In March 2025, residents of Pell City’s Glen City District were surprised when one of the most desirable properties in the neighborhood suddenly changed hands. They were even more surprised by the cost – only $30,000.
Without the documentation needed to secure the property following the passing of its owners, it went into foreclosure to satisfy the debts against it. Then, the property sold without much fanfare, its future unknown to its neighbors.
This experience isn’t an outlier in Pell City’s District 2, which has the highest rates of heirs’ property issues – family land – and has seen the lowest rate of new home construction in recent years.
Led by District 2 City Council Member Ivi Wilson, the City of Pell City will hold an informational meeting on April 12 at 1 p.m. at the Municipal Complex to discuss both the present and future of some of the City’s historic neighborhoods. Investing in the Future of D2 will feature presentations and discussions on how residents can protect, maintain, and develop property in their community.
Presenters include
Don Smith: executive Director, St. Clair County Economic Development Council. Presenting on: The Basics of Development
Dr. Jamie C. Mardis: Instructional Programs Outreach Administrator, Auburn University Extension. Presenting on: Heirs’ Property Ownership (click for more)
Brian Muenger and Ivi Wilson: Pell City City Manager and District 2 Council Member. Presenting on: New Home Construction in D2
All areas of municipal government will attend the meeting and be available to answer resident questions. All City residents are invited to join the discussion.
“Your presence matters,” said Council Member Ivi Wilson. “Please join us to help shape the future of our District. This is your opportunity to directly influence a plan and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents.”
The Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) is gearing up for its annual lake cleanup, scheduled for March 29th through April 5th, 2025. This week-long effort encourages volunteers to help preserve the beauty and health of Logan Martin Lake.
Volunteers can register and pick up cleanup supplies, including T-shirts, collection bags, and gloves, at designated collection sites on two Saturdays: March 29th and April 5th, from 8:00 AM to noon.
“Maintaining the beauty and health of Logan Martin Lake isn’t a task for a few, it’s a responsibility we all share,” said LMLPA President Neal Stephenson. “The incredible turnout we see each year proves that when our community comes together, we can make a truly significant impact. Every bag of trash collected, every volunteer hour given, contributes to preserving this vital resource for generations to come.”
The cleanup will feature multiple collection sites around the lake, each with a designated Site Captain to assist volunteers. These locations include:
Lakeside Park: 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd. Cropwell AL 35054 (Site Captains: Isabella Trussel (205) 936-6651, Terry Harrell (205) 572-2658)
Clear Creek Marina: 270 Marina Dr, Talladega, AL 35160 (Site Captain: Randy Sparks (205) 616-2787)
Riverside Landing: 230 Depot St., Riverside, AL 35135 (Site Captain: Dee Parsons (205) 602-4245)
Wood’s Surfside Marina: 37 Marina Dr., Cropwell, AL 35054 (Site Captain: TBD, Mark Hildebrandt, Woods Surfside (205) 525-5533)
Blue I Eatery (old Caribe Club): 84 Blue Eye Rd W, Lincoln, AL 35096 (Site Captain: David Carboni (205) 910-2234)
Coosa Island Marina: 1052 Coosa Island Rd, Cropwell, AL 35054 (Site Captain: Angela Buzbee (205) 643-5991)
Cleanup Site Coordinators Arlene Johnson (205) 369-3703, arlenejg0917@gmail.com and Danny Norman (205) 451-2035, tr3hgr@yahoo.com can also be contacted for assistance and information.
The annual cleanup is a significant undertaking, with the 2024 event seeing over 335 volunteers collect more than 11 tons of debris from the lake. The LMLPA encourages everyone to participate in this important effort to maintain the beauty and ecological health of Logan Martin Lake.
Logan Martin Lake, part of the Coosa River System, is a 17,000-acre reservoir with 275 miles of shoreline, offering recreational opportunities such as boating, skiing, and swimming.
Pell City residents will have the opportunity to declutter and dispose of unwanted items during the city’s annual Spring Clean-Up, scheduled for April 4th through 6th.
The event will run Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, April 6th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Roll-off dumpsters will be available at the Pell City Street Department, located at 417 19th Street South, next to the Boys and Girls Club. Residents within city limits can bring household items, old appliances, scrap metal, and furniture.
ACCEPTED: Yard debris will also be accepted during this weekend only.
NOT ACCEPTED: Hazardous waste, including propane tanks, batteries, paint, used oils, and tires, will not be accepted. Construction materials such as lumber, fencing, and drywall are also prohibited.
In addition to the dumpsters, designated boxes will be available for electronic waste (E-Waste), including audio/video equipment, computers, cell phones, small appliances, and more. Properly disposing of e-waste is crucial to prevent toxic materials from leaching into the environment and to recover valuable resources for reuse.
A photo ID is required to use these services. For further information, residents can contact the Pell City Street Department at (205) 884-8267 or email jclemons@cityofpellcity.net.
Get ready for a delightful afternoon of springtime fun! The highly anticipated Pell City Community Easter Egg Hunt is returning for its second year, promising a basketful of joy for children and families. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 6th, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. and plan to join us at the center of Lakeside Park to hunt for 10,000 eggs!
Participants are asked to bring their own baskets. Activities will include:
Easter Bunny meet and greet
Arts and crafts
Face painting
Popcorn and drinks
Kona Ice
Bubble activities
Chalk art
Displays from the Pell City Fire Department and Pell City Police Department
Prize eggs
A designated area for children with special needs will be available.
The Community Easter Egg Hunt is a collaborative effort between the City of Pell City and the St. Clair County Ministerial Association. Following a successful event in 2024, the Association partnered with the City to bring the Easter Egg Hunt back to the community.
