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!