By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – Ronnie Dixon, who is the executive director of the annual Alabama Butterbean Festival, spoke about the upcoming event in October during a meeting of the Pinson City Council on July 20.
Ronnie Dixon (Photo by Nathan Prewett)
“It looks like we’re going to have a record year,” he said. “This will be our 18th annual. It seems like it just keeps clicking off. I’ve been there for fifteen of them. So, it’s just something that keeps growing.”
Dixon said that the last event was financially successful, allowing them to continue distributing funds to charity and the local schools. In the next event, he said that there will be no major changes, though there may be more vendors.
There will be a petting zoo, carnival, and a 5K like last year. There will also be a fireworks show that will be increased by six more minutes. He added that booths in the past year all have electricity now and will allow for lighting during the darker hours.
Dixon said that last year’s attendance was an estimated 45,000.
“I look forward to another great festival,” said Mayor Joe Cochran.
Afterwards Councilman Robbie Roberts announced that there will be a National Night Out event set for Sept. 19 at Bicentennial Park, at 6 p.m., and will be a joint event with the city of Clay. The council agreed to pay $750 for food.
It was also announced that the last Movies at the Rock will be held on Aug. 5, at 7 p.m., at the Rock School Center and will show the film, “Super Pets.” This will be a back-to-school event and a limited supply of school items will be given out.
Afterwards, the council discussed the possibility of resurfacing the football field at the Pinson Youth Sports Complex and putting a new irrigation system in place, as well as new sidewalks and making it more ADA-compliant.
The council also discussed possible lighting and resurfacing at the tennis courts at Pinson Valley High School. Roberts said that they will seek to speak with the Jefferson County Board of Education to allow citizens to use the courts at night.
Cochran said that the city was recently given a $70,000 grant from Sen. Shay Shelnutt for the potential project.
During public comments Pinson Public Library Director Alison Scanlan said that the Summer Reading Program is coming to an end, with the finale week being next week and a finale for adult participants next Tuesday. She highlighted the “Touch A Truck” event recently where children were shown the vehicles and equipment used by the city.
And lastly, but certainly not least, it was announced that Councilwoman Clinteshia Irvin gave birth to a baby boy on the day before the meeting. His name is Avi Irwin.
“We want to say to Avi: Welcome to Pinson,” said Cochran. Roberts added that the population of the city went up by one the day before.
The meeting ended with the council going into executive session to discuss trade and commerce.
In other business, the council:
- Agreed to pay the Pinson Valley High School basketball coach and band leader each a $5,000 supplement.
Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.
