City gears up for 2016 Celebrate Hoover Day

The 2016 Celebrate Hoover Day at Veterans Park is set for Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free event is slated to feature live entertainment from musicians and dance groups, a kids’ play zone with inflatables, games, pony rides and a petting zoo, a business expo and a car show.

The Birmingham Zoo is scheduled to have an animal exhibit, and the McWane Science Center is supposed to have an area with interactive activities for kids, said Erin Colbaugh, events coordinator for the city of Hoover.

The day kicks off with the dedication of memorial pavers that have been bought in the last year to honor veterans in the Veterans Plaza at the park. The 11 a.m. ceremony also includes a re-enactment of the famous 1945 raising of the U.S. flag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The re-enactment will be carried out by the Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

The city also will serve free ice cream and a giant apple pie in a pan that is 10 feet, 3 inches in diameter and weighs 2,000 pounds (without the pie). Food vendors slated to be there include Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Papa John’s Pizza, Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits and Repicci’s Italian Ice.

The Shred-It paper shredding company will provide free document destruction, and Pro-Tech will be collecting electronic items such as computers, cell phones and printers for recycling. Both of those companies will be set up in the parking lot at Spain Park High School, where parking for the festival will be.

An estimated 20,000 people showed up for the 2015 Celebrate Hoover Day, Colbaugh said.

“We had perfect weather. It was just perfect the whole day with people there,” she said. “It’s just a great time together with family and friends. You can encourage people to come out and meet you at the park for free activities.”

This article was updated at 7:40 a.m. on April 27 to correct the time of the veterans' memorial paver dedication ceremony to 11 a.m.