Mobile County Bicentennial Brings Full Orchestra to Outdoor Celebration

Posted on: Oct 22nd, 2012 | News and Announcements

The Bicentennial Commission of Mobile County Inc., is pleased to announce that its 200th birthday party is moving into high gear with a November events calendar that includes a Mobile Symphony Orchestra Veterans Day Armed Forces Tribute at Medal of Honor Park and a Bicentennial Leadership Gala with guest speaker and former Gov. Bob Riley. The Mobile Symphony Orchestra Veterans Day Armed Forces Tribute, a free outdoor concert, is set for Sunday, November 11, at 3:30 p.m. at the Bicentennial Pavilion, now under construction at Medal of Honor Park (formerly Cottage Hill Park). This Veterans Day celebration will feature the full orchestra in a musical tribute to the nation?s service men and women and the dedication of the new, 2,500-square-foot pavilion. This free concert is presented by the Mobile County Bicentennial Commission and title sponsor Austal USA. Supporting sponsors are Adams and Reese, The Atchison Firm, Burr and Forman, Hand Arendall, International Shipholding Corp., Johnstone Adams, Volkert and Associates, WKRG News 5 and the City of Mobile, Spot of Tea and BankTrust. ?What a way to celebrate a birthday, but with a full orchestra and a tribute to our service men and women today, and over the centuries, who have secured for us the freedom to choose our destiny,? Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson said. ?Two hundred years never looked so good!? According to Gregg Gustafson, chief executive officer of the Mobile Symphony, the concert will feature ?lots of fanfare, well-known patriotic music, and the must-play 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky with its scoring for cannon blasts and other rousing parts.? ?It?s perfect to celebrate Mobile County?s birth on December 18, 1812,? Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood said. ?The people who were there then, and the struggles they faced, laid the foundation for who we are today.? The performance pavilion, a legacy gift of the Bicentennial Commission, is the result of a partnership between the County and the City of Mobile, a partnership that began when Commissioner Hudson was a city councilwoman. The City of Mobile is also a partner is bringing the concert to its Medal of Honor Park, located between Hillcrest and Knollwood roads, south of Grelot Road. The $344,000 Bicentennial Pavilion will accommodate a variety of performances and events, including movies, plays, dance and more, Commissioner Hudson added. ?Bring your chairs and blankets,? Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean said. ?It?s going to be a great celebration of our distinguished veterans and our rich history and heritage.? The rain date for the concert is Monday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. The Mobile County Leadership Luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 15 at the Mobile Marriott, 3101Airport Blvd. It will honor leaders from throughout the county. Former Alabama Governor Bob Riley will be the guest speaker. ?This is a terrific opportunity to highlight the leadership from all over the county that continues to lead us forward,? said Maura Garino, who serves on the Bicentennial?s History and Education Committee. Honorees include Harold Austin, Citronelle; Ellen Lesley, Saraland; Linda Robbins, Satsuma; Alice S. Rutland, Mt. Vernon; Judy Hale, Semmes; Capt. Don Rose, Mobile; Latrenda Torrence-Salter, Mobile; Paul Sousa, Mobile; Kaye Brown, Mobile; Marlon Firle, Mobile; John Tyson Sr., Mobile; Mary Zoghby, Mobile. Also being honored are the businesses of Airbus USA and Austal USA. Cost to attend the luncheon is $30 per ticket and tickets are tax-deductible. To purchase tickets, please call 251-272-9633.