Celebrate Cullman, a showcase of downtown businesses and a reminder of strength after the 2011 tornado outbreak, is returning Aug. 10 with music, rides and games.

Sponsored by the Cullman Downtown Merchants Association, Celebrate was conceived just a couple months after the April 27, 2011 tornado tore through a large portion of the downtown business district and residential area.

“Downtown was closed after the tornado because there were gas lines broken and buildings destroyed, including the Busy Bee which is an institution in Cullman,” said Ron Pierce, a member of the association and an organizer of the event.

“A lot of merchants were looking to come back, but a lot of people in the area were concerned because of all the destruction,” Pierce added. “When we were able that June, that’s when we had the first Celebrate, to show we were coming back and give everyone a chance to come back downtown and be together.”

The event was a success and the beginning of a new era of rebuilding and expansion for downtown merchants. Large crowds have been drawn to the activities, which are free, and cover a large area of the business district.

“We will be on the south side of U.S. 278 along the entertainment district and then back east all the way up to the area of Carlton’s and Dixie Duds,” Pierce said. “It’s just great fun for everyone and it’s a chance to check out the retail shops and restaurants along the way.”

Among the activities will be rides and games for children and older, as well as a prize tent. But there is also music performances scheduled from the area around Moe’s Original BBQ to the Busy Bee and Carlton’s throughout the evening. Those who play games and enjoy the rides will receive tickets to turn in at the prize tent for gifts.

“We have some great music of all kinds and it covers a lot of the area south of 278 where people can walk around and enjoy all the entertainment,” Pierce said.

Celebrate will be 4-9 p.m. It will be under way during the 2nd Fridays event, which is north of 278.

“With the events covering north and south of 278, everyone will have plenty to explore,” Pierce said. “We hope people will cover the entire area of the events and take time to visit the restaurants and businesses while enjoying the entertainment.”