By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

HOOVER — The giant apple pie will make its anticipated return to the seventh annual Celebrate Hoover Day May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Park.

In the event of rain, the free event will be held May 4 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Spain Park High School, where attendees can hop a complimentary shuttle to Veterans Park.

City of Hoover events coordinator Erin Colbaugh said she anticipates a turnout of 8,000 to 10,000 people. Celebrate Hoover Day will include carnival rides, a car show, live entertainment, and, of course, a giant apple pie baked onsite in a 10-foot, 3-inch pan served with Blue Bell ice cream.

“We wanted something that would be memorable for people bringing their kids out,” Colbaugh said of the apple pie. “We want to create a tradition for them to talk about for years to come. It’s something pretty rare that leaves a lasting image, and we want to do it every year.”

Celebrate Hoover Day will kick off with a Veterans Paver Ceremony, in which the Howlin Mad Smith Detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps will perform a re-enactment of Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.

Live entertainment, including community groups, a jazz band and school organizations, will perform on the main stage throughout the day. In addition, the Hoover police and fire departments will have its equipment on display and members of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will have booths displaying materials and products.

Attendees also will be able to tend to some spring cleaning, as Cintas will be onsite to shred documents and Technical Knock Out will collect and recycle electronic devices.

For the younger crowd, Celebrate Hoover Day will include face painting, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, a McWane Center interactive area, Michaels’ crafts, carnival rides and a foam pit — a new addition this year.

“It’s just a great day to come out to the park,” Colbaugh said. “There’s something for all ages, from kids to adults and even seniors. We want everyone to feel a part of it and come together with current friends — and make some new ones.”

For more information, visit Hooveral.org.