Mayor Woodfin announces celebrations for Bham’s 150th birthday

Here in Birmingham, we have a reason to celebrate all year. The Magic City is turning 150 in 2021, and there are lots of exciting celebrations planned. Keep reading to learn more.

A yearlong birthday party

Mayor Woodfin described plans for Birmingham’s 150th at Vulcan Park & Museum. He made the announcement with a view of the Magic City’s iconic skyline. Early on, he emphasized that all celebrations will be intentionally inclusive.

“This will be a celebration for everyone, and when I say everyone, I really mean for all of our citizens in our community,” Woodfin said.

Darlene Negretto, the President of the Vulcan Park & Museum, took the podium after Mayor Woodfin. She described Birmingham’s upcoming Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

“It is so exciting that this fourth of July, we will once again be able to get out, get together and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in our country and community. We will do so with a great fireworks spectacular that will be above Birmingham’s vulcan. It will be the largest fireworks show in the state, and it will be particularly special this year because of the 150th.”

Darlene Negrotto, President & CEO of Vulcan Park & Museum

Get ready for a fireworks extravaganza! I’m already brainstorming perfect spots to watch the show.

Love letters to Birmingham

This year’s celebrations will focus on individuals’ experiences in the Magic City.

Mayor Woodfin and his team are launching the “I Love Birmingham Because…” campaign this summer. They’re asking residents to describe their experiences in the Magic City in a letter format. All submitted letters will be archived at the Birmingham Public Library. They should be sent to builttolast@birminghamal.gov.

Braylon Walters, a Birmingham sixth grader, read his own love letter to Birmingham. In his touching speech, he fondly recounted trips to the McWane Center, the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum and Railroad Park.

In addition, the city will highlight Birmingham residents, businesses and organizations experiencing major milestones every Monday on social media. The project is called “Milestone Monday,” and nominations for a shoutout should be sent to builttolast@birminghamal.gov.

It’s an exciting time to live in Birmingham! The city will be announcing more celebrations throughout the year. For updates, check out https://www.birminghamal.gov/150.

How are you celebrating Birmingham’s 150th birthday? Tag @bhamnow and share the party.