Holiday Season arrives in Pell City!

From fun runs to photos with Santa, the City of Pell City is full of special events this Christmas Season. Make plans now to attend all of Pell City’s family-friendly Christmas events this year.

Events listed in this guide are either sponsored by or presented in partnership with the City of Pell City.

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Lights in the Park

Presented by: Pell City Parks & Recreation

When: Nov. 29-Dec. 31 after sunset

Where: Lakeside Park

Look for: More than 80 festive displays and a chance to vote for your favorites

More: https://pell-city.com/parks-and-recreation-department/lights-in-the-park/

This Christmas Season, grab some hot chocolate and take your family on a drive through Lakeside Park in Pell City to see more than 80 holiday displays and thousands of Christmas lights. The free event is getting a new feature this year as community displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and special recognition will go to the winners. Scan the QR codes to vote for your favorites!

Whobilation

Presented by: Pell City Library Guild

When: Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.

Where: Pell City Public Library

Look for: Holiday displays, special guests, photo ops, snacks, crafts, and more

More: https://www.facebook.com/pellcitylibrary1000

The Pell City Library Guild’s Whobilation Celebration is even better this year with the addition of a Giant Snow Globe, sure to be the hit of this year’s event. At Whobilation, children can visit stations for hot chocolate, Christmas crafts, and Christmas cookies. They will also have photo opportunities with the Grinch, Elsa from Frozen, and Santa.

Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Open House

Presented by: The Heart of Pell City

When: Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Where: Cogswell Ave., Downtown Pell City

Look for: Festive décor, food, music, and kids activities

More: https://www.facebook.com/HeartOfPellCity

You’re invited to A Candyland Christmas! Join us Friday December 6th, at 6 p.m. in front of the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City for the 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival. This year’s event features live dance performances, musical entertainment, Santa, candy bags for kids, and delicious hot chocolate and apple cider. Pell City’s Downtown Holiday Open House starts earlier in the day at 11 a.m. and includes special offerings, treats, and more at participating businesses.

Gingerbread Houses!

Presented by: Pell City Library Guild

When: Dec. 6-7 (Multiple times, registration required)

Where: Pell City Public Library

Look for: Free family holiday fun decorating with sweet treats

Register: Call (205) 884-1015

Each year the Pell City Library Guild invites children of all ages to construct their dream homes. Join the Guild and Staff of the Pell City Public Library for a Christmas construction project like no other. Register your child for one of the three free sessions by calling the Library today.

Pell City Christmas Parade

Presented by: Pell City Chamber of Commerce

When: Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

Where: Cogswell Ave, Downtown Pell City

Look for: Hundreds of holiday floats and thousands of spectators

More: http://business.pellcitychamber.com/events/details/2024-pell-city-christmas-parade-5743?clearcache=1&globaltemplate=http://www.pellcitychamber.com/cm-template/

The Christmas parade that makes its way through downtown Pell City each year is a sight to behold. Floats, bands, convertibles, and Jolly Old Saint Nick himself are part of the festivities as Pell City rings in the season in early December. Thousands of visitors line the streets each year to get a glimpse of the lights, the pageantry and the spirit of Christmas that abounds in what has become one of the region’s largest parades. This year’s theme is “12 Days of Christmas.”

Rotary Jingle Bell 5K & Fun Run

Presented by: Pell City Rotary Club

When: Dec. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Lakeside Park

Look for: Festive family fitness, Christmas costumes, snacks, and special guests

Register: https://pellcityrotary.org/jingle-bells-5k-run/

The Rotary Jingle Bell 5K & Fun Run became an instant holiday classic in Pell City last year as hundreds came together to support the Club’s efforts to support the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. From the starting point to the finish line, the event evolved as a true success story, raising over $65,000 to help build a new home at the Boys Ranch and bringing a community together for a common cause.

A Vintage Country Christmas

Presented by: CEPA

When: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Where: The Center for Education and Performing Arts

Look for: Classic country Christmas songs from Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and more

Tickets: https://www.pellcitycepa.com/vintage-christmas

CEPA presents a Vintage Country Christmas featuring Rose Colored Glasses, a band with that classic country sound that takes you back to Saturday nights listening to the Opry and the jukebox classics that defined a generation. Join your friends to hear Christmas classics from Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Bob Wills, and more.

