Enjoy funnel cake + games for a great cause—attend the first-ever Magic City Carnival, Aug. 5 

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Get ready for funnel cakes, balloon animals, games and more—the first-ever Magic City Carnival is Saturday, August 5 at Cahaba Brewing Company. Benefiting Pathways, a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness in Birmingham, this special event is the perfect way for family and friends to have a blast while supporting an important cause. Read on for details and be sure to grab your game tickets in advance here.

Event Details

• What: Magic City Carnival benefiting Pathways, a shelter for women and children
• When: Saturday, August 5 | 5-8PM
• Where: Cahaba Brewing Co patio, 4500 5^th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Cost:
  • Admission is free
  • Carnival game tickets: $1 each or $15 for 20
  • Unlimited play wristband $25
  • VIP Pass $40 (includes a beer or mixed drink from Cahaba, a concession stand or food truck snack + 15 activity tickets)
• Tickets

Behind the Magic City Carnival

What if you had no access to a shower, clean clothes, a bed or home to call your own? This is a reality for hundreds women and children facing homelessness in Birmingham.

Since 1983, Pathways has empowered women and children on their path out of homelessness through hospitality, housing and hope. 

To meet the immediate needs of unhoused women and families and assist them on their path back to economic security and stable housing, Pathways provides:

• A drop-in daytime shelter
• An overnight emergency shelter
• Permanent supportive housing
• Free early childhood care to women and children

In an effort to increase awareness and support for Pathways, the nonprofit’s Junior Board created its newest fundraiser—the Magic City Carnival.

“The Pathways Junior Board created the Magic City Carnival with the hope of spreading the message of Hospitality, Housing and Hope by engaging the entire family in our cause. Our goal is to reach members of the community that may have never heard of Pathways, while also providing a fun-filled night that the whole family can enjoy. This event is important to the Junior Board as we want to continue to spread awareness and to promote meaningful change in the City of Birmingham as we empower women and children on their path out of homelessness.”

Hannah Trucks, President, Pathways Junior Board

About the Magic City Carnival

Are you ready to get a sneak peek of what this exciting event has to offer? Here’s a look at what to expect:

• Food + drinks from EJ Concessions Food Truck + Cahaba Brewing Company
• Carnival games (with prizes!) such as ring toss, giant Jenga, beanbag toss, football toss + more
• Kids’ craft corner and pet bandana + build-a-bear making
• Balloon animal artist, face painting + bounce castle
• Tarot card readings
• Hula hoop contest
• And more!

There will also be a Silent Auction with amazing items you’ll definitely want to bid on, such as:

• A one-year bar membership + 2 free daycare days to Good Dog Pet Resort & Bar
• A Taco Mama Taco Bar for food + drinks for 10-25 people
• Jewelry from Diamonds Direct and Kendra Scott
• 4 Baseline box tickets to a Birmingham Barons game
• 4 Lower Bowl tickets to see a Birmingham Squadron game

Bonus: Dogs are invited to attend, so grab them a special pet pup cup and some treats while you’re there.

Want to attend Pathway’s Magic City Carnival on August 5? Admission is free, but you can save time by grabbing your game tickets in advance.

Pathway’s impact in Birmingham

To show you the positive impact Pathways has on locals, we got input from several guests and residents who have sought support from the nonprofit. Here’s what they told us:

• Chantil, resident, Pathways’ Safe Haven: “I was trying to deal with everything on my own and finally realized that I can’t make it on my own. I need help. I came to Pathways and told them I was staying on the streets, and by the grace of God, they helped me. If you walk through the door they will open it for you and lead you in the right direction because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and Pathways has definitely showed me that.”

• Brianna, parent/Early Learning Center, shelter guest/Stepping Stones: “I started panicking at first. I was at my wit’s end, there was no hope. I didn’t really have any family support. Most of my family has passed away, so it was just me and my son. Coming here gave me hope for the future.”

• Joanne, guest, Pathway’s Day Center guest: “To me, Pathways means hope. Even though I’m on the streets, I feel like I have something to do, something to look forward to. If I didn’t have a place to shower or wash my clothes or make me feel like I can be better, I don’t know what I would do.”

Ready to attend the Magic City Carnival and help women and children facing homelessness in Birmingham? Attend the event on Saturday, August 5 from 5-8PM at Cahaba Brewing. Carnival game tickets and wristbands online or at the event. You can also donate here.

To learn more about Pathways, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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