Leeds Happenings this Week!

The Place to Go to Be in the Know

Check Out this Week's Leeds Happenings

There's definitely a lot going on in historic Leeds so we're finding more news to share.  The events at Barber this weekend were fabulous with sold-out crowds. The City-Wide Prayer Breakfast brought many together to pray for our city.  Our community is so benevolent that it shows what great people we have here.  Ann's New Life Center will be kicking off their fundraiser.  Knights of Columbus has two fundraisers going on with Bingo and the Beach Giveaway.  Creek Bank Festival & Cruising the Creek Bank Car Show are only a few days away and Alabama Tourism Director, Lee Sentell, will speak at our next chamber of commerce lunch.

We appreciate each of you that send us happenings and for everyone who reads our Everyone Leeds news each week.  It's amazing how people are talking about Everyone Leeds so it's no wonder that we are becoming your local Leeds news source.

Be sure to check out the entire calendar with all of our local establishments for the next week and beyond.  Also, please take advantage of shopping opportunities, deals, fundraisers and more.  Always, remember to think Leeds first!

Shop Leeds. Dine Leeds. Entertain Leeds.

happy cinco de mayo (Facebook Post)

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO FROM EVERYONE LEEDS

May your Cinco de Mayo be as Wonderful as you are!

Congrats to our 2022 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst winner Pato O’Ward @ Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, AL.

Racing For Children Charity at Barber Motorsports Park

Great event at Barber's Racing for Children Charity dinner and auction to benefit Children's of Alabama and Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. Photos include Miss Alabama & 1st Runner-Up to Miss America Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama's Outstanding Teen 2021 Emma Terry, Miss Leeds Area Chandler Mordecai, Miss Leeds Area's Outstanding Teen Elaina Burt, Mayor David Miller and Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandra McGuire.

Leeds City-Wide Prayer Breakfast at First Baptist Church Leeds

A great time of food, fellowship, and seeking God favor over our community at the Leeds City-Wide Prayer Breakfast.

As you start your day, please know that you were prayed for!

Leeds Fire & Rescue News

It is with great pleasure that we would like to announce the promotions of: Adam Courington to Assistant Chief, Chase Armstrong, Phillip Puccio, and Joshua Rossetti to Apparatus Operator. These men exemplify the dedication and leadership of Leeds Fire & Rescue, and their promotions are well deserved. Please join us in congratulating them on their accomplishment.

Whataburger's Whata Teacher Award

Congratulations to Cara Earnest at Leeds Primary School! She was the recipient of Whataburger’s Whata Teacher Award and received $1,000 to spend on her classroom. To be eligible, someone from the community had to nominate a teacher for the award. Congratulations again, Cara, and thank you to Whataburger for supporting our teachers and our schools!

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Whataburger Award May 2022 02_600

Teacher of the Year Nominations | Leeds Area Chamber Of Commerce

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting Teacher of the Year 2022 nominations. The Chamber is a strong supporter of education and each year recognizes a teacher from Leeds City Schools who exceeds expectations in serving our schools and students. The Teacher of the Year 2022 Award will be presented at the May 19, 2022 Chamber Luncheon. Nominations for Teacher of the Year 2022 will be accepted until Wednesday, May 11. To submit a nomination, please submit a one page typed letter telling why this particular teacher deserves the award for “Above and Beyond” recognition and send to: Email: Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com, drop off at the Chamber office located at: 7901 Parkway Drive or mail to the Chamber: P. O. Box 900, Leeds, AL 35094. Nominations must be received no later than 5:00 pm on May 11 to be considered. This is just one of the many ways that the Chamber supports our schools. The Teacher of the Year Award 2022 is sponsored by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Think Outside the Trash | Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

Residents are welcome to utilize the City of Leeds Recyling Center for disposing of appropriate trash, but please DO NOT DROP OFF anything after normal business hours.  Absolutely nothing is to be dropped off anytime other than during business hours.  For more information, please visit www.leedsalabama.org/recycling-bulk-waste/

eGrand River Drive In 

Weather is warm outside, time to grab a friend and come to the movies.

