Proud to be in Monroeville, Alabama

Yes, it is far from perfect but I  have always been proud to be American (and will die proud of that fact). Yesterday I went to a nearby city named Monroeville, Alabama where they held their annual celebration of Independence Day. They called it Monroeville Freedom Festival. 

To officially kick off the day, there was a gentleman that played the national anthem on a guitar that shot out big puffs of smoke along the way and got the crowd pumped up for the rest of the day. It was such a warming feeling when I glanced around at those in attendance and who stood facing the flag, standing erect and proudly removing hats as all were placing right hands over their hearts to show honor for our flag, our country and all that it has provided for us along the way. "God Bless America!" was deeply embedded in these hearts.

We had arrived hours before the start of the show so that Eric could set up his PA and do sound check. Also so that we could check out the things this festival had to offer. They did not disappoint us. There were many tented kitchens that offered foods for all tastes. In addition, there were snow-cones and Italian Ice to keep us from melting right into the ground (that is how hot it felt).

They had fried oreo cookies, fried funnel cakes and fried brownies, then there was a large tent that offered fried pork rinds, it was called Papa’s Pork Rinds (from Millry, Alabama). We met Papa and he was a nice guy.

The local fire department had a truck and crews that helped to set up many things including a dunking booth and an obstacle course. They raised a huge flag on the ladder of their truck which lit up in red white and blue when the sun faded and night began to creep in. It was a beautiful and touching display, especially after the sun laid down, yielding the stage to this lit flag in the dark night.

There was a small parade of locals who had decorated their bicycles, wheelchairs, four-wheelers and jeeps in red, white and blue. They used balloons, ribbons, streamers, glitter and all sorts of creative things to show their appreciation for freedom. A young boy proudly rode his decorated bike; stopping to pose for pictures. He wore a red, white and blue glittered top hat and a matching shirt. Even the spokes of his bike were sparkling in the favorite colors of the day.

The food eating contests were unbelievable. There were three categories. The most hot dogs, The most watermelon and The most ice cream. I had never seen an ice cream eating contest. I cannot imagine how bad the brain-freeze would be after that!

There was a dance contest with a local DJ. Throughout the contest, small frisbies and those light-up neon things you pop and make into necklaces, were being tossed into the crowd of smiling, dancing people….it reminded me of Mardi Gras and Moonpies.

There were huge blow up slides and bouncy houses for the kids and a mechanical bull for adults and almost adults. Also a large pit type of thing that people stood in and ducked as an enormous padded arm circled above them…that one made me a little nervous (probably because I am old). Those in the pit, ducking and dodging were having a ball.

There was an obstacle course, with a huge array of watermelons nearby that were available to purchase whole or by the slice.

At the entrance of the entertainment area was a big table where cold sodas and bottled water were available as well as snacks and chips. The price was only a dollar…every venue had prices that were very fair. The lady who ran this venue was a Black Hawk helicopter pilot from the area who was injured and began studying law while recovering. I understand she now practices law. She was delightful to talk to and happy with life. She was someone I could have talked to for hours, but time did not permit that for her nor me on this day. 

Our favorite was an Italian Ice place that was set up right next to our location. It was run by a man and his wife. Donald and Daphne were their names and there are no finer people on earth. They take their Italian Ice trailer to many festivals in Mobile; especially to Ladd Stadium when there is a ballgame. They were total opposites in appearance. He was enormous, about 6’ 6 and 300 pounds and she was about 4’ 10” and 110 pounds. But they were a perfect match and worked together cohesively to meet the demands of the massive crowd. Daphne is a school teacher and is from another small town nearby, Beatrice, Alabama.

The town of Monroeville has a population of about 5,000 but according to the folks who run this event they usually have a crowd of around 7,000 each year. I did not attempt to count, but I can tell you there was a whole lot of people in attendance!

No matter how long the line or how crowded an area had become, every single person was polite and in good cheer. How refreshing this was to my eyes and restorative to my heart. 

I watched as this enormous crowd picked up after themselves and their children. There was NO trash thrown on the ground or left on the tables. The people were respectful of each other, they were happy to be there and proud to have such an event in their area. I am sure they have many to thank but Dawn Brewton should be top of the list. She is the one who organized, and orchestrated everything and I never saw her sit down the entire time I was there. Even when on the microphone she stood. I hope she soaked her feet in epsom salt and rested when she went home last night. Dawn is an amazing lady and this community speaks proudly of her.

But for me the real story is the character of the people of Monroeville. They are the REAL America, the America that makes me proud and they restored my faith in people more than they could understand.  I also want to say a Special thanks to Miss Firecracker!