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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2025

Calera, AL – Main Street Alabama announced the winners of its Bright Ideas State Regionals competition, a grant award program powered by AL Spark—an initiative created to energize existing businesses in designated communities across the state with funding provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Five winning businesses, including three regional and two “Wild Card” businesses, will represent their respective districts and make their “Bright Ideas” pitch on expanding and growing their business at the organization’s statewide competition, being held in conjunction with Main Street Alabama’s annual state conference (LAB) taking place August 20-22, 2025 in Jasper, Alabama.

The Bright Ideas State Regional Winner from the North is Good Company Cafe in South Huntsville. The Central regional winner is Creations Galore and Moore in Calera, and the regional winner from the South is Coffee Corner in Enterprise. The two Wild Card winners are Trolley on Main in Jasper, along with Ulti-Mutt Bakery in Oxford.

“Watching Nedra grow through AL*SPARK has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work with Calera Main Street,” executive director Jackie Batson said. “This grant gave her the opportunity to dream bigger, lean into her passions, and take her business to the next level—and our whole district is better for it.”

“Programs like AL*SPARK are transformational for small towns like ours. They don’t just fund ideas—they build confidence, create momentum, and show our entrepreneurs that their visions matter. The ripple effect is real, and we’re seeing it every day in downtown Calera!”

Not only do all five selectees receive a $10,000 grant award and an invitation to the state finals, finalists will also receive technical assistance and coaching and will then have the option to
revise or amend their Bright Ideas application prior to the finals pitch event. Each finalist will have up to five minutes to make their pitch to the judging panel, followed by an interview session conducted by the judges. The panel of judges will select and award an additional Bright Ideas grant of $25,000 to one winning finalist.

“Bright Ideas is expected to inject nearly $400,000 into growing businesses located in our designated communities,” according to Mary Helmer Wirth, president and state coordinator of Main Street Alabama. “It’s exciting to know the potential of these small Alabama businesses and entrepreneurs is being ignited by this important program, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact of these innovative ideas on our local economies.”

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.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025

Calera, Ala. – Calera Main Street, in partnership with Shelby County Disc Golf Club, is thrilled to announce the Rail Yard Rumble, an urban disc golf event taking place on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This unique, one-day tournament will unfold in and around the charming downtown area of Calera, Alabama, including the iconic Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

With 90 players already registered from across Alabama and the Southeast, the Rail Yard Rumble is set to be a premier event for disc golf enthusiasts. As an officially sanctioned PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) tournament, players of all skill levels—professionals and amateurs alike—will compete in two rounds of 18 holes for trophies and prizes in their respective divisions.
Disc golf, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, combines the precision of traditional golf with the thrill of using flying discs instead of clubs and balls. Players aim to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws, navigating through a dynamic urban course.

“This event in Calera and around the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is a temporary course, only available to registered players on the day of the event,” said Tournament Director Scott Burdette. “The novelty of this unique urban setting brings a great deal of excitement and challenge to the competition.”

Calera Main Street Event Coordinator Dee Starkey expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to work again with the Shelby County Disc Golf Club to bring this fun and engaging experience to Calera. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful downtown area.”

The Rail Yard Rumble will highlight the vibrant community of Calera, featuring two rounds of urban disc golf through the city’s streets, courtyard, and trains. Spectators are welcome to witness the action and experience the excitement of this growing sport in a unique setting.

For more information about the Rail Yard Rumble or to learn more about the sport of disc golf, please contact:
Shelby County Disc Golf Club: Learn More
Shelby County Disc Golf Club is dedicated to promoting the sport of disc golf throughout Shelby County, Alabama by organizing events, tournaments, and activities for players of all skill levels.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024

Calera, AL — Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration in Downtown Calera as we ring in 2025 with music, food, games, and fireworks! Hosted by Calera Main Street, this family-friendly event will take place at the Calera Courtyard, starting at 8:00 PM and culminating in an exciting fireworks display at midnight.

Event Highlights:

• DJ & Dancing: Dance the night away to an energetic mix of tunes.
• Cornhole & Games: Fun activities for all ages to enjoy.
• Balloon Drop: Don’t miss the exciting 10:00 PM Balloon Drop under the pavilion!

Local Favorites Open Late:

• R.O.E. Hobby: Offering food and drinks until midnight.
• Adventurer’s Coffee Co.: Serving your favorite beverages until the clock strikes twelve.

Delicious Food Trucks On-Site:

• Moe & Moore’s BBQ
• Nettie B’s Grill
• Uncle G’s Pizza

Cap off the night with a dazzling fireworks display at midnight, lighting up the skies over Downtown Calera.

Bring your family and friends to celebrate the end of 2024 and the beginning of an exciting new year in the heart of our vibrant downtown community. As we continue to develop and enhance our historic district, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join the festivities.

For more information, follow Calera Main Street on social media or visit our website.

We can’t wait to see you as we kick off 2025 with an evening full of community spirit and outdoor fun!