By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

 CALERA – Calera Main Street will continue its popular First Friday event series in May with a Cinco de Mayo celebration and charity cornhole tournament benefitting the National MS Society. Behind the shops in the historic downtown district, the community will gather in the Calera Courtyard on Friday, May 3 from 6-9 p.m. to enjoy food and conversation as they support a cause.

Calera Main Street is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of Calera’s downtown business district. According to Calera Main Street Director Jackie Batson, First Friday is a free, community festival series celebrated on the first Friday of every month with the goal of promoting Calera’s historic district and its downtown merchants.

“We’re excited to bring back the energy and excitement of Calera Main Street’s First Friday festival,” Batson said. “This event not only celebrates our diverse community but also supports a great cause with the National MS Society.”

The Cinco Day Mayo festival and cornhole tournament will be sponsored by the Sav Mor Food Outlet with Killing Time Cornhole managing the tournament itself. Participants can register for the official cornhole tournament on the Scoreholio app or in person

starting at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

In between rounds of cornhole, attendees can enjoy music courtesy of DJ Fuzzy, shop at local vendor booths or eat dinner from popular food trucks including Hey Bebe, Gumbo to Geaux, Uncle G’s Pizza, Momo’s Cajun Eats, Battle Axe, Wasabi Juan’s, Moe and Moore’s BBQ and Sunshine Lemonade.

“We encourage everyone to join us for a fun-filled evening,” Batson said.

As for the rest of the festival season, the following dates and themes have been announced:

• May 3–Cinco de Mayo and Cornhole Tournament–presenting sponsor: Sav Mor Food Outlet
• June 7–Backyard Bash–presenting sponsor: Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.
• July 4–Food, Fun and Fireworks!–presenting sponsor: Calera Parks and Recreation
• August 2–Back to School–presenting sponsor: Central State Bank

Those interested in learning more information about the First Friday festival season, may visit Downtowncalera.org/events.