🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

Good morning Birmingham!

I just want to say I’m very thankful for all of you who have subscribed and continued reading each and every week! What started as a little side project to see if I could get just 100 readers, turned into a full on project with over 10,000 subscribers! And I want it known that I’m thankful for each and every one of you.

I’m also very thankful I didn’t marry into one of those families that wakes up and runs for fun on Turkey day. 😆 

Today will be a much shorter newsletter than usual due to the holiday. I know most of you probably won’t even get around to reading it, but for those that do, here is a quick round up of some events and local news. And of course we can’t forget, the best Thanksgiving song of all time (link). Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Let’s get to it.

What Grocery Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving? Are Drug Stores Open? While major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco close on Thanksgiving, several stores remain open with limited hours. Dollar General, most Kroger locations (closing at 4 p.m.), Sprouts (7 a.m.-2 p.m.), and Whole Foods (7 a.m.-1 p.m.) will serve last-minute shoppers. Most CVS locations and 24-hour Walgreens will also be available for pharmacy needs.

Major Restaurant Chains Open on Thanksgiving Day Many national restaurant chains are staying open on Thanksgiving for travelers and those who prefer dining out over cooking. Confirmed open locations include Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Waffle House, and Texas de Brazil with regular hours, while chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks, and Dunkin' have select locations open with varying schedules.

Don't poison your pet: Thanksgiving foods that are toxic to feed dogs Many Thanksgiving foods can be dangerous or fatal to dogs, with the American Kennel Club identifying toxic items including turkey skin, bones, gravy, stuffing, chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic. Safe options for dogs include plain turkey meat without skin or bones, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and apples, but all must be unseasoned and free of harmful ingredients.

Central Alabama Editorial Urges Small Business Saturday Support A Birmingham-area editorial emphasizes the importance of shopping locally during Small Business Saturday, noting that many local businesses have faced financial challenges this year. The piece highlights that last year's Small Business Saturday generated over $22 billion in nationwide local spending and promotes a Central Alabama Holiday Gift Guide featuring local shops, restaurants, and artists.

Homewood Priest Removed from Catholic Church Following Misconduct Allegations Father Robert Sullivan is no longer a cleric after Pope Francis granted his request to be dispensed from all clerical obligations, following allegations from a woman who claimed he started a relationship with her when she was 17. The Diocese of Birmingham confirmed Sullivan's departure from his roles as vicar general and pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, with church investigations finding no misuse of diocesan funds.

Birmingham City Leaders Update Blight Fight, Revitalization Birmingham officials provided updates on ongoing efforts to combat urban blight and promote neighborhood revitalization across the city. The briefing outlined current initiatives and progress in addressing deteriorating properties while supporting community development projects throughout Birmingham's various districts.

Birmingham Hosts Free Homelessness Symposium at Regions Field The City of Birmingham and One Roof nonprofit will hold a community-wide symposium on December 1 from 1-5 PM at Regions Field to address homelessness solutions. The free event follows the city's recent $1.5 million investment in services and shelters, bringing together service providers, city leaders, businesses, and residents to discuss coordinated approaches to housing stability and community support.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Begins Third Term with Child-Focused Vision Woodfin was sworn in Tuesday night at Boutwell Auditorium with his toddler daughter on his lap, announcing a "Cradle to Career" policy framework that will evaluate every city decision through the lens of what it means for Birmingham's children. The ceremony featured performances by 12-year-old London Koi and American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, while Woodfin pledged to expand the Birmingham Promise scholarship program and continue efforts to create safer neighborhoods and better opportunities for the city's youth.

✨ Glow Wild | Birmingham Zoo | 11/22-1/4 | More
A magical mile-long journey through over one million lights and handcrafted lanterns celebrating nature, plus holiday treats, Santa visits, and special themed nights through January.

🎭 Wicked: For Good | McWane Science Center | 11/21-12/05 | More
Experience Elphaba and Glinda's epic conclusion on the Southeast's largest IMAX screen as they reunite to transform Oz for the better.

🎭 Kimberly Akimbo | BJCC Concert Hall | 11/25-11/30 | More
This Tony Award-winning musical follows a teen navigating family dysfunction, first love, and her rare genetic condition in this heartbreaking yet hilarious adventure.

🎄 Regions Bank Christmas Light Ceremony | Regions Bank Tower | 11/28 | More
Join the lighting ceremony for Birmingham's iconic holiday display featuring 2,700 illuminated windows creating Christmas trees, wreaths, and stockings, plus live music, food trucks, and Santa photos.

🏈 Iron Bowl Watch Parties | Every Brewery in Town | 11/29 |
Arguably the country’s biggest college football rivalry - head on over to any brewery in town to drink great beer and watch the game with other college football fanatics.

🎄 Bessemer Tree Lighting| Debardeleben Park | 11/30 | More
Bessemer’s annual tree lighting ceremony featuring refreshments, family fun, and a raffle for special holiday presents.

🎄 Community Caroling and Tree Lighting | Historical Mall, Trussville | 11/30 | More Kick off the Christmas season with carols, hot chocolate, cookies, free activities from local businesses, and a visit from Santa.

🍦 Scoops with Santa at Neighbors West Homewood | Neighbors West Homewood | 11/30 | More
A sensory-friendly photo opportunity with Santa featuring ice cream treats, calming sensory bins, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere for TAP families.