× Expand Photo courtesy of the Hoover Bel Girls presented as new members of the Hoover Belles on May 4, 2025, included, from left, Mary Lib Austin, Callie Wallace, Chloe Stuart, Kylie Stephens and Audrey Lazenby. The Hoover Belles, a service organization for girls during their junior and senior years of high school, begins taking applications for new members on Sept. 15 and will continue doing so through Oct 10. The orientation fee does not include the cost of the Hoover Belle hoop skirt dress. The Hoover Belles at times have drawn criticism for wearing the hoop skirts because many people associate them with the period of slavery in the Antebellum South. Applications to become a Hoover Belle are available on the city of Hoover website and must be returned with letters of reference by 4 p.m. on Oct. 10 to the Hoover city clerk’s office at Hoover City Hall at 100 Municipal Lane.