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City of Birmingham celebrates Spring Break 2019 with Spring Fling coupons and more

Once again, the City of Birmingham has partnered with McWane Science Center, the Birmingham Zoo and Vulcan Park and Museum to offer Spring Break coupons for Birmingham residents and students attending Birmingham City Schools.

The Spring Fling coupons, while they last, will be available at the Division of Youth Services, Birmingham rec centers, Birmingham public library branches, the Birmingham Museum of Art, the information desk in the lobby of City Hall and in the Office of Public Information, third floor, at City Hall.

The original coupon must be presented to get the discount at the zoo, Vulcan and McWane. No copies of the original coupon or digital versions of the original coupon will be accepted at the venues.

Here’s a list of some events happening during Spring Break:

  • All Birmingham rec centers will host a free Spring Break Camp, March 25 – 29, during set hours. Call the rec center in your area for more info. Snacks and lunch will be provided. For a list of recreation centers, go here.
  • A Spring Break basketball camp will be held March 25 – 27 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Rec Center, 529 – 43rd St. North. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A dance camp will be held on Thursday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Fun Day will be held on Friday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 591-3716 for more info.
  • Arlington Historic House will host its Spring Break Student Open House, March 25-26 and March 28-30. It will be held each day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students and their parents are invited to visit Arlington for storytelling, games and activities. A sack lunch and snacks are available for a fee and to be enjoyed on Arlington’s beautiful grounds.
  • The A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club will host a Spring Break camp from Monday, March 25 to Friday, March 29  at its South Park, 2900 South Park Drive, and at its Southside location in Bessemer, 2501 Clarendon Ave. Dropoff is 7:30 a.m. and pickup is 5:45 p.m. Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. For cost details and more information, call the Birmingham location at 923-3377 and press ext. 105 or the Bessemer office 425-4051.
  • Spring Break at Sloss Furnaces will take place on Tuesday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours, activities, metal art and lunch will be provided. This is for ages 10 to 16. Limited space available. For more information, see attached flyer or call 254-2254.
  • Got Game? Birmingham Park and Recreation and Hawkins Recreation Center, 8920 Roebuck Blvd., invite you to exhibit your skills on Wednesday, March 27 at Hoop City, the free, city-wide free throw and three-point contest for girls and boys, ages 16 and under. Compete for trophies and bragging rights as you enjoy friendly play with others in your age group. The event will start at 1 p.m. Free! For additional information, call 836-1661.
  • Birmingham Park and Recreation and Southern Museum of Flight host the annual Go Fly A Kite Day on Thursday, March 28 at East Lake Park, First Avenue North and 84th Street. The fun happens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is for all ages. There will be free kites, snacks and beverages. This is a free event. Call 836-1661 for more information.
  • Birmingham Park and Recreation will host a Youth Ping Pong Tournament on Wednesday, March 27 at East Pinson Valley Rec Center, 3000 Jefferson State Parkway, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tournament is free.
  • The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens will host a Family Birdwatching in the Gardens class on Saturday, March 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Greg Harber with Birmingham Audubon will teach participants to identify birds by their field marks and songs and to use the eBird database to keep a list of bird sightings while also helping researchers study bird population dynamics. For cost details and more information, call 205.414.3950 or visit https://bbgardens.org/family-birdwatching-in-the-gardens.php.
  • Several Birmingham Library branches are offering free events for students and families this week. Go here for more info.
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will host a career fair on Friday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium. The City of Birmingham, the Jefferson County Personnel Board and many others will be present.

Apply for the Fox 6 Kids and Jobs Program

  • Students living within the city limits of Birmingham may start applying for the Fox 6 Kids and Jobs Program, presented by the Division of Youth Services. For more info about deadlines and applications, go here. The number to DYS is 320-0879.

Get help applying for financial aid ( This entry can have its own heading, like what I did for the scholarship contest and Fox 6 and jobs)

If you are a high school student or recent graduate, Alabama Possible will offer its free Cash for College Spring Break Drop-In Center on Wednesday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are located inside Southside Baptist Church, 1016 – 19th St. South. They will connect students and parents ith resources and relationships to continue an  education after high school. No appointment is necessary. Call 939-1408 for more info.

FREE PROGRAM FEATURES:
• Figuring out financial aid
• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• Searching and applying for scholarships
• Completing college applications and registration forms
• Signing up for housing
• Planning a budget
• Answering other college questions

Apply for a $10,000 writing scholarship

April 15 is the deadline to enter the Penguin Random House Creative Writing Scholarship Competition, which recognizes the unique voices of high school seniors across the country by providing scholarship awards in the amount of $10,000 for spoken word poetry, poetry, fiction/drama and personal essay/memoir. There will be 50 honorable mentions that will receive a “Creativity Kit’’ gift from Penguin Random House. Only 600 applications will be accepted, so start now. Go here for more info.

Other events

  • The Secretary of State’s office will host a voter registration drive and provide free photo voter ID cards on Saturday, March 23 at the downtown Birmingham Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The library is located at 2100 Park Place.
  • UAB’s Division of Student Affairs will host its signature UAB International Festival on Saturday, March 30 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Hill Student Center (1400 University Blvd.) In an immersive celebration of food, music, art, film and cultural traditions from across the globe, the event aims to provide UAB Blazers and the greater Birmingham community a chance to “travel around the world” in a day. The public may purchase tickets for $10 here. (UAB students gain access for free with a valid ONE Card). For more info, visit the UAB International Festival website at www.uab.edu/internationalfestival.
  • The Birmingham Metro Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and community partners will host Justice for Teens on Saturday, March 23 at the Elyton Community Rec Center, 432 Center St. SW, from 9 to 11 a.m. This event is to increase awareness about human trafficking. For more information, call 587-0751 or 910-9434.
  • The Birmingham Women’s March 2019 will be held Saturday, March 23. Line up will start at 10:30 a.m. at Parker High School. Buses and large vehicles should park at Legion Field. Contact bhamwmarcher@gmail.com for more info. You may also visit:www.womensmarchbham.com and go here.
  • Catch the final home game of the Birmingham Iron at Legion Field on Sunday, March 31. For tickets, go here.