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What a friend e-mail me and told me that McFarland had more than 100,000 people show up for the 4th of July event they had, one of the biggest on records. Darn, I wish I had went, great job City of Florence and the Florence Lauderdale Tourism Board, what I was told everything went fine and people had a good time.
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quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
What a friend e-mail me and told me that McFarland had more than 100,000 people show up for the 4th of July event they had, one of the biggest on records. Darn, I wish I had went, great job City of Florence and the Florence Lauderdale Tourism Board, what I was told everything went fine and people had a good time.



I went to see the show. The fireworks are quite impressive, the entertainment is good and the organizers do a good job.

However, the crowd that attends seems to be worse that the State Fair crowd. The last time I saw such a concentration of rednecks was at the tractor pull. The family and I attempted to hang in the crowd near the band but we had to go back outside the plastic fence because we were so disgusted at the people.
quote:
Originally posted by GoFish:
quote:
Originally posted by bluesman *:
What a friend e-mail me and told me that McFarland had more than 100,000 people show up for the 4th of July event they had, one of the biggest on records. Darn, I wish I had went, great job City of Florence and the Florence Lauderdale Tourism Board, what I was told everything went fine and people had a good time.



I went to see the show. The fireworks are quite impressive, the entertainment is good and the organizers do a good job.

However, the crowd that attends seems to be worse that the State Fair crowd. The last time I saw such a concentration of rednecks was at the tractor pull. The family and I attempted to hang in the crowd near the band but we had to go back outside the plastic fence because we were so disgusted at the people.


GoFish, I heard that from another one of my friends this morning...They took their kids and other family down to the Park, ... said that IF yesterday was any inclination of what the Park was coming to, that they would be renting boats from now on to stay AWAY from the actual Park...

That's a shame because it is one of our biggest events... but I won't go there either, I do see WHAT is going on (sort of) and I hear what is going on, from afar, and see the fireworks.. but I don't have to battle the heat, or the masses of kids, or the pushing, or the TRAFFIC...

Maybe something that the Council should look into?
Singing my song. I love the fireworks but absolutely cannot stand the crowd. And I can't keep my mouth shut. Won a trip to see Leonard Skynard once in Nashville. Knew I was in trouble when the entire bus was wearing Rebel Flags and Budweiser shirts singing Freebird. I had on a nice blouse and slacks. Then when we got there it had been raining, we had "stadium seats" (translation - THE GROUND). Not a full set of teeth in the entire stadium. I kept whispering to the husband, "There're some trailer parks empty tonight, buddy!" and "Aren't there 32 teeth in your mouth? If I count 18 more somewhere we'll actually have a full set", and "Look how sweet that guy is to his sister-wife". Stuff like that, till he made me shut up cause he said otherwise he'd end up having to fight.

Finally I was waiting in the nasty bathroom when this cute little blonde girl came up to me in a white lace top with black mud all over it crying cause she didn't know how to get the stain off. I'm standing there explaining about Biz, Stain Stick and soaking laundry when it hit me, if you're in a nasty bathroom at a Leonard Skynard concert in a pair of dress slacks and a Liz Claiborne blouse giving laundry tips, maybe you need to be somewhere else!
Good Morning all!

I ended up doing everything that was on my checklist. Ribs, slaw, beans, potato salad, dessert, watermelon, swimming, and more ribs. Then I went to Florence where I had connections at Courtview Towers (5th floor facing river) and it was like front row seating. It was great ! Had my dig SLR cam set-up ready to take plenty of pics...get this... my battery was on the charger..at home, so I just set back and enjoyed the show pouting like a little kid.. lol Razzer and I'm glad I didn't mess with my boat with that many people out and about.
I did the McFarland thing (work related) the first few years it was started, but no way i would do it voluntarily. The heat and crowd combo is just tooo much.


quote:
I had connections at Courtview Towers (5th floor facing river) and it was like front row seating. It was great !


That's the only way to go! For several years my Mom lived on the 7th floor on the backside of Magnolia Gardens and the view of the fireworks was fantastic.
When your car breaks down, it's probably one of those "disgusting" people that will be the first to help out. At least that's always been my experience.

I've met many clean cut, well spoken people who were horrible, rotten individuals. I've also met dirty, under educated, typical redneck people who are some of the most genuine, honest, hard working and friendly people you could ever meet. If given the choice between a snob party on West End in Nashville or a trailer park grill out in Killen, I'd take Killen any day.

