By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA — Liberty Day, the time-honored tradition, celebrates its 28-year anniversary in downtown Columbiana this year on June 28-29, free admission.

The weekend begins on Friday, June 28 at 6 p.m. with music from Austin Foster and Groove Daddy. Groove Daddy features Mark Philips from the band Hotel, said Helen Dean, marketing director of Columbiana.

The Shelby County Arts Council is hosting its annual Liberty Day exhibit on Friday June 28 from 6-8 p.m. This year’s exhibit is “The Great Landslide,” featuring artwork of local artists Max Newton and William “Bill” Dooley.

Throughout the weekend a Kid’s Zone will be set up for the younger attendees, showcasing a bungee jump trampoline, Dean said.

Food vendors will be there all night Friday and throughout the day on Saturday.

“We have anything from BBQ to fried chicken,” Dean said. “We have sausage, shaved ice, kettle corn, the whole nine yards.”

Saturday’s events begin at 9 a.m. with a kickoff to Main Street Block Party and the Never Ever Give Up 5K run.

NEGU is a children’s cancer foundation, that helps fund research and hospital fees for families in need, Dean said. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with on-site fee of $35. Pre-registration can be done at Shelbycountynegu.com for a discounted fee of $25.

Other events include a performance by Rollin’ in the Hay from 1-3 p.m., other live music, a classic car show, a motorcycle drive-in and a farmers market. This is the first year the farmers market will be a part of Liberty Day, Dean said.

The Columbiana Liberty Day Parade on Main Street starts at 3:30 p.m. The South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will judge parade entries.

The event moves to Shelby County High School at 7 p.m. with live music by The Negotiators. The evening concludes with a firework show.

“It’s a rain or shine event,” Dean said. “I’ve always been an attendee, but never a planner.”