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By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer

CALERA – Independence Day is approaching and local people are looking forward to a celebration of freedom accompanied by barbecues, fireworks and quality time with friends and family.

Calera Main Street’s monthly First Friday event will double as the community’s Fourth of July celebration again this year. Local residents, as well as those from surrounding areas, will be able to enjoy food, live music, fireworks and more.

Calera Main Street’s Alicia Anderson is looking forward to the celebration, as it is one of her favorite events put on by the organization each year.

“I am so pumped for our First Friday on July 4,” Anderson said. “It’s going to be an amazing time—live music, food trucks, fireworks, the whole downtown will be buzzing with energy. It’s one of my favorite events because you can feel the community come together to celebrate.”

Calera Main Street worked tirelessly to put together the best experience possible for everyone who attends the event. From the music and food available, to ensuring children were not left out, the organization made sure to include everyone.

“We’ve got an amazing night planned for the community,” Anderson said. “Enjoy live music from Paul Johnson and Darrayl Park of the band Twelve, plus eight different food trucks and a variety of local vendors. The kids will have a blast in the inflatable kids zone.”

Anderson is confident in the July Fourth celebration’s potential to bring the community together and make a positive impact on the town.

“I truly believe this event will have an incredibly positive impact on our community,” Anderson said. “It’s more than just a fun night—it’s a chance for everyone to come together, make new connections and really feel that small-town Calera pride.”

The event also has the chance to be impactful for local businesses, as there will be an increased number of people to provide business for them. Attendees from outside Calera will have a chance to see the town’s charm up close.

“Events like this help support our local vendors, give people a reason to shop and dine right here at home and create lasting memories for families,” Anderson said. “Plus, seeing everyone gathered downtown, celebrating together, reminds us why Calera is such a special place to live. It’s exactly the kind of thing that strengthens our sense of community and keeps our hometown spirit alive.”

The First Friday Independence Day Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. The fireworks show, put on by the Calera Fire Department, will start at 9 p.m.