By DREW GRANTHUM

PELHAM — Pelhambration, the City of Pelham’s first city festival, will be held July 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.

Mayor Gary W. Waters said the event’s development was almost unintentional.

“It kind of happened by accident,” he said. “We only had two events when we invited the whole community.”

Waters said the two events, Pelham Pride Day and the spring cleaning, were great community service projects, but the city needed a day strictly dedicated to having fun.
“Frankly, no one wants to get together to pick up trash,” he said. “(I said) ‘Let’s do something to get everyone out.’ As I went door-to-door campaigning, you’d be amazed at how many times I was asked the question, ‘How come we don’t have a cityfest event?’ They were clamoring for it.”

Waters said the event’s date coincides with the town’s birthday. He also said he hoped the event was successful enough to bring back for the city’s 50th anniversary in 2014 and beyond.

“I see it evolving to a two-day event,” he said. “I expect it to grow to a weekend.”

Waters said there would be something for everyone at the event, including food vendors, free ice skating, video games and even a dunking booth, which he would participate in.

“It’s got everything,” he said. “Live music, a kids zone, we’ve got the whole (place) filled with vendors. People will be able to take shots at the mayor.”

Whatever the reason people choose to attend, Waters said he felt a good time would be had by all.

“It’s a big city party,” he said. “Just a way to come in out of the heat and have fun. I think it’ll be cool.”

For more information, visit Pelhamonline.com/pelhambration.