Cityfest 2013

A special publication of

Alabaster CityFest guide

Staff

Alabaster Arts Council Adam Moseley

President and Executive Director Henry Raymond

Vice President Emily Benson

Vice President Adele Nelson

Secretary Vic Smith

Treasurer Chris Honeycutt Carla Garner Calvin Rumph Steve Hall Deborah Foster Jane McDaniel Jamia Williams Rusty Martin Tyra Cutcher Ernie Clark Jamie Leonard Greg Hussey

Camille Herron Kenny Hill Matt Gore Sophie Martin Jackie Karabasz Heidi Ramey Debbie Smith Mike Barnes Angela Moseley Larry Vann Diana Hussey Chris Smith

CityFest Guide Editorial Katie McDowell Amy Jones Neal Wagner

Table of

Contents 4

Cityfest celebrates 11 years

6

Headliners

7

Schedule

8

Sponsor spotlight

10

Alabaster Arts Council

11

Calling all kids

12

Vendors

14

Map

Production Daniel Holmes

Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering

Marketing Alan Brown

Jill Harvell Rhett McCreight Meagan Mims Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins LaShan Johnson Mary Strehle

Administration Tim Prince

Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvary Christine Roberts Hailey Dolbare Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 3

CityFest

celebrates

11

4 • Alabaster CityFest 2013

years

By NEAL WAGNER

E

leven years ago, a group of Alabaster officials and City Council members got together to brainstorm ways to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary. When they were done, they had planned a modest community festival at the city’s Municipal Park.

During the first Alabaster CityFest in 2003, police counted about 8,000 people, most of whom were Alabaster residents, as they walked through the gates to enjoy food, vendors and music from local and regional bands.

The 2012 CityFest drew a record crowd of about 70,000.

“Back then, it was much smaller than it is now,” said Adam Moseley, Alabaster Arts Council president. “We actually started thinking about doing an event to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary in 2002, but the first CityFest wasn’t held until 2003.”

The first CityFest was organized by Alabaster’s city government as a way to celebrate the city’s golden anniversary with its residents, but the city soon handed the reins over to another entity.

“By the third or fourth CityFest, the Arts Council took over,” Moseley said. “Once it started getting bigger, the Arts Council was able to do a lot the city couldn’t do.”

The Arts Council, which is independent of the city, is able to pursue event sponsors the city is not able to, and is able to dedicate more time to organizing and promoting the event, Moseley said.

Many of the volunteers who worked to organize the first event are still involved in the Arts Council, which allows the organization to build off its experiences each year, he said.

“Over the years, we have been able to keep adding people to that core group of organizers. It has really worked out well,” Moseley said. “We have a lot of the same people who worked on the very first event.”

Each year, the event’s attendance has grown by more than 4,000, which has allowed the Arts Council to draw bigger performers. Over the past few years, CityFest has featured artists such as Sister Hazel, Travis Tritt and Tonic.

“What we had during the first couple of years is nothing compared to the groups we have had the past few years,” Moseley said.

Because the event began as a free celebration for Alabaster’s residents, the Arts Council has worked to keep CityFest a no-charge event for the past eight years. But because the event’s growth each year has also added to its costs. Volunteers and sponsors, including title sponsor Regions Bank, have played a major role in the event’s success.

“We could not do this without Regions Bank, Ernest McCarty and all of our wonderful sponsors,” Moseley said. “Their support is invaluable and they step up every year to make this a community event.”

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CityFest snags

big acts

By NEAL WAGNER

C

ountry music star Josh Turner will headline the 2013 Alabaster CityFest, and Ed Kowalczyk, the former front man for the alternative rock group Live, will open for him.

Turner will headline the event, and is scheduled to take the festival’s main stage at 9 p.m. Since releasing his debut album “Long Black Train,” Turner has earned numerous CMA, ACM and Grammy nominations.

Turner has sold more than 5 million albums and has garnered four No. 1 hits such as “Your Man,” “Would You Go With Me,” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance.” His song “All Over Me” also reached the top spot on the charts, making him one of only seven country artists to have two No. 1 hits in 2010.

Turner released his fifth studio album, “Punching Bag,” in 2012. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart, and the debut single “Time is Love” was No. 1 on the Best of 2012 Billboard Country Chart.

Kowalczyk is a founding member and former lead singer of the alternative rock group Live, which had a string of hits in the 1990s, including “Lightning Crashes.” He was with the group from 1991-2009 before he embarked on his solo career, according to his Facebook page.

6 • Alabaster CityFest 2013

Festival Schedule

Main Stage

Day Stage

2 30 p.m.

