By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

CALERA – Calera Main Street will bid farewell to summer and kick off the new school with this year’s final installment of the First Friday festival series on Friday, Aug. 2 from 6-9 p.m. For August, the theme is “Back to School,” with the presenting sponsor, Central State Bank, hosting its fourth annual backpack give away.

According to Central State Bank Marketing Director Jordan Bradley, the bank will provide the backpacks as well as gathering school material through a community supply drive. Those who would like to participate can drop off school supplies at Central State Bank’s Calera branches as well as participating Calera Main Street merchants until the day of First Friday.

“We are teaming up with the whole community to gather school supplies for the upcoming school year to present to each of Calera’s four schools,” Bradley said. “We will continue our tradition of giving away backpacks to the first 100 kids that come by our booth and say hello.”

Similar to other First Fridays this year, the festival will feature vendor booths and a plethora of food trucks such as attle Axe’s Feast, Momo’s Cajun Eats, Nawlins on Wheels, Sunshine Lemonade and more.

In addition to food trucks and vendors, guests can also enjoy a chainsaw carving demonstration by Brad “The Chainsaw Man” Peeks who completed the wood carvings in Oliver Park.

“It’s hard to believe it’s already time for Back to School,” Calera Main Street Executive Director Jackie Batson said. “We look forward to celebrating our students and our educators with one last party before the school year begins! Our team is working hard to host special activities and create an atmosphere where residents and visitors can gather to ‘Eat, Drink, Shop and Enjoy’ with more and more community events in our Calera Courtyard.”

The last First Friday of the year will take place on Friday, Aug. 2 from 6-9 p.m. in the Calera Courtyard. Those wishing to learn more information can email events@downtowncalera.org.