Crowds were heavy and constant at the Pell City Block Party Friday night. Below, Quentin Cooley of Wedowee cooks beef for philly cheese steak sandwiches.
“I think we have a bigger crowd than last year,” said Randy Mason, member of the Block Party Committee. “I think the weather had a lot to do with it. It’s cooler this year, and I think more people came out because of that.”
The annual block party provides good family entertainment with music, a wide assortment of food, numerous vendors, a kid’s area and much more—all for free.
“There really is something for everyone here,” Mason said.
Mason said an estimated 15,000 people attended last year’s block party.
“It’s hard to get a count, because there are no gates and people come and go throughout the event,” he said.
Mason said this year’s block party also featured the most vendors to date, with more than 150 showcasing a variety of food and items.
“It’s a very successful block party,” he said. “It couldn’t have happened without all the volunteers.”
Chamber executive director Erica Grieve said a lot of people worked very hard to put this year’s event together.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out,” she said. “We are excited about it.”
Chamber president Eddie Gilreath thanked the sponsors and everyone who came out to help make the event a success.
“We are delighted to have you here,” Pell City Mayor Bill Hereford said.
Pat Elliott, of Pell City, said this was her first year to attend the block party.
“I brought my great-granddaughter, Kelsey, 8, and her friend Dalton, 4,” she said. “They especially like the kids rides. I’ve liked everything I’ve seen and the music is great. I will probably come back again.”
Brandon and Tracy Overton were also attending with Zion, 8, and Makena, 12.
“This is my first year,” Brandon Overton said. “We just arrived, but there is a lot of stuff we would enjoy seeing.”
Tracy Overton said this was her first time to really enjoy the event.
“I came once before, but it was in and out,” she said. “I really like all the music. And Zion spotted a few things he would like to do right off the bat.”
Lavelle Willingham said it is her fourth year attending the block party.
“My favorite part is the Pell City Line Dancers,” she said, naming one of the groups performing of which she is a member. “And the food. The deep-fried Oreos sound great.”
Willingham said the event is something she looks forward to.
“It is such a great event—a hometown great event,” she said. “You have a great time and run into friends.”
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