Box Office Opens: 6:00pm // Movies Begin: 8:00pm
Order your tickets by visiting our site or purchasing at the box office when you arrive.

May 6th-May 12th

Screen 1: Closed for Maintenance
Screen 2: 8:15pm - Dr. Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (PG-13) / 10:36pm - Morbius (PG-13)
Screen 3: 8:15pm - Dr. Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (PG-13) / 10:36pm - Morbius (PG-13)
Screen 4: 8:15pm - The Bad Guys (PG) / 10:17 Pm - Sonic The HEdgeHog 2 (PG)
More Info: https://www.grandriverdrive-in.com/

Thursday, May 5

Leeds Farmers Market Is Back

May 5th Farmers Market in Leeds from 3-6pm at the corner of Parkway and 6th Street.  Come by and pick up some fresh fruit, veggies and more!

Pop Culture Trivia | Rails & Ales 

Pop Culture Trivia Challenge brings the fun to Rails and Ales every Thursday at 7 pm. Your team will have fun trying to answer fun questions about tv, music, movies, The Office, cartoons and more! Rock out to your favorite 80s, 90s and todays party music while your team has fun answering questions. Prizes to the winning teams!

More info:  www.railsandales.beer

Friday, May 6

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Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night | MAY 6 

Come out to enjoy a Charity Bingo night at Leeds Civic Center scheduled for this Friday, May 6, 2022 hosted by Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597. Doors open at 5:00 pm. First of 6 games begin at 6 pm. Football style food and homemade desserts are available at a small cost. Games are typically over by 7:35 to 7:45 pm. Completely smoke and alcohol free! This is a fundraiser for charity projects in the greater Leeds area.

Leeds Civic Center is located at 1000 Park Drive. For more information about this event, please call 205.542.0671 and leave a message for Don Tice.

Live Music with Erica Ryleigh | Rails & ALes

Music with D 7-11 pm. + food with Food with The Recipe 6-9 pm.

More Info: https://railsandales.beer/events

Saturday, May 7

Community Bike Rodeo! | The Outlet Shops of Grand River

May 7 | 10am-1pm| Front Parking Lot

More Info: https://shopsofgrandriver.com/bike-rodeo-2/

Book Signing @ The Wooden Anchor - May 7 

For the blast this week: We are so excited to be having our first book signing at The Wooden Anchor. Paul & Harriet Lawrence will be with us May 7, 11:00-2:00 autographing and selling their book Going to School in Gaza. Paul was born and raised in Leeds and attended Samford University as well as UAB for further degrees. Harriet is from the Birmingham area and attended Auburn University. In 1985, they moved with their two young children to the Gaza Strip in response to God’s call on their lives and lived there 30 years. In their book, Going to School in Gaza, they share some of their stories and what they learned.

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/rutbunchwoodenanchor

Jason Henley Live at the Rail | Rails & Ales

Live music with Jason Henley 7-11 pm. Food Truck TBD 6-9 pm.

More Info: https://railsandales.beer/events

Sunday, May 8

 

Pink Modern Happy Mothers Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY FROM EVERYONE LEEDS

Muffins with Mom at First Baptist Church Leeds

Join us Sunday for a special Mother's Say service and “Muffins with Mom!”
A free breakfast and photos for all moms at 9:30 AM in the fellowship hall between services.

Ann's New Life Pregnancy Medical Center

Hello Ann's New Life Pregnancy Center friends! Our baby bottle campaign kicks off this year on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 8th). Don't miss your opportunity to get involved and CHANGE A LIFE! All funds raised go directly towards helping Ann's New Life Center offer more FREE and CONFIDENTIAL pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, lay counseling, prenatal and parenting classes, school programs, fatherhood classes and so much more!
If your church, organization, business, small group or family would like to be involved please email annsnewlifecenter@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Monday, May 9

Be Set Free Grief Counseling 

Be Set Free is offering Adult Group Grief Counseling every Monday at 11am. Be Set Free is located in Leeds at 1628 9th Street NE.

