By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Kingwood Church and the city of Alabaster welcome the Shelby County community to participate in their fifth-annual Celebrate America June 28 at Veterans Park in Alabaster.

The two have hosted the free, family friendly Independence Day celebration since 2010.

“It started when our lead pastor sat down with Mayor Handlon to discuss community events, and how Kingwood Church could partner with the city for a community event,” said Kingwood Church Pastor Benny Cunningham.

According to Cunningham, the meeting concluded with a decision to host a celebration for Independence Day, a holiday that Alabaster had not yet celebrated as a community.

This year’s patriotic celebration will commence June 28 at 7 p.m. with live music performed by EveryDay but Friday. The local band, whose members consist of Kingwood Churchgoers, will be covering music from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Guests are encouraged to bring “blankets, lawn chairs, family and appetites.”

On another side of the park, a KidZone for children ages 12 and younger will offer four large inflatables, one climbing inflatable, two small inflatables and at least one ride. Gamin’

Ride will provide video games and outdoor laser tag.

A Movie in the Park will be shown at about 8:10 p.m.

Food will be available to purchase from vendors throughout the evening. Guests will have diverse options from Mi Pueblo Supermarket, Publix, Kona Ice, Chubb’s Grub Station, Champy’s, Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, Little Italy’s Pizza and Zou’s Kitchen.

After the movie, an “unforgettable” firework finale by Pyro Productions will blast off at about 9:30 p.m.

“We’re glad to be able to partner with the city of Alabaster to put on a family friendly event for this community,” Cunningham said. “And we’re also glad to have such a large number of volunteers.”

The community is invited to attend Kingwood Church’s single combined service the following morning at 10:30 a.m. to continue the “celebration of patriotism and faith.” Child care will be provided to children birth – fourth grade.