Pell City Police Department Honors Officer of the Year and Welcomes New Officers

The Pell City Police Department is proud to announce Officer Charles Forman as its 2024 Officer of the Year. Forman, who joined the department in 2022, has quickly become a valuable asset to the force, demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment to public service.

“Officer Foreman is an outstanding young officer,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “His dedication to keep our community safe is unmatched. His professionalism, courtesy, work ethic, and productivity were evident on a daily basis.”

Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris with 2024 Officer of the Year Charles Forman

Morris said Officer Foreman was responsible for 48 felony arrests and 142 misdemeanor arrests this year, in addition to hundreds of incident reports and traffic citations or warnings.

Receiving the honor of Officer of the Year from Chief Morris was especially meaningful. Officer Forman began his career in law enforcement as a St. Clair County Corrections Officer working at the St. Clair County Jail. There, he interacted regularly with members of PCPD.

“The way Pell City’s officers carried themselves motivated me to join their team,” Forman said. “So, the next time I saw Chief Morris, I walked right up to him and told him I was going to come work for him. Six months later, he brought me in for an interview.”

Officer Forman came to PCPD from a family known for community service. His great-grandfather, also named Charles Forman, served as coroner for St. Clair County for 10 years.

Officer Forman said the Officer of the Year designation was rewarding and humbling, but more importantly it reflected the Pell City Police Department’s focus on its younger officers. He said the support of PCPD staff and supervisors were the key to his growth. He encouraged young people to pursue careers in law enforcement.

“A lot of young men and women, once they get into this field, they see firsthand how much of a difference they can make in their communities through outreach and assisting others,” Foreman said. “It’s worth it.”

Pell City Police Department held a ceremony to honor Officer Forman and recognize several promotions and new hires on Tuesday, November 20, 2024. During the ceremony, the Department recognized:

Officer of the Year

  • Officer Charles Forman

Promotions

  • Corporal Travis Hughes
  • Corporal Noah Roberts
  • Sergeant David Emerson
  • Sergeant Noah Tucker

New Officers

  • Officer Benjamin Abel
  • Officer Matthew Dorough
  • Officer Terry Fellows
  • Officer Silas Kissack
  • Officer Byron Moon
  • Officer Alexis Moreno
  • Officer Breanna Nabors
  • Officer James Sargent
  • Officer Daryl Thistle
  • Officer Patrick Tunnell

“We are incredibly proud of Officer Forman and all of our officers who have been recognized today,” said Chief Morris. “Their hard work and dedication make our community a safer place. We also extend a warm welcome to our newest officers and look forward to their contributions to the department.”

Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee activated following certification of 2024 General Election Results

On Friday, November 15, the St. Clair County Probate Office certified the results of the 2024 General Election for St. Clair County and acknowledged the voters’ will on Local Amendment 1. Voters adopted the measure with overwhelming support.

In St. Clair County, 69 percent of voters approved Local Amendment 1. In the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District, 54 percent of voters approved the measure. Overall, 28 of 30 polling locations voted “Yes” on Local Amendment 1.

The City Council of the City of Pell City accepts the responsibility bestowed by the voters to deliver fair representation to residents of the Attendance Zone through the appointment process. It also recognizes the voters’ desire for leadership of the highest caliber on the Pell City Board of Education.

As Mayor Bill Pruitt and members of the City Council stated during the leadup to the vote, the Council will prioritize a transparent process that results in the appointment of candidates who seek excellence in education. In addition, the Council will seek candidates that prioritize:

  • A strong interest in public education and student success
  • A commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
  • Experience with budgeting and financial oversight
  • Understanding of school law and policy
  • Ability to analyze complex data and make sound decisions
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Willingness to collaborate with others and build consensus
  • Strong work ethic and ability to dedicate time to board responsibilities

Following the General Election, many residents have expressed interest in the application process. A schedule for the release of the official application and the dates when applications may be submitted will be available soon. All procedures for appointment will be adopted by the City Council over the coming weeks following input from the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee was created by the City Council through Ordinance No. 2024-6158, which was adopted on October 14, 2024. The seven-member committee was activated upon the ratification of Local Constitutional Amendment 1, and have begun their two-year terms. Its members will be organized before the close of 2024 to provide input on the process for appointment.

The Council anticipates that the final appointment process will include most if not all the following actions.