CALL TODAY for more information (205) 702-6204.

Food Truck Monday with Dickersons Snack Wagon

Leeds Food Truck Monday May 9, hosted by Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce – Dickersons Snack Wagon. This food truck will be available approximately 11-2. Look for them in downtown Leeds on the corner of Parkway Drive and 9th. We’re having great Food Truck Mondays…

More info:  www.LeedsAreaChamber.com

Tuesday, May 10

Shakespeare Acting Classes 

Victoria Boyce teaches weekly acting classes at Leeds Theater and Arts Center on Tuesdays. Spring theme is Shakespeare, with showcase on April 29-30. Call 205-285-7635 to reserve your spot in class. Students 7-19 years old will learn how to read and perform Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies along with how to perform a monologue and how to sword fight, all in a family friendly environment.  More Info:  http://www.leedsartscouncil.org/

Upcoming Events to Put on Your Calendar (and Remember to Register, if Required)

YP Leeds Area Derby Party | May 12

Flaunt your biggest hat or bow tie to win a prize at the Young Professionals Leeds Area Derby Party on May 12th from 6-8 pm at Rails & Ales.
More Info: www.YPLeedsArea.com

The Blessing Swap @ Cedar Grove Baptist Church May 14

SPRING SWAP 2022
What is a Blessing Swap?

Picture a giant, multi-family yard sale… but with NO PRICE TAGS! THAT’s the Blessing Swap. Gather all of the “extras” in your life: clothes, toys, small household items, blankets, baby gear, etc. Drop these items off any time during early drop-off hours, or bring them with you to the Swap*. Then, shop through what everyone else has contributed** – for FREE!

More Info: http://cedargroveleeds.org/blessingswap

Leeds Area Chamber Creek Bank Festival & Cruising The Creek Bank Car Show

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Only a week and a half away!  We have plenty of fun planned and over 100 vendors so be sure to mark your calendars for an incredible festival this year!  We are so excited about our entertainment line-up.  You will not want to miss a moment of the 27th Annual Creek Bank Festival and 6th Annual Cruising the Creek Bank Car Show!  More info:  www.CreekBankFestival.com

Tristen Gressett, Pell City's own singer/songwriter fresh off the American Idol stage as a Top 11 Contender, has confirmed to be on the Creek Bank stage along with Evan Riley, Erica Ryleigh, Eric Watters, Roy Mac and The WingNuts!

View full press release at:  www.CreekBankFestival.com

Erica Ryleigh will perform on the Creek Bank Stage! We are excited that Erica Ryleigh will be on the Creek Bank stage this year back by popular demand!!!  Erica is a country artist with a twist who performed at our First Thursday Street Fests as well as being on the Creek Bank stage.  Erica is a Leeds native who has been playing her guitar and singing almost a decade. You will not want to miss her performance along with other awesome entertainers lined up for that day on the Creek Bank stage!  (May 14 with rain date of May 21)
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Creek Bank Stage Entertainment, Street Vendors, Food Trucks & Plenty of Activities!
There will be plenty of Creek Bank Stage entertainment, a huge number of street vendors, food trucks, Creek Bark Dog Pageant, Hula Hoop Contest, Face Painting, Balloon Artist and a day full of fun for the entire family.  (May 14 with rain date of May 21)

leeds area chamber creekbank festival may 14
leeds area chamber creekbank festival may 14 cruise in

Be sure to get out your antique car or other favorite vehicle to enter the car show for two great causes:  Leeds Outreach and Backpack Buddies. Creek Bank Festival 2022 plans plenty of fun for the entire family so help us get the word out and we'll see you there!