That's why I love the 4th of July. America comes together to celebrate. Rednecks, yuppies, hippies, whoever. I live in a very diverse neighborhood and last night we were all out watching our sky light up. Our country is strong because we can band together regardless of our differences and backgrounds.

I'm glad the McFarland show is still drawing big crowds, I used to love going there to see the show every year. Nashville is way too many people, so we stay home and watch our neighbors put on their shows. It was pretty awesome last night, I'm glad you all had fun too.
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
When your car breaks down, it's probably one of those "disgusting" people that will be the first to help out. At least that's always been my experience.

I've met many clean cut, well spoken people who were horrible, rotten individuals. I've also met dirty, under educated, typical redneck people who are some of the most genuine, honest, hard working and friendly people you could ever meet. If given the choice between a snob party on West End in Nashville or a trailer park grill out in Killen, I'd take Killen any day.

That's why I love the 4th of July. America comes together to celebrate. Rednecks, yuppies, hippies, whoever.


Nash,

I second and third your comments. Thanks for writing them.

People are quick to judge based on appearances. I've been fed and helped out of many otherwise tricky situations by folks like those described as "disgusting" above. It pays to accept and to be accepted within many circles.

And for what it's worth, aside from all connotations, "Freebird" is actually a well-written song. I'm partial to the early acoustic recordings.
Last edited by e
Actually DogSoldier, they only did 1 true pass along the river. They apparently went the long way around to Cherokee and followed the river up and then flew back around. We sat in the Comcast parking lot --avoiding the trail or rednecks at the park -- for over 30 minutes to get one fly over. I called a friend to see if they were doing a second and he said no. It was advertised as an air show -- I appreciate the flyboys coming by, but the media needs to not make as big a deal out of it unless it's going to be something big.

Yes, you are right several years ago they skimmed the water. The next year -- 2 yahoos with personal planes flew over and skimmed and were properly escorted by the military jets back to an airfield and were in trouble for violating the no-fly zone after 9/11.
Ah! Designating Class Status...
The Ultimate in designating yourself SUPERIOR to someone else...
Why is it we as humans tend to judge others by what another can afford to wear or drive...vs what is within the heart...?
Does that mean...that if you make 500,000 dollars a year and tend an event where the others are billionaries...that you are low class trash...I just betcha...you are given that title by some of the higher income self appointed elite...
After the self asscribed title of "Superiority" is an equal opportunity game...
The crowd gets worse each year. And there is nothing but vendors. What about including a cook-off or car show or something besides food and over-priced children's slide. We had to pay $20 for our kid to play in the children's area and when we complained that the plastic was too hot, we were told that the sun would be off it in a few hours. I saw four kids crying because their feet were burned.

Anyway, we won't be going back next year, that's for sure. I heard a few of the earlier bands and they were pretty good, but I wouldn't mind seeing other forms of entertainment that don't cost $20 for a seven year old.

Luckily we can see the fireworks from our house so we got out of there before the crowd thickened. Good show!

And it's not the social status of the people at the park that makes them undesirable. It's they way they act and dress. I, personally, don't make a ton of money, but I know that I should not wear a bikini that shows off my gut or shorts up to my cooch. And my husband knows not to wear shorts that show off his crack or to say words that offend people in front of children. There's a certain way to act in public, and a majority of the crowd yesterday apparently didn't get the notice.
Last edited by Steve French
quote:
Originally posted by NashBama:
When your car breaks down, it's probably one of those "disgusting" people that will be the first to help out. At least that's always been my experience.

I've met many clean cut, well spoken people who were horrible, rotten individuals. I've also met dirty, under educated, typical redneck people who are some of the most genuine, honest, hard working and friendly people you could ever meet.


Yeah, me too. But such a large concentration of them in one place is just scary when you have young kids and a pretty wife.

I don't like explaining to my kid that the dirty, sweaty, drunk, pot-bellied drunk is not in fact pregnant. Men just get that way when they dont care for themselves.

I didn't care for the hundreds of FAT tattooed young and old ladies wearing bikini's or tube tops with bellies hanging over the belt loop and cigarettes dangling from the lips while pushing a baby carriage. Jeez, there just HAS to be a law against that somewhere!

I didn't care for the drunk rednecks who were cussing loudly in groups. I especially didn't care for the two that were about to get in a fight before a cop came along.

I didn't care for the 50-something redneck who was quite publicly oggling the little 14 year old girls walking around in the stuff they wear these days.

