Media contact:
Jackie Batson, Executive Director
404-268-4102
jackie@downtowncalera.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2025

Calera, AL – Get ready for a year filled with exciting community events as Calera Main Street launches its 2025 festival season! Leading the charge is the much-anticipated First Friday series, which kicks off on April 4, 2025 from 6-10PM, with the 4th Annual Crawfish Boil. This five-part festival series will take place on the first Friday of each month from April through August, transforming Downtown Calera into a hub of entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly fun.

Calera’s First Friday is held for the entire community and promotes the revitalization efforts of the historic district and its downtown merchants, while providing unique products, entertainment, and offerings for the people of Calera and Shelby County. The festival invites a variety of artists, designers, makers, up-cyclers, and local producers and will have various performances, popular food trucks and other sponsored activities with a different theme each month. First Fridays are held from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM in the Calera Courtyard, 1120 17th Avenue, behind the shops in the historic downtown district.

First Fridays 2025 Lineup
• April 4: First Friday – Crawfish Boil
Presented by Calera Main Street and Red Mountain Crawfish, this fan-favorite event marks the official start of festival season! Enjoy live music by Savannah Seals, local vendors, games, and an authentic Cajun/Creole feast featuring fresh crawfish and delicious Southern flavors.
• May 2: First Friday – Calera’s Got Talent
Sponsored by Shelby County Newspapers, this night of entertainment highlights local talent with live performances and a DJ keeping the energy high between acts. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, games, and unique local vendors.
• June 6: First Friday – Backyard Bash
ERA King brings summer fun to downtown with an exciting dunking booth featuring local celebrities and the return of the Annual Food Truck Slider Showdown, benefiting Calera Main Street. This event is packed with music, games, and delicious bites from the best food trucks around!
• July 4: First Friday – Festival Fun and Fireworks
Sponsored by TNT Fireworks and Calera Parks & Rec, this First Friday brings the holiday spirit with an explosive fireworks display after dark! Come early for food, vendors, and family-friendly activities, and stay for the big show!
• August 1: First Friday – Back to School
As summer winds down, Central State Bank helps us celebrate the start of a new school year with a Backpack Giveaway, vendors, food, and fun for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to close out the First Friday season!

More Events to Look Forward To In addition to First Fridays, Calera has a full calendar of exciting community events, including:
• April 26: 14th Annual Strawberry Festival (Oliver Park)
• May 3: Inaugural Cinco de Mayo Celebration
• June 21: 4th Annual Cornhole for a Cure (benefiting National MS Society)
• October 8: National Night Out
• October 18: 2nd Annual Calera Nerd Fest
• October 30: 7th Annual Trunk or Treat
• November 22: Tree Lighting Ceremony
• November 29: Small Business Saturday & Christmas tree lighting
• December 6: Annual Christmas Parade
• December 31: 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Party

“We are thrilled to bring back these signature events that make Calera such a wonderful place to live and visit,” said Jackie Batson, Executive Director of Calera Main Street. “From celebrating local talent and small businesses to bringing the community together for the holidays, we have something for everyone in downtown Calera.”

For event information and vendor applications, visit our Eventeny page and follow Calera Main Street on social media.

Media contact:
Jackie Batson, Executive Director
404-268-4102
jackie@downtowncalera.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2025

Calera, AL — Calera Main Street is proud to announce its recent designation as a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, a statewide initiative dedicated to fostering innovation by connecting communities, nonprofits, and higher education institutions across Alabama.

Innovate Alabama serves as the state’s premier public-private partnership, committed to nurturing entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. The organization implements initiatives that strengthen Alabama’s innovation ecosystem, aiming to create a more resilient, inclusive, and robust economy.

This prestigious designation recognizes Calera Main Street’s ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Calera through innovative projects and community engagement. As a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, Calera Main Street will have access to a comprehensive resource platform, fostering collaboration and providing support to further its mission of economic development and historic preservation.

“Being part of the Innovate Alabama Network is a significant honor for us,” said Jackie Batson, Executive Director of Calera Main Street. “This designation not only acknowledges our past achievements but also propels us toward future initiatives that will enhance the vibrancy and economic prosperity of downtown Calera.”

“Calera Main Street’s induction into the Innovate Alabama Network demonstrates how Shelby County communities are embracing their role in building a robust, statewide innovation ecosystem,” stated Reid Knight, Director of Development at 58 INC | Shelby County Economic Development Corporation. In 2024, 58 INC spearheaded Shelby County’s Innovation Ecosystem Awareness Campaign with the mission of encouraging and educating our communities on their critical role in Alabama’s innovation economy. Calera Main Street’s well-earned designation demonstrates that when Shelby County communities are given the opportunity to support our innovation economy, they are ready.

The Innovate Alabama Network aims to catalyze innovation by focusing on three core components of a healthy ecosystem: people, places, and resources. By joining this network, Calera Main Street aligns itself with nearly 170 organizations statewide that are dedicated to driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship.

“The Innovate Alabama Network is a catalyst, creating and strengthening our statewide network for innovation programming and bolstering entrepreneurship in all types of communities across the state,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “We are encouraged by the continual growth of interest in the program, spurred by momentum built in the first two rounds of awards. Innovate Alabama is eager to harness this excitement to support designees through our most engaging and connective resources yet.”

For more information about Calera Main Street and its initiatives, please visit our website. To learn more about Innovate Alabama and the Innovate Alabama Network, visit the website.