We have just completed two “Classics” in our community, but a golf tournament and a baseball game only headline the much longer list of true “classics” in Birmingham.
The Regions Charity Classic, although rain-shortened this year, has been an important event in the annual calendar here for golf fans and for those who operate or benefit from charities in the area. Over its 16-year history, the Regions Charity Classic has donated more than $10 million to those in need.
What a wonderful win-win for sports fans and nonprofits alike. The Rickwood Classic just a couple of days ago has etched its own story in the hearts of Birmingham baseball fans. Begun in 1995, this 14-year old Classic was envisioned as a way to properly celebrate American’s oldest baseball park. The event is now on the ESPN.com list of 100 sporting events you must see before you die.
Proceeds from the Classic game each year are split between the Birmingham Barons and the Friends of Rickwood, a non-profit group with ancient ties to this Chamber, for continued restoration of the park. There’s a continuing “moment” produced each year at the Classic—the old ballpark eschews a vintage feel as the players take the field in vintage uniforms, and even a few fans show up in historic period attire.
In the fall, we’ll again celebrate the Magic City Classic—fast becoming so much more than just a football game. This Classic includes a scholarship breakfast where deserving students’ work is recognized. Fans spend several days (and nights) in the shadows of historic Legion Field, turning out to cook, eat and be entertained in prelude to the game itself, which is always a must ticket.
And, although not classics in name, there are emerging classics here too. I would offer for consideration as classics the following:
- City Stages—This three-day romp downtown offers the best in a wide variety of music entertainment combined with the exotic flavors of a true street festival. Birmingham has emerged as an events-based destination and City Stages has taken its place as a foundation of that image.
- Do-Dah Day—Yes, it’s a day when we can truly say, “… this place has gone to the dogs.” Another of Birmingham’s great see-and-beseen events, the venue shifts to Highland Avenue and its classic parks. Dogs rule the day, and the non-profits that take care of our best friends reap the rewards.
- And speaking of outdoor classics, the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil, “the Boil,” has become one. A music and eating fest, it appeals to everyone with an interest in great food and good music.
- “We Love Homewood Day”—For the suburb just over the hill from Birmingham, this event is becoming extremely popular. It’s a day and night-long event that includes a parade and a street dance and everything in between.
- The vintage races at the Barber Motorsports Park showcase true classics—the kinds with gears and tires and handlebars. These occasional events, sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America (Alabama chapter) and the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association bring out the best of the classic motorcycles and cars—as well as the classics who ride and drive them!
There are so many more that to attempt a comprehensive list would be dangerous. Suffice it to say that our community is living up to the definition of a classic, something venerable, durable, worthy of sustaining praise and acceptance.
Come to think of it, it’s not just these events, but the community itself that’s a classic. We’re venerable (we’ve proved that again and again), we’re durable (ditto) and we’re worthy of sustaining praise and acceptance—just three more reasons why those of us who live here choose to stay.
Russell Cunningham is CEO of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce
