COLUMBIANA- The city of Columbiana will be hosting the 31^st annual Liberty Day Festival on Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24.

Columbiana native and Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce community director Keyla Handley, who has attended most of the festivals, said it serves as a way for the city to celebrate Independence Day and the Statue of Liberty’s birthday.

During Liberty Day, visitors will be able to enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts vendors, childrens activities, a carnival and a fireworks display.

Handley said the event will also feature a race to raise money for the American Heart Association and a car show.

A hot dog eating contest will be hosted by the Great American Hot Dog Stand.

Handley said the Greater Shelby Chamber will be sponsoring this year’s Liberty Day Parade.

“We enjoy working and collaborating with the city of Columbiana on this event,” Handley said.

After its inception in the ‘80s, Handley said she has seen the festival grow into a yearly tradition for residents of Columbiana and nearby communities.

“A lot of the kids who were born and raised here grew up thinking it was a holiday,” Handley said.