By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Summer has arrived. Kids are out of school, and the weather is nice. Getting out and about is the best thing to do, but that can be hard on your wallet. Gadsden and the surrounding areas are hosting many free or cheap events to keep you and your family busy.
Of course there are the popular First Fridays in downtown Gadsden. Classic cars, live music and nearby shops and restaurants make the family friendly event a perfect evening. The event lasts from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. every first Friday of the month. After First Friday, head to the Amphitheatre for the summer concert series from 9 to 11 p.m. Tonight, Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster.
Another good time can be had on Mondays. Musical Mondays have started again for the fourth year. At the Water Wall, located on the 600 block of Broad Street between the Pitman Theatre and the Senior Activity Center, jazz music will be played from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Curley DeRamus prepares free hot dogs and cake, which are only available as long as supplies last. Eat and listen to music at one of the shaded tables. The event will take place rain or shine, but during bad weather it will be moved into the Pitman Theatre.
The Courtyard Concert Series has returned for its 17th year. Held in the Mary G. Hardin Center’s courtyard, the concert series take place every Friday and Saturday, from April until August. The courtyard opens at 5 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 256-543-2787, ext. 0.
The Hardin Center holds a lot of children’s activities. The center is pairing with Gadsden’s Premiere Cinemas to host movies with related activities for only $1. The event is held on Wednesdays. The activity is held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30. The movie starts at 10 a.m. Next week’s movie is “Rio,” and the Imagination Place staff will lead the children in making bird masks.
On June 12 through 14, Noccalula Falls will host Wheels On The Hill. This car show and swap meet is only $3 for admission. The show starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The proceeds go to help the Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center. Enjoy cars of various makes, models, and types, as well as vendors and live music. Cars and vendors must register beforehand.
For more local events, check out our calendar on page 4B or visit www.greatergadsden.com/events.