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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – Residents will have the opportunity to enjoy several months of festive events themed around food, entertainment and more as Calera Main Street kicks off its annual First Friday series.

Running for its fifth year, Calera Main Street’s First Friday summer festival will start on Friday, April 4 and is scheduled to continue monthly through Friday, Aug. 1. Each Friday will feature a different theme and a different sponsor with the ultimate goal of promoting Calera’s historic district and its downtown shops and merchants.

“We are thrilled to bring back these signature events that make Calera such a wonderful place to live and visit,” said Jackie Batson, executive director of Calera Main Street. “From celebrating local talent and small businesses to bringing the community together for the holidays, we have something for everyone in downtown Calera.”

The First Friday series will kick off this year with its fourth annual Crawfish Boil on April 4 from 6-10 p.m. Presented by Calera Main Street and Red Mountain Crawfish, attendees will have the chance to enjoy an authentic Cajun/Creole feast featuring fresh crawfish mixed with Southern flavors. Additionally, visitors can look forward to live music by Susannah Seales as well as games and a chance to browse local vendors.

“This is one of our popular events, and it kicks us off,” said Dee Starkey, Calera Main Street program assistant. “Every year, our First Friday events just grow and grow, more people in the community find out about them and more vendors attend as well. It’s always great having the community come together.”

Friday, May 2, sponsored by Shelby County Newsmedia, will feature Calera’s Got Talent—a night of entertainment that highlights local talent with live performances and music from a DJ to keep the energy high between acts. Guests can also partake in food trucks, games and a series of vendors.

Friday, June 6 will feature the annual Backyard Bash as ERA King brings fun to downtown Calera with a dunking booth featuring local celebrities and the return of the Food Truck Slider Showdown which benefits Calera Main Street. Additionally, attendees can enjoy music, games and a selection of food trucks.

Friday, July 4 will showcase Festival Fun and Fireworks. Sponsored by TNT Fireworks and Calera Parks and Recreation, the event will allow Calera to celebrate the Fourth of July and First Friday at the same time with an explosive fireworks display set for after dark. The event will also be packed with music, games and a variety of food trucks.

Friday, Aug. 1, will see the First Friday series conclude with its annual Back to School event. Central State Bank will lead a backpack giveaway at the event as the city celebrates the start of a new school year with plans for vendors, food and activities for families.

In addition to the First Friday series, Calera has a collection of upcoming community events planned for the rest of the year, including the following:

• April 26: 14th annual Strawberry Festival at Oliver Park
• May 3: Inaugural Cinco de Mayo Celebration
•  June 21: Fourth annual Cornhole for a Cure benefiting National MS Society
• Oct. 8: National Night Out
• Oct. 18: Second annual Calera Nerd Fest
• Oct. 30: Seventh annual Trunk or Treat
• Nov. 22: Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Nov. 29: Small Business Saturday and Christmas tree lighting
• Dec. 6: Annual Christmas Parade
• Dec. 31: Second annual New Year’s Eve Party

“We’re always searching for new vendors and additional food trucks to add to our lineup,” Starkey said. “So, we do have the link on our social media page as well as our website.”

For event information and vendor applications, visit Eventeny.com/company/caleramainstreet or follow Calera Main Street Facebook at Facebook.com/CaleraMainStreet2019.