The Weekend is BUCK CRAZY in Helena!

Helena Hawks Win
The Helena Hawks won the Early Summer Championship at  Pell City and are bringing home the1st Place trophy. The Helena Hawks are a group of 10 and under boys from Helena. They are coached by Keith Watkins and Steve Brown. In the attached picture Top Row from left to right: Leon Moore, Steve Brown, Keith Watkins, Lynn Higginbotham: Middle Row: Drew Waltz, Chase Segars, Phillip Duke: Bottom Row: Jackson Waters, Talon Pritchard, L.J. Moore, Kellen Watkins, Sam Higginbotham :not pictured Tyler German . Way to go and Thanks for Wendy Segars for the info!
Weekend
Yard Sale:  Nicki  is having a huge yard sale on Saturday May 12th from 7-1. She has Baby stuff, gym, desk and chair, odds and ends. It will be at 561 Old Cahaba drive.

Also 5129 Rye circle located in Shannon Glenn right off of Roy Drive on Saturday.

Engagement Announcement
 I think this is the first time I have an engagement announcement on the blog. It is Shannon Humphrey 36 of Helena and Stacie Osborn 36 of Helena.

Buck Creek Festival
Ok, this is a huge weekend for Helena because Friday and Saturday is the 11th annual Buck Creek Festival ! Here the Info....

Overview
It is a FREE event to enter! Where can you see so many bands for no charge? Also the event pays for itself so unlike other cities, Helena doesnt spend thousand of dollars of taxpayers dollars to make it happen. A devoted crew of volunteer make it happen so be kind to those of us in a duck shirt.

Eh? Where is it: It is at the Helena Amphitheater... you dont know where that is located?!? Okay, I will make fun of you later but here is a Google Map

There will be 117 vendor booths and at least 11 bands. They don't allow coolers, pets, or outside food. People get mad when they park far away and then show up with a pet or a cooler of drinks then have to turn back so avoid the mistake.  There are picnic tables and benches but they are in high demand so you should make a .....

Chair Base: I suggest you bring some portable chairs, a blanket, and set up a family spot in the open field near the stage where you can meet up if some gets lost. It is also near the bathrooms and the playground. A perfect spot for a family base. I like to set mine up with a gnome even though I work as a volunteer so if I find that perfect gift then I can leave it. Saturdays are better for families because of the inflatable zone for children but Friday is better for avoiding the crowd.

Traffic: I cover parking at the end but there is only one way into the Amphitheater Park so it is a traffic jam. They have a police officer to direct but if you arent going to the festival then you will want to avoid the intersection in front of the Depot.

Bathroom: There are bathrooms in the two buildings located at the Amphitheater and they have port-o-lets in the back between the creek and the playground. The bathrooms outside of the  amphitheater park are Papa Saia's, The Depot, and La Reunion. If you have children, you need to make a note of this.

Duck Race
The Duck race is Saturday at 3pm. Each duck has a number on the bottom. It begins when they fire a canon. It is wild to watch and a good photo op. The crowds swarm out of the park toward that direction around 15-30 minutes before.  They dump them from the top of the waterfall and the duck catchers are under the bridge. The first few over win prizes. You can still buy tickets at the event, they have a table just past the concession stand. The money goes to Shelby County Safe House who have a booth at the front of the park so you can check to see if you won. If not, they will contact you.

Cash?
Regions is setting up a portable ATM machine by the Concession stand because almost all the vendors only take cash. A few have smart phones with card swipes..very few.

Food
There is a lot of food and drink vendors at the event so there will be no shortage of places to eat but the concession building is the cheapest but there is also bbq, fair fare, and some things exotic from vendors so be adventurous.  There is no outside food and drink allowed and they strictly enforce that. Bob and Henry are usually out front so if you have special needs then let them know.

 There will also be a Pancake breakfast on Saturday, if you want an early start.

La Reunion, Papa Saias and the Depot are nearby and outside the park if you need a break (and air conditioning). There is a beer booth at the back of the festival with $5 beers and $6 special beer. You cannot leave the park with the drinks.

