By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“Thanks for the letter, Mrs. Nolen. I want to volunteer at Pelhambration this summer too.” Multiple students made this remark when picking up their service letters for last summer’s service work at the City of Pelham’s birthday celebration.

Noting the names of students planning to volunteer again, I told them to look for an email or text about Pelham’s Golden Jubilee since the city was planning another name for its special 50th year birthday celebration coming up on July 11 and 12.

Meeting with Pelham Executive Assistant to the Mayor Paula Holly, Pelham Beautification Board Member and Jubilee Committee Member Mosely Johnson and Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena Director Danny Tate at the Pelham Civic Complex helped provide a visual for the differences between last year’s Pelhambration and this year’s Golden Jubilee.

“Pelhambration allowed us to see how a city celebration would be received,” Holly said. Based on last year’s outstanding attendance and positive feedback, Pelham is expanding last year’s one-day celebration to a two-day extravaganza.

Friday night, the festivities include a live jazz band and an evening of celebration for adults. On Saturday, 136 vendors will show and share their wares. Food will be available and performances will be ongoing throughout the day. Free ice skating will also be available.

Opportunities for Pelham’s kids are expanding. While many favorites from last year return, this year’s Golden Jubilee includes carnival rides. The children’s area relocates to part of the lot between the Complex and Oak Mountain Amphitheater. After Saturday’s daytime festivities conclude a lineup of bands will perform at the Amphitheater.

Opportunities for student volunteers are available both Friday and Saturday. Students may email nolen7677@aol.com if they have not already volunteered.

A complete line-up of vendors, kids’ activities, bands and other entertainment can be found at Pelhamonline.com by clicking on the Golden Jubilee link.

A two-day party means twice the planning.

“Without Paula Holly and Neville Peacock, Beautification Board and Jubilee Committee member, the Jubilee would not be happening.”

“Actually, Neville Peacock is the ‘it’ girl of Pelham’s Golden Jubilee,” Paula Holly said. “Neville is amazing.”