Published Monday, June 29, 2009

Newnan's Fourth: entertainment and fireworks

The Newnan Times-Herald

The Newnan Rotary Club has another action-packed evening in store for revelers who plan to celebrate the Fourth of July at the annual Drake Stadium bash and fireworks display -- and a special patriotic surprise courtesy of country music superstar Alan Jackson.

A special version of the National Anthem has been created just for the Newnan celebration by the Newnan native.

Rotarian John White said that the Rotary Club had approached Cathy Wright, who heads the University of West Georgia's Newnan Center, about asking her brother to record a special version of the National Anthem for the event.

Since Wright's brother is country music superstar Alan Jackson, getting approval for such a request is no small feat. But Wright persisted and a few months ago, Jackson agreed.

The multi-million selling artist recorded a special version of the Star-Spangled Banner and Jackson's rendition of the tune will make its world debut at the Newnan Fourth of July event.

"We can't say how grateful we are to Cathy for arranging this and especially to Alan for taking time out of his very busy schedule to do this for us," White said. "It is a wonderful recording, and I know everyone at the program will love it." Both Jackson and his wife Denise grew up in Newnan and have family here.

Once Jackson's version of the anthem ends, the biggest part of the show begins -- the fireworks display.

The evening's fun starts earlier in the evening after the Newnan July Fourth parade winds its way through downtown Newnan and disbands at the Jackson-Pless Armory on Armory Road across from Newnan High school.

Parade entrants can cross the street and make their way to Newnan High's Drake Stadium to join the crowd of thousands for an evening of food, fun and fireworks.

The excitement begins about 6:30 p.m. when a five-piece band headed by local musician Doug Kees starts to perform, according to White. The musicians will perform a variety of hits all evening as crowds collect at the stadium prior to the big fireworks show.

White said that this year, a bounce house and slides will be on hand to entertain kids. Additional face-painters have also been added to accommodate anyone who wants some festive face paint to celebrate the nation's birthday.

Clowns will be on hand to entertain, as will several artists creating balloon animals. Those wanting a cool drink or something to eat may choose from the wide selection of food and drink offerings.

As sundown nears, the tempo picks up. At about 9 p.m., the main program leading up to the fireworks display begins -- and this year, there are two notable firsts on the agenda.

White said although not confirmed, he hoped the official program will start with a performance by the Newnan High School Band percussion section.

"A big noise like that will really get people excited and ready for the show," White said.

After local dignitaries are recognized, the nation's colors will be presented for the first time by an honor guard from the Georgia State Patrol.

"We're honored to have that group join us this year," White said. "Our local police and law enforcement have done a great job of providing the honor guards in the past. But last year, the State Patrol approached us about providing the honor guard and we were thrilled to accept."

Following the presentation of the colors, the crowd will join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and then sing along with the special version of the National Anthem recorded by Alan Jackson.

Then it is time for the big show.

The fireworks will again be provided by Atlanta Pyrotechnic International. White says their show is always great, but is unusual in at least one way.

White said most major fireworks production companies set off their explosives via a computer that is synched to specially recorded music. The soundtrack for the Newnan show was produced locally and given to Atlanta Pyrotechnic International with instructions to listen closely to the music and fire the appropriate explosive at the right time.

"The music is great and they've done a great job of coordinating the music and fireworks," White said. "We get great comments on it every year and I know this year's show will be even bigger and better."

White stressed that while the Newnan Rotary Club is charged with staging the event, the celebration is sponsored by the City of Newnan, Coweta County and local merchants.

"We just put it together and produce the show, "White said. "But it is our local leaders and merchants that make it happen. We're just glad to help."

A section of the field at Drake Stadium will be marked off because of a problem with the grass the school has had with wet weather and playoffs, notes Rotary President Doug Cantrell. "This will not present a problem with our fireworks" and should just be a small inconvenience on the field, he said.

The school will also open the lower practice field for the spectators, he said.

Parking is available in the Newnan High parking lots and on nearby neighborhood streets. Organizers ask those using street parking to take care not to block driveways or reduce access for emergency vehicles.