Calera’s Got Talent shines through inclement weather
Published 2:40 pm Friday, May 9, 2025
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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor
CALERA – After the end of a talent show in Calera, a solitary girl stared intently at her phone as she bravely sang for those willing to stay. After she finished the last note, she looked up to see a crowd of high schoolers gathered in front of her—cheering her on. It was the highlight of a night of highlights.
Despite an outpouring of rain and inclement weather, Calera Main Street’s second First Friday festival of the year and first ever Calera’s Got Talent show found success on Friday, May 2 from 6-10 p.m. at the Calera Courtyard.
“What makes this one special is that it’s a different type of First Friday than what we’ve done before,” said Dennis Torrealba, president of Calera Main Street. “The goal of Calera’s Got Talent (was) to give people a platform to showcase their unique abilities at all different levels.”
Sponsored by Shelby County Newsmedia, Calera’s Got Talent featured a night of non-stop entertainment that highlighted local talent with live performances. Visitors were also able to enjoy several food trucks at the event, including Momo’s Cajun Eatz, Moe and Moore’s BBQ and Icee Junkie. Additionally, attendees were able to take advantage of the businesses located on Calera Main Street, including Adventurer’s Coffee Co., R.O.E. Hobby and Creations Galore and Moore.
Throughout the evening, participants took the stage to demonstrate a variety of family-friendly talents such as dancing, singing, playing, hula-hooping and more.
Each of Calera Main Street’s First Friday events features a different theme and a different sponsor with the ultimate goal of promoting Calera’s historic district and its downtown shops and merchants.
The next installment of First Friday is set for Friday, June 6 with 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:
- 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,” said Dee Starkey, merchant market coordinator for Calera Main Street.
For event information and vendor applications, visit Eventeny.com/company/caleramainstreet or follow Calera Main Street Facebook at Facebook.com/CaleraMainStreet2019.