Organizers of Celebration 2011 had reason to celebrate this week as they once again met the goal to cover the costs of the annual free Fourth of July event at Martinsville Speedway.
The schedule of events and talent for Celebration 2011 were announced a month ago, but at the time only about 50 percent of the total cost had been raised. This week Celebration fundraiser Jeb Bassett announced that with the help of more than 40 contributors the goal had been met.
“We say ‘thank you’ for our sponsors. Their financial support allows the event to continue, free of charge for area residents and families,” said Bassett. “Though the economy is very challenging, area business and organizations see the value of Celebration 2011 as a community tradition and fun for the whole family.”
The venerable Marshal Tucker Band will headline Celebration 2011, scheduled for Monday July 4 with Mountain Heart opening the entertainment part of the day at 7 p.m.
Children’s rides, inflatables and games will open at 5 p.m. and remain open until 11:30 p.m.
As has been the case every year, the 13th annual Celebration is free to the public.
“It’s always amazing to me how Celebration comes together every year,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “No matter how tough times are, this community makes sure this event happens every year.
“Not only does it happen every year, it seems like it gets bigger and better every year. The bands we have this year are amazing and our midway has more rides than ever.”
Even though the goal has been reached, contributions are still being accepted to help add to Celebration.
The Marshall Tucker Band has been turning out memorable music for almost 40 years with no end in sight. Some of their chart-topping songs include “Heard It In A Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain,” “Can’t You See,” and “Take The Highway.”
Mountain Heart has a great sound and familiar look. Josh Schilling, Mountain Heart’s lead singer, grew up just a few miles from Martinsville Speedway. His amazing vocals power the group through an array of bluegrass, rock, blues and funk.
The children’s rides will open at 5 p.m. and remain open until 11:30 p.m. Mountain Heart will take the stage at 7 p.m. followed by The Marshall Tucker Band at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled for after The Marshall Tucker Band’s performance.
Sponsors for Celebration 2011 include: Ameristaff, Applied Felts, Bassett Furniture Industries, Bassett Office Supply, BB&T, Blue Ridge Aquaculture, Brad Parker Insurance Agency, Inc., C PEG, Carter Bank & Trust, City of Martinsville, Collinsville Printing, Commonwealth Laminating, Cool Knobs and Pulls, Dillon Insurance, Dr. David Jones, DDS, Frith Construction, Gardner, Barrow, Sharpe and Reynolds, Henry County, Henry County Baptist Association, Hooker Furniture, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville Speedway Children’s Foundation, Masterbrand Cabinets, Memorial Hospital, Millards Machinery, Nelson Automotive Group, River Community Bank, Solutia, Southwestern Virginia Gas, Stanley Furniture, Steve Martin Trenching, Stone Dynamics, SunTrust Bank, Taco Bell, Tarheel Paper and Supply Co., The Dutch Inn, The Lester Group, TR Properties, Tri State Foam, West Window and Zenith Logistics.
Martinsville Speedway PR
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