5 ways to celebrate Birmingham’s 150th anniversary + details about the Magic City Velvet cupcake
Reading time: 4 minutes
The Magic City. The Steel City. Pittsburgh of the South. Our beloved Birmingham is turning 150 years old this year and we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Want to be a part of the city’s celebration this month? Here’s how you can help honor this major milestone.
1. I Love Birmingham Because
What better way to show your love than a love letter? ‘I Love Birmingham Because’ is an opportunity for citizens to say everything they love about the city.
All love letters should be no more than 150 words.
Email letter submissions to builttolast@birminghamal.gov with the subject line titled ‘I Love Birmingham Because’ by December 19.
Letters will be stored in the Birmingham Public Library Department of Archives.
2. Milestone Monday
Are you, your business, church or organization celebrating a major milestone in 2021, too? Participate in Milestone Monday.
Guidelines include:
- The milestone you are marking
- A photo of you or your business
- Contact information
- What it means to you
Nominees should live, work, attend school or volunteer in Birmingham. Selected nominees will be featured on Mondays on the City of Birmingham’s social media pages.
Email your submissions to builttolast@birminghamal.gov with ‘Milestone Monday’ as the title.
3. Throwback Thursday
Did you know that Birmingham was named for Birmingham, England? You can learn more cool facts about our city with ‘Birmingham History: Did you know’.
The City of Birmingham will share historic posts about the Magic City every Thursday throughout the year.
Keep up with the post on Facebook, Instagram or the city’s website.
4. Birmingham View
Do you know of any cool spots with awesome views? Take a picture and submit it for our city’s photo contest, Birmingham View.
Here are the guidelines:
- Cell phone or professional camera photos are accepted
- Photos must be taken from 2019 to 2021
The contest will kick off on July 12th. FYI: Submissions do not have to be landmarks in the city, previous celebrations and fireworks photos are allowed.
Email your submissions to builttolast@birminghamal.gov with ‘Birmingham View’ as the title.
5. Experience Birmingham Weekend
July 15 -18 is ‘Experience Birmingham Weekend’. This weekend is all about the community rediscovering with the city.
Legion Field will host the 150 Celebration Festival. The Birmingham Zoo will have animals present along with a visit from Vulcan Park and Museum’s mascot.
Free admissions, make sure you bring a lawn chair! Here’s a few festivities:
- 3-on-3 basketball for youth and adults
- 3-on-3 soccer tournament (participants must be 18 or older)
- Food truck Friday
- Soul Food Saturday hosted by Arlington House and much more!
Here’s everything to expect from the Magic City celebration.
The Magic City Velvet Cupcake
Jolly Cakes owner, LaToya Jolly, renamed her top-selling red velvet cupcake in honor of the 150 anniversary. She named the cupcake after the city because it reminded her of Birmingham’s red clay.
She told the City of Birmingham that she sees her company and herself as a survivor, just like the Magic City. It was only right to dedicate this sweet treat to her hometown.
Cupcake flavors include:
- Magic City velvet
- Strawberry
- Key Lime
- German Chocolate
What event are you most excited about for the 150th anniversary celebration? Let us know on our socials Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and sign up for our FREE newsletter.