  • Research and Input
  • Adoption of Procedures
  • Timeline and Application Release
  • Application Submission Window
  • Steering Committee Application Review
  • Public Interviews and Comment Period for Recommended Candidates
  • Board of Education Appointment

Local Amendment 1, supported by the City of Pell City and the Pell City School System, was a ballot measure in St. Clair County, Alabama, on November 5, 2024, aimed at addressing a long-standing issue of representation for residents in the Pell City School Attendance Zone.

With its certification, the Amendment changed the Pell City Board of Education from an elected to an appointed board. The City Council of Pell City will appoint all members of the Board of Education beginning in 2025. At least two members of the Pell City Board of Education must reside within the county portion of the Pell City School Attendance Zone.

The primary goal of Local Amendment 1 was to ensure fair representation for residents in the Pell City School Attendance Zone, who for 40 years have had no direct voting power in the district’s leadership. By appointing the Pell City Board of Education, the Amendment gives these residents a voice in the governance of the schools their children attend.

Lights in the Park 2024

Presented by Pell City Parks & Recreation

The 2024 season of “Lights in the Park” is fast approaching, and the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department is preparing for it’s biggest year yet as it looks to add an exciting new feature – Awards!

Download the Information Packet
Register for Lights in the Park 2024

WHAT’S NEW, YOU ASK? AWARDS and RECOGNITION!

In 2024, community displays will be judged on their creativity and quality, and special recognition will go to the winners. Not only will attendees of the 2024 Lights in the Park be invited to vote on their favorite displays, but a panel of independent judges will also be assembled to vote on several categories from among all participants.

The winners will be recognized in a variety of ways, which means it is more important than ever for your organization to be a part of this community event.

Judges will vote for “BEST OVERALL – JUDGE’S CHOICE”. There will be nine additional categories for the general public to vote on. Voting will be done by scanning a QR code and selecting one choice from the categories listed below:

  • Silent Night Award – Simple and clean display
  • White Christmas Award – Best use of white lights
  • Deck the Halls Award – Most over-the-top use of lighting
  • Christmas is in the Air Award – Best use of inflatables
  • The Reason for the Season Award – Best Nativity display
  • Holly Jolly Christmas Award – Best display that makes you laugh
  • Rock Around the Christmas Tree Award – Best use of animation
  • The Rudolph Award – Best use of holiday characters
  • Christmas Story Award – Best youth inspired display

Voting will begin the first lighting day of our event, Friday, November 29th and end at 9pm Thursday, December 19th. Signs with a QR code will be distributed throughout the park. Visitors will use their mobile phone cameras to scan the code, which takes them directly to our poll. Winners in each category receive:

  • Award signs placed next to each winning display, which will remain onsite throughout the duration of the event.
  • Winners will be recognized on the “The City of Pell City” Facebook page, as well as the “Pell City Civic Center/Lakeside Park/SplashPad/Pickleball Courts” Facebook page.
  • All winners will be recognized in January’s digital editions of Discover and LakeLife24/7 magazines AND, also featured in print in the February 2025 issue of LakeLife 24/7.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

  • Nov. 15-29: Display Setup Period
  • Nov. 29 – Dec. 31: Official Lighting Dates
  • Jan. 8, 2025: Required Display Removal Date

The above map indicates the assigned display locations for Lights in the Park 2024.

UPDATED GUIDELINES ON DISPLAYS:

  • Participation is free; no costs or fees apply.
  • Participants will be notified of their assigned locations the first week of November.
  • Your display must be lighted using “Outdoor Lights” ONLY, as they are more resistant to wet and freezing conditions.
  • You must set up your own display, and FIRMLY secure all parts to the ground.
  • You must provide your own extension cord. Only one electrical connection will be allotted per display. (Parks Maintenance staff turns all displays on/off each night.)
  • Your display must include decorations depicting a holiday scene or theme. All displays must have more components than just a sign/banner and a figure or inflatable.
  • The displays are exposed to extreme weather conditions therefore, you must make sure yours is constructed from weather resistant materials.
  • Wrap your extension cord receptacle in water resistant plastic to prevent shorts.

SPECIAL NOTICE: THE CITY OF PELL CITY AND THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OF PROPERTY OR DAMAGE TO ANY DISPLAYS WHILE ON CITY PROPERTY. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST THE REMOVAL OF ANY DISPLAY THAT DETERIORATES TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL.

Please direct any questions to Valerie Painter by email, vpainter@cityofpellcity.net. or call 205-338-3818, ext. 1.

Register Now!

Lights in the Park 2024