Community Chorus Spring Concert May 15

The community chorus gathers twice a year to prepare for two concerts, typically spring and fall. Participation is open to all who can sing and will commit themselves to the rehearsal time necessary to prepare for the concerts. More Info: https://www.leedsartscouncil.org/calendar-of-events/

LEEDS THEATRE & ARTS CENTER – 8140 PARKWAY DRIVE, LEEDS, AL 35094

Oceans Of Possibilities | Register here for Summer Reading 2022!

https://leedslibrary.beanstack.com/reader365

LEEDS JANE CULBRETH LIBRARY
8104 Parkway Drive Leeds, AL 35094
205-699-5962 | www.leedslibrary.com

 

Leeds Area Chamber May 19 luncheon | Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell

Join the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce for our May Chamber Luncheon. We are excited to announce that our guest speaker will be Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director. Our meeting is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on May 19 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center located at 1189 6th Street. Lunch is $15 payable at the door. Please make your reservations by Tuesday, May 17.

Learn more about our speaker at: www.LeedsAreaChamber.com

Watercolor Classes with  Gayle Jones | Artist Incorporated Gallery 

Gayle Jones has announced additional dates for May Watercolor Classes at Artists Incorporated Gallery. She will be teaching this beautiful painting in a one day class on Friday May 20th or Saturday May 21st. She also has a previously announced 2 day class on May 5th and 6th. Sign up now at artistsincorpora@bellsouth.net

Summer Student Theatre Workshop

Leeds Arts Council is pleased to announce that Matilda the Musical Jr. is the show chosen for the Summer Student Theater Workshop for students in grades 2-12. The workshop will be held June 6-19 at the Leeds Theater and Arts Center, in downtown Leeds. The workshop is a two-week workshop, with students attending 8 am to 12 noon, Monday through Friday. There will be four performances: Friday June 17 at 7 pm, Saturday June 18 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday June 19 at 2 pm. The director is Michael Bridges, award-winning drama director at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School.

More Info:  https://www.leedsartscouncil.org/theatre/summer-student-theatre-workshop/

Summer Student Music Camp

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ANNUAL JAM CAMP | The Music Room

THE MUSIC ROOM'S ANNUAL JAM CAMP July 18th-22nd (9am- 12pm) Ages 6-12 $40/day Ease the summer blues with a fun and enriching week filled with music exploration! Our five day camp program is designed to offer your child the opportunity to explore different instruments, have an introduction to aspects of music theory, learn to play music in a group, and to participate in music-themed games and craft activities. To secure your spot, visit www.themusicroomleeds.com/camps

Shopping, Deals & More

The outlet Shops of Grand River Mother's Day Guide to Gifts

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. We sent our expert shoppers out, and they hand-picked gifts that your Mom will love! See our official gift guide for Mother's Day: https://shopsofgrandriver.com/mothersday/

L.A. Salon & Boutique has Tanning!!!

Come see us here @ LA Salon & Boutique in Leeds!

Mum & Me Mercantile

Looking for some smart gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week? A unique gift from Mum & Me Mercantile will make your teachers, (men and women) feel SPECIAL!
*BONUS: We’ll spoil you too! You’re our customer, so we’ll do the work to make it super easy, affordable, and fun for you. Did you know we have FREE wrapping and delivery?
Call Today or drop by May 2nd-6th! MumandMeLeeds.comMumandMeLeeds.com

 

Pants Store Leeds

Girls Queen of Sparkles sets are adorable!! ?⭐

​Tap to shop on Instagram + Shop online at pantsstore.com & at all five of our locations✨

The Wooden Anchor

Teachers’ Appreciation Week is next week, May 2-6, and we can’t wait to celebrate! Also, don’t forget to shop for Mom! We have our soap and lotion 10% off, and there are so many other great gifts in the store for Mom and for teachers! Come see us 10:00-6:00 today. More Info: https://www.facebook.com/rutbunchwoodenanchor

Whataburger

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2nd- 6th. Teachers who show their school ID will be able to receive a FREE breakfast item between 5am-9am from any Whataburger! They can choose between a BOB, a Taquito or a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. We’re also offering a special discount code for 25% off our entire Whatastore.
CELEBRATE TEACHERS APPRECIATION WEEK May 2nd - 6th!