Kid's Area
It is a free festival but children make it expensive. Make sure you read the section about where the bathrooms are located. Inexpensive activities for the children, is the playground (free) on Friday and Saturday. The kid's inflatables zone is open Saturday. The arm bands are $5.00. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They can play for hours there while you are a few feet away listening to music (remember chair base)

Also the Helena Fire Department has a smoke simulation house where your children can learn how to get out of house during a fire. Educational and Free!

Lost
If you and your child get separated then you (or they) can go to the stage and they MC (usually Cris and Brian) will give a shout out. Talk to them ahead of time about a plan. Also the Helena Police explorers and committee member (with duck on their shirts) will help out as well.  The committee has a booth set up to sell at the gate entrance past the concession stand if you need to talk to us. I will have a khaki shirt with a yellow duck on it if you need me to help you.

Music
All the music is done on the Helena Amphitheater Stage but there is no seating so you need to bring a chair with you.

Friday, May 11th
TOMMY CROWDER BAND - 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
This Birmingham-based, five-member band specializes in playing
“country music with an edge,” according to its website.
The band’s playlist includes newer country songs, classic country
favorites and Southern rock.

LAREUNION IDOL Ashley Partridge- 7:45 - 8:00 p.m.
She was voted the best of the best of all the singers who competed (and it was a very talented bunch). Come cheer her on!

KOZMIC MAMA - 8:15 - 10:10 p.m.
Formed in 1991, the band has been a popular group in north Alabama
and south Tennessee for the last two decades. The f ve-member band is
"steeped in the rootsy tradition of rock, soul, Motown and blues," according to its website.

Saturday, May 12th

BUCK CREEK BLUE GRASS BAND - 10:00 - 10:50 a.m.
Long-time attendees of the Buck Creek Festival may recognize some
members Buck Creek Blue Grass, who performed as Unchained
several years ago. The new band is composed of seven seasoned bluegrass players who play traditional and upbeat music.

AFTER 2 GLASSES - 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Band members Paul Walters and Jean Campbell began playing together years ago for fun at a home jam session of a mutual friend. Frequent smoking breaks by the other members of the group left Jean and Paul with nothing to do but try out some tunes with each other. It didn’t take long to realize they shared similar music interests and that their voices blended well together. They soon decided to try a few casual jams as a duo.

St. Bernard Jazz Band - 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
The Saints All-Stars are members of the Instrumental Music program at Saint Bernard Prep School in Cullman. Students are taught the basics of music and then progress into the study of rock, blues and jazz as part of their musical education at Saint Bernard. Their repertoire includes a variety of musical styles from the 1960s to today.

DEJA BLUE - 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
This six-member dance/show band features four lead vocalists, an outstanding rhythm section and two excellent horns. These seasoned players have backgrounds in jazz, blues, rock, swing and more. De’Ja Blue has been able to develop into a versatile and dynamic band.

3pm Rubber Duck Race Over Waterfalls

Razz Ma Tazz - 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
This group of guys has pooled their experiences to be one of the best house bands in the country. They’ve played nightly at Hogans Irish Pub and Grill on U.S. 280 for the past 13 years. The band’s versatility reaches out to all ages. With Razz-Ma-Tazz comes the sound of motown, blues, R&B, soul and country. Razz-Ma-Tazz is what music is all about!

MICROWAVE DAVE & THE NUKES 5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Twenty-plus years of performances in the U.S and Europe and seven albums have helped Microwave Dave and The Nukes establish a multinational audience. Venues vary from French soccer stadiums to Bike Week in Daytona Beach, from blues cruises on the Big Red Boat to neighborhood saloons, but the thousands of shows delivered by the band all re?ect one core element: the heritage blues music enjoys as a lifter of spirits.

LIZ MELENDEZ BAND - 6:45 - 8:00 p.m.
Born and raised in the South Valley of Albuquerque, N.M., Liz Melendez moved to Atlanta in the late 1990s to continue her burgeoning music career as a formidable guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and performer. She effortlessly demonstrates her versatility, often paying homage to her in? uences as a highlight to her own clearly def ned lead guitar and vocal style. After arriving on the music scene as a solo artist a few years ago, Liz has established herself as one of the most exciting and promising new artists on the music horizon.

