There may still be several weeks until the dog days of summer are officially over, but the city of Cullman has already planned for what is shaping up to be a full schedule of seasonal events and festivals.

Several special event requests were approved by the city Monday, Aug. 26.

— The Blues and BBQ Arts and Crafts Festival will return to St. Bernard Sept. 7 and 8.

— The businesses located in the downtown Warehouse District will hold their annual street sale along 1st Avenue, Sept. 13 and 14.

— The Cullman County Fair Parade will take place Sept. 28.

— St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will be hosting a fall festival Oct. 13.

With the city relying much more heavily on the centralized Depot Park location as the venue for the majority of its annual events, mayor Woody Jacobs said downtown parking has quickly become an issue.

To address this rising need, the city approved Vodaland to construct a “natural grid parking system” using a vacant lot which previously housed the local farmer’s market.

Jacobs said the idea for the “green” lot was presented by local resident Rob Werner. The development will involve installing a permeable base-layer along with gravel which will allow grass to regrow in the area while maintaining structural stability.

In other business the council:

— Approved two beer and wine off premises alcohol licenses to Bravo Investments, LLC; one for a new convenience store located at 504 Second Avenue NW and another located at 1667 Cherokee Avenue SW.

— Approved a wine off-premises alcohol license to Sispsey Vineyard and Winery to operate a store front from the Flying Fifty Hotel.

— Extended the following bids until Nov. 30, 2025:

– To Ortiz Concrete, Inc. for concrete finishing.

– To K and M Electrical Contractors, LLC for electrical services.

– To Wiregrass Construction Company for rock material.

– To Ready Mix USA for concrete material.

– To The Rogers Group, Inc. to furnish and lay hot and cold mix.

– To Chilton Contractors, Inc. for surface treatments.

– To Bear Concrete Products, Inc. for black and gray pipe.

— Appointed Waid Warren and Brandon Brock to the Downtown Design Review Board.