By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

HOOVER — For a day, part of U.S. 280 will be transformed into a tropical paradise, Jimmy Buffett-style.

The Magic City Parrot Head Club, based out of Pelham, will host its eighth-annual beach party, Wastin’ Away in Margaritaham, at the Inverness Fish Market restaurant on April 30. Island music band Calypso Nuts will play.

The event, which will benefit Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, will be from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door.

Club president Kay Moore said there will be two different auctions partiers can try their luck with. Participants can purchase tickets to use in a teacup auction, where tickets are dropped in a cup or bowl for the chance to win an auction item.

There will also be a silent auction, which will include around 75-80 items up for bid. Moore said there will be several NASCAR-themed items, including autographs from drivers. There will also be beach-themed items, as well as items from Budweiser and Corona.

The silent auction will be from noon-3 p.m. Moore said there are always some surprises up for bid.

“I never know what we’re going to get until right close to the end,” she said. “It’s sort of a surprise and a scavenger hunt thing.”

There will also be raffle tickets available for door prizes. Partiers will be responsible for purchasing their own food and drinks.

Moore said club members are expecting anywhere from 100-225 people for the party. This year’s party is being held a month earlier than last year, in an attempt to avoid high temperatures.

“Every year, we’ve been blessed with beautiful weather – sometimes a little bit too hot,” she said.

All proceeds from the silent auction will go to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. A portion of the admission revenues will go to pay the band, and the rest will go to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama.

“We try to give everything we earn away. Anything we don’t give away becomes seed money for the next year,” Moore said. “We party with a purpose.”