PELL CITY — In just under three short weeks, historic downtown will roll out its welcome mat to residents from all areas as the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce presents its Eighth Annual Hometown Block Party.People of all ages will gather to walk the streets amid a wide variety of vendors while being treated to the enticing aromas of food wafting through the air.
Strategically placed stages will provide a haven for families to stop for a bit and listen to strains of music including rock, gospel, country, Motown and more.
A Kids Corner will feature children’s games and rides in a carnival atmosphere making this an event with something for every age group.
Best of all, supporters say, admission is free.
“Everything is ready for the block party,” said Pam Adamson, Pell City Chamber of Commerce Eighth Annual Hometown Block Party chairwoman.
This year’s Hometown Block Party, which is expected to draw thousands of people, is Friday, June 6, from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
“Many individuals in the community have inquired about the block party,” Adamson said. “Everyone is excited. They are all looking forward to it.”
Adamson said there is a new addition to the block party lineup.
“Shelby Duke, our 13-year-old Pell City Idol winner, will sing ‘God Bless America’ at the event kickoff at 5:30 p.m.,” she said.
All the entertainment is booked, Adamson said.
The Daily Home-St. Clair Times Stage will feature the Style Band, which plays Motown music.
The St. Vincent’s St. Clair Stage will feature the Leverton Brothers Band, which plays country-rock music.
The Metro Bank Stage will feature 88 Faces, which plays rap-ska-rock music.
The Alabama Power Stage will feature TCB Shows and have legendary tributes (impersonators).
The I-20 Carpet Stage will feature Deputy 5, which plays country music.
The Honda Stage will feature inspirational bands that play religious music.
CenturyTel is the sponsor of the Kids Corner, with an assortment of fun children’s rides and games.
“We have more food vendors signed up this year than last year,” said Lynn Batemon, executive director of the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce.
Food choices will include fried Oreos, boiled peanuts, apples and caramel, cotton candy, snow cones, shaved ice, ice cream, bar-b-q, pizza, funnel cakes, hot dogs, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, fish, polish sausage dogs, hamburgers, nachos, Boston butts, grilled chicken sandwiches, lemonade, soft drinks, doughnuts, and much more.
Other participating vendors will sell pet-related merchandise, candles, magnetic jewelry, coolties, crochet towels, dolls, woodwork, inflatables, first-aid kits, live reptiles, garden items, plants, purses, boats, airbrush body art, confederate merchandise, shirts, Tupperware products, and much more.
“We are very pleased to have over 60 total vendors signed up,” Batemon said.
Adamson said she has had a great response from Hometown Block Party sponsors as well.
“Right now, we are praying that it doesn’t rain,” she said.
Adamson said during last year’s block party, some individuals left when it began to rain, but returned to the block party after the rain stopped.
“Rain or shine, the block party will happen,” she said.
