Good food, music and family fun comes to Columbiana

Story By Lindsay Dyess

Photo Contributed

It’s that time of year again. The streets of downtown Columbiana become flooded with the delicious smells of the Shelby County Shindig BBQ Cookoff and music festival. This annual event has been a great way to bring the community together while showcasing some of the best barbeque and music around.

Not only is this a great family friendly event, but it also proceeds from the Shindig benefit the Shelby County Arts Council and the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Funds help keep great programs like ArtAbilities and “Writing Our Stories” alive. These classes and programs benefit everyone from special needs children, teens at the Juvenile Detention Center and many other area students. The Shelby County Arts Council is committed to reaching out to kids of all ages and creating a positive community effect through art and creativity.

The Shindig also supports the efforts of the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and its mission to assisting businesses with growth, education and marketing. Funds also support the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund, which awards three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors in South Shelby County.

The Shindig fun begins on Saturday, July 16, from 1-7 p.m. Tickets for barbeque tasting are $10 each and include a tasting from all participating barbeque teams. Check out some delicious treats from local restaurants like Frios Pops, Bernies on Main and Champy’s Chicken and Tamales.

Stop by the artist market featuring a variety of great local artists and a fantastic line-up of music sponsored by the Magic City Blues Society. The line-up includes the Sassy Brown duo, Janelle Frost duo, Elijah Butler duo, 2 Blu and the Lucky Stiffs and Davis Coen. This great family even is sponsored by Lowe/Weichart Realty, DeLoach CPA, APH Radio and many other great local and regional sponsors.

If you’re looking for some other great summer events be sure to check out our Summer Fine Art Camps for your budding young artists. This summer’s camp focuses on learning about artists from the great state of Alabama. Kids will have the opportunity to explore the work of Thornton Dial, Nall, Catherine Tucker Wyndham, James Dean (Pete the Cat), Charlie Lucas-The Tin Man and there will be a special appearance by Blossom, the Painting Pig!

Give your kid the opportunity to flex some creative muscles this summer and learn about artists from our own state. Campers ages 6-8 join us for week one, July 18-22 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The cost is $130 and includes all arts supplies and a morning snack.

Campers ages 9-12 join us for week two, July 25-29 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost of camp is $200 and includes art supplies and a morning snack: Campers should bring a lunch.

Don’t waste your summer sitting at home, join us at the Shelby County Arts Council for some good family fun. For more information on the Shelby Shindig visit Shelbycountyshindig.com. To register for Summer Fine Art Camps and find information on up coming events, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 205.669.0044.