PHOTO: Randy Owen, joined by Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry, address fans out side of the DeKalb Theatre earlier today. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At 1:00 pm today (June 16), a star was unveiled in front of the DeKalb County Theatre to honor the band that put Fort Payne on the Map! Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, and Teddy Gentry of the band Alabama visited Main Street Fort Payne for the unveiling!
Before unveiling the star, the guys created concrete blocks with their handprints and signatures to be added to the star out front. The blocks will be added to the star after the cement has dried, to permanently enshrine the band on Fort Payne's Main Street! Fort Payne Councilwoman Lynn Brewer said at the event, "We're trying to create a legacy around them, because they've done so much for our city!"
Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser read aloud a proclamation from the city, officially proclaiming the third weekend in June, "Alabama Fan Appreciation Weekend."
Band member Teddy Gentry then recounted to fans his memories of the DeKalb Theatre, "The very first place I played bass guitar in public, was right here at the theatre."
The City of Fort Payne also placed banners to commemorate the band all the way down Gault Avenue, which will stay up long term. The banners, Alabama themed banners are emblazoned with the 1981 Alabama hit song title, "Feels So Right."
In a release before the event, Fort Payne Main Street explained they have, "a goal of creating a legacy event from the band Alabama’s Fan Appreciation Week. In doing so, Fort Payne-Main Street Alabama worked with The City of Fort Payne to honor Alabama by placing a “bronze star” on the sidewalk in front of the DeKalb Theatre."
“The City of Fort Payne, Fort Payne Main Street, and the Alabama band are excited and worked well together to accomplish this," said Lynn Brewer, Main Street VP and City Council member. "The intent is to really honor the guys that put Fort Payne on the map."
The "Fan Daze" Concert will be kicking off tonight, at 7 pm in the DeKalb Theatre.
For more information on Fort Payne Main Street, Contact Tim Harris at (256)997-2997 or visit them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FortPayneAlabamaMainStreet/
This is such an honor for the”boys”! When we went to Fort Payne we were so impressed with your beautiful “small town” atmosphere, and, hated to leave. We got to visit with Randy and Kelly at their ranch, and with Aunt Bobbi, who I still keep in touch with, and, the lady who I absolutely fell in love with,,,Ms. Martha, who was in her garden at the time. She is a jewel for sure. It was one of the best weekends of our life. Thank you, Ft. Payne, for a lovely weekend! The Missouri Girls,,,,Judy Smith.
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