THE BALLOON MAN

Giant Moonpie to fall New Year's Eve in Mobile to the sounds of the Commodores
 

from:  wsfa.com
By Mark Wilder
Nov 09, 2012 
MOBILE, AL (WSFA) -
The following is a news release from the City of Mobile, AL.
The corner of St. Joseph and St. Francis Streets in downtown Mobile will be the hot spot for New Year's fun this year. Instead of celebrating in a "Brick House," Mobile will hit the streets in the premiere New Year's Eve celebration in the Central Time Zone. The Commodores will be the headlining act as Mobile rings in 2013, along with the MoonPie Drop, a laser show and fireworks from atop the RSA BankTrust Building and in Mobile Bay.

The free events will kick off with a Mardi Gras-style parade at 7:30 p.m. that will parade through downtown. Such local and regional acts as Wet Willie Band,  Hotwire, Grayson Capps and others will  be performing on stages in Mobile's historic Bienville Square and at Government and Royal streets on Austal's Mardi Gras Park where two of the city's notable museums, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and History Museum of Mobile will be offering children's activities as the clock moves closer to the magical midnight hour At midnight, eyes in Mobile and across the Central Time Zone will be on Mobile's Mardi Gras icon – the MoonPie. The 12-foot-tall electronic MoonPie will descend from the 34-story RSA BankTrust skyrise as the city welcomes 2013 and the beginning of Mardi Gras season. This is the 5th year the iconic MoonPie has debuted as part of Mobile's New Year's Eve Celebration. Whether you prefer RC Cola or a glass of champagne, ring in the New Year in downtown Mobile. 

"We looked at several locations and wanted to bring the MoonPie Drop and stage location closer together to build more enthusiasm," said Mayor Sam Jones of Mobile. "The combination of the great entertainment, the uniqueness of the MoonPie Drop and an anticipated large crowd have the makings of one amazing evening," said Jones. "Austal USA, a new sponsor, and our other sponsors are making this possible and we are delighted that 20 media markets will be counting down the new year live from Mobile, Alabama."

In addition to the smaller stages featuring local acts throughout the evening, the main stage adjacent to Bienville Square, will allow for larger crowds, better protection from the weather and great views of the MoonPie and the fireworks shows. 
read more--
http://www.wsfa.com/story/20053717/giant-moonpie-to-fall-new-years-eve-in-mobile-to-the-sounds-of-the-commodores