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
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!
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 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.
The third-annual Boo Bash on Logan Martin takes to our local waters on Oct. 12, 2024. The City of Pell City is proud to be a 2024 partner of this year’s event as it seeks to engage our community while supporting an impactful nonprofit organization, the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA).
Pell City Parks and Recreation Employees gear up for Boo Bash 2024 and stop on the route at Lakeside Park. The City of Pell City partnered with the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association for the event on Oct. 12.
In this article
Boo Bash 2024 supports the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association
LMLPA / City Parks & Recreation / Library partner for Lakeside Park Stop
According to organizers Kelli Lasseter and Sonya Hubbard, Boo Bash is a “dockside trick-or-treat spooktacular hosted by families and local businesses along Logan Martin Lake.” On October 12 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., all across the lake, families in costume will be treated to a different Halloween experience at each dock they visit.
The event, which began in 2022, increased by more than 1,000 participants in its second year. Now on its third year, Lasseter and Hubbard have solidified their efforts to engage, grow and protect the lake community by giving back in a big way.
“Thanks to our amazing sponsors, this year Boo Bash on Logan Martin was able to raise more than $14,000,” Lasseter said. “These donations are more than enough to meet our main goal of supporting the LMLPA in adding 10 new hazard buoys to Logan Martin Lake.”
LMLPA President Neal Stephenson said the organization launched its Buoy Program in 2019 in partnership with Alabama Marine Police/ALEA. Among its many other efforts to protect Logan Martin, LMLPA relies on donations and volunteers to install lighted navigation buoys around the lake to enhance and encourage recreational boating safety.
The City Council of Pell City approved a land-use agreement with LMLPA earlier this year. Aided by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Lakeside Park will be the home of the organization’s awareness and fundraising efforts during the event.
Boaters can expect an exciting new stop on the route this year as City employees from Parks & Rec and the Pell City Library join the LMLPA in creating a new spooky scene at the Park featuring photo booths, food trucks, and registration for a kayak giveaway.
Another exciting addition to this year’s Boo Bash is its affiliation with the St. Clair County Airport’s Aviation Career Day and Open House. Now in its 6th year, the all-ages, all-day aviation event is packed with exhibitions, displays, and career seminars – all free to the public.
Manager Wendy Watson encouraged Boo Bash Participants to stop by the Airport before or after they take to the lake, but she added that the best time to be on the water would be between noon and 1 p.m. when dozens of historic planes are scheduled for Logan Martin flyovers.
Pell City Police Department is excited to invite the community to its annual Public Safety Night. This event is designed to provide residents with valuable safety education, foster positive relationships with first responders, and offer a fun-filled evening for the whole family.
The event will be held in the Martin’s Family Clothing parking lot at 813 Martin Street S. on October 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The primary goal of Public Safety Night is to educate the City’s residents about important safety topics such as home safety, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness. First responders will be on hand to provide demonstrations, answer questions, and offer tips on how to stay safe.
“Public Safety Night is a special event that brings our community together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our first responders,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “It’s a chance for all of us to show our appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.”
In addition to safety education, the event will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore first responder vehicles, enjoy free food and games, and participate in a trunk or treat.
“I encourage everyone to come out and join us for this event,” Morris said. “Let’s show our support, build stronger relationships, and create a safer, more connected community.”
