The 74th annual Fourth of July Festival at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (OLS), Birmingham’s oldest Independence Day festival, welcomed community members as well as parishioners for activities and barbecue. The Knights of Columbus Council 4304 coordinated the event on July 4 on church grounds, and Pastor Emeritus Msgr. Martin M. Muller was the grand marshal. The parish was decorated in red, white, and blue inside and out with flags and banners.

The Knights smoked and grilled 8,000 pounds of meat including Boston butts, turkey breasts, slabs of ribs, chicken halves, and hot dogs. There were also tasty side dishes including slaw and baked beans. More than 100 volunteers worked together to facilitate meals, a bake sale, bingo, a raffle, and the popular Trash and Treasures rummage sale. There was face painting and games for all ages including a cake walk, a doll booth, Hot Wheels races, and ring toss. Proceeds of the fundraiser will be shared by OLS School and the charitable work of the Knights Council 4304. OLS was established in Birmingham in 1889. The church has been in Homewood since 1950.