For the first time ever, the organizers of the annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival have added a third stage for live entertainment.

The new stage, named “WDJC/Main Street Stage,” named for radio station WDJC 90.3 FM, will be behind the former North Jefferson News building. It joins the two existing stages, the Civic Center Stage and Center Stage.

“We originally started out with one stage,” said Magnolia Festival event coordinator Kathleen Phillips. “We have so much entertainment that it merits adding another one. I cannot tell you how many acts want to be on one of those stages.”

The new stage will focus mainly on musical groups, such as the Gardendale High School Choir and Christian singer Phil Stacey. It will also be the venue for the Friday Night Ignite ceremony on April 15 from 5-9 p.m.

The Center Stage will host children’s events, such as the popular cookie eating contest, the pooch parade awards, performances by Beverly’s Dance and a children’s dancing contest.

The opening ceremonies will be at 10 a.m. on April 16 on the Civic Center Stage. It’s also home to several big musical guests, such as Gardendale native and country music singer Abrielle Mullins.

“The crowds have gotten so large over the years… it’s a pretty big deal statewide,” said Phillips.