Military Appreciation Day downtown Thursday
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on July 10, 2005 2:00 AM
Downtown Goldsboro will celebrate Military Appreciation Day on Thursday. Downtown merchants will offer special deals for military personnel, and the band Liquid Pleasure will perform as part of Center Street Jam.
"Our board decided they wanted to do something to show the appreciation they have for Seymour Johnson," said Sherry Archibald, promotions coordinator for the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation. "We decided one of our jams would be a great way to do that."
At around 6:30, Mayor Al King will address the crowd. He will be joined by Col. Mike Holmes, commander of the 4th Fighter Wing, and Col. Paul Sykes, commander of the 916th Air Refueling Wing.
Mrs. Archibald said Liquid Pleasure would kick off the Jam with patriotic music. Miniature American flags will be passed out to the crowd at the Jam, sponsored by Billie's Backstreet restaurant.
The event is open to the public as well as the military, Mrs. Archibald. Military personnel with ID will be able to purchase beer for $1, she said.
"I think we're going to have a really large crowd," Mrs. Archibald said.
Over 30 downtown merchants are offering special military discounts, ranging from a free drink with purchase to up to 30 percent off merchandise at one furniture store.
Liquid Pleasure has been around for more than 20 years and has performed with artists such as Chuck Berry, Eddie Floyd, Ben E. King, Whitney Houston, The Four Tops, The Tempations and Aretha Franklin, according to its website, www.liquidpleasureband.com. It played at the inaugural balls of President Bill Clinton and Gov. Mike Easley. The current lineup is a six-member combo performing beach, top 40, rap, rock and standards.
The band will perform from 5:30-8:30 p.m., with a break for the Military Appreciation Day ceremony. People are allowed to bring lawn chairs, and dancing is encouraged.
Concessions will include Pizza Inn, Nature's Finest Hot Dogs, barbecue from the Elks Lodge, and hamburgers and frozen drinks from Ham's Restaurant. Water and soft drinks will be available in addition to beer.
The next Center Street Jam will be Thursday, July 28, when the performer will be Jackie Gore and the All-Stars.