America’s 250th birthday was celebrated with patriotic food and fun during the 77th Annual Independence Day Festival at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (OLS). Hundreds of people turned out for the Birmingham area’s oldest Fourth of July festival. The Knights of Columbus Council 4304 coordinated the festival. It began with food presales on July 2 and culminated with more than a dozen activities on July 4. The knights were delighted to serve parishioners and the community. They prepared whole Boston butts, boneless turkey breasts, slabs of pork ribs, chopped pork, smoked chicken halves, and hot dogs. There were also side dishes, desserts organized and baked by the Ladies Altar Sodality, and beverages. Several dozen other volunteers served bulk orders in addition to meals for dining in or carry out. Volunteers also manned the popular Trash and Treasure rummage sale, children’s games, bingo, and a raffle. Festival proceeds support Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School and the charitable work of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304. OLS was founded in Birmingham in 1889. The parish has been in Homewood since 1950.