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WORKOUT ANYTIME LEEDS

“By changing nothing, nothing changes.” -Tony Robbins ?
So, change your workout routine with our #NationalFitnessDayChallenge!
Drop your name below to share your workout!?

More Info:  https://workoutanytime.com/leeds/

We want you to give us your food truck request!

Tell us what kind of food you are craving and we will invite them to downtown Leeds!

Contact Sandra McGuire at 205.965.9392.

Helping Other's

Volunteers for The Blessing Swap @ Cedar Grove Baptist Church 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Only 2 people have signed up so far to help with the Blessing Swap... and it's next week! We need help every day, Monday through Saturday. Can you give thirty minutes or an hour?
We appreciate any help you can give!
Click this link to sign up: http://cedargroveleeds.org/blessingswap

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KOC Fundraiser_IMG_1417_600

Beach Getaway Fundraiser

The Beach Getaway Fundraiser hosted by Knights of Columbus Leeds Council 5597 has three chances to win.  By purchasing a ticket, you not only have a chance to win a great prize, but you are helping to raise money to support charities in the Leeds area.  For more information, please TEXT ONLY to 205-542-0671.

This Week's Recipe

KETO CAULIFLOWER MUSHROOM RISOTTO

This cauliflower risotto recipe is the perfect low carb side dish. It’s full of classic mushroom risotto flavor with a mere fraction of the carbs. And it takes only 25 minutes to make!

Recipe from All Day I Dream About Food Recipes: https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/low-carb-cauliflower-mushroom-risotto/

EVERYONE LEEDS WANTS YOUR VIDEOS!

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Everyone Leeds need your help!  We want your videos!  We want to know why you love leeds and the best way to communicate that is through a short selfie video.  All you have to do is to record your video on your iPhone or Android and send it to us.  Don't worry about messing up!  You can record as many takes as you want until you get it like you want it to be - just 30-60 seconds of you sharing why you love our wonderful City of Leeds.  We know that Everyone Loves Leeds, but we want to know why YOU LOVE LEEDS!  You may email your video to us at everyoneleeds@gmail.com or share it with us on Google Drive.  Your video will be shared on our Everyone Leeds website (www.EveryoneLeeds.com) and our social media.  We look forward to hearing why you love Leeds!  #ILoveLeeds

Don't worry! If you're camera shy, you can still get in the news.  We'll be happy to accept your written blurb!

Let Everyone Leeds Share Your News!

Community is important so that's why we want your news.  Whether you have a heart-warming story about the people of Leeds, a local business, an upcoming event or a bit of history that you would like to share, we're all ears here at Everyone Leeds.  Everyone Leeds is a positive platform to help you get your news out so please send us your news and happenings each week!

Would your business like to be featured here?

If you are a member of the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and have a business or an upcoming event in Leeds, Alabama, you could be featured on this weekly e-blast.  Please submit your upcoming event(s) or special offering and we will be happy to include it!

LOOKING FOR A LOCAL VENDOR?

Are you looking for certain product or service from a local vendor? Check out the Business Directory at Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce and choose a chamber member.

If you are a local business and not a chamber member, maybe it's time! For more information, visit www.LeedsAreaChamber.com.

KEEP UP WITH LEEDS HAPPENINGS WITH US

To keep up with what's happening in Leeds, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to get this weekly e-blast direct to your inbox and visit our website often!

#everyoneleeds #leedshappenings #happeningleeds #historicleeds #leedsalabama #dineleeds #shopleeds #entertainleeds #visitleeds #thingstodo #events #minutesfrombham #buildingcommunity

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