Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival
The Vestavia Hills Dogwood Festival, "Alabama's Oldest Dogwood Festival and Trail", is a month-long series of events held in Vestavia Hills every April since 1964 to herald the seasonal arrival of blooms on the dogwood trees. The festival is sponsored by the Vestavia Hills Beautification Board, but is supported by numerous groups throughout the city.
A highlight of the festival since 1979 is the presentation of the Vestavia Belles in antebellum dresses. These high school girls are selected to serve as city hostesses at various events.
2006
In 2006 the Dogwood Festival was held on April 28-29, beginning with a luncheon at the Vestavia Hills Country Club, followed the next day by a celebration at Wald Park, the Dogwood Dash 1-mile race, a Dogwood Dog's Parade, kids' activities, art show, food festival, and presentation of the Dogwood Royal Court. Miss Dogwood 2006 is Rebecca Moore.
2005
The 2005 festival was centered around the theme "Vestavia Hills ... Where Life is Better!" Mayor Scotty McCallum joined Pat Sullivan in leading a prayer breakfast to kick off the festival on April 5. On April 15 a luncheon and fashion show was held at the Country Club, with special entertainment by Jan Hunter. The Dogwood Dash, kids' activities, art show and food festival were held at Wald Park, followed by free swimming in the Wald Park pool. The Dogwood Dog's Parade was held on the Vestavia Hills Central School nature trail. A reception for new residents was hosted by the mayor.
2004
The 2004 festival theme was "What Makes Vestavia Great...". The festival luncheon and fashion show was held at the Country Club. The second annual Dogwood Dogs contest was held at the Central School on April 17. The Dogwood Dash and food festival were held the same day at Wald Park while Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church hosted a Family Fun Day. The Vestavia Hills Historical Society hosted a reception at the Vestavia Hills Public Library. The mayor's prayer breakfast was on April 20, and presentation of the belles was on the 25th. Miss Dogwood 2004 was Bethany McAleer.
2003
The 2003 festival had the theme "Vestavia Hills - Building a Brighter Future." and featured the first Dogwood Dogs dog parade, sponsored by Keep Vestavia Green. Dogwood saplings were given away during the parade. The luncheon and fashion show, hosted by Scarlotte Deupree, was held on April 2. The VHUMC Family Fun Day was on April 5, along with the art show, dog parade, and food festival. The Historical Society reception was on April 13, with the mayor's prayer breakfast on April 22 and the Belles Garden Party on April 27.
1976
In 1976 the Dogwood Festival was the occasion for the April 8 dedication of the newly-relocated Temple of Sibyl on the ridge of Shades Mountain at Highway 31.
1964
Vestavia Hills' first Dogwood Festival was held in 1964.