This heartwarming event is made possible by the dedication of local churches and congregations, including Faith Community Fellowship, Pell City First United Methodist Church, New Life Methodist, and Coosa Valley Church of God. It includes the support of more than 60 volunteers lending a hand and additional assistance from Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.
“This event is a collaborative effort by the City and local churches to give back to the children of our community,” said Pell City Civic Center Director and key organizer Valerie Painter. “It’s a perfect opportunity for families to create lasting memories and celebrate the joy of the season.”
The Alabama Department of Revenue launched the tax holiday in 2012 to help residents prepare for the potential impact of seasonal storms. During this three-day tax holiday, residents are encouraged to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces, and vehicles.
From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 21 to midnight Feb. 23, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:
Flashlights, lanterns
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Batteries
First-aid kits
Cell phone charger
Two-way radios
Manual can openers
Tarps and plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Fire extinguishers
Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope
Other tax-free items include: Coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.
Many of the items that ready.gov recommends for a basic disaster supply kit are tax-free in Alabama Feb. 21-23.
Dancing With Our Stars, the annual tradition where the area’s best and boldest dancers come together for a cause, returns to CEPA in Pell City on March 1.
This annual event, now in its 11th year, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support organizations like the Pell City Police Department, Pell City Fire Department, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. Each year, the Pell City Line Dancers, long led by director Doris Munkus, turn their love of dancing into a fundraising effort for all kinds of good things in the community.
Sponsorships are still available at three levels: Friend Sponsor ($750), Championship Sponsor ($1,000), and Hero Sponsor ($1,500). All packages include event seating and promotional considerations.
Now in its 10th year, the Father-Daughter Dance returns to Pell City on Feb. 8 with an exciting new theme: Boots and Bows (Plus a Little Disco).
Hosted annually by the Pell City Rotary Club, this year’s dance promises to delight couples (or trios and beyond) with a blend of country charm and disco sparkle.
Rotarians transform Pell City High School into a gala event venue, serve dance attendees dinner, and offer plenty of music and dancing throughout the night. The entire evening is dedicated to fathers and daughters making memories together that last a lifetime.
Proceeds from the event support the Pell City Rotary Foundation, which provides numerous community grants each year to organizations such as The Children’s Place, Pell City School System, Lakeside Hospice, Pell City Police Department, and many more.
Last year, Pell City Rotary partnered with the City of Pell City to finalize downtown streetscape improvements, installing 20 black, cast-iron benches and 11 matching litter containers along Cogswell Ave.
Space is limited, so buy your tickets now! Tickets are $30 per couple ($15 for each additional child) or $40 at the door ($20 for each additional child) and include music, finger foods, party favors, and photographs.
They can be purchased at Metro Bank in Pell City, Pell City Coffee Company, online at pellcityrotary.com, pellcitycepa.com/tickets, or by contacting Meg Clements at (205) 812-5187.
This year, Pell City saw a new spin on an old tradition, as Lights in the Park added a contest to select the best holiday-themed displays.
Presented annually by the Pell City Parks & Recreation Department, this year’s event saw more than 80 entries take over Lakeside Park during the holiday season. The Department collected hundreds of votes from attendees and assembled a special committee to select the winner.
“The Pell City Parks & Recreation Department would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participants, visitors, and voters of the inaugural ‘Lights in the Park’ Holiday Competition,” said Civic Center Manager and Contest Organizer Valerie Painter. “We commend the community for their enthusiastic participation and thoughtful voting.”
And now, without further ado, the winners are:
Overall Winner: Woody’s Tree Service
Anna Otterson / Edward Jones: Silent Night Award – Simple and clean display
Jessica Blackerby / EXP Realty: White Christmas Award – Best use of white lights
Woody’s Tree Service: Deck the Halls Award – Most over-the-top use of lighting
Clean Haul Roll-Off: Christmas is in the Air Award – Best use of inflatables
House of Prayer: The Reason for the Season Award – Best Nativity display
Faith Community Fellowship: Holly Jolly Christmas Award – Best display that makes you laugh
Alabama Clearing & Excavating: Rock Around the Christmas Tree Award – Best use of animation
Metro Bank: The Rudolph Award – Best use of holiday characters
Girl Scouts Troop 24216: Christmas Story Award – Best youth inspired display
The 2024 Lights in the Park award winners will receive additional promotions through Discover and LakeLife 24/7 (Digital and Print). In addition, these winners will have the opportunity to select their locations in the Park for next year’s competition!
“The warmth of our community and the wonder of the Christmas season combine every year for ‘Lights in the Park.’ It’s heartwarming to see Pell City come together to create such a magical experience. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone involved.”
Lights in the Park at Lakeside Park in Pell City will remain open through the New Year.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
The City of Pell City will host a Community Forum on Local Amendment 1 on Oct. 15 at the Pell City Civic Center. The discussion will include Mayor Bill Pruitt as featured speaker, as well as a question-and-answer session with attendees. The public is invited to attend and learn more about the Amendment, which will appear on the November 5th General Election Ballot.
Currently, residents of unincorporated St. Clair County make up more than 50 percent of enrollment in Pell City Schools. Amendment 1 follows a 5-mill property tax approved by voters in 2021 on these residents. It proposes that those who live in the area defined as the “Pell City Schools Attendance Zone” be given the right to serve on the Pell City Board of Education.
Additionally, by providing voting representation through the approval of Amendment 1, Pell City Schools would have a pathway to collect the education sales taxes levied within the Attendance Zone.
“The City is eager to inform residents about Amendment 1, which we believe represents a significant step forward for solving representation issues in St. Clair County,” Mayor Pruitt said. “As with any change, we understand that there may be questions or concerns, and we want to assure residents that we are committed to open communication and transparency. We welcome your participation.”
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event will begin at 6 p.m. Read more on Local Amendment 1 here: pell-city.com/amendment1