9 a.m. Divine Destiny 10 a.m. Sanchez Tanniehill 11 a.m. Terry Padgett as Elvis 1 p.m. The Final 2 p.m. Crossroads Junction

KidsFest Stage

9 30 a.m. Spectacular Science Show 10 a.m. Jim Aycock 10 30 a.m. Marvelous Magic Show 11 a.m. Jim Aycock 11 30 a.m. K-9 Dog Show-FIELD 12 p.m. Jim Aycock 12 30 p.m. Marvelous Magic Show 1 p.m. Jim Aycock 1 30 p.m. K-9 Dog Show-FIELD 2 30 p.m. Jim Aycock 3 p.m. Spectacular Science Show

Coyote Jack Band

3 15 p.m.

Atticus Avenue

4 p.m.

Take 7

5 p.m.

After Two Glasses

6 p.m.

Michael Warren

7 p.m.

Ed Kowalczyk formerly of Live

9 p.m.

Josh Turner

Cruise-in car show from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. KidsFest Activities throughout the day — Hands-on arts and crafts, Lowes Build-it workshop, Birmingham School of Music Drum Circle, Bungee Jump for fee

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Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 7

sponsor

spotlight :

Crossfit sky soldiers

By DREW GRANTHUM

W

ith so many weight loss pills, drinks and supplements out on the market, one has to wonder if there are any traditional workout plans left out there.

According to Michele Burch of Alabaster’s CrossFit Sky Soldiers, there is.

The gym was started by Burch, her husband, Michael Burch, and lead trainer Chris Brown, a former Army paratrooper, which is where the Sky Soldiers name comes from.

Burch said that unlike most gyms and workout plans, CrossFit is designed to get the body in peak physical shape in multiple ways.

“We focus on optimal physical competence,” she said. “CrossFit focuses on getting you ready for life and being an overall athlete.”

Each workout uses all of the body, as it claims to “specialize in not specializing.” The intense nature of the program allows each participant to get the most out of his or her body, but Burch stresses that the program is designed for anyone and everyone.

“From day one, we don’t change the exercises, just the weight and pace,” she said. “Chris will work oneon-one (with participants). He makes sure the weight is doable. He wants to make sure that your form is right.”

It is this concern for the participant that Burch said makes Sky Soldiers unique. Despite being a young program, it is a healthy one.

The gym opened early last fall and offered a free trial to members. They began charging for classes in October and are now up to 80 members.

“We actually (still) offer the first three classes for free,” Burch said. “(You need) no equipment; we’ve got it all.”

The rates for Sky Soldiers are $100 a month for a yearly contract, or $125 to go month-to-month. All fire, police and military staff receive $25 off. For more information, contact 205-873-4589.

8 • Alabaster CityFest 2013

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VISION We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America. A United Way Partner.

Alabaster arts council gives back

By KATIE McDOWELL

H

undreds of people donate time and money to make CityFest a success each year.

However, a core group of volunteers on the Alabaster Arts Council is the driving force behind the annual event.

The council was founded several years ago, President Adam Moseley said.

“The people that ended up forming the arts council are the people that started (CityFest) in 2003,” he said.

They knew that in order for CityFest to continue to grow, they needed a dedicated group working behind the scenes through the year.

The all-volunteer council now has about 25 members. They are the ones who plan the date, secure sponsors, book performers and do anything else necessary to put on CityFest.

The council’s mission is “to enrich the quality of life in the Alabaster community through the arts and art education.”

In addition to CityFest, the council

awards numerous grants to teachers and schools in Alabaster. Many of those grants are awarded in the spring, but the council also awards grants throughout the year. The grants assist a wide range of arts-based projects at public and private schools in Alabaster. Previous grants assisted with the start of an

art program, the purchase of musical instruments or band uniforms and costs associated with school plays.

“That’s what we do with the help of our sponsors,” Moseley said. “We put on CityFest. We’re able to fund these grants through vendor fees and different events we do throughout the year.”

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10 • Alabaster CityFest 2013

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Calling all

kids

By KATIE McDOWELL

C

ityFest is known for offering family friendly fun – a designation that festival organizers take to heart.

KidsFest is an area devoted entirely to children, complete with inflatables, arts and crafts, hands-on projects and games.

Volunteer Sophie Martin said this year’s KidsFest will offer activities to get kids moving.

“As part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s commitment to fighting childhood obesity, they are sponsoring several health and wellness events to teach kids fun ways to get exercise and stay healthy,” she said.

Those events include a healthy cooking station, sack races, tug of war and three-legged races. Vic Smith CPA is also a major sponsor of KidsFest.

Lowe’s will also return with their build-it

workshop, which allows the children to create projects, such as a toolbox or birdhouse.

