TRACKS: Final Plans For Celebration 2001 At Martinsville Speedway Fall Into Place
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 28, 2001
MARTINSVILLE, VA. – Music, fireworks and fun will fill the air at Martinsville Speedway Tuesday, July 3 when the gates swing open for Celebration 2001.
Two nationally-known bands will perform; more than a half-dozen rides for the youngsters; and a monster fireworks display will be crammed into the afternoon and evening. And to make it even better, admission to the event, including rides and concerts, is free.
“This will be a great day for our community,” said Martinsville Speedway president Clay Campbell. “It’s a chance for everyone to come together for a day of fun and entertainment. It’s a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July.”
The event is made possible through the generosity of seven local companies and the city and county government which have come together to sponsor the event. Those sponsors include Henry County, the City of Martinsville, VF Knitwear, Stanley Furniture, Hooker Furniture, Martinsville Speedway, American of Martinsville, Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County and Bassett Furniture Industries.
“Henry County is pleased to be a sponsor for ‘Celebration 2001,’” said Henry County Administrator Sid Clower. “This event has been a huge success the past two years and I think this year’s will be the best yet. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy a wonderful evening of free entertainment for the whole family. I applaud all the corporate sponsors who help make this happen.”
The centerpiece of the day’s activities will be a performance by the Charlie Daniels Band at 8:30 p.m.
Daniels has won every music award imaginable, including a pair of Grammys; single of the year (Devil Went Down To Georgia); instrumental group of the year twice; and touring band of the year twice. He’s also won the Academy of Country Music Awards Pioneer Award and the Living Legend Award, presented by the Music City News Awards.
“I’m purely American music with something for everyone,” Daniels said. “At least that’s what I’ve hoped for in my 40-plus years in music.”
The music will begin at 6:30 p.m. when legendary Beach Music group Chairman of the Board take to the stage.
The Chairmen of the Board have been around for more than 30 years, and during the past decade have enjoyed newfound popularity as another generation of music listeners discovered Beach Music. And the Chairmen of the Board reign as one of the top Beach Music bands in the country.
The Independence Day Celebration will begin at 4 p.m. on July 3 when the rides will open for youngsters. There will be no charge for the rides, which include Thomas The Train, the Giant Super Slide, the Way Out Swing, Crayola-Land Bounce, Survivor Obstacle Challenge, Pooh Bear Chase, Taxi Jet and Rain Room.
The grand finale of the day will be a fireworks display, set to begin around 10 p.m. on July 3.
Text provided by Mike Smith
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