The Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Hometown Block Party. Every year, thousands gather in downtown Pell City to enjoy a day out and the Chamber is expecting for this year to be bigger and better than before. In its 17th year, the block party will feature many crowd favorites as well as new vendors and entertainment.

According to Lisa Gaither, the Executive Director of the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce, one big change coming to the block party is an alteration to the entertainment setup. In previous years, there have been four stages; Country, Rock, Motown, and Inspirational. This year, the inspirational stage will be mixed in with the rock and country stages to create three stages; Country, Rock and Motown.

“We’re using all Pell City and local entertainment,” Gaither said, “We’re excited to garnish support for their growth.”

Another feature that’s coming back this year is the car show. Having proven to be successful last year, the show was focused on this year. Over 100 cars will be showcased along 20th St., along Cogswell Ave. and to First Ave. North and South.

The kidzone will also be set up again this year with favorite attractions such as bungee jumping and Celebration’s bounce houses. The kidzone will be located behind City Hall. Alongside old favorites will also be new attractions.

A new thing that’s happening this year is booth scholarships. The chamber has started an initiative that gives scholarships in the form of booth space to up-and-coming, young and local entrepreneurs.

“We’re building entrepreneurs through showcasing what they’re doing” Gaither said.

The kids looking to receive a scholarship through the Chamber will be required to fill out an application and respond to an essay prompt. Scholarships are in the form of a free booth space at chamber sponsored events..

The first business receiving one of these scholarships is Lemon Babies Lemonade Stand is the creation of two young girls from Eden, ages seven and nine. The two best friends invest their own earnings and time into the business. Though the parents oversee the kids’ venture, Gaither stressed that the lemonade stand is about the girls’ and their hard work. Lemon Babies Lemonade Stand is the first business to get a scholarship from the chamber to help them improve and expand their venture.

The Block Party is free to attend and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. It is asked that vendors set up between 12 – 4 p.m. and that larger vendors please come early to avoid getting. The goal of the Block Party is threefold, Gaither said; to display local talent and businesses, to bring the audience to downtown Pell City and to grow our thriving downtown, explained Gaither.

“We want everyone to come join us and have a great time.”

For more information, call the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce at (205) 338-3377 or visit their website at pellcitychamber.com.

Entertainment

ROCK STAGE

5-7 – Jamison Taylor School of Music Showcase

7-8 – The Frequently

8-10 JT & Gypsy Cab Company

COUNTRY STAGE

5-7 – Over the Mountain Bluegrass Band

7-10 – Peter Boyle & Sunset Rizin’

MOTOWN STAGE

5-10 – II Da Maxx

Sponsors

City of Pell City

Metro Bank

CenturyLINK

Union State Bank

National Cement

Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative

Town & Country Ford

The Daily Home

Blair & Parsons, P.C.

WKW Automotive