The fireworks show was the finale at the Thunder in the Park event at Moody City Park on Saturday.  A huge crowd turned out for a great afternoon with food trucks, entertainment and activities for the kids hosted by the City of Moody. 

Moody Youth Association sponsored the stage and two bounce houses.  Main Street Family Urgent Care sponsored the water for the bands and a jump house.  Revocation Radio sponsored the music.  Event t-shirts were sold. There are a few t-shirts left in case you would like to get one.  They are $10 and you can purchase one up at Moody Civic Center.

The Mayor, City Council and Civic Center personnel were there along with Moody Parks & Rec. 

A recognition ceremony was held to honor those who bought plaques for the recognition wall to honor Veterans and First Responders.  Those honored included Curtis Smith Isbell – Military Police US Army 1950s, Ray Summers – Tec 5 US Army 1943-1945, Brett Howard – PFC US Army 2007-209, Greg Hanvey – IMSA US Navy 1985-1988, Freddie Turrentine – SFC US Army Retired 1982-2009, Rich Blankenship – MSgt. USAF Retired 1993-2014, Joe Lee – Sgt. US Army 1969-1975, Michele Dashiell MSgt. USAF 2002-Present, Belinda Crapet Johnson – Police Chief 1992-Present, Matt Morris – SCC Sheriff’s & Moody PD 2003-Present and Tommy Dixon – Investigator 1987-Present. 

Karaoke Night at Rails & Ales on Saturday was also a big hit, sponsored by the Leeds Jane Culbreth Library.  A variety of songs were performed by library patrons and staff from libraries within Jefferson County Library Cooperative.  As door prizes, Library Director Melanie Carden handed out tote bags filled with music CDs and donated merchandise from Rails & Ales.

It’s always fun to get together with old friends.  Gary and  I had the opportunity to have dinner with some friends from my St. Clair graduating class at Carpenetti’s last week.  We laughed, talked about old times and had some great Italian food.  Our next get together will be Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Be sure to shop local this weekend for the Alabama sales tax holiday weekend.  Leeds is participating in the sales tax holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 20 and ends at midnight on Sunday, July 22.  You will find many sales going on to save even bigger at the Outlet Shops of Grand River, Bass Pro Shop, Mum & Me Mercantile, Pants Store, LA Salon and more. 

The summer musical, “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” continues this weekend at Leeds Theatre & Arts Center with show dates on Friday through Sunday, July 20-22 with a final show Friday, July 27.  For ticket information and show times, please visit www.leedsartscouncil.org.  You will not want to miss this powerful event with the retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance and what it means to be a hero.

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. July 19 at the Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church.  If you are a policeman, fireman, EMT or other first responder in the greater Leeds Area, please come by for a FREE breakfast and fellowship.  For more information, please visit www. EdenWestside.org.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m.  July 19 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Guest speaker will be Karen Moore with Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, PC CPA who will provide needed information for businesses on the new tax laws.  Lunch is $12 with RSVP to Sandra McGuire at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.

Community Presbyterian Church will host Homeschooling 101 tonight, July 19 at 7 p.m. for anyone who is interested in getting more information about homeschool.  This seminar is free with no obligation to homeschool or join a particular group.  This 1 ½ hour seminar will give you an overview of state law, some particulars about Crossroads Christian School, curricula choices and recordkeeping.

The Leeds Jane Culbreth Library will host a Musical Theatre Trivia event on Saturday, July 21 from noon until 2 p.m. for ages 12 and up.  To register your team of 2-4 people, please call 205-699-5962 or visit www. LeedsLibrary.com/events.  Also, please check out the variety of other upcoming events for you and your children.

Eden Westside Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School’s Time Lab at 6:30 p.m. this coming Monday through Friday, July 23-27 at their Leeds River Campus.  Dinner is provided and VBS is completely free.  Be sure your child gets to participate and travel back in time to witness epic events in history.  Register now at www. EdenWestside.org for 4 year olds through 8^th Grade.

Rails & Ales will host Open Mic Night on Tuesday, July 24 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.  Limited slots so be sure to email Eric ahead of time to get on the lineup at ericbwatters@gmail.com.

Leeds First Methodist Church will host their Vacation Bible School from July 30 through Aug. 2 at 5:30 p.m. each night.  Their theme this year is AMPED for Preschool through Rising 5^th Grade.  Join them for a high energy, awesome VBS experience like never before to learn what it means to be fully alive in Christ Jesus through games, jamming to music, making crafts and growing in our walk with God and each other.  For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

Thought for the Week:  “A bad attitude is like a flat tire.  You won’t go anywhere until you change it.”

 I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news so please send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com.