Good morning, Montgomery.

Eastdale Mall held a balloon drop on New Year's Day for children who could not stay up late, giving families a festive way to welcome the new year.

Thousands attended the 21st Annual Lacey Boyd Parade on Jan.

1 along West Fairview Avenue, upgraded with $8.3 million in improvements, as it moved from Carver High School to E.D. Nixon Avenue. Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton led the parade with gospel artist Dottie Peoples (theme: Stop the Violence).

Local community members welcomed 2026 at the annual Lacy Boyd New Year Parade held on New Year's Day in Montgomery, celebrating cherished tradition and community unity.

Fans honored Hank Williams' legacy during a wreath-laying ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery Annex on Jan.

1; the event marked 73 years since his death and previewed a planned gala for his 75th anniversary in 2028.

On Jan. 1, community groups met at Siloam Missionary Baptist Church in Orrville to mark 163 years since Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation (an event that led to the end of slavery) and to honor Carter G.

Woodson’s legacy. Organized by local supporters, the program celebrated history and education.

On Jan. 1, the Emancipation Association of Montgomery held its 160th annual celebration at Beulah Baptist Church to honor President Lincoln’s Proclamation and usher in 2026, while retired Judge Johnny Hardwick stressed unity and vigilance in preserving freedom.

Montgomery community members held a commemoration event marking the 163rd anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation (a key moment in local history).

Alabama fans said they were disappointed by the Crimson Tide’s loss in the Rose Bowl and noted pressure on head coach Kalen DeBoer (expecting a turnaround next season) after high hopes were unmet.

EJ Jones Live at SugaRay's

4:00 PM – 9:30 PM — SugaRay's — Ages 21+ — Experience the soulful sounds of EJ Jones performing his hit single “Gas Station” live.

PMP Certification Training Bootcamp

9 AM – 5 PM — Alabama State University — Tuition required — Enhance your project management skills and ensure a 100% pass rate on the PMP exam.

Alabama D.O.T. Auction

9 AM – 1 PM — J.M. Wood Auction Co Inc — Registration required — Bid on a variety of construction equipment, tractors, and trucks at this local auction event.

Veterans Information & Benefits Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — E L Lowder Branch Library of Montgomery — Free entry — Discover essential information and benefits tailored for veterans and their families.