BLUES BROTHERS EXPERIENCE - 8:15 - 10:00 p.m.
The Blues Brothers Experience, the country’s hottest Blues Brother tribute show, would like to take you on a soulful journey as they turn back the hands of time. With Bucky Heard as “Joliet Jake Blues” and Justin Clark as “Elwood Blues” the team of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd spring to life once again with an action-packed stage show that will blow you away! With unbelievable stage antics and featuring such great hits, the Blues Brothers Experience will sing, dance,play and cartwheel their way into some of your greatest memories! Audience members from 8 to 80 (even first timers!) will have the time of their lives rockin’ out to one of the only Blues Brothers tribute acts in the country to be licensed by the John Belushi estate.

Parking
Parking is always the trick. Finding a close parking space where you won't be blocked is a win. I know a lot of people parked next to the Depot but got blocked in by other people. I like to search down 2nd Street and if I cant find something then park at the Elementary School. It is a walk but I don't mind.

The lot across from Papa Saia's will be closed to the public and Papa Saia's will be preventing people who are not customers from parking there.

If you are out of town, then Lot A (Helena Sport Complex) is really attractive since you can avoid traffic when you leave. Also First Baptist has a shuttle too which is great because you can either walk there or catch the shuttle.

Vendors:
There are three types of vendors: Food, Sales, and Information. Here is a list of who will be there:

A
Alabama Partners for Clean Air
Alabama Telco
Allstate
American General
Angie’s Funnel Cakes
Artsee Accents
B
BB’s Bread
Bergie Bows
Bizee Beads
Blessit Gifts of Love
Bluegrass Cabochons & Jewelry
Bonnie Elliott Crafts
Boresha International (coffee & tea)
Buck Creek Stained Glass
Bungee Jump of HappinessCharles Holcomb - Wood Products, Drink Can Airplanes
C
Cahaba Wellness
Campus Dining
Carmella’s Italian Ice
Charles Holcomb
Christ Community Church
Clear Solutions
D
Davidson Law Firm
Dehnese Hardin Crafts
Dixie Dust Designs
Dixie Home Crafters
Durante Windows & Siding
E
Earthwear
Enable USA
F
Farmer Guard
Frank Jones Ministries
Friends of Helena Schools
Full Moon BBQ
G
Gemini Treats
Gilly’s Dancing Puppets
Gina’s Crafts
Gypsy Wilderness
H
Handmade from the Heart
Helena Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Helena Landscape
Helena Public Library
Helena Seniors
J
Jean and Gene Foods
Jewelry from Joyce
Joyce King
Judy’s Kiddie Corner
K
Katee Lights
Kent Gallery
Kim Cool Crafts
Kimmy’s Skinny Wraps
Knot Just a Rope
Kona Ice of Birmingham
L
Lazarus Design
Leafguard of Alabama
Little Caesars
Lowe’s
LTD Therapeutic Jewelry & Gifts
M
McAlisters Deli
Misty Smith (lotion, body wash, soap)
My Silly Humbugs
N
Nefny Studios
New Creation
O
Oak Mountain Orthodontics
Oh La La Designs
Old Towne Music
Osborne Books
P
Pelham YMCA
Pinnex Group
P-Nut Gallery
Primrose
Princess House
R
R and D Refreshments
R and S Peanuts
Redneck Partyware
S
Salon Touche
Sandy Feat Arts
Sassy Domestic
Scentsy
SDA Treasures
Shelby Baptist Hospital
Shelby County Reporter
Shelby Shufflers
Shelby Telecom
Silver Plate & Spoon
Skin Power
Southern Natural Soap
State Farm
State Farm - Jerrod Gibson
Storm Cloud
Susie Serio Mary Key
T
T and M Sports
Texas Roadhouse
The Bull and Magic 96
The Tailgate LLC
The Woodbear
Thirty-one Gifts
Tinsations
V
Vault Denim
Verizon Wireless
W
Wolfe Orthodontics