By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—Liberty Day, the time-honored tradition, celebrates 30 years in downtown Columbiana June 24-25.

The event, which started in 1986 as a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, begins Friday night and continues until Saturday evening.

Columbiana marketing director Elizabeth Smith said there is something for everyone, with a Kid’s Zone, local vendors and “lots of great music.”

Friday night kicks off at 6p.m. with the Shelby County Arts Council’s new exhibit, “B-Side,” opening with a free reception and live music provided by “The Goods,” at the SCAC gallery. Along with the exhibition opening Smith said Austin Foster and the Cooper Trent Band will provide live music on Main Street starting at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday activities begin at 9a.m with Mayor Stancil Handley providing a welcome to the city.
Smith said local vendors will set up on Main Street selling food, art, clothing and more, with continuous live entertainment followed by the Liberty Day Parade at 3 p.m.

The parade is a big part of the festivities and has been directed by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce the past two years.

Chamber Coummunity Director Keyla Handley said the parade is a great part of Liberty Day and anyone is welcome to participate.

“It’s been a very good experience with the city,” Handley said. “We enjoy our partnership with Columbiana, and other cities in the county.”

She said the parade usually has about 50 participants, and is a way for organizations and businesses to give back to the community. The parade always welcomes the Grand Marshal, chosen by the mayor, to lead the line with all the participants following behind. Prizes are awarded for the best floats.
The celebration ends at the Shelby County High School football field with a music by “The Negotiators” starting at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks show.

Smith said they are expecting a large crowd, and that Liberty Day has always been a large celebration for the city.

“It’s a rain or shine event,” she said. “We pray for good weather and for a great weekend.”

For more information and Liberty Day scheduling visit cityofcolumbiana.com. Anyone interested in parade participation can visit shelbychamber.org or call Handley at 663-4542.