28th Annual July 4th Celebration

At Goose Pond Colony

Monday, July 4, 2011

Scottsboro, Al –The 28th annual 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION is set to take place at Goose Pond Colony on Monday July 4th, 2011.  The tradition continues with a full evening of musical entertainment, family fun, and one of the best fireworks displays on the Tennessee River.

Goose Pond Colony is delighted to host this highlight of the summer.  “We are looking forward to a great weekend at Goose Pond Colony,” states Lyle Sosebee, General Manager of Goose Pond Colony.   “What a better way to close the weekend by celebrating our freedom through music, family activities, and our spectacular firework show – all on the beautiful banks of the river at Goose Pond Colony in Scottsboro that we are all so proud of.  We appreciate the City of Scottsboro, K-98 (WKEA 98.3), The Docks Restaurant, Alabama Marine Police, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department for their tremendous help in making this event happen. Music lovers of all ages are going to like the talent we are featuring for this year’s 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION”.

The concert featuring The Bert David Newton Band and Cheezee Band will be produced by The Docks Restaurant and will begin at 6:00 PM and will be played live on the air on WKEA K-98 (98.3).  We are also honored to have Daniel Smith singing the national anthem prior to the beginning of the fireworks show. Last year Daniel almost stole the show with his acapella rendition of the National Anthem, making it a highlight of the whole evening.   Between the two featured bands you will hear something that appeals to everyone.  If you like outlaw country, Bert David Newton can do it like no other band.  If you like to hear dance, rock, pop, or country then Cheezee is your band.  Plan to stay after the show to avoid traffic while both bands continue to entertain the crowd.

Daniel Smith will sing the National Anthem at 9:00 p.m. For seven years Daniel was host for the Miss Alabama Pageant where he performed with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra as well as some of the most talented women in the state. A former football walk on for the University of Alabama, has led to numerous performances at the Capstone including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s baseball and women’s softball games.  Daniel has become one of the most requested National Anthem performers in the South; performing for the Birmingham Barons, SEC Baseball Tournament and most recently at the Indy Car Races and Rolex Grand Am Series at Barber Motor Sports Park.

Bert David Newton will be playing at The Dock’s Restaurant on Saturday July 2nd for anyone who would like to hear them before the big night on Goose Pond’s stage.  Bert David Newton has been writing his own music and song lyrics for over ten years.  Bert's music has been influenced by Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Billy Joe Shaver.   Bert was the lead singer and songwriter for the band The Skeeters that was formed in 1997. Performing Bert's original songs, the band toured with legendary Billy Joe Shaver, Paul Thorn, Junior Brown, and Robert Earl Keen.  They had the honor of opening for such great performers as Pat Green, Sawyer Brown, Travis Tritt, 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, Gretchen Wilson, Drive by Truckers, Groosecreek Symphony, and many others.   Bert's voice has been praised for the baritone honky-tonk sound and his song writing ability has been recognized by several industry greats.  Texican Music Central's James Odom in August 2002 said, "Lead singer Bert Newton comes up with new words to express old feelings with no problem."  Texas Troubadours Magazine said in 2003, "the originals are so good, that you'd figure that those too, were songs of the legends." The Skeeters recorded two CD's, the first in 2002 called "The Skeeters".  Bert wrote seven of the eleven tracks.  Their second CD titled "Easy for the Takin" reached #14 on the Roots Country Charts and #22 on the Americana charts where it remained for over seven weeks.  Bert penned ten of the fourteen tracks on the second album.  Although the members the The Skeeters remain close friends, circumstances in their lives have taken them in different directions.  One of the original members of The Skeeters, bass player Rick Eller, and the drummer on the last Skeeters album, Chase Armstrong, have joined Bert in forming a new band.  Phillip Haushalter plays lead guitar and together the four have formed the Bert David Newton Band.  With an arsenal of new songs and the favorites from former Skeeters' albums, the Bert David Newton Band is ready to take their high octane honky-tonk sound to the stage at Goose Pond Colony.  Get ready for the return of real outlaw country!

The Cheezee Band is from Huntsville, Alabama and is made up of Cam DeVaney, formerly of “Da Funk Junkys”, Scott Johnson, formerly of “Short Bus” and Eddie Bond, formerly of “Straight Forward”.  They play a mixture of dance, rock, pop and some country and funk and are sure to bring loads of fun to the event through their music. 

The fireworks, sponsored by the City of Scottsboro and Goose Pond Colony, will begin at 9:00PM. Admission is free to the event, while food and drinks will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors.  Bring your families for a great way to wrap up the 4th of July weekend.  During the fireworks show tune to K-98 (98.3) for music timed to the fireworks.

4th OF JULY CELEBRATION LINE-UP

6:00 – 7:00  The Bert David Newton Band

7:00 – 8:00  Cheezee Band

8:00 – 9:00  Burt David Newton and Cheezee shares the stage

9:00 PM      Daniel Smith – God Bless America & National Anthem (acapella) 

9:05 – 9:20  Fireworks

9:20 – 11:00 The concert continues while traffic clears

Vendors

If you are interested in vendor space please call (256) 912-0595.  All vendors must have an approved permit issued by Goose Pond Colony and must post the permit in a location visible by the customers.  All vendors must book space by noon on June 29, 2011.  No vendors will be accepted after the deadline.  Vendors will be booked on a first come basis with vendors from the previous year having first option.  Vendor vehicles must be parked in designated parking spaces.  No vehicles on the lawn after 6:00 PM.

Approved Vendors

• Papa John’s (Mike Clinard) – Pizza, water, soft drinks

• The Meat Wagon (Billy Berry)   -  Funnel Cakes                                                            

                                  -  Hand Dipped Conrndogs

-  Hot Dogs

-  Potato on a Stick

-  Nacho & Cheese

-  Popcorn

-  Drinks

• Skidlywomp’s Ice Cream (Billy Weaver) – Ice Cream

• Macy Waldrop – Shaved Ice

• Anthony - Shaved Ice

Specific Rules for the 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION

• The Docks Restaurant will be closed on July 4th.

• The Beach will close at 12:00 noon.

• The Pool will close at 5:00 PM

• The Pool Parking Lot will close at 5:00 PM

• The pavilion by The Docks / Bait & Tackle will close at 5:00 PM

• The Colony Golf Course will close at 5:00 PM

• No spaces can be reserved prior to July 4th. 

• For safety reasons no one will be allowed on the swimming pool parking lot after 5:00 PM.

• Personal tents are prohibited in the lawn and amphitheater areas.

• No vehicles on the Amphitheater lawn after 6:00 PM.

• Shooting fireworks on Goose Pond Colony property is prohibited.

Traffic

The concert will continue after the fireworks so stay and enjoy the celebration.  Traffic leaving the park must keep one lane open at all times for emergency access.  After the fireworks show all traffic exiting Goose Pond property must travel north.  It is recommended for traffic traveling north to turn on Shorty Robinson Road by the main office and exit using Bob Jones Road.

Boating and Water Safety Tips

Always wear your life jacket.

Keep a look out for other boats.

Always operate at a safe speed and at a safe distance from other boaters.

Be courteous to other boaters.

Study and know the rules of the lake.

Know which boats have the right of way

Heat Related Safety Tips

• Drink non-alcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.

• If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound & leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity!

• Wear light colored clothing made of light weight fabrics.

In Case of Emergency Contact

Emergency:     911 

Scottsboro PD -Non emergency number: (256) 574-3333

Alabama Marine Police:    (256) 259-2650

Fire Department / Rescue:   (256) 574-2617

Jackson County Sheriff’s Department:  (256) 574-2610