I think I'll write someone and suggest they charge and admission price to weed out some of the undesirables looking for an excuse for public drunkenness. They can give the money to some worthwhile charity.

Until that happens, I won't go back. That celebration is NOT something this town should be proud of.
quote:
Originally posted by vick13:
Singing my song. I love the fireworks but absolutely cannot stand the crowd. And I can't keep my mouth shut. Won a trip to see Leonard Skynard once in Nashville. Knew I was in trouble when the entire bus was wearing Rebel Flags and Budweiser shirts singing Freebird. I had on a nice blouse and slacks. Then when we got there it had been raining, we had "stadium seats" (translation - THE GROUND). Not a full set of teeth in the entire stadium . I kept whispering to the husband, "There're some trailer parks empty tonight, buddy!" and "Aren't there 32 teeth in your mouth? If I count 18 more somewhere we'll actually have a full set", and "Look how sweet that guy is to his sister-wife". Stuff like that, till he made me shut up cause he said otherwise he'd end up having to fight.

Finally I was waiting in the nasty bathroom when this cute little blonde girl came up to me in a white lace top with black mud all over it crying cause she didn't know how to get the stain off. I'm standing there explaining about Biz, Stain Stick and soaking laundry when it hit me, if you're in a nasty bathroom at a Leonard Skynard concert in a pair of dress slacks and a Liz Claiborne blouse giving laundry tips, maybe you need to be somewhere else!




You must not be true Leonard Skynard fan. How was Leonard Skynard dressed? Do you think YOU might have over done it just a little? The Confederate flag in the icon for Leonard Skynard . So next time,drop your top and scream Free Bird !!
quote:
Originally posted by traderconnections:
Ah! Designating Class Status...
The Ultimate in designating yourself SUPERIOR to someone else...
Why is it we as humans tend to judge others by what another can afford to wear or drive...vs what is within the heart...?


That's BS. I could not care less how much money these people make - and many of them make more than me, I'm sure.

A redneck is a fat, disgusting, dirty, drunken, cussing individual who could care less how he offends others who aren't as fat, disgusting and drunk. McFarland was literally FILLED with them last night.

I AM superior to them in many ways. I care about my health and appearance and I watch my manners. I take care not to offend others that may be around me. I love to drink but don't get plastered and wobble around families with small children.

I don't burp loudly, TWICE, while walking directly behind a wife and child (In an earlier time, I would have said something).

The hearts of these Rednecks may be good as gold. Heck, I'd actually enjoy their company if I didn't have a pretty wife and child to watch over.

But I don't want to socialize with that large of a concentration of them while I'm with family.

Yuck.
quote:
Originally posted by vick13:
And Gofish, those rednecks are probably sitting at lunch right now talking about all those sissy boys with their prissy wives who were there last night. All decked out in their girly shorts and shirts that matched.


Good. Perhaps they will stay away next year and allow us civilized people to enjoy the show.

. . . and I'm about as un-prissy as one can get without taking steroid supplements. Wink
Thanks for the laughs today! This thread is better than Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I stopped going to the fireworks event about 8 years +/- ago. I can't take the heat; so I wisely stay out of the fire. To put it simply, it's too freakin' hot!

MAN, I wish I'd known about Doublehead! I'll try it out next year. Was it terribly crowded?
Actually, I would loved to have gone to Doublehead but the "boytoy" had to work to control some of those rednecks. Stayed with the family instead. Doublehead had a parking fee of $10 -- and a fee to get in at $6 -- the atmosphere, surroundings, and entertainment were worthy of that cost from what I hear.

The Spirit of Freedom keeps getting obscure 80s bands that I don't even reemmber. If they would get a bigger, more well-known headliner and less of the obscure little guys as well (use more local talent instead--there is plenty) -- they could afford to have a better lineup at the show. I recognized the band jackly but didn't have a clue who any of the other entertainers were so if not for the airshow and fireworks you couldn't pay me to go sit in that pit.

We are planning to go to Doublehead and camp for the 4th next year to enjoy the weekend as a family. i agree, if you have to pay, it will cut out some of the rif-raf and such.
quote:
Originally posted by interventor:
Crowds, not white trash or otherwise, is why I saw the fireworks on the mall from a distance -- better show, actually.


It actually wasn't nearly as crowded as I expected. We showed up at 8:00 and immediately got a parking spot beside the water park. We left at 9:30 and were home at 9:50.

In any case, if I go anywhere next year, it will be Doublehead.

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