KidsFest will feature 15 inflatables, face painting, the Flying K-9 dog show and an arts and crafts area. Other attractions include musician Jim Aycock, who will perform throughout the day, and Spectacular Science and Marvelous Magic shows. The latter shows are interactive and include activities like creating slime, a meet-and-greet with animals and making explosions with diet soda and

Mentos.

All of the events are free, except for the bungee jump, which has a small fee.

While it is difficult to keep count of the number of Kids Fest visitors, Martin said they see close to 5,000 children or more.

That number has grown each year as families discover CityFest, she said.

“They consider this a way to have a really good time with the kids at no cost to them,” Martin said.

Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 11

2013 CityFest

Vendors

Johnny Rays BBQ BBQ

Dinky Donuts Donuts

Knot Just A Rope Paracord Items

Discovery Clubs Informational

Sunshine Western Hats Hats

Lazarus Design Jewelry

D & B Concessions Funnel Cakes and Lemonade

Interior Landscape Design Home Decor

Mermaid Events Greek Food

Duganized Designs Style Accessories

Ruben Concessions Seafood

The Phlock Shop Wooden Furniture

Avon Health & Beauty Products

C & K Concession Carnival Style Foods

Unique Silverware Jewelry

Sanctuary Books Books

The Cool Spot Shaved Ice

Fur Charities Bubble Blowers

AVRAL T-Shirts

M & M Fun Time Novelties Glow Items

Space Airbrushing Airbrush

Jules Jewelry Jewelry

Gameday in Style Fashions

Thirty-One Handbags

Lauren Hoods World of Dogs K-9 Services

Papas & Grammies Nuts Peanuts

Alabaster RC RC Display

State Farm Insurance

Xtreme Bungy Bungy Jump

Albert L Scott Library Informational

Watkins Products Spices & Dips

Gutter Shield of Alabama Gutter Shields

Baptist Health Systems Informational

Country Cabin Sweets & Treats Scentsy Candles Wickless Candles Sattlers Hats & Leathers Hats, Leather Goods

12 • Alabaster CityFest 2013

Boresha International Skinny Coffee

Orthodontics South Informational Betty Ray Jewelry

Dreaming Designs Paintings Palm Beach Tan Informational

The Lone Wolf Funtime Concessions Booksigning Funnel Cakes & Lifeguard Ambulance Lemonade Service Blood Pressure Checks Pro-Designs Airbrush LTD Jewelry 7 Gifts Gifts Bama Lights Lights Cabinet Creations Cabinets Southern Natural Soap Parkers Barber & Soap Style Informational Bambaya Sundresses Grand Escapes Travel Travel Services Sneaky Petes Hot Dogs Vendors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Jireh Ironworks or later.

Ironworks

Alabaster CityFest 2013 • 13

Alabaster CityFest is located in Alabaster on the grounds of the Alabaster Municipal Park and Thompson Middle School.

For your convenience, Alabaster CityFest has free parking and free shuttles running from the festival site to all of the public parking areas.

The shuttles will run from 8:45 a.m. until the end of the event. The public parking areas will fill in the following order: Thompson High School, Warrior Park, Thompson High School Football Stadium, Publix.

Directions to Public Parking From Montgomery (taking I-65 North)  Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw  Turn left on Hwy 31 N  At second traffic light, turn left onto Hwy 119 S  Go approximately 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School)  For the first public parking opportunity, go approx. 1/2 mile and turn left onto Warrior Drive and follow the signs From Birmingham (taking I-65 South)  Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw 14 • Alabaster CityFest 2013

 Turn right on Hwy 31 N  At 1st traffic light, turn left onto Hwy 119 S  Go approximately 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School)  For the first public parking opportunity, go approx 1/2 mile and turn left onto Warrior Drive and follow the signs Directions to VIP Parking From Montgomery (taking I-65 North)  Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw  Turn left on Hwy 31 N  Go to second traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S  Go approx 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School)  Turn left on Warrior Drive and follow the signs to VIP Parking From Birmingham (taking I-65 South)  Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw  Turn right on Hwy 31 N  Go to first traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S

 Go approx 2 miles to Thompson Road and turn right (next to Thompson Intermediate School)  Turn left on Warrior Drive and follow the signs to VIP Parking Directions to Vendor Parking From Montgomery (taking I-65 North)  Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw  Turn left on Hwy 31 N  Go to second traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S  Approx. 3 miles, turn right onto Kent Dairy Road  Approx. ½ mile, turn right into Thompson Middle School parking lot From Birmingham (taking I-65 South)  Take Exit 238 Alabaster/Saginaw  Turn right on Hwy 31 N  Go to first traffic light and turn left onto Hwy 119 S  Approx. 3 miles, turn right onto Kent Dairy Road  Approx. ½ mile, turn right into Thompson Middle School parking lot

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16 • Alabaster CityFest 2013