Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Event organizers are preparing their checklists as they prepare for the takeoff of the third annual Kites and Bites event this coming March.

The community event, which will make way for a day of high-flying family fun, is currently scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pelham City Park.

“This is our third Kites & Bites event and we will have live music, face painting, kids crafts and hula hoop fun,” said Alicia Walters, assistant director of Pelham’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We will have some kites to give away, but encourage all to bring a blanket, chairs and a kite (of their own) to enjoy a fun day at the park.”

Set out with the intention of providing a simple event with a focus on encouraging the community to come out and enjoy the park, each iteration of the event has seen a marked improvement in both community turnout and local support.

“We had a great turnout (last) year and look forward to a fun day at the park for all,” Walters said. “This is a free event for everyone and the Pelham Parks & Rec department focuses on providing opportunities for families to come relax and enjoy the outdoors.”

Although the main focus of the day is to enjoy the park and the outdoors, a collection of local food trucks will also be in attendance and ready to serve the public in an accompaniment to the live music that is planned for event for those needing a little extra incentive to attend.

Local band Finding North is currently slated as the musical entertainment for the gathering and plans to highlight both their talent and the local people with the upcoming live opportunity.

“We are very excited and honored to be selected to entertain the community at the upcoming Kite’s and Bikes event in Pelham,” said Justin Smith of Finding North. “All our band members live in Shelby county and are happy to see municipalities like Pelham support the local music scene.“

Finding North’s musical style trends more toward the modern side according to Smith, meaning music of the 2000’s and later, and feels that it will be a natural fit for the family event. Others in the community who partake in Shelby County’s restaurant scenes are likely to recognize Finding North from their performances at locations such as Beef O’Brady’s, Beerhog, Brocks Gap Brewery, Otey’s Tavern, Tin Roof and a litany of private events ranging from wedding to corporate gatherings.

“I feel our music offers something for everyone,” Smith said.

No registration is required for the event and all in the community are welcome to stop in for a landing to watch the flights of kites.

Those seeking additional information are encourage to contact Alicia Walters via email at awalters@pelhamalabama.gov or by phone at 205-621-4773.