FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER – The city of Hoover will host its annual city-wide celebration, Celebrate Hoover Day, on Saturday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park off Valleydale Road.

This event is free to the public.

Celebrate Hoover Day festivities will begin with the Veterans Memorial Paver Dedication Ceremony honoring veterans that have had pavers installed in their honor in the plaza.

The Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment Marine Corps League will perform an Iwo Jima re-enactment during the ceremony.

Immediately following the ceremony, a giant 10-foot apple pie will be removed from the oven and served with ice cream. The park will be filled with a wide variety of activities for all ages including a car show, expansive exhibitor pavilion, live entertainment, kids zone, police and fire displays.

The kids zone will feature a variety of interactive areas that include inflatables, carnival rides, pony rides, petting zoo, animal displays, deejay coordinating games, martial arts demonstrations, face painters, balloon twisters and more.

6th Day Creatures will be on hand presenting animals including a giant tortoise, snakes, pot bellied pig, caiman, bearded dragon, hedgehog and kinkajou.

The exhibitor pavilion will house about 100 Hoover Area Chamber of Commer businesses.

Anyone that has a car to display in the car show is invited to participate and arrive for placement no later than 10 a.m.

Shred-It will be located in the main parking lot at Spain Park High School accepting documents that will be destroyed on-site, Hoover events planner Erin Colbaugh said.

“That’s a big request throughout the year,” Colbaugh said. “People are always calling asking if we have any shredding events scheduled.”

Food may be purchased from a variety of vendors including Chick-fil-A, Devil Dawgs Concessions, Edible Arrangements, FanFare Eats & Events, Jim ‘n Nick’s, Kona Ice, Master Tacos, Pazzo Big Slice Pizza, Repicci’s, Rooski’s Food Truck, Swamp Monster BBQ, and Urban Pops.

“Celebrate Hoover Day is a wonderful time for families and friends to gather at Veterans Park on Valleydale for a fun-filled day creating a lifetime of memories,” Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said. “We appreciate the participation of many local businesses and organizations that create an enjoyable atmosphere for the attendees.”

Parking for the event will be at Spain Park High School parking lot with complimentary shuttles to the event area.

For more information, visit HooverAlabama.gov; Facebook page at “Hoover, Alabama – City Hall,” Twitter at “@CityofHoover” and on Instagram, “@CityofHoover.”