. Attendees can pack a picnic or pick up dinner from area restaurants.
New this year is a sponsorship category called SGA sponsor, designated for candidates running for public office.
“Due to limited space, we anticipate a sellout of expo booths, but we want to be able to include any candidates who want to be a sponsor, so they can mingle with the crowd,” Christopher said. “Not only will this be a great opportunity to meet residents, but by being a sponsor, they will also get great publicity for their community participation.”
Back 2 School in the Hills is meant to bring Vestavia Hills residents together to celebrate the new school year, Christopher said.
“Vestavia Hills is a very long city geographically, and the chamber works diligently to ensure everyone within our city feels connected,” she said.
The event has drawn about 500 attendees in the past, and it is an event Christopher describes as family friendly, lively and happy.
“There is something for everyone and because education is so highly valued in Vestavia Hills and so highly acclaimed, the start of a new year is reason for a celebration,” she said.
In case of bad weather, the rain date is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 19, Christopher said.
