Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Boats coming to Lakeview Marina—and other jokes that got us
Reading time: 4 minutes
The origin story of April Fools’ Day is as dubious as its playful spirit: tricky at best. Scholars debate its source anywhere from Ancient Greece to the works of Chaucer and more.
While we aren’t quite sure how it started, we do know how it’s going—a fun distraction where everyone’s in on the joke. Us Birminghamians included.
Our team picked three of the best April Fools’ Day posts we saw today—plus one bonus item we happen to think is pretty häftigt.
Lakeview Marina…now with boats and bait?
- Would you believe? This new development in the Lakeview district already houses some of the hippest retailers in the city, but is launching even bigger plans shortly after Labor Day. They’ll be offering boat repair, a wide array of tackle and all of your deep sea fishing needs.
- Joke’s on us: Put that idea on ice. Yes, we are at least a three (speedy!) hour drive from the Gulf, and yes, this development is actually called a marina (here’s more about that), but no, they won’t be selling boats or bait.
- Why it’s funny: We loved this cheeky spin on their clever name! While we’ll look for our fishing supplies elsewhere, we will be headed down to reel in some fresh (musical) catches at Seasick’s Record Store Day soon—Saturday, April 12…no joke.
Cala Coffee lacking enough locations?
- Would you believe? The growth of independent coffee shops around Birmingham is absolutely worth celebrating, and this popular “chain” of two is expanding their reach with even more locations in the Magic City.
- Joke’s on us: Despair not, it does sound like Cala Coffee and Enjoyer Books really are joining forces to share space in the near future.
- Why it’s funny: Coffee-scented books? Mmm…dreams really do come true! We’ll be watching and sharing updates as they become available.
Beloved Avondale Amphitheater to get shiny glow-up?
- Would you believe? Out with the old and in with the new. The Friends of Avondale Park have pooled their resources to replace the beloved, historic sandstone with cold concrete and brilliant chrome. Imagine the selfies you can take once you check your reflection in the theater’s brilliant glare. Miss Fancy, indeed!
- Joke’s on us: Though it would appear no amphitheater is safe on April Fool’s Day (ahem…see below), fear not: Avondale Park’s beloved relic lives on in its recognizable current form.
- Why it’s funny: The spot where impressive musical acts like The Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, The Allman Brothers and more (this part is not a prank, according to the Friends of Avondale Park. Color us impressed!) will live on to amplify the sounds of Birmingham for years to come. Some things do get better with age, and this hard-working org has more exciting efforts in the works.
IKEA is adding Bama barbecue-flavored meatballs to its menu?
We may have tricked a few followers with our Instagram post this morning. Were you one of them?
- “The IKEA entrance being on the stage still set up for sound is an especially nice touch😂” – @brandonmays
- “I got so excited at first, then I realized what today was. Now I’m sad. 😔” – @niklady
- “NOT AGAIN. We aren’t falling for it again after the aquarium 😢😂” -@bhambabeswalkingclub
Most commenters played along, though quite a few of you were upset it wasn’t true (myself included). Others are still smarting from our aquarium joke last year.
What can we say? Other than we enjoy playing the fool, Bham!
We want to know, fellow Fools: Did a local Birmingham biz or org get you good? Let us in on the joke @bhamnow.
