By JESSA PEASE

PELHAM— Several thousand people showed up for the festivities of Pelham Palooza July 17 and 18 and sang along to Echosmith’s most popular songs “Cool Kids” and “Bright.” The indie, ‘80s dance-rock-influenced band kicked off Pelham’s annual event as part of 103.7’s Just Show Up Show at 7 p.m. July 17.

“It’s so hot here,” lead singer Sydney Sierota told the crowd. “You guys are awesome for being out here for hours (to see us).”

Friday night’s event was 103.7’s biggest Just Show Up Show to date, and Pelham Palooza event coordinator Paula Holly said she was excited for the large turnout. Next year, she predicts using the larger stage at the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre venue.

“The Echosmith show at the Pelham Palooza Just Show Up Show brought in 6,400 people,” Holly said. “We were thrilled by the turnout. It was a great boom to our economy, restaurants and hotels. We are very excited and can’t wait to do it again.”

Saturday’s festivities featured a conglomeration of music, demonstrations, food and shopping with special guest American Idol’s Casey James who took the stage, ending the Palooza with a bang.

Guests listened to the sounds of Sweet Tea Trio, Country musicians Henri’s Notions, Earthbound, Rollin In the Hay and Act of Congress outside the Pelham Civic Center and Ice Arena.

Casey James started at 5:15 p.m. with his alternative, acoustic and bluegrass style songs. He shared songs from his self-titled debut that was released in 2012, featuring his most well known for his single “Crying on a Suitcase.”

Inside the complex, guests wound through hundreds of vendors, witnessing several of Pelham’s most popular outdoor sports in the city, including Harley-Davidson, Oak Mountain State Park and the Alabama Wildlife Center.

Other local favorites had booths as well, such as Grebel Dance, Magic by Kevin, Workplay Rock School and the Senior Center Line Dancers, along with chef demonstrations by Radical Creations, Cliff Beach author of Beach Family Cookbook and Chef Jason Shipp from Helena’s newly open restaurant the Coal Yard.