O'Berry will lead off holiday celebrations
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 25, 2007 1:46 PM
This week's early 4th of July celebration at O'Berry Center could be likened to a scene from "The Music Man," says one of its organizers.
Dennis Mays, coordinator of professional services at O'Berry, has long been known for his decorative skills. Each Christmas, his talents transform the gymnasium into a winter wonderland.
So it makes sense that he has a vision for the outdoor community event planned for Tuesday evening.
"I picture groups of people out there enjoying the city park, like they did in River City, Iowa," he said.
This will be the second year for the free "Family and Friends Fun Celebration," scheduled for 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Knights of Columbus Park.
Featuring food, activities and entertainment, the evening will culminate with a fireworks display at 9:30.
"It's the ultimate summer fair," Mays said. "The O'Berry family invites the community family to come out and enjoy the evening together."
The recently-formed O'Berry Center Choir will provide gospel and patriotic music, while Bounce with Big Daddy and the Heavyweights will perform beach music.
There will also be a dunking booth, BINGO and other games, hot dogs, hamburgers, lemonade, snow cones and watermelon among the food treats offered.
Folks will also be dressed up as such characters as Ben Franklin and Martha Washington, Mays said, with opportunities for attendees to have souvenir photos taken with them.
Parking and a shuttle service will be available.
Last year was the first time for the summer event, designed to attract the community to O'Berry.
"We just want it to continue to grow and allow people to have the opportunity to come out and see O'Berry Center and some of the people that live here, who their neighbors are," Mays said. "We just want to be part of the community...and hope that others will get a better appreciation of the uniqueness of the people that live here."