Alabaster CityFest
The Alabaster CityFest is an annual free music, arts & crafts and children's festival held since 2003 at Municipal Park in Alabaster. The first festival commemorated Alabaster's semi-centennial.
Currently the festival is produced by the Alabaster Arts Council for the City of Alabaster. Before 2007 a committee of the Alabaster City Council organized the festival.
2008
The 2008 festival was held on June 7 with Tracy Lawrence and Sister Hazel headlining. Sweet Water Jade and The Drive Home also appeared. Early estimates of attendance were about 36,000. The "KidsFest" area with craft and music activities for children was expanded. Classic and antique cars were displayed and more than 100 food and craft vendors were on hand. Though admission is free, public funding, corporate sponsorship and sales of raffle tickets and t-shirts make the festival profitable. Proceeds support a therapeutic recreation program offered by the Alabaster Park and Recreation Board.
2007
The 2007 CityFest was held on June 2, starting at 9:00 AM, with Diamond Rio and the Gin Blossoms headlining the main stage. Michael Warren also appeared. About 36,000 people attended. 2007 marked the first CityFest to be organized by the Arts Council, which received $75,000 in funding from the city and additional funds from sponsors.
2006
The 2006 CityFest was held on June 3, starting at 9:00 AM. The musical acts included Joe Nichols, Foghat, and Michael Warren. Other events included a Classic Car Show, a bike ride benifitting Salvation Army Youth Services,
Sponsors included InSite Engineering, AAA Solutions, and radio stations WDXB 102.5 FM, WMJJ 96.5 FM, and WQEN 103.7 (All owned by Clear Channel Broadcasting).
2005
The 2005 CityFest attracted 20,000 people to Municipal Park on June 4. Julie Roberts headlined the festival.
2004
2003
The crowd for the inaugural CityFest, held on the occassion of the city's 50th birthday, was about 8,000.
Reference
- Daniels, Malcomb. (March 27, 2006) "Foghat, Nichols lead music festival." Birmingham News
- Daniels, Malcomb. (March 4, 2008) "Alt-rock, country musicians set for CityFest." Birmingham News
- Plott, Bill (June 8, 2008) "Alabaster CityFest another success; organizers credit focus on children, music." Birmingham News
External link
- Alabaster CityFest website